The 5 most beautiful streets in Philly

It's almost impossible to pinpoint all of the quaint, beautiful, and downright charming streets in Philadelphia. (Believe us, we've tried.) That's why Curbed Philly decided to leave it up to folks who know the city best: You, Curbed readers. When asked to name the most beautiful street in Philadelphia, votes rolled in on an open comments thread and social media. Ultimately, the five streets that came out on top ended up being the most iconic of the bunch. Give it a read, then put your phone or computer away—you've got some exploring to do.

There's no denying the allure of Society Hill, with its mix of Federalist and Greek Revival-style rowhomes lining its streets. But the 200-300 block of Delancey Street epitomizes the neighborhood's charm. The wide cobblestone street is lined with trees and is sandwiched by both cute two-story rowhouses and grand homes that sit on the corners.

Photo by Melissa Romero

The homes on this street are close neighbors to some historical buildings, too, adding to the area's charm. The Powel House is a two-minute walk away, as is the home of William Wister. Couple that with Delancey's curb appeal, it's no wonder homes here are some of the priciest in the city, with one boasting an asking price of more than $6 million.

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Photo by Melissa Romero

What makes Quince Street so special is that it's completely unexpected. The block sits right in the heart of Washington Square West, a stone's throw away from Jefferson Hospital and active two-lane city streets. Yet meandering along the cobblestone block of ivy-strewn rowhomes feels out of this world, like stepping into a time-capsule of what Philadelphia once was during colonial times. That's why we named it one of the best places to escape when you just need some peace and quiet.

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Courtesy of R. Kennedy for GPTMC

This pedestrian pathway between 23rd and 24th streets in Graduate Hospital made a cameo in the 1999 thriller The Sixth Sense, but it's been around since the 19th century. It's lined with Second Empire-style homes that were designed by Joseph James. Rental ads described the units as having "modern conveniences facing a park adorned with fountains, vases and flowers," according to Hidden City Philadelphia. A block away is the equally charming Madison Square, two blocks of similar-style rowhomes with its own park in the center.

There are so many beautiful and cute streets in Philly that are bursting with personality and charm

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Clockwise: Germantown Avenue and Robertson Florals photos courtesy of Chestnut Hill.

Chestnut Hill is in a league of its own when it comes to charm, and one reader says its main corridor Germantown Avenue definitely qualifies as beautiful. The avenue is one of the oldest streets in Philadelphia, and features mom-and-pop shops, cute retail boutiques, even the oldest building in the neighborhood dating back to 1744. One could easily spend a whole day on Germantown Avenue, but readers recommend veering off to other smaller beautiful street. Says one commenter, "The 400-500 block of W. Moreland Ave in Chestnut Hill is pretty awesome."

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No roundup of iconic and beautiful Philly streets is complete without including Elfreth's Alley, the oldest residential street in the nation. "Elfreth’s Alley has to be in the running," one reader said. The block-long street features 32 homes built from 1728 to 1836. More than 3,000 people have lived in them over the years.

The alley was established in 1706 after landowners Arthur Wells and John Gilbert decided to combine their properties between Front and Second streets. Artisans and merchants rented and bought the homes along the alley, and by 1966 Elfreth's Alley was designated a national historic landmark.

Residents like the Kettell family have lived on the alley for more than 40 years, and are used to the constant stream of locals and tourists alike walking past, or even peering into, their home and taking countless photos. Once a year, the Kettells and other residents open their homes for tours on Fete Day, a celebration of the historic street.