Head House square is host to an old style open air marketplace where shoppers can buy their produce directly from the farmers that produce it. There has been a market here since 1745 when New Market, as it was originally known, was established. The Head House Square is rich in pristine buildings with cobblestone streets and a nearby park which lends a 'village' ambience to the area. The square includes the Headhouse itself, a former firehouse built in 1804, the oldest in the United States. The market structure, known as the Shambles, was rebuilt in the early 60's. The site has been a National Historic Landmark since 1962.

Society Hill is widely regarded as one of the most pleasant areas in Philadelphia. Leave your Big Bus tour here and explore the neighborhood which contains the greatest number of original 18th and early 19th century architecture in the United States. Society Hill cobblestone streets bordered by brick rowhouses in Federal and Georgian style all exceptionally preserved and maintained.

The area is named after a society of tradesmen who had their offices based here in the 18th century. Situated close to  the river and civic buildings, including the Independence Hall, Society Hill soon became one of the premier areas for real estate. As the city grew Society Hill became neglected and the houses started to deteriorate until the 1950s, when the city, state and federal governments started one of the first redevelopment programs aiming at the preservation of historic buildings. Replicas of 18th century street furniture enhance the colonial atmosphere.