This Philly Hotel Has 130 Years of History Behind It, and It's Having Its Biggest Summer Yet

A modern hotel with history

Photo: The Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia

Opened in 2020, The Canopy is a big part of Philadelphia’s East Market, a redevelopment project spanning the full city block between Market, Chestnut, 11th, and 12th Streets in Center City. It was designed to be a walkable urban space for people to work, socialize, live, and visit in a tight-knit community. The hotel is also within walking distance of historic sites like Independence Hall and Reading Terminal Market. For incoming guests, there’s something poetic about staying less than a mile from the spot where the US declared its independence from Britain in the year when the country is celebrating its 250th birthday.

The Canopy’s location is fitting for a hotel that embraces both the city’s past and present. Much of the original architecture is maintained in beams, tiles, and doorways, while the design team behind the hotel’s interior incorporated homages to Philadelphia’s hip-hop heritage and works by contemporary artists. One interesting piece by artist Tyrrell Winston displays a series of 16 worn and deflated basketballs found around the city.

The property also has its practical innovations, notably the transfer room. The transfer room is located downstairs from the lobby and has lockers where you can store your luggage, as well as showers where you can freshen up. On one side of the room you’ll find elegantly designed bathrooms, and on the other side, the fitness center has everything you need for a good sweat, including three Peloton bikes.

For World Cup visitors arriving on a flight before check-in or leaving for a late match after checkout, the transfer room may be the most practical amenity in the hotel. And according to the director of sales and marketing, Candice Richardson, it’s the only one in the city.

The rooms at The Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City

Photo: Krista Stucchio

I stayed at The Canopy during a recent trip to Philadelphia. Opening the door to my king guest room, I was greeted with an open armoire (complete with a steamer, robe, and slippers), a full-length mirror on the wall, and a coffee station. To my right was the bathroom, which was done in neutral colors, gold accents, and a pop of color in a piece of art. The entire room was the perfect size for one or two people, with a TV, a small couch, a desk, and a great view of the city. There was a sliding barn door to the bathroom and another one to close off the bedroom. I loved the details: a classic rotary phone, red sconces, and a dramatic headboard.

Rather than stocking the fridge with plastic water bottles, the hotel outfits each room with a reusable glass bottle to use throughout your stay. You can find water stations in the hall by the elevators. The hotel is ENERGY STAR® and LEED certified, meaning The Canopy team is consistently keeping up with energy efficiency, water conservation, and all things green.

The Canopy also has mobility-accessible rooms equipped with features like wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered light switches. Hearing-accessible rooms come with notification devices, as well as visual alarms, and routes throughout the hotel are also made accessible. This will be particularly helpful this summer with the World Cup bringing visitors from around the world who may need accommodations. Room rates in June, when the World Cup starts, are currently priced at around $250 to $300 per night.

Dining and drinks: From The Canopy to East Market and The Gayborhood

Photos: Krista Stucchio and The Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia

The restaurant at The Canopy is called The Wayward, and the concept is a nod to Stephen Girard, who was born in France before arriving in Philadelphia at age 26. The menu applies French techniques to American dishes and adds some flair to traditional foods. I tried the French omelette and smoked salmon sandwich for my breakfasts and a variety of shared plates. Dinner options include hand-cut fries with green goddess dressing, spicy tuna crisps, and confit chicken wings. The Girard Spritz is a strong signature cocktail, and for each one purchased, Tito’s vodka will donate $1 to Give Kids the World, up to $10,000.

Connected to The Canopy is a Federal Donuts and Chicken location where you can get exactly that: donuts and chicken, ranging from sandwiches to tenders, as well as coffee and sides like hashbrowns and fries. Across the walkway from the hotel is Mi Vida, a contemporary Mexican restaurant that opened its doors earlier this year and already has guests flooding in. The menu, developed with culinary director Roberto Santibañez, includes traditional Mexican fare along with some surprising items like small plates of ancho-marinated spiced wings and huevos rellenos (deviled eggs). You’ll also find a list of cocktails and margaritas and an extensive tequila menu.

Another notable spot in East Market is MOM’s Organic Market, a grocery chain that carries organic and sustainable products. The store’s Naked Lunch Kitchen is a good option for grab-and-go deli fare like stuffed sweet potatoes, black bean burgers, and fresh juices. MOM’s also carries natural toiletries, vitamins, apparel, and accessories if you need to restock anything while you’re in town and prefer to use climate-friendly, cruelty-free products.

A short walk from East Market, I also had a chance to explore Philadelphia’s Gayborhood, Center City’s LGBTQ+ hub. I checked out Darling Jack’s Tavern, which won me over with its cozy bar and crispy tavern pizza. Right next door is The Little Gay Pub, which has been open since May 2025. The walls are a gallery of eclectic art celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, and the cocktail names will make you smile (like the Moira Rose or the Cassis My Butt). There are two floors, “Big Ole Glizzys,” dino bites, and a rooftop adorned with a lamppost that made the spot feel fun and romantic, even in the rain.

Things to do in Center City

Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock

When you’re not having a spritz at The Wayward, The Canopy has complimentary bright orange bikes to use during your stay. This is a lovely way to see the city if you’re not walking or hopping on a bus tour. Plus, with the increased traffic Philadelphia is expected to see this summer, biking may feel less like a leisure activity and more like the smart move for getting around the crowds. One idea for sightseeing by bike is to park outside of Reading Terminal Market and eat your way through an afternoon.

Opened in 1893, Reading Terminal Market is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the US. It’s exploding with locally sourced food and small, independently owned businesses. While in the market, I tried Beck’s Cajun Café, Tommy DiNic’s Roast Pork, Saami Somi Khachapuri & Georgian Cuisine, The Famous 4th Street Cookie, and Bassett’s Ice Cream.

Notably, some of the restaurants are price-conscious to ensure most who walk in are able to enjoy their market experience. On my Reading Terminal tour, CEO and General Manager Annie Allman shared that Termini Bros lowered the prices of certain pastries to be more accessible after witnessing a mother purchase cupcakes for a gathering and not have enough left to buy a cupcake for her child, too.

Getting to The Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City

Photo: Ann Kapustina/Shutterstock

The Canopy is in a convenient location for guests, especially those unfamiliar with the city. It’s about 20 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), depending on traffic. If you’re driving, there’s valet parking, and if you’re taking the train, Market Street Station is less than a five-minute walk away. The hotel is also about 20 minutes by car from Lincoln Financial Field (temporarily called Philadelphia Stadium) where World Cup matches will be held.

When you’re visiting a city during a global spotlight moment like the World Cup, convenience is key, but so is care. You’ll get both at The Canopy. And if you’re still not quite sure what to expect when you get to Philadelphia, maybe that’s a good thing. The Canopy’s general manager, John Fricke, described the city as “unexpected.” It continues to evolve and celebrate its cultural history, and it’s ready to welcome people from across the country and around the world this summer for the World Cup and America’s 250th. Maybe you’ll be one of them.