Bella Vista

Translating to “beautiful sight,” Bella Vista was the first Philly neighborhood settled by Italian immigrants. The original heritage informs much of what exists today, but the family-oriented residential pocket has blossomed into a fascinating microcosm of South Philadelphia itself.

Bella Vista’s best-known feature is the Ninth Street Italian Market, the oldest operational open-air hub of its kind in America. Welcoming the presence of other cultures — Vietnamese and Mexican, most prominently — has helped the area grow into much more than the sum of its once-monocultural parts. The South Philadelphia neighborhood has much to offer visitors, but its greatest asset might be its staggering roster of dining options, from city-best brunch spots to late-night ethnic explorations.

Boundaries of Bella Vista

The boundaries are 6th street, 11th street, South Street and Washington Avenue.

Public Transportation in Bella Vista

• 47 bus
• 23 bus

Public Spaces in Bella Vista

Here are just some of the public spaces you can enjoy:

• Cianfrani Park @ 746 Fitzwater St
• Bardascino Park @ 1000 S 10th St
• Palumbo Park @ 723 Catharine St

To learn more about this great area, check out Visit Philadelphia’s neighborhood guide for Bella Vista.