One of the oldest cities in the USA, Philly dates back to the 17th century. It’s at is at the very heart of US History, and it’s so important that it was granted UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2015. It blends its rich history with a genuine small-town atmosphere, charming visitors and tourists year-round! Don’t miss important sites like the iconic Liberty Bell before checking out all the important museums which take you back to the founding of this awesome city. Once you’ve filled up on history, check out the arts, culinary, and nightlife scenes!
In such a big city with so much character, you’ll want to stay somewhere that matches that. So, why not check out Airbnbs in Philadelphia? Of course, you can find regular apartments or private rooms, but why settle for the norm? Instead, check out authentic homestays, penthouses with inspiring views, and even a wine cellar on the oldest residential street in the country! It’s safe to say, there are some truly awesome rentals in Philadelphia!
In this post, we’ll take a look at the coolest Airbnbs in Philadelphia. Hopefully, you’ll find something that matches your budget, travel style, and personality!
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Philadelphia
Unique penthouse apartment
- > $
- > Up to 8 Guests
- > Incredible Views
- > Free Nespresso Machine
Homely Private room near Old City
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Incredible Host
- > Window Desk
Massive Luxury Townhouse
- > $$$$
- > 16 Guests
- > Roofdeck
- > Private Gym
Bright spot with private bathroom
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Memory foam mattress
- > Indoor fireplace
Private City Centre Hideaway
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Convenient location
- > Flexible check-in and out
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Philadelphia
Unique penthouse apartment | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Philadelphia
With close to only 5-star reviews, this Airbnb easily makes it to the top. The stunning penthouse isn’t just incredibly affordable, it also offers plenty of space. You can message the host to get even more bedrooms at an additional cots, which puts the capacity to up to 8 guests – ideal for a group of friends or a large family. There’s a massive TV in the living room but if you get tired of staring at a screen, just go to your private balcony and enjoy the amazing views of the city. On top of that, the location couldn’t be better. You’re in the heart of Philly, with all the main attractions close by. And if you’re still not 100% sure, just check out the reviews and photos of this stunning home.
Homely Private room near Old City | Best Budget Airbnb in Philadelphia
When looking for a budget apartment, anything better than a creaky bunk bed in a dorm room is often a bonus. This private room in a Philadelphia apartment will be a relief for many people travelling on a shoestring! Not only do you get a comfy bed and a room to yourself, but the host is one of the kindest and nicest in all of the city. So many previous guests have rated this Airbnb with 5 stars, so you can set your expectations high. You will be properly looked after during your stay! And if you decide to visit again, you’ll even get a 10% discount as a little thank you!
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View on Osprey View on REIMassive Luxury Townhouse | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Philadelphia
A gym, a roof deck, free parking – what else could you want during your stay? This incredibly luxurious house in Philadelphia is a true hidden gem. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the more expensive ones. But don’t worry, we can make it more affordable. The house offers space for up to 16 guests (there are 4 bedrooms and 7 beds), so if you and your friends split the bill at the end of the stay, you’ll get luxury for a banging price! If you want to explore the city, this might not be the right home for you as it will be very hard to step outside the door since there’s so much waiting for you inside. Get a sweat on in your private gym, sip on a glass of wine on your roof deck or relax in front of the fireplace during the colder months. There literally nothing that this place is missing, which makes it incredibly valuable and an amazing place to stay.
Bright spot with private bathroom | Perfect Philadelphia Airbnb for Solo Travellers
“Travelling solo? Oh, you should totally stay in a Philly hostel!” We bet you’ve heard that a few times. We understand it’s not for everyone though – and hostels aren’t the only way to meet people. If you want a more private space but still want a social atmosphere, consider staying in this awesome Philadelphia apartment. You still have what most people get hung up about hostels – your own private bathroom!
That coupled with a spacious, bright bedroom and access to the living room (which comes equipped with a guitar and a uke) makes for a great solo traveller pad!
Private City Centre Hideaway | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Philadelphia for Digital Nomads
The good thing about travelling as a digital nomad is that you don’t have to find the cheapest place available as you’re earning while you move about! However, if it’s a sustained period, you don’t want to be spending hundreds of dollars a night. This awesome Philadelphia Airbnb is a great compromise! It’s just moments away from some of the city’s coolest attractions as well, so you can enjoy them once you’ve closed your laptop for the day!
Don’t worry about leaving your laptop and any other expensive equipment in the house – it’s protected by security cameras!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Philadelphia
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Philadelphia!
Brandnew Midtown Village One Bed | Best Airbnb in Philadelphia for Nightlife
Midtown Village is one of the coolest spots for nightlife in Philly, so it makes sense to be within walking distance of there! Not only is it in a great spot for going out, but this apartment is close to all the best things to do in Philadelphia. Although you’ll probably not want to go out too much when you find that you can curl up in front of the electric fireplace and watch the massive TV! There’s a kitchenette with a Nespresso Coffee machine and spacious closets, so it’s ideal if you’re staying long enough to actually unpack!
Art Museum Studio | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
If you’re travelling with your other half, you don’t just want to be in any old apartment. This charming art studio is a nice, romantic Philadelphia Airbnb that you’re sure to enjoy. It’s out of the hustle and bustle of the very centre of the city, while still being close enough so as not to miss out on any of the action. The outdoor patio and seating area is a lovely place to enjoy your morning coffee.
Guests should note that this apartment doesn’t come with a kitchen, but there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby which are perfect for a romantic meal!
Cosy room in art museum area | Best Homestay in Philadelphia
One of the big pluses of Airbnb is that it’s full of places with character and personality. This Philadelphia homestay has both of those things in spades, as it’s in an 18th century carriage house! Your room comes with lots of unique architectural touches, such as Japanese screens and an oriental rug. There certainly isn’t another place like it!
It’s not all about style over substance though – there’s free parking, private entrance, and a TV too. If you’re a cat lover, you’ll be pleased to know that two live in the property!
Private Hideaway in Prime Location | Runner up Homestay in Philadelphia
There are so many great homestays in Philadelphia that we couldn’t just show you one. The Private Hideaway is another great option if you’re on a budget – a simple room that’s cosy and spacious at the same time. Not only will you have access to your room, but the kitchen too. You can prepare a whole range of meals as it’s fully equipped. The location in the city center is ideal for travellers that want to explore as much of Philly as possible. And once your feet are tired, just come back home and relax on your comfy bed while watching some shows on your TV.
Central Townhouse with Private Courtyard | Amazing Luxury Airbnb in Philadelphia
If you don’t mind splashing a bit of extra cash on vacation, then you should splash out on a lovely luxurious Philadelphia townhouse. And this is one of the loveliest and most luxurious there is! Whether it’s the rainforest shower, the memory foam mattress or simply just the amazing location in Philly, you’ll absolutely love this incredible home. The interior design was created with an eye for detail, offering a slightly minimalistic vibe with loads of homely features. The three-bed, two-bedroom house has a total capacity of 8 guests, which we think is rather suitable for 6. However, with the lovely living area, it’s an ideal place to invite friends over, have a lovely dinner and maybe a glass of wine or two.
Spacious House with Garden & Views | Best Airbnb in Philadelphia for Families
Staying with the family? This Philadelphia Airbnb is a better bet than most hotels as you can fit everyone under the same roof. And it’s really not that expensive either! This homely and open space comes with a fully equipped kitchen, TV, and Wi-Fi, so everyone can be connected and entertained while mum and dad are preparing dinner. For a great place to play cards or spend some family time together, head to the private roof deck. It’s got some awesome views of the Philly skyline!
Chic Central Apartment | Best Airbnb in Philadelphia for a Group of Friends
Travelling with your friends and y’all want to stay together? No problem if you book this amazing Airbnb, With space for 6 guests, it’s the ideal getaway for a medium-sized group. You can sit on a fun swing located right in the middle of the massive open-concept living space – fun, right? Both bedrooms feature giant clocks and beds with high-end mattresses, guaranteeing perfect times in every sense. Located in the Society Hill neighborhood in Center CIty Philadelphia you are close to many of the attractions the city has to offer and there’s an amazing connection to the public transport network as well. And on top of that, it’s a super affordable home too!
Gem of Old City Philly | Best Airbnb in Old City
The Old City is one of the coolest spots in town, so let us present you with this awesome Philadelphia Airbnb! It can fit two guests, so it’s perfect for a couple or a solo traveller. You can reach the apartment with an elevator (your legs will thank you) and you’ll also get access to a private gym. Inside you’ll be greeted by charming decor, a super comfy living space and a massive bed. It’s the ideal place to rest up after a long day of exploring Old Town in Philadelphia.
Studio in historic wine cellar | Another Great Apartment in Old City
If you’re looking for a historical place to stay, then check this out. It’s on the oldest residential street in the United States! It really is a unique Philadelphia Airbnb, and although the wine has been removed from the cellar (boo), you’ll enjoy every moment you spend in it. There’s not a full kitchen, but a mini-fridge and a coffee maker mean that you can at least enjoy hot and cold drinks.
Because of its location, there are loads of restaurants and bars nearby! We can’t recommend this Philly apartment enough – it really is one of a kind!
Luxurious Flat with amazing view | Top Value Airbnb in University City
University City is a little out of the centre, but it’s a great place to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere without paying the full whack of a city centre apartment. This awesome Airbnb in Philadelphia is the last on our list, but right up there with the best of ‘em. You’ve got access to both a gym and a swimming pool, and the best thing about not being right in the centre? The view of it from your apartment!
What To Pack For Philadelphia
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Philadelphia Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Philadelphia Airbnbs
So, that concludes our list of the best Airbnbs in Philadelphia! We hope that our extensive list has been useful and that you’ve found something that matches all your travel styles – most importantly budget!
As you can see, there’s a huge variation. Whether you want to gaze out over the Philly skyline, party in Washington Square, or find a place for a family celebration, it’s all out there somewhere in Philadelphia!
If you are still having trouble making a decision on your favourite apartment in Philadelphia, relax and take a deep breath. Feeling better? Okay, now go with our favourite – Unique penthouse apartment. We love it because it’s a great combination of value, style, and location!
Now that you’ve got a better idea of where to stay in Philadelphia, go and plan the exciting stuff! We hope you have an amazing vacation!
- Check out our Backpacking Philadelphia guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Philadelphia guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in the USA too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of the USA.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around USA.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
