Steps Away: Hill-Physick House

Did you know that a stay at YOWIE Hotel means you’re within walking distance of some of Philly’s coolest historical spots? Today we’re spotlighting one of our favorite local gems, The Hill-Physick House.

Located near YOWIE Hotel on 4th Street, the Hill-Physick House is the only free-standing Federal mansion remaining in the Society Hill neighborhood. It was built in 1786 by Henry Hill, a wealthy Madeira wine merchant, and later became the home of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, who became known as the ‘father of American surgery’.

The house is named after these two figures and is a beautiful destination for lovers of architecture and those who interested in the history of medicine. Dr. Physick is believed to be the first person to sell carbonated flavored drinks to alleviate his patients of gastric issues, and a modern version of this soda can be purchased at Hill-Physick House. The house features many of the surgical tools Dr. Physick pioneered and also boasts a beautiful garden that is the backdrop to many Philly weddings.

Just an 8-minute walk from YOWIE Hotel, Hill-Physick House can be easy to miss, but we recommend making the trip to enjoy this architectural landmark for its rich furnishing and beautiful wallpaper. The cobbled streets and colonial-era architecture along the way are just an added bonus!

Curious about other local spots to visit during your stay in Philadelphia? Just ask one of our YOWIE hotel team members! We’re always happy to recommend a great place to eat, fun spots to dance, or pieces of history to check out.