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Top Things to Do in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Historic downtown Harrisburg featuring the Greek Revival-style Dauphin County Courthouse with its tall clock tower, surrounded by classic buildings along the street. Top Things to Do in West Chester, Pennsylvania

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West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a charming small town in Chester County known for its historic architecture, vibrant restaurant scene, and unique local attractions. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for top things to do in West Chester near Philadelphia, it offers a mix of history, great food, and small-town charm.

1. Dine at 9 Prime in a Historic Bank Vault

The First National Bank building in West Chester, Pennsylvania, featuring grand columns and historic architecture.
The First National Bank, built in 1812, still stands proudly in West Chester as a symbol of the town’s early financial history.

If you’re searching for the best restaurants in West Chester, PA, 9 Prime should be at the top of your list. This upscale steakhouse is housed in a former bank, with a private dining area inside the original vault—complete with rows of safety deposit boxes. It’s the perfect blend of history and fine dining.

Interior dining room with a wall of vintage bank safe deposit boxes and a modern chandelier above a set dinner table.
A former bank vault transformed into an elegant private dining space, blending history with modern luxury.

2. Enjoy a Signature Martini at Pietro’s

Woman smiling while holding a martini glass inside a cozy brick-walled restaurant.
Karen enjoying handcrafted cocktails in the vibrant restaurant scene of downtown West Chester.

For cocktail lovers and those exploring West Chester nightlife, Pietro’s is a must-visit. Known for its expertly crafted martinis, this cozy yet upscale bar is perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic date.

Street view of Pietro’s Prime Steakhouse with red umbrellas and outdoor dining tables on a lively evening.
Pietro’s Prime Steakhouse is a local favorite for fine dining and outdoor seating in the heart of downtown.

3. Visit The Lincoln Room – A Slice of American History

Brick building in West Chester with historic markers and June teenth banner on the balcony.
The historic Lincoln Building, where Abraham Lincoln prepared part of his famous Gettysburg Address, still welcomes visitors today.

History enthusiasts will love The Lincoln Room, the site where the first biography of Abraham Lincoln was published. Today, it operates as a charming tea room where you can enjoy lunch while surrounded by living history.

Close-up of The Lincoln Room entrance with American flag, green door, and brick exterior.
The Lincoln Room café honors President Lincoln’s legacy in this historic West Chester landmark.

4. Indulge in Ice Cream at Kilwins

Corner view of Kilwins chocolate and ice cream shop with people gathered inside and outside.
Kilwins sweet shop offers handcrafted chocolates, fudge, and ice cream on the bustling corner of Gay Street.

For the best dessert in West Chester, stop by Kilwins. Famous for its rich, creamy ice cream, homemade fudge, and caramel apples, Kilwins is a sweet stop that delights visitors of all ages.

5. See the Old Glory Statue

Old Glory war memorial statue with soldier figure in front of the historic courthouse in West Chester.
The Old Glory statue honors local veterans, standing in front of West Chester’s historic courthouse.

The Old Glory statue is a patriotic landmark in the heart of West Chester, featuring the Ten Commandments. It’s a meaningful spot for reflection and a quick photo op during your walking tour of the town.

6. Window Shop on Main Street

Row of brick storefronts on Main Street in West Chester with shops, display windows, and a piano-themed awning.
Window shopping along Main Street offers a charming mix of local boutiques, specialty shops, and historic storefronts.

West Chester’s Main Street is lined with boutique shops offering fashion, artisan goods, antiques, and home décor. Even if you’re just window shopping, the friendly shop owners and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-do.

Plan Your Trip to West Chester, Pennsylvania

Daytime view of Gay Street in downtown West Chester with shops, parked cars, and pedestrians.
Gay Street is the heartbeat of downtown West Chester, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic charm.

From award-winning restaurants to historic landmarks and charming boutique shopping, West Chester is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend escape. Whether you’re here for the food scene, history, or simply to soak in small-town charm, you’ll find plenty of reasons to return.

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More things to do in Pennsylvania:

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Karen LeBlanc

Karen LeBlanc is a freelance writer living in Orlando, Florida with many published bylines in magazines, newspapers, and multimedia sites. As a professional lifestyle writer, Karen specializes in art, architecture, design, home interiors and personality profiles. Karen is the writer, producer and host of the streaming series, The Design Tourist (www.TheDesignTourist.com) that brings viewers a global dose of design inspiration with episodes featuring the latest looks and trends from the world’s premiere design events and shows. She also publishes a quarterly magazine on design travel that you can read by clicking the link: https://thedesigntourist.com/the-magazine/ Her journalism background includes seven years on-air experience as a TV news reporter and anchor covering a range of issues from education to politics. Her educational credentials include a Master of Arts in Mass Communications from Northeast Louisiana University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Louisiana State University. Throughout her career, Karen has written and produced dozens of documentaries and videos for educational, commercial, corporate, and governmental clients and appeared in many TV and video productions as a professional host.

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Karen LeBlanc

Karen LeBlanc is an award-winning travel journalist and storyteller, honored with two Telly Awards and four North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) awards for The Design Tourist travel show. As the show’s host, producer, and writer, Karen takes viewers beyond the guidebooks to explore the culture, craft, cuisine, and creativity that define the world’s most fascinating destinations.

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