If you find yourself in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania, you will definitely want to spend a day exploring charming Downtown Doylestown on foot. Visitors and residents alike can expect to find unique gifts, taste delicious food and uncover pre-Revolutionary War PA history all in just a day’s time!
There are tons of things to do in Doylestown PA but, but how about an itinerary for those looking for one exciting (but not overly planned) day exploring Downtown Doylestown by foot? Well, I’m your girl! I grew up in Doylestown, so I know exactly where you need to park and what you need to see if you only have one day to spend Downtown.
On this one day walkable itinerary, I’ll make sure you visit all the best shopping spots, lunch stops, and activities, with time for coffee (of course!). If you are spending a weekend getaway in Pennsylvania, be sure to stop in Doylestown!
Doylestown is located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Just a short drive from Philly, close to New York City, and an easy drive to the beach, I’ve always thought it was the definition of a perfect town! The romantic cobblestone streets and historical charm make it one of the best destinations in Pennsylvania for couples.
One of the highlights of Doylestown is it’s charming downtown area. This post is a completely walkable guide to all the places you must visit while in the heart of the city, Downtown Doylestown!
Downtown Doylestown, PA – One Day Walkable Itinerary
Find a Parking Spot
Okay, so this might be the only un-fun thing about the day. Not because there aren’t a lot of parking options, but just because, personally, parking gives me anxiety no matter where it is. So if you’re not like me in that regard, it will be a breeze!
My go-to parking is a good curb spot. Unless there is a special event, there are usually plenty of options (some that don’t even require parallel parking!). Depending on the time, you may have to put a few quarters in a meter.
If curb parking isn’t your thing (or isn’t available), Doylestown township owns two parking garages that are centrally located and very reasonably priced!
- Bucks County Parking Garage – E Court St. & N. Broad Street (starts at 50 cents/hour)
- Bucks County Parking Garage – Union St. & N. Broad Street ($1/hour)
More info on Bucks County Parking Garages can be found here!
Fuel Up With Coffee!
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Every great day starts with a great cup of coffee! One option for coffee in Downtown Doylestown is, of course, Starbucks. Known as the center point of Main Street Doylestown, this unique Starbucks is located inside an old colonial building! One of the 7 pre-revolutionary taverns in town, this gem was built in 1758 by William Doyle, the founder of Doylestown. Talk about history!
If you were looking for a local coffee spot, you must check out Nonno’s Italian Coffee Parlor, where you can sip on an authentic Italian cappuccino and take a baked good to go! They also serve gelato – who says you can’t have that for breakfast too?
Check out the Doylestown Shopping Scene
Next, you’ll want to check out all the great boutique stores that are within walking distance! The shopping in Doylestown cannot be missed. Whether you are looking for clothing or a souvenir, you’re bound to find something.
Some of the best shopping in Doylestown can be found at Something Else; a clothing boutique right in the center of town. I can always find something I love in that store! I have found countless dresses for all sorts of occasions at Something Else. Highly recommend.
Other great downtown Doylestown shops are Serendipity, Smith & Scott Boutique, and Monkey’s Uncle!
You’ll also definitely want to check out the Doylestown Bookshop. Serving as the largest independent book shop in Bucks County, this quaint store is deceiving from the outside! Home to thousands of unique finds, you will definitely want to carve out some time to find your next great read at one of the best Doylestown shops for books.
Go to the Doylestown Farmer’s Market
The Doylestown Farmer’s Market, open April through November every Saturday from 8am-1pm, is a one of the best things to do in Downtown Doylestown PA. This open-air market hosts up to 26 different vendors that sell local produce, baked goods, and specialty foods. Complete with live music, seasonal events, and even chef demonstrations and tastings, this stop is a foodie’s paradise!
Lunch it Up!
Downtown Doylestown PA restaurants are some of the best in the area, perfect for a lunch stop after exploring your favorite Downtown Doylestown PA shops.
Once you start to get hungry, head over to one of my favorite restaurants in town, 86 West! Luckily, if you went to the Farmer’s Market, it’s just a short walk further down the street!
Located on State Street, 86 West has a fantastic menu of sushi and sashimi, as well as raw bar. If weather permits, snag a seat outside on their beautiful patio or take a seat inside where you’ll be surrounded by chic decor. They have an award winning happy hour that you won’t want to miss, every day from 4pm-6pm.
You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but my absolute favorite is the Godzilla Roll.
Other Great Downtown Doylestown Lunch Spots:
- Empanada Mama – locals know this place to be the #1 spot in town for empanadas!
- Spuntino Woodfired Pizzeria – mean who doesn’t love a traditional woodfired pizza!?
- Harper and Penny’s – great drink menu here!
Go to the Civil War Museum (Free!)
You can’t spend a day in Doylestown and not go to a museum. D-Town is spilling with rich history, thus there are tons of amazing museums. Luckily, there is the Bucks County Civil War Museum right in the heart of Downtown, earning this one a spot on my walk-friendly list!
Open on Saturdays from 10:30-2:00pm, this FREE museum offers amazing one-of-a-kind civil war artifacts as well as a library with tons of historical books and periodicals. There is also a unique Abraham Lincoln Collection! You won’t want to miss a chance to learn a bit of PA history.
Catch a Movie at the County Theater
When your Downtown, you can’t miss a chance to check out the historic County Theater! Built in 1938, the County Theater is a non-profit movie theatre that focuses on indie, independent and foreign films (but they do show new releases and old classics as well!). Just from the outside, you are transported to the 30s. The smell of fresh popcorn will lure you into this charming building, so settle in for a new feature or an oldie!
Dinner Time
After a film, the sun might be starting to set and you may have worked up an appetite. There are plenty of fantastic dinner spots in Doylestown. Here is a short list that will satisfy all tastes!
- Domani Star – This locally owned Italian restaurant offers traditional cuisine in a small and cozy restaurant. You will be charmed by the hospitality of this perfect date night spot! (pictured above!)
- The Hattery Stove and Still – Located in the historical Doylestown Inn, this tavern style restaurant offers unique American fare with beautiful antique-inspired decor. This restaurant used to be a hat factory as well as a speak-easy during prohibition. You will feel right at home in this historic and thoughtful spot!
- Honey – This tapas-style restaurant specializes in date night, with it’s intimate, romantic ambiance and experimental menu. This restaurant is unlike any other in Doylestown, priding itself on it’s never-before-seen menu items and curated hospitality.
- Penn Taproom – Head over to this local favorite for a casual dining experience complete with live music and local beers on tap.
Looking for more things to do in Doylestown PA? Be sure to check out my ultimate guide to the town – 21 things you must do!
Interested in things to do in Doylestown this weekend? Check out the Discover Doylestown Even Calendar!
FAQs about Downtown Doylestown PA
What County is Doylestown PA In?
Doylestown is located in Bucks County, which includes fantastic PA towns such as New Hope, Newtown, Quakertown, Chalfont, Langhorne, and more! Bordering Allentown and Trenton, it’s very close to the New Jersey state line and about an hour and half from New York City
Is Doylestown Walkable?
Downtown Doylestown is a very walkable town. With charming cobblestone streets, it’s easy to travel from museums to coffee shops to stores in one day. On WalkScore.com it has a score of 95 out of 100 for walkability and 62 out of 100 for bike-ability.
Does Doylestown PA Have a Downtown?
Yes it does! Check out the above post to see how you can spend a day in Downtown Doylestown. 🙂
Is Doylestown PA Safe?
Based on data from Neighborhoodscout.com, Doylestown PA is 71% more safe than all cities and towns in the USA, with only 2 reported violent crimes per year. These statistics were found here. Personally, I find Doylestown extremely safe.
And there you have the perfect way to spend a day in Downtown Doylestown all on foot! There is no doubt you will leave the day full of food and drink, with at least a few souvenirs, and maybe even a bit of colonial history knowledge!
I hope your day spent in Downtown Doylestown is one to remember. I can’t wait for the next time I’m there.
