Planning a fast getaway to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love? Learn on for an in depth have a look at the best way to spend a weekend in Philadelphia.
If you happen to’re fascinated about American historical past, there’s maybe no higher metropolis to go to than Philadelphia. It was right here that the founding fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and created a brand new nation in 1776.
I spent my youthful years dwelling in Philly with my household and have fond recollections of town. I’ve been again a number of occasions through the years and uncover one thing new each time. Now, I’m excited to share some insights into one in all my favourite American cities with you on this submit.
Weekend in Philadelphia: The Good 2 Day Itinerary
With 2 days in Philadelphia, you possibly can go to a few of a very powerful historic sights within the nation, watch an expert sports activities sport, peruse public markets, take a look at the wonderful museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!
For outside fans, there’s the scenic Penn’s Touchdown and the large Fairmont Park. Relying on the time of yr, you possibly can take pleasure in climbing, kayaking, biking, ice-skating, and extra.
Let’s get to it and see what you possibly can rise up to with a weekend in Philadelphia!
Day 1 in Philadelphia
With simply two days in Philadelphia, you’ll wish to get on the market and profit from your quick time. For the primary day, we’ll give attention to town’s wealthy historical past and dabble within the culinary and nightlife scenes.
Relying on what number of Philadelphia points of interest you wish to see, you would possibly wish to take into account getting the Sightseeing Cross, which incorporates entrance to 35+ points of interest and prices $59. Click on right here for particulars.
Morning
They are saying breakfast is a very powerful meal of the day, and that’s undoubtedly true when you have got a giant day of exploring a brand new metropolis forward of you!
Breakfast
One place I advisable for breakfast is FRIEDA, a European-style cafe with a killer weekend brunch menu.
If you happen to’d reasonably simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing mild to begin the day, La Colombe Espresso Roasters and Outdated Metropolis Espresso Inc. are each strong selections.
With a full stomach and a pleasant caffeine buzz, you’re prepared for a giant day in Philly.
Go to Independence Corridor
Begin your journey again in time by visiting Independence Corridor, often known as “America’s birthplace.” You possibly can’t miss this place throughout your 2 days in Philadelphia, and it’s a vacation spot I return to many times.
Each the Declaration of Independence and the Structure have been signed on this historic constructing. One might make the case that it’s a very powerful constructing within the historical past of the United States!
To go to Independence Corridor, you’ll want to leap on a guided tour. These run day-after-day of the yr besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free when you enroll within the customer’s heart. You too can reserve on-line prematurely for a $1 payment.
The corridor is definitely only one a part of a a lot bigger nationwide historic park. There’s heaps extra to see right here, together with the well-known Liberty Bell.
This reward to the US from Nice Britain arrived manner again in 1752. It cracked, needed to be reformed, after which cracked once more. The bell has remained silent ever since!
If you happen to’re questioning the place the title comes from, it’s due to the quote that’s etched into the aspect: “Proclaim Liberty all through the land unto all of the inhabitants thereof.”
For more information on Independence Corridor and all that it provides, take a look at the Nationwide Park Service web site.
Tackle: 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, 19106, USA
Afternoon
The way you determine to spend your first afternoon on a weekend in Philadelphia relies upon largely in your pursuits and the climate. Listed here are some options:
See Some Museums
Do you have to wish to hold the historical past lesson rolling and/or expertise inclement climate, there are many museums to select from within the Outdated Metropolis.
- There’s the Nationwide Structure Middle, which is an interactive museum that’s enjoyable and informative for all ages. Tickets value $14.50 and embrace a screening of the inspiring “Freedom Rising.” Head to their web site to learn all in regards to the numerous reveals.
- One other nice possibility within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you possibly can study all about some of the influential People by means of 5 totally different rooms, every targeted on a unique character trait of his. Tickets value simply $5 for this wonderful museum!
- There’s additionally the Museum of the American Revolution, which options in-depth reveals about this pivotal time within the nation’s historical past. Tickets value $21 and you should purchase them on-line right here. (This museum can be included within the Sightseeing Cross).
Lunch Break
For lunch, in step with the day’s historic theme, you possibly can pop into Metropolis Tavern. Order off their 18th-century impressed menu on this basic restaurant the place the founding fathers as soon as dined.
Tackle: 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA ,19106, USA
Go to Penn’s Touchdown
Stroll just a few blocks to Penn’s Touchdown. Positioned on the Delaware River, that is the place to be on a pleasant summer time day.
Take pleasure in a stroll alongside the tree-lined promenade or exit for some enjoyable on the river. It’s doable to hire kayaks and paddleboats or you possibly can simply hop on the ferry over to New Jersey to benefit from the views of the skyline.
Through the summer time months, Penn’s Touchdown incessantly present motion pictures and have live shows. I wouldn’t personally advocate spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however when you do, you possibly can go ice skating right here.
Be a part of a Segway Journey
One other enjoyable method to see quite a lot of town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway journey. Cruise alongside the river, cross by means of historic districts, and discover a little bit of Philly’s Chinatown. Excursions run at 12:30 and three and value $55.
Night
After an enormous day, it’s time to rejoice a bit of! This can be a beer-loving metropolis, so sampling just a few of the native suds undoubtedly must be in your listing of issues to do throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
Beer, Brewery and Meals Experiences
On this Philly beer tasting expertise and tour, you’ll get to go to a few of the most original bars within the metropolis. This consists of full beers at every place, and snacks.
These fascinated about brewing could wish to take a look at this extremely rated brewery expertise. You’ll study all in regards to the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern totally different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).
If you happen to’re extra fascinated about a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, take a look at this highly-rated meals tour, which incorporates consuming like a neighborhood at 5 totally different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do numerous consuming on the two.5-hour tour!
If you happen to simply wish to do your individual factor, I like to recommend beginning out with a drink on the outside Independence Beer Backyard. They’ve a superb Glad Hour menu in addition to some moderately priced all-you-can-drink packages when you’re actually seeking to occasion!
For a extra swanky environment, there’s the Stratus Rooftop Lounge. Positioned atop the Resort Monaco, that is the place to see and be seen in downtown Philly.
Watch a Skilled Sports activities Sport
As I discussed within the introduction, it is a metropolis that completely loves sports activities. Philadelphia is dwelling to the Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA), Flyers (NHL), and Phillies (MLB), so there’s all the time a sport happening.
Examine the calendar to see if one of many dwelling groups is enjoying throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a significant sporting occasion on this metropolis filled with passionate followers is certainly an expertise.
In search of Weekends Away in Different Main US Cities?
Day 2 in Philadelphia
Hopefully you didn’t go too exhausting on night time one, however that’s completely comprehensible when you did. Philly is certainly a enjoyable metropolis to go to on the weekends!
Since there’s an excessive amount of to do right here to cram all of it into one weekend, I’ll provide you with just a few totally different choices for the best way to spend your 2nd day within the metropolis.
Morning
Begin your day with a mixture of historical past and donuts! These are two of my favourite issues to take pleasure in throughout a weekend in Philly.
Go to the Market
A good way to begin the day is on a visit to Studying Terminal Market. As is the case with so many locations in Philly, there’s quite a lot of historical past right here.
The market has been working since manner again when in 1893, making it one of many oldest public markets within the nation. It virtually needed to shut down within the ’70s however because of a lift in public funding it was saved.
There are round 80 retailers right here together with a number of bakeries and eating places, so you possibly can simply discover one thing for breakfast.
Tackle: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
Donuts for Breakfast!
Probably the greatest locations in Studying Terminal Market is Beiler’s Bakery for his or her delicious donuts.
If you happen to’re not that into the market however nonetheless need your fill of Homer Simpson’s favourite dish, head to Federal Donuts as an alternative.
For the last word donut expertise, take a look at this superior tour. It’s known as the Philadelphia underground donut tour and it’s as enjoyable and scrumptious because it sounds.
Get Some Train (“Rocky” Model)
After you’ve glad your yearning for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with a bit of train — Philly fashion! One must-do on any weekend in Philadelphia itinerary is operating up the famed “Rocky” steps to the artwork museum.
Get pumped up by placing on “Eye of the Tiger” and doing a little bit of air-boxing after which run up the steps identical to Stallone did within the film. Is it a brilliant touristy factor to do? It positive is. Do you have to nonetheless do it? After all!
Those that are actually into the basic movie and wish to take it to the subsequent degree can take a look at this Rocky film areas tour. You’ll journey to 4 totally different sights that have been used within the sequence, together with the Italian Market.
Go to the Artwork Museum
If you happen to’re going to run up all these stairs, you would possibly as properly go into the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork on the prime. It has an enormous assortment and is likely one of the finest artwork museums I’ve ever been to.
Tickets for the museum value $25. Click on right here to e book them on-line earlier than you go. You possibly can simply spend the entire day right here so that you’ll have to maneuver shortly if you wish to see all of the rooms.
Tackle: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, 19130, USA
Afternoon
You’ll be hungry once more after climbing all the steps and exploring the museum. Time to seize some lunch.
Lunch Break
No Philadelphia weekend journey can be full with out sampling town’s iconic sandwich — the cheesesteak. There are tons of locations to strive it, however first-timers ought to go check out the unique.
Pat’s King of Steaks claims to be the inventor of the well-known sandwich, which is made with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese on a roll.
American and provolone cheese are each widespread, however the preferred selection is Cheese Wiz. That’s proper, the gooey, cheese-like substance that actually isn’t cheese in any respect. Hey, it’s scrumptious!
Proper throughout the road is their largest rival, Geno’s. It’s type of just like the Coney canine problem in my hometown of Detroit. You’ll simply must strive them each and see which one you assume is finest. Good factor you’ll have 2 days in Philadelphia to strive one on every day.
Discover the Magic Gardens
In spite of everything that meat, cheese, and bread, you would possibly want a stroll. Good factor it’s simply quarter-hour to the subsequent vacation spot on the Philadelphia itinerary, the Magic Gardens.
It’s the brainchild of Isaiah Zagar, an award-winning mosaic mural artist and native Philadelphian. Often known as an “immersive combined media artwork surroundings,” it’s a surprising place to go to.
Tickets are simply $10, however you must seize them on-line prematurely because it usually sells out. You too can join this South Philadelphia strolling tour that features a go to right here.
Tackle: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19147, USA
Go on a Strolling Tour
These fascinated about getting a bit extra out of their weekend in Philadelphia can take a look at this highly-rated Founding Fathers Historic Strolling Tour.
The tour visits most of the locations I’ve lined to date and likewise features a beer in a neighborhood brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and value $45.
Night
Except you determine to hitch the strolling tour, wrap up a giant weekend in Philadelphia with a stroll alongside the hip South Avenue.
Wander Round South Avenue
South Avenue It’s the right place to do a little bit of window buying and snap pictures of vibrant avenue artwork.
There are such a lot of selections for eating places alongside South Avenue that it’s type of overwhelming. You will discover delicacies from everywhere in the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and in every single place in between.
South Avenue can be dwelling to all kinds of bars, from basic Irish pubs and hookah lounges to hipster bars with names like Tattooed Mother. It’s straightforward to decide on your individual journey and have a enjoyable night time out right here, particularly on the weekend.
Hearken to Reside Music
If you happen to have been hoping to squeeze some dwell music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you possibly can see what’s enjoying on the Theater of Dwelling Arts. Another choice is the close by Twisted Tail, which normally has dwell blues and likewise has an open jam session on Sunday.
No matter you determine to do, give your self a pat on the again and order up your favourite drink. You’ve earned it for finishing this huge itinerary for a Philadelphia weekend journey!
Insider Suggestions for two Days in Philadelphia
Following this weekend itinerary will assure an excellent time in Philly. You’ll have an excellent higher time when you comply with the following pointers as properly:
Food regimen later. Spending a weekend in Philadelphia is finest when it consists of the finer issues in life, like cheesesteaks, donuts, and craft beer. Save that weight loss plan for after your journey and revel in your self. The quinoa will nonetheless be there if you get again.
Stroll or use public transport. Philadelphia is likely one of the most walkable cities within the US. Getting round on foot ensures you are taking within the environment and likewise burn off a few of these energy! You possibly can see so much with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
When your ft get drained, town has a reasonably strong public transportation system. For only a 2 day journey, you possibly can rely totally on the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop bus, which prices simply $2 per trip.
Skip the winter. I grew up between Detroit and Philly and lived in Beijing, so I’m no stranger to chilly climate. If you happen to’re touring to town for the primary time and want to take pleasure in your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough cross. Philly is way more satisfying when you possibly can stroll between points of interest and benefit from the riverfront.
Go to a ballgame. I do know I discussed this just a few occasions already but it surely’s value repeating — Philly is a sports activities metropolis. It’s a giant a part of the native tradition and one thing you must expertise, even when you’re not an enormous fan.
Drink native. It ought to come as no shock {that a} metropolis that loves its sports activities staff additionally loves beer. Don’t come to Philly and order a Heineken or a Corona. Go together with the native stuff as an alternative. I like to recommend studying up on the craft beer path earlier than touring there.
Attending to Philadelphia
Most vacationers will arrive on the Philadelphia Worldwide Airport (PHL). It’s situated 7 miles (11 km) from downtown and there are a number of choices for touring there.
By Rail
The regional rail community often called SEPTA gives an environment friendly and economical method to journey downtown from the airport. It solely takes 25 minutes to get there and trains run each half hour.
A one-way ticket prices $8 when you purchase it on board however simply $6.75 when you e book prematurely.
By Taxi
Taxis are additionally available on the airport. It’s a flat-rate cost of $32 to Middle Metropolis, the place you’ll possible be staying to your weekend in Philadelphia.
Rideshare
Each Uber and Lyft additionally function on the airport and are additionally good choices for getting across the metropolis throughout your 2 days in Philadelphia.
By Prepare or Bus
If you happen to’re already touring within the US, particularly from different huge cities on the East Coast, you possibly can simply get to Philly by practice or bus. Town is a significant hub for Amtrak on the Northeast Hall and Keystone strains.
There are trains coming into Philadelphia from Washington DC and New York each hour through the day, for instance. They arrive on the thirtieth Avenue Station and you’ll switch to the SEPTA totally free to get to Middle Metropolis.
A number of corporations additionally function bus routes out and in of Philly, together with Greyhound, BoltBus, and Megabus. I solely have expertise with the latter, touring in from Pittsburgh and out to NYC. Tickets might be tremendous low-cost when you e book properly prematurely.
Finest Locations to Keep for a Weekend in Philadelphia
With only a weekend, you’ll wish to maximize your time spent having fun with town and decrease time spent shifting round. One of the simplest ways to try this is by staying in both the Outdated Metropolis or Middle Metropolis space.
They’re proper subsequent to one another and both one places you in shut proximity to the most effective sights like Independence Corridor and Penn’s Touchdown. It’s additionally tremendous straightforward to come back and go from the airport or practice station, making your journey days much less annoying.
Being within the heart of Philadelphia additionally means you’ll be spoiled for selections relating to buying, eating, and nightlife. You even have loads of choices for lodging.
Listed here are just a few of the most effective to swimsuit all budgets:
If you wish to be close to the motion however not fairly in the midst of it, you possibly can look to neighboring areas corresponding to Logan Sq. or Society Hill.
FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia
Listed here are solutions to incessantly requested questions on the best way to take pleasure in Philadelphia in 2 days.
Philadelphia in two days is a pleasant period of time. Whether or not you’re in your method to one other jap US vacation spot, like New York Metropolis, otherwise you’re on the lookout for a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia gives you an excellent introduction to town, and should depart you wanting extra.
Two days in Philadelphia is loads of time to see historic sights, wander by means of hip neighborhoods, and take a look at a few of the metropolis’s well-known delicacies. On a weekend in Philly, you’ll even have sufficient time to catch an expert sports activities sport.
As some of the historic US cities, completely Philadelphia is value a day journey. Nevertheless, you probably have the time to spend a weekend in Philly, you’ll be capable of take pleasure in extra of what this fascinating metropolis has to supply.
In response to a 2023 survey by USA Right this moment, Philadelphia is probably the most walkable metropolis within the US. On foot, you’ll be capable of see most of the metropolis’s points of interest throughout a weekend in Philly.
These two main jap US cities are very shut, and getting between them by practice is simple, so it’s undoubtedly value visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You possibly can even do it on a day journey.
Now You Know Methods to Spend a Weekend in Philadelphia
That about does it for an epic weekend in Philadelphia. I hope you take pleasure in your journey to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love a lot that you simply wish to come again. It’s undoubtedly a metropolis you possibly can return to many times and all the time uncover one thing new.
I do know, as a result of though I lived in Philadelphia as a baby, on every of my return visits I’ve had a good time and was all the time capable of uncover new issues. And I’m nonetheless wanting ahead to the subsequent time I can spend a weekend in Philly.
As you possibly can see, whereas Philly could dwell within the very huge shadow of New York, it has a lot to supply vacationers! Ebook your journey and revel in your 2 days in Philadelphia.
Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Acquired an important attraction, restaurant, or bar to advocate? Drop a remark beneath!
Photographs for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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