Weekend in Philadelphia: The Excellent 2 Day Itinerary for 2023

Planning a fast getaway to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love? Learn on for an in depth take a look at spend a weekend in Philadelphia.

In case you’re concerned 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 reminiscences of town. I’ve been again a number of instances over time and uncover one thing new each time. Now, I’m excited to share some insights into certainly one of my favourite American cities with you on this submit.

Weekend in Philadelphia: The Excellent 2 Day Itinerary

With 2 days in Philadelphia, you may go to a number of the most essential historic sights within the nation, watch an expert sports activities sport, peruse public markets, try the wonderful museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!

For out of doors fanatics, there’s the scenic Penn’s Touchdown and the large Fairmont Park. Relying on the time of 12 months, you may get pleasure from mountaineering, kayaking, biking, ice-skating, and extra.

Let’s get to it and see what you may rise up to with a weekend in Philadelphia!

Day 1 in Philadelphia

With simply two days in Philadelphia, you’ll need to get on the market and take advantage of your brief 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 need to see, you may need to take into account getting the Sightseeing Go, which incorporates entrance to 35+ points of interest and prices $59. Click here for particulars.

Morning

They are saying breakfast is a very powerful meal of the day, and that’s positively true when you may have an enormous 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.

In case you’d moderately simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing gentle to begin the day, La Colombe Coffee Roasters and Old City Coffee Inc. are each strong selections.

With a full stomach and a pleasant caffeine buzz, you’re prepared for an enormous day in Philly.

Go to Independence Corridor

Begin your journey again in time by visiting Independence Hall, also called “America’s birthplace.” You may’t miss this place throughout your 2 days in Philadelphia, and it’s a vacation spot I return to repeatedly.

Each the Declaration of Independence and the Structure have been signed on this historic constructing. One may make the case that it’s a very powerful constructing within the historical past of america!

To go to Independence Corridor, you’ll want to leap on a guided tour. These run every single day of the 12 months besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free for those who join within the customer’s heart. You may as well reserve on-line upfront for a $1 price.

The corridor is definitely only one a part of a a lot bigger nationwide historic park. There’s tons extra to see right here, together with the well-known Liberty Bell.

This reward to the US from Nice Britain arrived approach again in 1752. It cracked, needed to be reformed, after which cracked once more. The bell has remained silent ever since!

In case you’re questioning the place the identify 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 affords, try the National Park Service website.

Handle: 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, 19106, USA

Afternoon

The way you resolve to spend your first afternoon on a weekend in Philadelphia relies upon largely in your pursuits and the climate. Listed below are some recommendations:

See Some Museums

Do you have to need to maintain the historical past lesson rolling and/or expertise inclement climate, there are many museums to select from within the Previous Metropolis.

• There’s the National Constitution Center, 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 website to learn all in regards to the numerous displays.
• One other nice choice within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you may study all about some of the influential People by way of 5 completely different rooms, every targeted on a unique character trait of his. Tickets value simply $5 for this glorious museum!
• There’s additionally the Museum of the American Revolution, which options in-depth displays about this pivotal time within the nation’s historical past. Tickets value $21 and you should buy them on-line here. (This museum can also be included within the Sightseeing Pass).

Lunch Break

For lunch, in step with the day’s historic theme, you may pop into City Tavern. Order off their 18th-century impressed menu on this traditional restaurant the place the founding fathers as soon as dined.

Handle: 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA ,19106, USA

Go to Penn’s Touchdown

Stroll just a few blocks to Penn’s Landing. Positioned on the Delaware River, that is the place to be on a pleasant summer season day.

Get pleasure from 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 may simply hop on the ferry over to New Jersey to benefit from the views of the skyline.

Throughout the summer season months, Penn’s Touchdown incessantly present motion pictures and have live shows. I wouldn’t personally suggest spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however for those who do, you may go ice skating right here.

Be part of a Segway Journey

One other enjoyable approach to see numerous town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway adventure. Cruise alongside the river, go by way of historic districts, and discover a little bit of Philly’s Chinatown. Excursions run at 12:30 and three and price $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 positively must be in your checklist of issues to do throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.

Beer, Brewery and Meals Experiences

On this Philly beer tasting experience and tour, you’ll get to go to a number of the most original bars within the metropolis. This contains full beers at every place, and snacks.

These concerned about brewing could need to try this extremely rated brewery experience. You’ll study all in regards to the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern completely different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).

In case you’re extra concerned about a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, try this highly-rated food tour, which incorporates consuming like a neighborhood at 5 completely different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do plenty of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!

In case you simply need to do your individual factor, I like to recommend beginning out with a drink on the out of doors Independence Beer Garden. They’ve a superb Glad Hour menu in addition to some moderately priced all-you-can-drink packages for those who’re actually seeking to get together!

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 residence to the Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA), Flyers (NHL), and Phillies (MLB), so there’s all the time a sport happening.

Test the calendar to see if one of many residence groups is taking part in throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a serious sporting occasion on this metropolis filled with passionate followers is unquestionably an expertise.

On the lookout for Weekends Away in Different Main US Cities?

Day 2 in Philadelphia

Hopefully you didn’t go too exhausting on evening one, however that’s completely comprehensible for those who did. Philly is unquestionably 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 offer you just a few completely different choices for spend your 2nd day within the metropolis.

Morning

Begin your day with a mix of historical past and donuts! These are two of my favourite issues to get pleasure from throughout a weekend in Philly.

Go to the Market

A good way to begin the day is on a visit to Reading Terminal Market. As is the case with so many locations in Philly, there’s numerous historical past right here.

The market has been working since approach again when in 1893, making it one of many oldest public markets within the nation. It nearly needed to shut down within the ’70s however due to 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 may simply discover one thing for breakfast.

Handle: 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.

In case you’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, try this superior tour. It’s referred to as the Philadelphia underground donut tour and it’s as enjoyable and scrumptious because it sounds.

Get Some Train (“Rocky” Model)

After you’ve happy your longing for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with a bit of train — Philly model! One must-do on any weekend in Philadelphia itinerary is working 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 similar to Stallone did within the film. Is it a brilliant touristy factor to do? It certain is. Do you have to nonetheless do it? After all!

Those that are actually into the traditional movie and need to take it to the subsequent degree can try this Rocky movie locations tour. You’ll journey to 4 completely different sights that have been used within the sequence, together with the Italian Market.

Go to the Artwork Museum

In case you’re going to run up all these stairs, you may as effectively go into the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the high. It has a large assortment and is likely one of the greatest artwork museums I’ve ever been to.

Tickets for the museum value $25. Click here to e-book them on-line earlier than you go. You may simply spend the entire day right here so that you’ll have to maneuver rapidly if you wish to see all of the rooms.

Handle: 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 could 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 frequent, however the most well-liked 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 greatest 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 greatest. Good factor you’ll have 2 days in Philadelphia to strive one on every day.

Discover the Magic Gardens

In any case that meat, cheese, and bread, you may 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 called an “immersive combined media artwork surroundings,” it’s a shocking place to go to.

Tickets are simply $10, however it is best to seize them on-line upfront because it typically sells out. You may as well join this South Philadelphia walking tour that features a go to right here.

Handle: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19147, USA

Go on a Strolling Tour

These concerned about getting a bit extra out of their weekend in Philadelphia can try this highly-rated Founding Fathers Historical Walking Tour.

The tour visits most of the locations I’ve coated thus far and in addition features a beer in a neighborhood brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and price $45.

Night

Except you resolve to hitch the strolling tour, wrap up an enormous weekend in Philadelphia with a stroll alongside the hip South Road.

Wander Round South Road

South Road It’s the proper place to do a little bit of window buying and snap photographs of vibrant avenue artwork.

There are such a lot of selections for eating places alongside South Road that it’s type of overwhelming. You will discover delicacies from all around the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and all over the place in between.

South Road can also be residence to all kinds of bars, from traditional Irish pubs and hookah lounges to hipster bars with names like Tattooed Mom. It’s straightforward to decide on your individual journey and have a enjoyable evening out right here, particularly on the weekend.

Hearken to Stay Music

In case you have been hoping to squeeze some dwell music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you may see what’s taking part in on the Theater of Living Arts. An alternative choice is the close by Twisted Tail, which normally has dwell blues and in addition has an open jam session on Sunday.

No matter you resolve 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 Ideas for two Days in Philadelphia

Following this weekend itinerary will assure an excellent time in Philly. You’ll have a good higher time for those who comply with the following tips as effectively:

Weight-reduction plan later. Spending a weekend in Philadelphia is greatest when it contains the finer issues in life, like cheesesteaks, donuts, and craft beer. Save that food regimen for after your journey and luxuriate 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 in addition burn off a few of these energy! You may see quite a bit 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 may rely totally on the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop bus, which prices simply $2 per experience.

Skip the winter. I grew up between Detroit and Philly and lived in Beijing, so I’m no stranger to chilly climate. In case you’re touring to town for the primary time and want to get pleasure from your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough go. Philly is rather more satisfying when you may stroll between points of interest and benefit from the riverfront.

Go to a ballgame. I do know I discussed this just a few instances already however it’s value repeating — Philly is a sports activities metropolis. It’s an enormous a part of the native tradition and one thing it is best to expertise, even for those who’re not an enormous fan.

Drink native. It ought to come as no shock {that a} metropolis that loves its sports activities group 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 trail earlier than touring there.

Attending to Philadelphia

Most vacationers will arrive on the Philadelphia Worldwide Airport (PHL). It’s positioned 7 miles (11 km) from downtown and there are a number of choices for touring there.

By Rail

The regional rail community generally known as SEPTA gives an environment friendly and economical approach 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 for those who purchase it on board however simply $6.75 for those who e-book upfront.

By Taxi

Taxis are additionally available on the airport. It’s a flat-rate charge of $32 to Middle Metropolis, the place you’ll seemingly 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

In case you’re already touring within the US, particularly from different large cities on the East Coast, you may simply get to Philly by prepare or bus. Town is a serious 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 30th Street Station and you may switch to the SEPTA without cost 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 will be tremendous low-cost for those who e-book effectively upfront.

Greatest Locations to Keep for a Weekend in Philadelphia

With only a weekend, you’ll need to maximize your time spent having fun with town and decrease time spent shifting round. One of the simplest ways to do this is by staying in both the Previous Metropolis or Middle Metropolis space.

They’re proper subsequent to one another and both one places you in shut proximity to the perfect sights like Independence Corridor and Penn’s Touchdown. It’s additionally tremendous straightforward to return and go from the airport or prepare station, making your journey days much less hectic.

Being within the heart of Philadelphia additionally means you’ll be spoiled for selections in terms of buying, eating, and nightlife. You even have loads of choices for lodging.

Listed below are just a few of the perfect to swimsuit all budgets:

If you wish to be close to the motion however not fairly in the midst of it, you may look to neighboring areas resembling Logan Sq. or Society Hill.

FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia

Listed below are solutions to incessantly requested questions on get pleasure from Philadelphia in 2 days.

Now You Know Spend a Weekend in Philadelphia

That about does it for an epic weekend in Philadelphia. I hope you get pleasure from your journey to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love a lot that you simply need to come again. It’s positively a metropolis you may return to repeatedly and all the time uncover one thing new.

I do know, as a result of though I lived in Philadelphia as a toddler, on every of my return visits I’ve had a good time and was all the time in a position to uncover new issues. And I’m nonetheless wanting ahead to the subsequent time I can spend a weekend in Philly.

As you may see, whereas Philly could dwell within the very large shadow of New York, it has lots to supply vacationers! E-book your journey and luxuriate in your 2 days in Philadelphia.

Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Bought a terrific attraction, restaurant, or bar to suggest? Drop a remark beneath!

Images for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock. 

Like This Article? Pin It!