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 all for 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 residing in Philly with my household and have fond recollections of the town. I’ve been again a number of occasions over time 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 publish.
Weekend in Philadelphia: The Excellent 2 Day Itinerary
With 2 days in Philadelphia, you may go to a few of the most important historical sights in the country, watch knowledgeable sports activities recreation, peruse public markets, take a look at the wonderful museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!
For out of doors fans, there’s the scenic Penn’s Touchdown and the huge Fairmont Park. Relying on the time of 12 months, you may take pleasure in 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 wish to get on the market and profit from your brief time. For the primary day, we’ll give attention to the town’s wealthy historical past and dabble within the culinary and nightlife scenes.
Relying on what number of Philadelphia attractions you wish to see, you may wish to contemplate getting the Sightseeing Cross, which incorporates entrance to 35+ points of interest and prices $59. Click here for particulars.
Morning
They are saying breakfast is an important meal of the day, and that’s positively true when you will have a giant day of exploring a brand new metropolis forward of you!
Breakfast
One place I really helpful for breakfast is FRIEDA, a European-style cafe with a killer weekend brunch menu.
In case you’d fairly simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing gentle to start out 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 a giant day in Philly.
Go to Independence Corridor
Begin your journey again in time by visiting Independence Hall, also referred to as “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 might make the case that it’s an important 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 every single day of the 12 months besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free when you join within the customer’s middle. It’s also possible to 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 present to the US from Nice Britain arrived method 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, take a look at the National Park Service website.
Handle: 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 recommendations:
See Some Museums
Do you have to wish to preserve the historical past lesson rolling and/or expertise inclement climate, there are many museums to select from within the Outdated Metropolis.
- There’s the National Constitution Center, which is an interactive museum that’s enjoyable and informative for all ages. Tickets price $14.50 and embrace a screening of the inspiring “Freedom Rising.” Head to their website to learn all concerning the numerous displays.
- One other nice possibility within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you may study all about one of the crucial influential Individuals via 5 completely different rooms, every targeted on a distinct character trait of his. Tickets price simply $5 for this wonderful 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 price $21 and you should purchase 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 basic 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 time day.
Take pleasure in a stroll alongside the tree-lined promenade or exit for some enjoyable on the river. It’s potential to lease kayaks and paddleboats or you may 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 regularly 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 may go ice skating right here.
Be a part of a Segway Journey
One other enjoyable method to see numerous the town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway adventure. Cruise alongside the river, move via 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! It is a beer-loving metropolis, so sampling just a few of the native suds positively must be in your listing 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 few of the most unusual bars within the metropolis. This contains full beers at every place, and snacks.
These all for brewing could wish to take a look at this extremely rated brewery experience. You’ll study all concerning the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern completely different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).
In case you’re extra all for a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, take a look at this highly-rated food tour, which incorporates consuming like a neighborhood at 5 completely different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do a lot of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!
In case you simply wish to do your personal factor, I like to recommend beginning out with a drink on the out of doors Independence Beer Garden. They’ve a wonderful Blissful Hour menu in addition to some moderately priced all-you-can-drink packages when you’re actually seeking to get together!
For a extra swanky environment, there’s the Stratus Rooftop Lounge. Positioned atop the Lodge 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 at all times a recreation happening.
Examine the calendar to see if one of many dwelling groups is taking part in throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a significant sporting occasion on this metropolis stuffed with passionate followers is certainly an expertise.
Searching for Weekends Away in Different Main US Cities?
Day 2 in Philadelphia
Hopefully you didn’t go too laborious on evening 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 offer you just a few completely different choices for 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
An effective way to start out 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 method 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 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!
Among the best 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, 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 happy your longing for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with a bit 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 an excellent 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 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 among the greatest artwork museums I’ve ever been to.
Tickets for the museum price $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 shortly 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 the 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 most well-liked alternative is Cheese Wiz. That’s proper, the gooey, cheese-like substance that basically isn’t cheese in any respect. Hey, it’s scrumptious!
Proper throughout the road is their greatest rival, Geno’s. It’s form of just like the Coney canine problem in my hometown of Detroit. You’ll simply need to strive them each and see which one you suppose 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. Referred to as an “immersive combined media artwork surroundings,” it’s a surprising place to go to.
Tickets are simply $10, however it is best to seize them on-line upfront because it typically sells out. It’s also possible to 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 all for getting a bit extra out of their weekend in Philadelphia can take a look at this highly-rated Founding Fathers Historical Walking Tour.
The tour visits lots 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 determine to affix the strolling tour, wrap up a giant weekend in Philadelphia with a stroll alongside the hip South Road.
Wander Round South Road
South Road It’s the right place to do a little bit of window procuring and snap pictures of vibrant road artwork.
There are such a lot of selections for eating places alongside South Road that it’s form of overwhelming. You’ll find cuisine from all over the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and all over the place in between.
South Road can also be dwelling to all kinds of bars, from basic Irish pubs and hookah lounges to hipster bars with names like Tattooed Mom. It’s straightforward to decide on your personal journey and have a enjoyable evening out right here, particularly on the weekend.
Take heed to Reside Music
In case you have been hoping to squeeze some stay music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you may see what’s taking part in on the Theater of Living Arts. Another choice is the close by Twisted Tail, which often has stay blues and in addition 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 a very good time in Philly. You’ll have a good higher time when you 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 eating regimen for after your journey and luxuriate in your self. The quinoa will nonetheless be there whenever you get again.
Stroll or use public transport. Philadelphia is among the most walkable cities in 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 lots with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
When your toes get drained, the 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 trip.
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 the town for the primary time and wish to take pleasure in your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough move. Philly is rather more gratifying 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 occasions already however it’s value repeating — Philly is a sports activities metropolis. It’s a giant a part of the native tradition and one thing it is best to 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 crew additionally loves beer. Don’t come to Philly and order a Heineken or a Corona. Go along 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 situated 7 miles (11 km) from downtown and there are a number of choices for touring there.
By Rail
The regional rail community referred to as SEPTA supplies 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 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 probably 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 Practice 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 practice or bus. The 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 in the course of 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 firms 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 may be tremendous low-cost when you e book effectively upfront.
Finest Locations to Keep for a Weekend in Philadelphia
With only a weekend, you’ll wish to maximize your time spent having fun with the town and decrease time spent shifting round. One of the best 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 one of the best sights like Independence Corridor and Penn’s Touchdown. It’s additionally tremendous straightforward to return and go from the airport or practice station, making your journey days much less tense.
Being within the middle of Philadelphia additionally means you’ll be spoiled for selections in relation to procuring, eating, and nightlife. You even have loads of choices for lodging.
Listed here are just a few of one of the best 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 similar to Logan Sq. or Society Hill.
FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia
Listed here are solutions to regularly requested questions on 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 japanese US vacation spot, like New York Metropolis, otherwise you’re on the lookout for a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia will provide you with a very good introduction to the town, and should go away you wanting extra.
Two days in Philadelphia is loads of time to see historic sights, wander via hip neighborhoods, and check out a few of the metropolis’s well-known delicacies. On a weekend in Philly, you’ll even have sufficient time to catch knowledgeable sports activities recreation.
As one of the crucial 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 accordance with a 2023 survey by USA Today, Philadelphia is essentially the most walkable metropolis within the US. On foot, you’ll be capable of see lots of the metropolis’s points of interest throughout a weekend in Philly.
These two main japanese US cities are very shut, and getting between them by practice is straightforward, so it’s positively value visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You may even do it on a day journey.
Now You Know Learn how 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 just wish to come again. It’s positively a metropolis you may return to repeatedly and at all times 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 at all times in a position to uncover new issues. And I’m nonetheless trying ahead to the subsequent time I can spend a weekend in Philly.
As you may see, whereas Philly could stay within the very large shadow of New York, it has loads to supply vacationers! Guide your journey and luxuriate in your 2 days in Philadelphia.
Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Acquired an ideal attraction, restaurant, or bar to advocate? Drop a remark beneath!
Images for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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