Planning a fast getaway to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love? Learn on for an in depth have a look at methods to spend a weekend in Philadelphia.
Should 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 dwelling in Philly with my household and have fond reminiscences of 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 considered one of 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 crucial historic sights within the nation, watch an expert sports activities sport, peruse public markets, take a look at the superb museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!
For outside lovers, there’s the scenic Penn’s Touchdown and the huge Fairmont Park. Relying on the time of 12 months, you possibly can get pleasure from mountain 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 may wish to contemplate getting the Sightseeing Go, which incorporates entrance to 35+ points of interest and prices $59. Click on right here for particulars.
Morning
They are saying breakfast is crucial 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.
Should you’d slightly simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing gentle to begin the day, La Colombe Espresso Roasters and Previous Metropolis Espresso Inc. are each strong decisions.
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 Corridor, 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 many times.
Each the Declaration of Independence and the Structure have been signed on this historic constructing. One may make the case that it’s crucial 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 12 months besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free in case you join within the customer’s heart. You may as well reserve on-line prematurely for a $1 price.
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!
Should you’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 affords, take a look at the Nationwide Park Service web site.
Tackle: 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
Must you wish 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 Nationwide Structure Heart, which is an interactive museum that’s enjoyable and informative for all ages. Tickets price $14.50 and embody a screening of the inspiring “Freedom Rising.” Head to their web site to learn all concerning the varied displays.
- One other nice possibility within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you possibly can be taught all about probably the most influential People by 5 totally different rooms, every targeted on a special character trait of his. Tickets price 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 price $21 and you should purchase them on-line right here. (This museum can also be included within the Sightseeing Go).
Lunch Break
For lunch, consistent 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 a couple of blocks to Penn’s Touchdown. Situated 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 lease kayaks and paddleboats or you possibly can simply hop on the ferry over to New Jersey to benefit from the views of the skyline.
In the course of the summer season months, Penn’s Touchdown steadily present films and have concert events. I wouldn’t personally advocate spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however in case you do, you possibly can go ice skating right here.
Be part of a Segway Journey
One other enjoyable solution to see a whole lot of town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway journey. Cruise alongside the river, move by 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 have fun slightly! It is a beer-loving metropolis, so sampling a couple of of the native suds positively must be in your record 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 all for brewing could wish to take a look at this extremely rated brewery expertise. You’ll be taught all concerning the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern totally different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).
Should you’re extra all for a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, take a look at this highly-rated meals tour, which incorporates consuming like an area at 5 totally different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do plenty of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!
Should you 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 wonderful Blissful Hour menu in addition to some moderately priced all-you-can-drink packages in case you’re actually trying to get together!
For a extra swanky environment, there’s the Stratus Rooftop Lounge. Situated atop the Resort Monaco, that is the place to see and be seen in downtown Philly.
Watch a Skilled Sports activities Recreation
As I discussed within the introduction, this can be 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 occurring.
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 unquestionably an expertise.
In search of 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 in case you 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 a couple of totally different choices for methods to 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
An effective 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 a whole 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 nearly 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!
Among the finest locations in Studying Terminal Market is Beiler’s Bakery for his or her delicious donuts.
Should you’re not that into the market however nonetheless need your fill of Homer Simpson’s favourite dish, head to Federal Donuts as a substitute.
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 slightly train — Philly fashion! 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 an excellent touristy factor to do? It certain is. Must you nonetheless do it? After all!
Those that are actually into the basic movie and wish to take it to the following degree can take a look at this Rocky film places 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
Should you’re going to run up all these stairs, you may as nicely go into the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork on the high. It has a large assortment and is likely one of the finest artwork museums I’ve ever been to.
Tickets for the museum price $25. Click on right 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.
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 attempt 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 sort of just like the Coney canine problem in my hometown of Detroit. You’ll simply must attempt them each and see which one you assume is finest. Good factor you’ll have 2 days in Philadelphia to attempt one on every day.
Discover the Magic Gardens
In spite of everything that meat, cheese, and bread, you may want a stroll. Good factor it’s simply quarter-hour to the following 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 blended media artwork atmosphere,” it’s a shocking place to go to.
Tickets are simply $10, however you must seize them on-line prematurely because it usually sells out. You may as well 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 all for 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 lots of the locations I’ve coated thus far and in addition features a beer in an area brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and value $45.
Night
Until you resolve to affix the strolling tour, wrap up an enormous 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 purchasing and snap pictures of vibrant avenue artwork.
There are such a lot of decisions for eating places alongside South Avenue that it’s sort of overwhelming. You will discover delicacies from all around the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and in every single place in between.
South Avenue can also 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 evening out right here, particularly on the weekend.
Hearken to Dwell Music
Should you have been hoping to squeeze some reside music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you possibly can see what’s enjoying on the Theater of Residing Arts. Another choice is the close by Twisted Tail, which often has reside 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 large 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 an excellent higher time in case you observe the following tips as nicely:
Weight loss program 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 food plan for after your journey and luxuriate in your self. The quinoa will nonetheless be there once 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’re taking within the environment and in addition burn off a few of these energy! You may see loads with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
When your toes 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 experience.
Skip the winter. I grew up between Detroit and Philly and lived in Beijing, so I’m no stranger to chilly climate. Should you’re touring to town for the primary time and need to get pleasure from your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough move. 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 a couple of occasions already however it’s price repeating — Philly is a sports activities metropolis. It’s an enormous a part of the native tradition and one thing you must expertise, even in case 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 together with the native stuff as a substitute. 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 known as SEPTA supplies an environment friendly and economical solution 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 in case you purchase it on board however simply $6.75 in case you e-book prematurely.
By Taxi
Taxis are additionally available on the airport. It’s a flat-rate cost of $32 to Heart Metropolis, the place you’ll possible be staying in 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
Should you’re already touring within the US, particularly from different large cities on the East Coast, you possibly can simply get to Philly by prepare or bus. Town is a significant hub for Amtrak on the Northeast Hall and Keystone traces.
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 thirtieth Avenue Station and you’ll switch to the SEPTA free of charge to get to Heart 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 could be tremendous low-cost in case you e-book nicely 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 reduce time spent shifting round. The easiest way to do this is by staying in both the Previous Metropolis or Heart 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 come back and go from the airport or prepare station, making your journey days much less worrying.
Being within the heart of Philadelphia additionally means you’ll be spoiled for decisions in the case of purchasing, eating, and nightlife. You even have loads of choices for lodging.
Listed below are a couple of of the perfect to go well with 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 equivalent to Logan Sq. or Society Hill.
FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia
Listed below are solutions to steadily requested questions on methods to get pleasure from Philadelphia in 2 days.
Philadelphia in two days is a pleasant period of time. Whether or not you’re in your solution to one other japanese US vacation spot, like New York Metropolis, otherwise you’re searching for a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia provides you with an excellent introduction to town, and should go away you wanting extra.
Two days in Philadelphia is loads of time to see historic sights, wander by 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 an expert sports activities sport.
As probably the most historic US cities, completely Philadelphia is price a day journey. Nonetheless, in case you have the time to spend a weekend in Philly, you’ll have the ability to get pleasure from extra of what this fascinating metropolis has to supply.
In line with a 2023 survey by USA As we speak, Philadelphia is probably the most walkable metropolis within the US. On foot, you’ll have the ability to 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 prepare is simple, so it’s positively price visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You would even do it on a day journey.
Now You Know The way to 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 wish to come again. It’s positively 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 trying ahead to the following time I can spend a weekend in Philly.
As you possibly can see, whereas Philly could reside 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 a fantastic attraction, restaurant, or bar to advocate? Drop a remark beneath!
Pictures for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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