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.
For those who’re interested by 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 certainly one of my favourite American cities with you on this put up.
Weekend in Philadelphia: The Excellent 2 Day Itinerary
With 2 days in Philadelphia, you possibly can go to a number of the most vital historic sights within the nation, watch knowledgeable sports activities recreation, peruse public markets, try the superb museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!
For out of doors fanatics, there’s the scenic Penn’s Touchdown and the huge Fairmont Park. Relying on the time of yr, you possibly can take pleasure in mountaineering, kayaking, biking, ice-skating, and extra.
Let’s get to it and see what you possibly can stand 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 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 contemplate 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 crucial meal of the day, and that’s undoubtedly true when you might have a giant day of exploring a brand new metropolis forward of you!
Breakfast
One place I beneficial for breakfast is FRIEDA, a European-style cafe with a killer weekend brunch menu.
For those who’d reasonably 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 stable decisions.
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, also called “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 repeatedly.
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 america!
To go to Independence Corridor, you’ll want to leap on a guided tour. These run on daily basis of the yr besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free if you happen to join within the customer’s heart. You can even 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 heaps extra to see right here, together with the well-known Liberty Bell.
This present to the US from Nice Britain arrived means again in 1752. It cracked, needed to be reformed, after which cracked once more. The bell has remained silent ever since!
For those who’re questioning the place the title comes from, it’s due to the quote that’s etched into the facet: “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 Nationwide Park Service web site.
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 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 Previous Metropolis.
- There’s the Nationwide Structure Middle, 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 in regards to the varied reveals.
- One other nice choice within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you possibly can study all about one of the crucial influential People via 5 completely different rooms, every targeted on a unique 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 reveals 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 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 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 Touchdown. 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 potential 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.
Through the summer season months, Penn’s Touchdown continuously present motion pictures and have live shows. I wouldn’t personally suggest spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however if you happen to do, you possibly can go ice skating right here.
Be a part of a Segway Journey
One other enjoyable method to see lots of town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway journey. 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 somewhat! 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 number of the most original bars within the metropolis. This contains full beers at every place, and snacks.
These interested by brewing could wish to try this extremely rated brewery expertise. You’ll study all in regards to the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern completely different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).
For those who’re extra interested by a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, try this highly-rated meals tour, which incorporates consuming like an area at 5 completely different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do a number of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!
For those who simply wish to do your personal factor, I like to recommend beginning out with a drink on the out of doors Independence Beer Backyard. They’ve a wonderful Completely happy Hour menu in addition to some fairly priced all-you-can-drink packages if you happen to’re actually seeking to celebration!
For a extra swanky ambiance, 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 Recreation
As I discussed within the introduction, it is a metropolis that completely loves sports activities. Philadelphia is house to the Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA), Flyers (NHL), and Phillies (MLB), so there’s all the time a recreation happening.
Examine the calendar to see if one of many house groups is taking part in throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a significant sporting occasion on this metropolis filled with passionate followers is unquestionably an expertise.
Searching 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 if you happen to 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 provide you with just a few completely 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 lots of historical past right here.
The market has been working since means 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 possibly can simply discover one thing for breakfast.
Handle: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
Donuts for Breakfast!
Top-of-the-line locations in Studying Terminal Market is Beiler’s Bakery for his or her delicious donuts.
For those who’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 yearning for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with somewhat train — Philly type! 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. Do you have to nonetheless do it? After all!
Those that are actually into the traditional movie and wish to take it to the following degree can try this Rocky film places 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
For those who’re going to run up all these stairs, you would possibly as effectively go into the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork on the prime. It has a large assortment and is among the greatest artwork museums I’ve ever been to.
Tickets for the museum price $25. Click on right here to guide them on-line earlier than you go. You possibly can 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 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 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 largest rival, Geno’s. It’s type of just like the Coney canine problem in my hometown of Detroit. You’ll simply should 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 spite of everything that meat, cheese, and bread, you would possibly 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 combined media artwork surroundings,” it’s a surprising place to go to.
Tickets are simply $10, however you need to seize them on-line upfront because it typically sells out. You can even join this South Philadelphia strolling tour that features a go to right here.
Handle: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19147, USA
Go on a Strolling Tour
These interested by getting a bit extra out of their weekend in Philadelphia can try this highly-rated Founding Fathers Historic Strolling Tour.
The tour visits most 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 price $45.
Night
Until you resolve to affix 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 proper place to do a little bit of window buying and snap pictures of vibrant road artwork.
There are such a lot of decisions for eating places alongside South Avenue that it’s type 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 be house to all kinds of bars, from traditional Irish pubs and hookah lounges to hipster bars with names like Tattooed Mother. It’s straightforward to decide on your personal journey and have a enjoyable evening out right here, particularly on the weekend.
Take heed to Stay Music
For those who have been hoping to squeeze some dwell music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you possibly can see what’s taking part in on the Theater of Dwelling 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 Suggestions for two Days in Philadelphia
Following this weekend itinerary will assure a great time in Philly. You’ll have a good higher time if you happen to observe the following pointers as effectively:
Weight loss 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 weight loss program 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 among 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 possibly can see loads with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
When your ft get drained, town has a fairly stable 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. For those who’re touring to town for the primary time and want to take pleasure in your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough move. Philly is way more pleasing 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 however it’s price repeating — Philly is a sports activities metropolis. It’s a giant a part of the native tradition and one thing you need to expertise, even if you happen to’re not an enormous fan.
Drink native. It ought to come as no shock {that a} metropolis that loves its sports activities workforce 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 positioned 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 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 if you happen to purchase it on board however simply $6.75 if you happen to guide upfront.
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 Practice or Bus
For those who’re already touring within the US, particularly from different large cities on the East Coast, you possibly can 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 through the day, for instance. They arrive on the thirtieth Avenue Station and you may switch to the SEPTA totally free 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 could be tremendous low cost if you happen to guide effectively upfront.
Greatest 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 try 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 come back and go from the airport or practice station, making your journey days much less nerve-racking.
Being within the heart of Philadelphia additionally means you’ll be spoiled for decisions on the subject 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 possibly can 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 continuously 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 japanese US vacation spot, like New York Metropolis, otherwise you’re on the lookout for a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia provides you with a great introduction to town, and will 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 number 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 price a day journey. Nonetheless, when you’ve got 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 keeping with a 2023 survey by USA Immediately, 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 japanese US cities are very shut, and getting between them by practice is straightforward, so it’s undoubtedly price visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You possibly can even do it on a day journey.
Now You Know Find out 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 simply wish to come again. It’s undoubtedly a metropolis you possibly can 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 trying ahead to the following time I can spend a weekend in Philly.
As you possibly can see, whereas Philly could dwell within the very large shadow of New York, it has a lot to supply vacationers! Ebook your journey and luxuriate in your 2 days in Philadelphia.
Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Acquired a fantastic attraction, restaurant, or bar to suggest? Drop a remark under!
Photographs for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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