Planning a fast getaway to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love? Learn on for an in depth take a look at how you can spend a weekend in Philadelphia.
For those who’re considering 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 among my favourite American cities with you on this publish.
Weekend in Philadelphia: The Excellent 2 Day Itinerary
With 2 days in Philadelphia, you possibly can go to a few of crucial historic sights within the nation, watch knowledgeable sports activities sport, peruse public markets, try the superb museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!
For outside fanatics, there’s the scenic Penn’s Touchdown and the huge Fairmont Park. Relying on the time of yr, 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 need to get on the market and take advantage of your brief time. For the primary day, we’ll concentrate on 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 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 undoubtedly true when you will have a giant day of exploring a brand new metropolis forward of you!
Breakfast
One place I really useful for breakfast is FRIEDA, a European-style cafe with a killer weekend brunch menu.
For those who’d fairly simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing gentle to start out the day, La Colombe Espresso Roasters and Outdated Metropolis Espresso Inc. are each strong selections.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, 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 time and again.
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 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 middle. You too can 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!
For those who’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 presents, try 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 solutions:
See Some Museums
Do you have to need 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 Heart, which is an interactive museum that’s enjoyable and informative for all ages. Tickets value $14.50 and embody a screening of the inspiring “Freedom Rising.” Head to their web site to learn all concerning 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 distinct 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 reveals about this pivotal time within the nation’s historical past. Tickets value $21 and you should buy them on-line right here. (This museum can also be included within the Sightseeing Go).
Lunch Break
For lunch, in line 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.
Tackle: 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA ,19106, USA
Go to Penn’s Touchdown
Stroll just a few blocks to Penn’s Touchdown. Situated on the Delaware River, that is the place to be on a pleasant summer season day.
Take pleasure in a stroll alongside the tree-lined promenade or exit for some enjoyable on the river. It’s attainable 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 steadily present motion pictures and have concert events. 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 part of a Segway Journey
One other enjoyable option to see numerous town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway journey. Cruise alongside the river, go via 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 just a little! This can be a beer-loving metropolis, so sampling just a few of the native suds undoubtedly must be in your checklist 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 consists of full beers at every place, and snacks.
These considering brewing might need to try this extremely rated brewery expertise. You’ll study all concerning the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern completely different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).
For those who’re extra considering a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, try this highly-rated meals 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!
For those who simply need to do your individual factor, I like to recommend beginning out with a drink on the outside Independence Beer Backyard. They’ve a wonderful Pleased Hour menu in addition to some moderately priced all-you-can-drink packages if you happen to’re actually trying to occasion!
For a extra swanky ambiance, 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, 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 occurring.
Test the calendar to see if one of many dwelling groups is enjoying throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a serious sporting occasion on this metropolis filled with passionate followers is unquestionably an expertise.
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Day 2 in Philadelphia
Hopefully you didn’t go too laborious 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 how you can 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 start out the day is on a visit to Studying 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 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 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.
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.
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 final word donut expertise, try 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” Fashion)
After you’ve happy your longing for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with just a little train — Philly type! 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? In fact!
Those that are actually into the traditional movie and need to take it to the subsequent degree can try this Rocky film areas tour. You’ll journey to 4 completely different sights that have been used within the collection, together with the Italian Market.
Go to the Artwork Museum
For those who’re going to run up all these stairs, you may as properly go into the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork on the prime. It has an enormous assortment and is among the greatest artwork museums I’ve ever been to.
Tickets for the museum value $25. Click on right here to ebook 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.
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 frequent, however the most well-liked selection 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 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 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 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 considering 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 lined to this point and in addition features a beer in a neighborhood brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and value $45.
Night
Until 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 proper place to do a little bit of window buying and snap photographs of vibrant road artwork.
There are such a lot of selections for eating places alongside South Avenue that it’s form of overwhelming. You’ll find delicacies from everywhere in the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and all over the place in between.
South Avenue can also be dwelling to all kinds of bars, from traditional Irish pubs and hookah lounges to hipster bars with names like Tattooed Mother. It’s simple to decide on your individual journey and have a enjoyable evening out right here, particularly on the weekend.
Take heed to Reside Music
For those who 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 Residing Arts. An alternative choice is the close by Twisted Tail, which often has dwell 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 an excellent time in Philly. You’ll have a good higher time if you happen to observe the following tips as properly:
Weight loss plan later. Spending a weekend in Philadelphia is greatest when it consists of the finer issues in life, like cheesesteaks, donuts, and craft beer. Save that food regimen for after your journey and revel 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 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 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 wish to get pleasure from your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough go. Philly is far 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 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 must 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 crew 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 offers an environment friendly and economical option 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 ebook 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 doubtless 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 Practice or Bus
For those who’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 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 in the course of the day, for instance. They arrive on the thirtieth Avenue Station and you may switch to the SEPTA totally free 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 if you happen to ebook properly prematurely.
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 reduce time spent shifting round. One of the simplest ways to try this is by staying in both the Outdated Metropolis or Heart Metropolis space.
They’re proper subsequent to one another and both one places you in shut proximity to the very best sights like Independence Corridor and Penn’s Touchdown. It’s additionally tremendous simple 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 with regards to buying, eating, and nightlife. You even have loads of choices for lodging.
Listed here are just a few of the very best 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 here are solutions to steadily requested questions on how you can get pleasure from Philadelphia in 2 days.
Philadelphia in two days is a pleasant period of time. Whether or not you’re in your option to one other jap US vacation spot, like New York Metropolis, otherwise you’re in search of a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia offers 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 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 sport.
As one of the crucial historic US cities, completely Philadelphia is price a day journey. Nevertheless, when you have the time to spend a weekend in Philly, you’ll be capable to get pleasure from extra of what this fascinating metropolis has to supply.
Based on a 2023 survey by USA In the present day, Philadelphia is probably the most walkable metropolis within the US. On foot, you’ll be capable to 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 straightforward, so it’s undoubtedly price visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You can even do it on a day journey.
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 undoubtedly a metropolis you possibly can return to time and again 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 subsequent time I can spend a weekend in Philly.
As you possibly can see, whereas Philly might dwell within the very huge shadow of New York, it has lots to supply vacationers! E-book your journey and revel in your 2 days in Philadelphia.
Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Obtained an excellent attraction, restaurant, or bar to suggest? Drop a remark under!
Photographs for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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