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.
If you happen to’re keen on 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 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 one in all my favourite American cities with you on this put up.
Weekend in Philadelphia: The Good 2 Day Itinerary
With 2 days in Philadelphia, you’ll be able to go to a few of a very powerful historic sights within the nation, watch knowledgeable sports activities recreation, peruse public markets, try the wonderful museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!
For outside fanatics, there’s the scenic Penn’s Touchdown and the large Fairmont Park. Relying on the time of 12 months, you’ll be able to take pleasure in climbing, kayaking, biking, ice-skating, and extra.
Let’s get to it and see what you’ll be able to 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 take advantage of your quick time. For the primary day, we’ll deal with 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 think about 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 a very powerful meal of the day, and that’s positively true when you’ve got 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.
If you happen to’d relatively simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing gentle to start out the day, La Colombe Espresso Roasters and Outdated Metropolis Espresso Inc. are each stable selections.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 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 might make the case that it’s a very powerful 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 each day of the 12 months besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free if you happen to enroll within the customer’s middle. You too can 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 method again in 1752. It cracked, needed to be reformed, after which cracked once more. The bell has remained silent ever since!
If you happen to’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 gives, try the Nationwide Park Service web site.
Deal with: 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 below are some options:
See Some Museums
Must you 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 Nationwide Structure Middle, 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 numerous displays.
- One other nice choice within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you’ll be able to be taught all about probably the most influential People by way of 5 totally different rooms, every targeted on a distinct character trait of his. Tickets value 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 value $21 and you should purchase them on-line right here. (This museum can be included within the Sightseeing Cross).
Lunch Break
For lunch, in line with the day’s historic theme, you’ll be able to pop into Metropolis Tavern. Order off their 18th-century impressed menu on this basic restaurant the place the founding fathers as soon as dined.
Deal with: 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA ,19106, USA
Go to Penn’s Touchdown
Stroll a number of blocks to Penn’s Touchdown. Situated on the Delaware River, that is the place to be on a pleasant summer time 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’ll be able to simply hop on the ferry over to New Jersey to benefit from the views of the skyline.
In the course of the summer time months, Penn’s Touchdown regularly present films and have concert events. I wouldn’t personally suggest spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however if you happen to do, you’ll be able to go ice skating right here.
Be part of a Segway Journey
One other enjoyable technique to see a whole lot of town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway journey. Cruise alongside the river, cross 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 have fun a bit of! This can be a beer-loving metropolis, so sampling a number of 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 expertise and tour, you’ll get to go to a number of the most unusual bars within the metropolis. This consists of full beers at every place, and snacks.
These keen on brewing might wish to try 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!).
If you happen to’re extra keen on a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, try this highly-rated meals tour, which incorporates consuming like an area at 5 totally different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do a lot of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!
If you happen to 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 Pleased Hour menu in addition to some fairly priced all-you-can-drink packages if you happen to’re actually seeking to social gathering!
For a extra swanky ambiance, there’s the Stratus Rooftop Lounge. Situated 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 residence to the Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA), Flyers (NHL), and Phillies (MLB), so there’s at all times a recreation 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 certainly an expertise.
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Day 2 in Philadelphia
Hopefully you didn’t go too exhausting on night time one, however that’s completely comprehensible if you happen to 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 a number 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 take pleasure in 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 a whole lot of 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 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’ll be able to simply discover one thing for breakfast.
Deal with: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
Donuts for Breakfast!
The most effective locations in Studying Terminal Market is Beiler’s Bakery for his or her delicious donuts.
If you happen to’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 final 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 glad your yearning for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with a bit of 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 similar to Stallone did within the film. Is it a brilliant 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 stage can try this Rocky film areas 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
If you happen to’re going to run up all these stairs, you would possibly as properly go into the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork on the prime. 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 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 rapidly if you wish to see all of the rooms.
Deal with: 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 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 must attempt them each and see which one you assume is greatest. Good factor you’ll have 2 days in Philadelphia to attempt one on every day.
Discover the Magic Gardens
In any case 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 blended media artwork atmosphere,” it’s a surprising place to go to.
Tickets are simply $10, however it’s best to seize them on-line upfront because it typically sells out. You too can join this South Philadelphia strolling tour that features a go to right here.
Deal with: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19147, USA
Go on a Strolling Tour
These keen on 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 up to now 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 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 avenue artwork.
There are such a lot of selections for eating places alongside South Road that it’s form of overwhelming. You could find delicacies from all around the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and all over the place in between.
South Road can be residence 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 night time out right here, particularly on the weekend.
Take heed to Stay Music
If you happen to have been hoping to squeeze some dwell music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you’ll be able to see what’s taking part in on the Theater of Residing Arts. Another 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 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 Ideas for two Days in Philadelphia
Following this weekend itinerary will assure a very good time in Philly. You’ll have a fair higher time if you happen to observe the following tips as properly:
Weight loss program 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 plan for after your journey and revel in your self. The quinoa will nonetheless be there while 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 rather a lot with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
When your ft get drained, town has a reasonably stable public transportation system. For only a 2 day journey, you’ll be able to rely totally on the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop bus, which prices simply $2 per journey.
Skip the winter. I grew up between Detroit and Philly and lived in Beijing, so I’m no stranger to chilly climate. If you happen to’re touring to town for the primary time and want to take pleasure in your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough cross. Philly is rather more gratifying when you’ll be able to stroll between points of interest and benefit from the riverfront.
Go to a ballgame. I do know I discussed this a number of instances already nevertheless it’s value repeating — Philly is a sports activities metropolis. It’s a giant a part of the native tradition and one thing it’s best 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 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 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 offers an environment friendly and economical technique 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 e book 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 seemingly be staying on 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
If you happen to’re already touring within the US, particularly from different massive cities on the East Coast, you’ll be able to 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 thirtieth Road Station and you’ll switch to the SEPTA at no 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 might be tremendous low cost if you happen to e book properly 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 Outdated Metropolis or Middle 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 straightforward to return and go from the airport or prepare station, making your journey days much less aggravating.
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 below are a number of of the very best to go well with all budgets:
If you wish to be close to the motion however not fairly in the midst of it, you’ll be able to look to neighboring areas akin to Logan Sq. or Society Hill.
FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia
Listed below are solutions to regularly requested questions on methods 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 technique to one other jap US vacation spot, like New York Metropolis, otherwise you’re in search of a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia will provide you with a very good introduction to town, and will go away you wanting extra.
Two days in Philadelphia is loads of time to see historic sights, wander by way of hip neighborhoods, and take a look at 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 probably the most historic US cities, completely Philadelphia is value a day journey. Nevertheless, when you’ve got the time to spend a weekend in Philly, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in extra of what this fascinating metropolis has to supply.
In keeping with a 2023 survey by USA At this time, 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 prepare is simple, so it’s positively value visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You could possibly even do it on a day journey.
Now You Know How one can 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 positively a metropolis you’ll be able to 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 baby, on every of my return visits I’ve had a good time and was at all times capable of uncover new issues. And I’m nonetheless wanting ahead to the following time I can spend a weekend in Philly.
As you’ll be able to see, whereas Philly might dwell within the very massive shadow of New York, it has a lot to supply vacationers! Guide your journey and revel in your 2 days in Philadelphia.
Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Acquired an awesome attraction, restaurant, or bar to suggest? Drop a remark beneath!
Photos for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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