Planning a fast getaway to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love? Learn on for an in depth have a look at how one can spend a weekend in Philadelphia.
In case you’re taken with 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 occasions through the years 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 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 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 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 stand 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 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 attractions you need to see, you would possibly need to think about getting the Sightseeing Move, which incorporates entrance to 35+ sights and prices $59. Click here for particulars.
Morning
They are saying breakfast is crucial meal of the day, and that’s positively true when you could 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.
In case you’d somewhat simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing gentle to begin 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 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 time and again.
Each the Declaration of Independence and the Structure have been signed on this historic constructing. One might 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 the event you join within the customer’s heart. You may also 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 reward 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!
In case you’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, take a look at the National Park Service website.
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 here are some options:
See Some Museums
Must you need 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 National Constitution Center, which is an interactive museum that’s enjoyable and informative for all ages. Tickets value $14.50 and embrace a screening of the inspiring “Freedom Rising.” Head to their website to learn all in regards to the varied reveals.
- One other nice possibility within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you may be taught all about one of the crucial influential People by way of 5 completely different rooms, every centered 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 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 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 a couple of blocks to Penn’s Landing. 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 potential to hire kayaks and paddleboats or you may 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 suggest spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however in the event you do, you may 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 adventure. 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 little bit! This can be a beer-loving metropolis, so sampling a couple of of the native suds positively must be in your checklist 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 among the most original bars within the metropolis. This consists of full beers at every place, and snacks.
These taken with brewing could need to take a look at this extremely rated brewery experience. You’ll be taught all in regards to the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern completely different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).
In case you’re extra taken with 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 number of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!
In case you simply need to do your individual factor, I like to recommend beginning out with a drink on the out of doors Independence Beer Garden. They’ve a wonderful Comfortable Hour menu in addition to some moderately priced all-you-can-drink packages in the event you’re actually trying to celebration!
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 residence to the Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA), Flyers (NHL), and Phillies (MLB), so there’s at all times a sport occurring.
Verify the calendar to see if one of many residence groups is enjoying throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a significant sporting occasion on this metropolis stuffed 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 in the event 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 provide you with a couple of completely different choices for how one can 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 begin the day is on a visit to Reading 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 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 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 may 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.
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 a substitute.
For the final word donut expertise, take a look at 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” Fashion)
After you’ve glad your longing for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with a little bit 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 identical to Stallone did within the film. Is it an excellent touristy factor to do? It positive is. Must you nonetheless do it? In fact!
Those that are actually into the traditional movie and need to take it to the subsequent stage can take a look at this Rocky movie locations 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
In case you’re going to run up all these stairs, you would possibly as properly go into the Philadelphia Museum of Art 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 here to e-book them on-line earlier than you go. You possibly can 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 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 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 greatest rival, Geno’s. It’s sort of just like the Coney canine problem in my hometown of Detroit. You’ll simply must 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 spite of everything that meat, cheese, and bread, you would possibly 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 atmosphere,” it’s a shocking place to go to.
Tickets are simply $10, however you must seize them on-line upfront because it typically sells out. You may also 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 taken with 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 to this point and likewise features a beer in a neighborhood brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and price $45.
Night
Except you resolve 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 procuring and snap pictures of vibrant avenue artwork.
There are such a lot of selections for eating places alongside South Avenue that it’s sort of overwhelming. You will discover cuisine from all over the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and in every single place in between.
South Avenue can also be residence to all kinds of bars, from traditional Irish pubs and hookah lounges to hipster bars with names like Tattooed Mom. It’s straightforward to decide on your individual journey and have a enjoyable evening out right here, particularly on the weekend.
Take heed to Dwell Music
In case you have been hoping to squeeze some dwell music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you may see what’s enjoying on the Theater of Living Arts. Another choice is the close by Twisted Tail, which often has dwell blues and likewise 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 Suggestions for two Days in Philadelphia
Following this weekend itinerary will assure a very good time in Philly. You’ll have an excellent higher time in the event you comply with the following tips as properly:
Eating regimen 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 while you get again.
Stroll or use public transport. Philadelphia is likely one of the most walkable cities in the US. Getting round on foot ensures you are taking within the environment and likewise burn off a few of these energy! You possibly can see lots with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
When your toes get drained, town has a fairly 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 experience.
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 town for the primary time and wish to take pleasure in your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough cross. Philly is rather more fulfilling when you may stroll between sights and benefit from the riverfront.
Go to a ballgame. I do know I discussed this a couple of occasions already but it surely’s value repeating — Philly is a sports activities metropolis. It’s a giant a part of the native tradition and one thing you must expertise, even in the event you’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 along with the native stuff as a substitute. 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 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 in the event you purchase it on board however simply $6.75 in the event 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 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
In case you’re already touring within the US, particularly from different huge cities on the East Coast, you may simply get to Philly by prepare or bus. The 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 30th Street Station and you may switch to the SEPTA at no 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 might be tremendous low cost in the event you e-book properly upfront.
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 decrease time spent shifting round. One of the best ways to do 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 most effective 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 nerve-racking.
Being within the heart 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 a couple of of the most effective 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 steadily requested questions on how one can 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 japanese US vacation spot, like New York Metropolis, otherwise you’re on the lookout for a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia gives you a very good introduction to town, and should depart 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 among 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 one of the crucial historic US cities, completely Philadelphia is value a day journey. Nevertheless, in case you have 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 line with a 2023 survey by USA Today, Philadelphia is probably the most walkable metropolis within the US. On foot, you’ll be capable to see lots of the metropolis’s sights throughout a weekend in Philly.
These two main japanese US cities are very shut, and getting between them by prepare is straightforward, so it’s positively value visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You would even do it on a day journey.
Now You Know Easy methods 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 need to come again. It’s positively a metropolis you may return to time and again 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 wanting ahead to the subsequent time I can spend a weekend in Philly.
As you may see, whereas Philly could dwell within the very huge shadow of New York, it has a lot to supply vacationers! E-book your journey and revel 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!
Images for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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