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.
Should you’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 residing in Philly with my household and have fond reminiscences of the town. I’ve been again a number of instances through the years 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 publish.
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 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’ll be able to take pleasure in mountain 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 brief time. For the primary day, we’ll concentrate on the town’s wealthy historical past and dabble within the culinary and nightlife scenes.
Relying on what number of Philadelphia sights you wish to see, you may wish to contemplate getting the Sightseeing Go, which incorporates entrance to 35+ sights 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 undoubtedly true when you might have an enormous 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.
Should you’d reasonably simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing gentle to start out the day, La Colombe Espresso Roasters and Outdated Metropolis Espresso Inc. are each stable selections.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 an enormous 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 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 day-after-day of the yr besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free when you join within the customer’s middle. You may as well 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 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!
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 provides, 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 ideas:
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 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 reveals.
- One other nice choice within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you’ll be able to study all about one of the influential People by way of 5 totally different rooms, every centered on a unique 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 reveals about this pivotal time within the nation’s historical past. Tickets price $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 step 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.
Tackle: 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.
Take pleasure in 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.
Through the summer season 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 when you do, you’ll be able to go ice skating right here.
Be a part of a Segway Journey
One other enjoyable solution to see quite a lot of the 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 just a few of the native suds undoubtedly 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 among the most unusual bars within the metropolis. This consists of full beers at every place, and snacks.
These interested by brewing could wish to try this extremely rated brewery expertise. You’ll study all concerning the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern totally different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).
Should you’re extra interested by a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, try this highly-rated meals tour, which incorporates consuming like a neighborhood at 5 totally different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do a number 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 fairly priced all-you-can-drink packages when you’re actually trying to social gathering!
For a extra swanky environment, there’s the Stratus Rooftop Lounge. Positioned atop the Resort 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, this can be 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 happening.
Examine 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 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 when 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 just a few totally 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 take pleasure in throughout a weekend in Philly.
Go to the Market
An effective 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 quite a 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 virtually 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’ll be able to simply discover one thing for breakfast.
Tackle: 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.
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 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” Type)
After you’ve happy your longing for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with a bit of train — Philly model! 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 subsequent stage can try 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 prime. It has a large assortment and is without doubt one of the greatest 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 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.
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 the 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 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 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 suppose 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 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 known as an “immersive blended media artwork atmosphere,” it’s a surprising place to go to.
Tickets are simply $10, however it is best to seize them on-line upfront 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 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 to date 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 determine to affix the strolling tour, wrap up an enormous weekend in Philadelphia with a stroll alongside the hip South Road.
Wander Round South Road
South Road It’s the proper place to do a little bit of window procuring and snap images of vibrant road artwork.
There are such a lot of selections for eating places alongside South Road that it’s form of overwhelming. Yow will discover delicacies from all around the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and in every single place in between.
South Road can also 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 evening out right here, particularly on the weekend.
Take heed to Reside Music
Should you have been hoping to squeeze some reside 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 often has reside blues and likewise 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 large itinerary for a Philadelphia weekend journey!
Insider Suggestions for two Days in Philadelphia
Following this weekend itinerary will assure a superb time in Philly. You’ll have a fair higher time when you comply with the following pointers as nicely:
Weight-reduction 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 weight loss plan 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 without doubt one of the most walkable cities within 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 quite a bit with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
When your ft get drained, the town has a fairly 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 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 the 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 pleasing when you’ll be able to stroll between sights and benefit from the riverfront.
Go to a ballgame. I do know I discussed this just a few instances 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 it is best to expertise, even when 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 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 called 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 when you purchase it on board however simply $6.75 when you e-book upfront.
By Taxi
Taxis are additionally available on the airport. It’s a flat-rate cost of $32 to Heart 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
Should you’re already touring within the US, particularly from different huge cities on the East Coast, you’ll be able to simply get to Philly by practice or bus. The town is a serious hub for Amtrak on the Northeast Hall and Keystone traces.
There are trains coming into Philadelphia from Washington DC and New York each hour throughout the day, for instance. They arrive on the thirtieth Road Station and you’ll switch to the SEPTA without cost to get to Heart 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 will be tremendous low cost when you e-book nicely upfront.
Finest Locations to Keep for a Weekend in Philadelphia
With only a weekend, you’ll wish to maximize your time spent having fun with the town and reduce time spent shifting round. The easiest way to do 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 one of the best sights like Independence Corridor and Penn’s Touchdown. It’s additionally tremendous straightforward to return and go from the airport or practice station, making your journey days much less irritating.
Being within the middle of Philadelphia additionally means you’ll be spoiled for selections in terms of procuring, eating, and nightlife. You even have loads of choices for lodging.
Listed here are just a few of one of the 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 similar to Logan Sq. or Society Hill.
FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia
Listed here are solutions to regularly requested questions on how you 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 solution to one other japanese 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 superb introduction to the 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 among 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 historic US cities, completely Philadelphia is price a day journey. Nonetheless, you probably have 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 At this time, Philadelphia is probably the most walkable metropolis within the US. On foot, you’ll be capable of see most of the metropolis’s sights throughout a weekend in Philly.
These two main japanese US cities are very shut, and getting between them by practice is simple, so it’s undoubtedly price visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You possibly can even do it on a day journey.
Now You Know The best way 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 wish to come again. It’s undoubtedly 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 toddler, 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 subsequent time I can spend a weekend in Philly.
As you’ll be able to see, whereas Philly could reside 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? Acquired a fantastic attraction, restaurant, or bar to suggest? Drop a remark under!
Pictures for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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