Planning a fast getaway to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love? Learn on for an in depth take a look at methods to spend a weekend in Philadelphia.
When you’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 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 put up.
Weekend in Philadelphia: The Excellent 2 Day Itinerary
With 2 days in Philadelphia, you may go to among the most vital historic sights within the nation, watch knowledgeable 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 fanatics, there’s the scenic Penn’s Touchdown and the large Fairmont Park. Relying on the time of yr, you may take pleasure in mountain climbing, 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 quick 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 need to see, you would possibly need to think about getting the Sightseeing Move, which incorporates entrance to 35+ sights and prices $59. Click on right here for particulars.
Morning
They are saying breakfast is crucial meal of the day, and that’s positively true when you’ve a giant day of exploring a brand new metropolis forward of you!
Breakfast
One place I really helpful for breakfast is FRIEDA, a European-style cafe with a killer weekend brunch menu.
When you’d fairly simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing mild to start out 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 the USA!
To go to Independence Corridor, you’ll want to leap on a guided tour. These run every single day of the yr besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free in the event you join within the customer’s heart. You may as well reserve on-line prematurely for a $1 payment.
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!
When 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 affords, take a look at the Nationwide Park Service web site.
Handle: 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
Must you need to preserve 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 possibility within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you may study all about one of the influential People by 5 totally different rooms, every centered on a special 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 also be included within the Sightseeing Move).
Lunch Break
For lunch, in step with the day’s historic theme, you may pop into Metropolis Tavern. Order off their 18th-century impressed menu on this basic 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 Touchdown. Positioned 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 attainable 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.
Throughout the summer time months, Penn’s Touchdown often present motion pictures and have live shows. 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 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 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 have a good time just a little! 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 expertise and tour, you’ll get to go to among the most unusual bars within the metropolis. This contains full beers at every place, and snacks.
These considering brewing could need to take a look at this extremely rated brewery expertise. You’ll study all in regards to the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern totally different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).
When you’re extra considering a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, take a look at this highly-rated meals tour, which incorporates consuming like a neighborhood at 5 totally different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do a lot of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!
When you simply need 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 in the event you’re actually trying to get together!
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, 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 at all times a sport happening.
Examine the calendar to see if one of many house groups is enjoying throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a serious sporting occasion on this metropolis stuffed with passionate followers is certainly an expertise.
In search of Weekends Away in Different Main US Cities?
Day 2 in Philadelphia
Hopefully you didn’t go too arduous on night time one, however that’s completely comprehensible in the event you 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 provide you with a couple 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
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 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.
When you’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, 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” Type)
After you’ve glad your yearning for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with just a little train — Philly model! 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 positive is. Must you nonetheless do it? In fact!
Those that are actually into the basic movie and need to take it to the subsequent degree can take a look at 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
When you’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 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 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 widespread, 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 should 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 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 blended media artwork surroundings,” it’s a surprising place to go to.
Tickets are simply $10, however you need to seize them on-line prematurely because it typically sells out. You may as well 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 considering getting a bit extra out of their weekend in Philadelphia can take a look at this highly-rated Founding Fathers Historic Strolling Tour.
The tour visits most of the locations I’ve lined to date and likewise features a beer in a neighborhood brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and value $45.
Night
Except you determine 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 purchasing and snap photographs of vibrant road artwork.
There are such a lot of decisions 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 in every single place in between.
South Avenue can also be house 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 personal journey and have a enjoyable night time out right here, particularly on the weekend.
Hearken to Dwell Music
When you have been hoping to squeeze some stay music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you may see what’s enjoying on the Theater of Dwelling Arts. An alternative choice is the close by Twisted Tail, which normally has stay 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 huge itinerary for a Philadelphia weekend journey!
Insider Ideas for two Days in Philadelphia
Following this weekend itinerary will assure time in Philly. You’ll have a fair higher time in the event you comply with the following tips as effectively:
Weight loss program 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 revel in your self. The quinoa will nonetheless be there if you get again.
Stroll or use public transport. Philadelphia is among the most walkable cities within the US. Getting round on foot ensures you’re taking within the environment and likewise burn off a few of these energy! You possibly can see rather a lot with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
When your ft get drained, the town has a reasonably stable 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. When 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 satisfying when you may stroll between sights and benefit from the riverfront.
Go to a ballgame. I do know I discussed this a couple of instances already nevertheless 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 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 staff additionally loves beer. Don’t come to Philly and order a Heineken or a Corona. Go along 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 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 prematurely.
By Taxi
Taxis are additionally available on the airport. It’s a flat-rate cost 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
When you’re already touring within the US, particularly from different huge cities on the East Coast, you may 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 Avenue Station and you’ll switch to the SEPTA without 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 will be tremendous low-cost in the event you e-book effectively 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 the town and reduce time spent transferring 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 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 hectic.
Being within the heart of Philadelphia additionally means you’ll be spoiled for decisions relating to purchasing, eating, and nightlife. You even have loads of choices for lodging.
Listed here are a couple of of one of the best to swimsuit all budgets:
If you wish to be close to the motion however not fairly in the course of it, you may look to neighboring areas comparable to Logan Sq. or Society Hill.
FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia
Listed here are solutions to often 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 japanese US vacation spot, like New York Metropolis, otherwise you’re searching for a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia gives you introduction to the town, and should depart you wanting extra.
Two days in Philadelphia is loads of time to see historic sights, wander by hip neighborhoods, and check out 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 have the ability to take pleasure in extra of what this fascinating metropolis has to supply.
In response to a 2023 survey by USA Right this moment, Philadelphia is probably the most walkable metropolis within the US. On foot, you’ll have the ability to 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 straightforward, so it’s positively price visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You possibly can 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 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 may see, whereas Philly could stay 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 ideal attraction, restaurant, or bar to suggest? Drop a remark under!
Photographs for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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