Planning a fast getaway to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love? Learn on for an in depth take a look at find out how to 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 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 one among my favourite American cities with you on this submit.
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, take a look at 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 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 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 wish to see, you would possibly wish to take into account getting the Sightseeing Cross, 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 positively true when you’ve got 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.
In case you’d fairly simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing gentle to begin the day, La Colombe Espresso Roasters and Previous Metropolis Espresso Inc. are each strong decisions.
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 referred to as “America’s birthplace.” You’ll be able to’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 had 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 by day of the yr besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free for those who join within the customer’s middle. It’s also possible to 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 reward to the US from Nice Britain arrived approach 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 identify 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 presents, take a look at the Nationwide Park Service web site.
Tackle: 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 ideas:
See Some Museums
Do you have to wish 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 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’ll be able to study all about one of the vital influential People by means of 5 completely different rooms, every centered on a special 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 purchase them on-line right here. (This museum can be included within the Sightseeing Cross).
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 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 a couple of blocks to Penn’s Touchdown. Situated on the Delaware River, that is the place to be on a pleasant summer time day.
Take pleasure in a stroll alongside the tree-lined promenade or exit for some enjoyable on the river. It’s doable to hire 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 ceaselessly present films and have live shows. I wouldn’t personally suggest spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however for those who do, you’ll be able to go ice skating right here.
Be part of a Segway Journey
One other enjoyable option to see loads of the town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway journey. Cruise alongside the river, move by means 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 a good time a bit! It is a beer-loving metropolis, so sampling a couple 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 taken with brewing might wish 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 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 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!
In case 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 Completely satisfied Hour menu in addition to some fairly priced all-you-can-drink packages for those who’re actually trying to get together!
For a extra swanky environment, 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, this can be 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.
Verify the calendar to see if one of many house groups is enjoying throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a significant sporting occasion on this metropolis stuffed with passionate followers is certainly an expertise.
Searching for Weekends Away in Different Main US Cities?
Day 2 in Philadelphia
Hopefully you didn’t go too exhausting on evening one, however that’s completely comprehensible for those who 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 couple of completely different choices for find out how 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 begin the day is on a visit to Studying Terminal Market. As is the case with so many locations in Philly, there’s loads of historical past right here.
The market has been working since approach 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’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.
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 an alternative.
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” Model)
After you’ve glad your yearning for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with a bit 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 an excellent touristy factor to do? It certain is. Do you have to nonetheless do it? After all!
Those that are actually into the traditional movie and wish to take it to the subsequent degree can take a look at this Rocky film places tour. You’ll journey to 4 completely different sights that had 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 effectively go into the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork on the high. It has a large assortment and is among the finest 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’ll be able to 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 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 actually isn’t cheese in any respect. Hey, it’s scrumptious!
Proper throughout the road is their greatest rival, Geno’s. It’s type 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 finest. 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. Often called an “immersive combined media artwork setting,” it’s a surprising place to go to.
Tickets are simply $10, however you need to seize them on-line prematurely because it usually sells out. It’s also possible to 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 taken with 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 lots of the locations I’ve coated thus far and likewise features a beer in a neighborhood brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and price $45.
Night
Until you resolve to hitch 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 right place to do a little bit of window procuring and snap images of vibrant avenue artwork.
There are such a lot of decisions for eating places alongside South Road that it’s type of overwhelming. You could find delicacies from everywhere in the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and in every single place in between.
South Road can be house to all kinds of bars, from traditional 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
In case you had been hoping to squeeze some dwell music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you’ll be able to see what’s enjoying on the Theater of Dwelling 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 for those who comply with the following pointers as effectively:
Weight loss program later. Spending a weekend in Philadelphia is finest 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 whenever 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 likewise burn off a few of these energy! You’ll be able to see lots with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.
When your toes get drained, the town has a fairly strong 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. In case you’re touring to the town for the primary time and need to take pleasure in your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough move. Philly is rather more satisfying when you’ll be able to stroll between sights and benefit from the riverfront.
Go to a ballgame. I do know I discussed this a couple of 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 you need to expertise, even for those who’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 often called SEPTA supplies 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 for those who purchase it on board however simply $6.75 for those who 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 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 Prepare or Bus
In case 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 prepare or bus. Town is a significant hub for Amtrak on the Northeast Hall and Keystone strains.
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 free of charge 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 may be tremendous low cost for those who e-book effectively prematurely.
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 decrease time spent transferring round. One of the simplest 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 very best sights like Independence Corridor and Penn’s Touchdown. It’s additionally tremendous straightforward to come back and go from the airport or prepare station, making your journey days much less demanding.
Being within the middle of Philadelphia additionally means you’ll be spoiled for decisions in the case of procuring, eating, and nightlife. You even have loads of choices for lodging.
Listed here are a couple of 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’ll be able to look to neighboring areas equivalent to Logan Sq. or Society Hill.
FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia
Listed here are solutions to ceaselessly requested questions on find out how 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 option to one other jap US vacation spot, like New York Metropolis, otherwise you’re searching for a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia provides you with a very good introduction to the town, and should depart you wanting extra.
Two days in Philadelphia is loads of time to see historic sights, wander by means 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 sport.
As one of the vital historic US cities, completely Philadelphia is price a day journey. Nonetheless, if in case you 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 keeping with a 2023 survey by USA Right now, Philadelphia is probably the most walkable metropolis within the US. On foot, you’ll have the ability to see lots of the metropolis’s sights 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 price visiting Philadelphia from New York Metropolis. You possibly can even do it on a day journey.
Now You Know How you 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 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 baby, 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 trying ahead to the subsequent time I can spend a weekend in Philly.
As you’ll be able to see, whereas Philly might dwell within the very huge shadow of New York, it has a lot to supply vacationers! Ebook your journey and revel in your 2 days in Philadelphia.
Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Obtained an incredible attraction, restaurant, or bar to suggest? Drop a remark beneath!
Photos for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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