Friday, March 22, 2024

Weekend in Philadelphia: The Good 2 Day Itinerary for 2023


Planning a fast getaway to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love? Learn on for an in depth have a look at how you can spend a weekend in Philadelphia.

Should you’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 dwelling in Philly with my household and have fond recollections of 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 in all my favourite American cities with you on this publish.

Weekend in Philadelphia: The Good 2 Day Itinerary

The Love Statue in the City of Brotherly Love: Philadelphia

With 2 days in Philadelphia, you possibly can go to a few of an important historic sights within the nation, watch an expert sports activities sport, peruse public markets, try 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 possibly can get pleasure from mountain climbing, kayaking, biking, ice-skating, and extra.

Let’s get to it and see what you possibly can rise up to with a weekend in Philadelphia!

Day 1 in Philadelphia

Independence Hall in Philadelphia

With simply two days in Philadelphia, you’ll need to get on the market and benefit from your brief 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 need to see, you would possibly need to contemplate getting the Sightseeing Go, which incorporates entrance to 35+ points of interest and prices $59. Click on right here for particulars.

Morning

They are saying breakfast is an important meal of the day, and that’s undoubtedly true when you’ve got a giant 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 begin the day, La Colombe Espresso Roasters and Previous 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 time and again.

Each the Declaration of Independence and the Structure have been signed on this historic constructing. One may make the case that it’s an important 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 on daily basis of the 12 months besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free should you enroll within the customer’s middle. You can too 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 manner 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 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 affords, 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 here are some strategies:

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 Nationwide Structure Heart, 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 web site to learn all concerning the varied displays.
  • One other nice possibility within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you possibly can study all about one of the influential Individuals via 5 completely different rooms, every centered 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 also be included within the Sightseeing Go).
The Museum of the American Revolution, a must-visit with two days in Philadelphia

Lunch Break

For lunch, in step with the day’s historic theme, you possibly can pop into Metropolis Tavern. Order off their 18th-century impressed menu on this traditional 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 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.

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 possibly can simply hop on the ferry over to New Jersey to benefit from the views of the skyline.

Throughout the summer season months, Penn’s Touchdown steadily present motion pictures and have concert events. I wouldn’t personally suggest spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however should you do, you possibly can go ice skating right here.

Penns Landing in Philadelphia

Be a part of a Segway Journey

One other enjoyable solution to see a number of town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway journey. Cruise alongside the river, cross via 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 a little bit! It is a beer-loving metropolis, so sampling just a few of the native suds undoubtedly 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 among the most unusual bars within the metropolis. This contains full beers at every place, and snacks.

These keen on brewing could need to try this extremely rated brewery expertise. You’ll study all concerning the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern completely different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).

Should you’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 completely different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do a number of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!

Should 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 superb Comfortable Hour menu in addition to some moderately priced all-you-can-drink packages should you’re actually trying to get together!

A colorful can of craft beer in Philadelphia

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 Recreation

As I discussed within the introduction, this can be a metropolis that completely loves sports activities. Philadelphia is dwelling to the Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA), Flyers (NHL), and Phillies (MLB), so there’s at all times a sport occurring.

Test the calendar to see if one of many dwelling groups is enjoying throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a serious sporting occasion on this metropolis filled with passionate followers is certainly an expertise.

On the lookout for Weekends Away in Different Main US Cities?

Day 2 in Philadelphia

Reading Terminal Market, a top place to visit on a weekend in Philadelphia

Hopefully you didn’t go too onerous on night time one, however that’s completely comprehensible should 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 offer you just a few completely different choices for how you 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 get pleasure from throughout a weekend in Philly.

Go to the Market

A good 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 a number of historical past right here.

The market has been working since manner 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 possibly can simply discover one thing for breakfast.

Deal with: 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.

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 last 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” Fashion)

After you’ve glad your longing for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with a little bit 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 a brilliant touristy factor to do? It positive is. Must you nonetheless do it? After all!

Those that are actually into the traditional movie and need to take it to the subsequent stage can try this Rocky film places tour. You’ll journey to 4 completely different sights that have been used within the sequence, together with the Italian Market.

You must visit the Rocky Statue during a weekend in Philadelphia

Go to the Artwork Museum

Should 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 an enormous assortment and is among the greatest artwork museums I’ve ever been to.

Tickets for the museum value $25. Click on right here to ebook 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 could 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 selection is Cheese Wiz. That’s proper, the gooey, cheese-like substance that basically isn’t cheese in any respect. Hey, it’s scrumptious!

A delicious Philly cheesesteak

Proper throughout the road is their largest rival, Geno’s. It’s type of just like the Coney canine problem in my hometown of Detroit. You’ll simply need to 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 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. Generally known as an “immersive blended media artwork atmosphere,” it’s a surprising place to go to.

Tickets are simply $10, however you need to seize them on-line upfront because it typically sells out. You can too join this South Philadelphia strolling tour that features a go to right here.

Deal with: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19147, USA

Magic Gardens is one of the top Philadelphia attractions.

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 lined to date and likewise features a beer in an area brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and value $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 type of overwhelming. You’ll find delicacies from all around the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and in every single place in between.

South Road can also be dwelling 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 personal journey and have a enjoyable night time out right here, particularly on the weekend.

The funky shops of South Street are worth a visit during your 2 days in Philadelphia.

Hearken to Dwell Music

Should you have been hoping to squeeze some stay music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you possibly can see what’s enjoying on the Theater of Residing Arts. Another 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

Have 2 days in Philadelphia? Go to a baseball game!

Following this weekend itinerary will assure time in Philly. You’ll have a good higher time should you observe the following tips as effectively:

Weight-reduction plan 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 plan 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 may see quite a bit with lengthy walks throughout 2 days in Philadelphia.

When your toes get drained, town has a reasonably stable public transportation system. For only a 2 day journey, you possibly can 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. Should you’re touring to town for the primary time and need to get pleasure from your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough cross. Philly is far more pleasing when you possibly can stroll between points of interest and benefit from the riverfront.

Go to a ballgame. I do know I discussed this just a few 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 you need to expertise, even should 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 path earlier than touring there.

Attending to Philadelphia

The Philadelphia skyline

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 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 should you purchase it on board however simply $6.75 should you ebook 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 Practice or Bus

Should you’re already touring within the US, particularly from different large cities on the East Coast, you possibly can simply get to Philly by prepare 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 may switch to the SEPTA without cost to get to Heart 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 should you ebook effectively upfront.

Greatest Locations to Keep for a Weekend in Philadelphia

A row of colorful townhouses, a possibility for where to stay with 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 try this is by staying in both the Previous Metropolis or Heart 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 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 the most effective to swimsuit all budgets:

If you wish to be close to the motion however not fairly in the course of it, you possibly can look to neighboring areas resembling 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 you can get pleasure from Philadelphia in 2 days.

What number of days do you have to spend in Philadelphia?

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 searching for a weekend getaway, two days in Philadelphia will provide you with introduction to town, and will go away you wanting extra.

Is 2 days in Philadelphia sufficient?

Two days in Philadelphia is loads of time to see historic sights, wander via 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 an expert sports activities sport.

Is Philadelphia value a day journey?

As one of the historic US cities, completely Philadelphia is value a day journey. Nevertheless, you probably have the time to spend a weekend in Philly, you’ll be capable of get pleasure from extra of what this fascinating metropolis has to supply.

Is Philadelphia a walkable metropolis?

In keeping with a 2023 survey by USA As we speak, Philadelphia is essentially the most walkable metropolis within the US. On foot, you’ll be capable of see most of the metropolis’s points of interest throughout a weekend in Philly.

Is it value visiting Philadelphia from New York?

These two main japanese US cities are very shut, and getting between them by prepare is simple, so it’s undoubtedly 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 get pleasure from your journey to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love a lot that you simply need to come again. It’s undoubtedly a metropolis you possibly can 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 capable of uncover new issues. And I’m nonetheless trying ahead to the subsequent time I can spend a weekend in Philly.

As you possibly can see, whereas Philly could stay within the very large shadow of New York, it has lots to supply vacationers! Ebook your journey and revel in your 2 days in Philadelphia.

Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Received a terrific attraction, restaurant, or bar to suggest? Drop a remark under!

Photos for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock. 

Like This Article? Pin It!

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Articles