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 serious about 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 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 possibly can go to a few of an important historic sights within the nation, watch an expert sports activities sport, peruse public markets, take a look at the wonderful museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!

For outside fanatics, there’s the scenic Penn’s Touchdown and the large Fairmont Park. Relying on the time of yr, you possibly can get pleasure from mountaineering, kayaking, biking, ice-skating, and extra.

Let’s get to it and see what you possibly can stand 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 quick time. For the primary day, we’ll deal with the town’s wealthy historical past and dabble within the culinary and nightlife scenes.

Relying on what number of Philadelphia points of interest you wish to see, you may wish to think about getting the Sightseeing Move, 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 positively true when you’ve 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.

Should you’d slightly simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing mild to begin 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’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 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 each day of the yr besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free should you enroll within the customer’s heart. You may also reserve on-line prematurely for a $1 charge.

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 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!

Should 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 Nationwide Park Service web site.

Deal with: 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 below are some options:

See Some Museums

Must you wish to hold 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 value $14.50 and embrace a screening of the inspiring “Freedom Rising.” Head to their web site to learn all in regards to the numerous reveals.
• One other nice choice within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you possibly can study all about some of the influential Individuals via 5 totally different rooms, every centered on a unique 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 reveals 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 be included within the Sightseeing Move).

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 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.

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 time months, Penn’s Touchdown incessantly present films and have live shows. I wouldn’t personally advocate spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however should you do, you possibly can go ice skating right here.

Be a part of a Segway Journey

One other enjoyable option to see a number of the town in a short while is by hopping on a 2-hour Segway journey. Cruise alongside the river, move via 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 rejoice a bit! It is 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 original bars within the metropolis. This consists of full beers at every place, and snacks.

These serious about 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 totally different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).

Should you’re extra serious about a meals tour throughout your weekend in Philly, take a look at this highly-rated meals tour, which incorporates consuming like an area at 5 totally different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do plenty of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!

Should you simply wish to do your personal factor, I like to recommend beginning out with a drink on the outside Independence Beer Backyard. They’ve a superb Blissful Hour menu in addition to some moderately priced all-you-can-drink packages should you’re actually seeking to get together!

For a extra swanky environment, 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, 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 all the time a sport happening.

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

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Day 2 in Philadelphia

Hopefully you didn’t go too onerous on evening 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 a couple of totally 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

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 a number 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 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 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” Type)

After you’ve glad your longing 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 identical to Stallone did within the film. Is it a brilliant touristy factor to do? It certain is. Must you nonetheless do it? In fact!

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 areas 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 high. It has an enormous assortment and is without doubt one of the greatest artwork museums I’ve ever been to.

Tickets for the museum value $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 shortly 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 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 basically 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 should 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 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 called an “immersive blended media artwork setting,” it’s a shocking place to go to.

Tickets are simply $10, however it’s best to seize them on-line prematurely because it typically sells out. You may also join this South Philadelphia strolling tour that features a go to right here.

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

Go on a Strolling Tour

These serious about 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 lined to date and likewise features a beer in an area brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and price $45.

Night

Until you resolve 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 proper place to do a little bit of window procuring and snap pictures of vibrant avenue artwork.

There are such a lot of decisions for eating places alongside South Road that it’s sort of overwhelming. You will discover delicacies from all around the map right here, from Thailand to Morocco and in all places in between.

South Road can 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 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 possibly can see what’s enjoying 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 resolve 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 Suggestions for two Days in Philadelphia

Following this weekend itinerary will assure a great time in Philly. You’ll have an excellent higher time should you comply with the following tips as nicely:

Weight loss program 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 eating regimen 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’re taking within the environment and likewise burn off a few of these energy! You’ll be able to see rather a lot 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 possibly can 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 wish to get pleasure from your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough move. Philly is rather 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 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 it’s best 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 staff 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 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 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 should you purchase it on board however simply $6.75 should 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 seemingly 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 large cities on the East Coast, you possibly can 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 through the day, for instance. They arrive on the thirtieth Road Station and you’ll switch to the SEPTA at no 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 could be tremendous low cost should you e book nicely 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 shifting round. The easiest way 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 return and go from the airport or prepare station, making your journey days much less demanding.

Being within the heart of Philadelphia additionally means you’ll be spoiled for decisions in relation to procuring, eating, and nightlife. You even have loads of choices for lodging.

Listed below are a couple of of the very 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 possibly can look to neighboring areas comparable to Logan Sq. or Society Hill.

FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia

Listed below are solutions to incessantly requested questions on how you can get pleasure from Philadelphia in 2 days.

Now You Know 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 just wish to come again. It’s positively a metropolis you possibly can return to time and again and all the time 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 all the time 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 possibly can see, whereas Philly might reside within the very large 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 ideal attraction, restaurant, or bar to advocate? Drop a remark beneath!

Pictures for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock. 

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