Philadelphia is full of historical sites, good eats, and cultural institutions. From colonial-era attractions to modern art, there is more than enough to occupy any amount of time you have in this great city. If you’re planning a trip, a weekend in Philadelphia will let you see some of the top sites and then dig a little bit deeper to visit places casual visitors may miss.
As locals, we’ve spent a lot of time getting to know many of the best sites and restaurants. Because a weekend trip is still a quick visit, we’ve focused our recommendations on some of the most unique things to see, while keeping geography in mind. This 2 day itinerary is designed to minimize back-tracking while still covering some of the best places to go in a weekend based on our own experiences.
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Day 1: Historic Philadelphia
We start out focused on Old City, which is a top priority for most people visiting for the first time. This neighborhood is the historic core of the city, notable for being the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed, where Benjamin Franklin experimented with electricity, and where the first U.S. presidents lived. It also has museums, lively waterfront parks and piers, art galleries, and great restaurants to try.
Breakfast
There are lots of options for breakfast in Old City. Talula’s Daily and Old City Coffee are two of our favorites. They are both within a few blocks of the main historic sites, so they’re not far out of your way if you’re staying in the neighborhood.
Talula’s Daily has pastries and egg dishes to fuel your morning plus a full coffee bar. We love the market vegetable frittata paired with a salted caramel latte, and the breakfast burrito is also excellent.
Depending on where you’re staying, Old City Coffee a couple of blocks away may be more convenient. This shop has been a Philadelphia institution for nearly 40 years. They roast their own beans and offer housemade scones, muffins, and other light breakfast items.
Independence Hall
Visiting Independence Hall is a must if it’s your first trip to Philadelphia. It’s always one of our first stops with out-of-town visitors, and, somehow, we learn something different.
The building is over 250 years old and is the location where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. A 20-minute tour lets you see inside, which looks much like it did during colonial times. The tour includes the history of Independence Hall and the importance of the conventions held here as the founding fathers debated the tenets of freedom (for some people) and conceptualized a new country. Several original artifacts are on display, including George Washington’s chair.
Independence Hall tickets are just $1, and it’s a good idea to reserve in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the summer (they’re generally not required in January). Make sure to leave time to go through the security screening before your tour.
It may also be possible to see Congress Hall, the location of the first US House of Representatives and Senate, which is within the secure zone adjacent to Independence Hall. We definitely recommend a stop if the building is open.
Liberty Bell
Right outside Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell is housed in a small museum that is free to visit. Exhibits detail the bell’s origins, its famous crack, and how it became such a prominent symbol of freedom.
If you’re short on time and just want to see the Liberty Bell itself, make a beeline straight to the back of the building after you go through security. Alternatively, if you don’t want to wait in line at all, head to the south end of the building where you can see the bell 24/7. It’s even lit up at night.
More National Historical Park sites
There are lots of lesser-known sites in the area to visit if your love of history runs deep. All of these are within a few blocks of each other and are free to enter. While we don’t consider them places you absolutely must visit, they may be appealing depending on your interests. And, again, they’re free, so you have nothing to lose.
- Old City Hall — The meeting site of the US Supreme Court while Philadelphia was the capital.
- Second Bank of the United States — Portraits of notable people who were prominent during the Revolution and the early days of the United States hang in a gallery here. Many are the work of artist Charles Willson Peale who was well-known for his portraits of George Washington.
- Carpenters’ Hall — An 18th-century building at the end of a cobblestone path hosted the First Continental Congress. The delegates’ chairs and the banner from the 1788 Constitutional parade are displayed, and there are rotating historical exhibits.
- Presidents House — This open-air space is built on the foundations of a house once occupied by George Washington and John Adams. The exhibit addresses the fundamental disconnect between the founding fathers’ declarations about freedom and equality while many supported slavery. It tells the story of some of the people who were enslaved there.
Elfreth’s Alley
Head a few blocks north to Elfreth’s Alley, a charming street with brightly painted doors that is one of the most popular places to visit in Philadelphia. No matter how many times we walk it, we always notice something new. Plus, homeowners often put up seasonal decorations, which is fun to see.
The oldest residential street in the US, there are centuries of history in Elfreth’s Alley. Visit the museum located in the former homes at 124-126, which tells the history of the street and the tradesmen who lived here when it was built.
Christ Church and its Burial Ground
Nearby, Christ Church and Christ Church Burial ground are interesting places to learn more about history and see the graves of lots of notable people. The church, which still operates today, welcomed presidents and dignitaries during colonial times. On a visit, you can see the marked pews where William Penn’s family, Ben Franklin’s family, and others regularly sat. If you visit on Wednesdays in the summer or fall, you may encounter the excellent farmer’s market which is worth visiting for local treats.
While there are some graves at the church site, the Christ Church Burial Ground is a couple of blocks away. It is the resting place of signers of the Declaration of Independence and leaders like Dr. Philip Syng Physick who is known at the “father of modern surgery” (you can still tour his house on 4th and Cypress).
Benjamin Franklin is certainly the most famous person buried here. His grave is typically covered with pennies, an homage to his “a penny saved is a penny earned” adage. If you don’t pay to enter the burial ground, you can still see Franklin’s grave through a cut out in the wall at the cemetery’s northwest corner.
Cherry Street Pier
Nearby, Cherry Street Pier offers a contemporary break from all the history. This unique spot is a 100-year-old municipal pier that has been converted into a mixed-use space. It’s full of artworks done by local artists who have workshops here.
During the summer and on the weekends, concessions are open and the space becomes a beer garden, so this is a great place to stop for lunch if you’re hungry. One of our favorite things on a nice day is to enjoy a drink and a meal with incredible views of the Delaware River and to browse all the artwork. On weekends, there are often markets featuring local artisans and other special events. It’s one of the most unique spaces in the city.
Lunch
If lunch at Cherry Street Pier doesn’t float your boat or you just really want a Philly cheesesteak, head to Campo’s. For more than 70 years, Campo’s has made some of the best cheesesteaks and specialty sandwiches in the city. They pride themselves on great service and are open every day.
If you’ve never had a cheesesteak before, it’s important to know that steak, cheese, and onions are the only acceptable ingredients for an authentic cheesesteak (exceptions may be made for chicken). Order based on what type of cheese you want and whether you want onions (“wit” or “witout”). For instance, if you want the sandwich with onions and wiz (Cheez Whiz-like cheese), you would order “wiz wit.” If you want provolone and no onions, you would order “provolone witout.” However, the nice folks at Campo’s will be pleased to serve you even if you don’t order like a local.
Betsy Ross House
A self-guided tour of Betsy Ross’s 1740s house lets visitors see her upholstery shop, the room where she is reported to have sewn the first flag, and more. After exploring the floors, you can meet Betsy herself and talk about her experiences. The tour takes less than an hour.
If you’re visiting with kids in the summer, keep an eye out for the storytelling bench out front. You’ll often find a costumed storyteller telling tales about colonial-era Philadelphia.
Washington Square
If time allows, make the next stop Washington Square. This tree-filled park has plenty of seating to enjoy nice weather. We’ve also encountered different performances and pop-up events here, so you never know what you might find.
In addition to being a nice park, Washington Square is quite historic. First established in 1682, it was used as a burial ground for Revolutionary War soldiers and victims of the yellow fever outbreak of 1793 (as a result, there are rumors of paranormal activity). A large monument—the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier—in the middle of the park includes a soldier’s remains, an eternal flame, and a statue of George Washington after whom the park was named.
Dinner
Spanish restaurant Amada serves some of the best tapas and pintxos in the city. The menu features more than 40 options, so it’s fun to try lots of different small dishes. From tortilla Española to gambas al ajillo, the selection is excellent.
Alternatives: If you’d rather go for Asian-inspired cuisine, Buddakan is our pick in Old City. Don’t miss the edamame dumplings. Other excellent options include the seasonal offerings at Fork, sushi at Tuna Bar (try the Hurts roll named after the Eagles’ quarterback), or modern Israeli at Zahav. If you want to dine at Zahav, you’ll need to plan well ahead to get a reservation.
After-dinner drinks
For an after dinner drink, one of the most lively places nearby is Independence Beer Garden. This sizeable space that overlooks Independence Mall has tons of seating in unique environments such as a re-purposed shipping container. There is a projection TV and games to play like ping pong and a giant Jenga. The beer garden has 2 bars with 40 local and domestic craft beers plus a small selection of cocktails and wine. It’s always a lot of fun and is open April through October.
Alternatives: For something completely different, Almanac is a really cool new Japanese-American cocktail bar making inventive drinks with ingredients you probably haven’t tried before. We highly recommend it. If you’d like a more upscale rooftop vibe, Stratus Lounge is nearby (although, disappointingly, it lacks a view).
Day 2: Parks, Art, and Great Food
The second day explores a different side of the city. It starts in the Rittenhouse neighborhood, one of the city’s nicest areas. After that, you visit an unusual space in South Philly before venturing to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and University City.
Brunch
Parc, a French brasserie right on Rittenhouse Square Park, is a great place to start the day with brunch. The restaurant’s menu is renowned across Philadelphia and beyond. We know people who would crawl over a sea of broken glass just to have their bread basket. Their cheesy, herby French onion soup is also a wonder, and they’re known for their fruits de mer.
Get a sidewalk table if you can and indulge in croissants, Champagne, and their fabulous brunch specialties. You’ll probably need to reserve a few weeks in advance for this one.
Alternative: One spot that might be slightly easier to get into is The Dandelion, a cozy British-style pub that makes some of the best fish and chips I’ve had this side of the Atlantic. If you’d prefer a more grab-and-go style breakfast, head to Kismet Bagel, a local favorite that has bagels with creative schmears, breakfast sandwiches, and latkes.
Rittenhouse Square Park
Planned by William Penn in the 1680s, Rittenhouse Square Park is as old as the city. It has sculptures, fountains, benches, and plenty of room to set up a picnic. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the city’s favorite places for relaxing on a sunny afternoon.
Take a stroll around the park and get in a little people watching before you head to the next stop. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the farmer’s market that happens from 10 am-2 pm. There are lot of delicious treats from local vendors. We particularly enjoy the to-die-for brownies from Second Daughter Baking Co. and the fresh made apple cider donuts that are available from Hands on the Earth Orchard in the winter.
Magic Gardens
A visit to Magic Gardens is a singular experience. This unique location is part museum, part artwork, and all fantasy. Its creator, artist Isaiah Zagar, has constructed an environment full of whimsical mosaics and reclaimed items like bicycle spokes and glass bottles. Wandering through it, you never know what you’ll find next.
With indoor and outdoor components, Magic Gardens spans half a city block and has mosaics spilling down staircases, lining passageways, and covering the walls. It’s a sight to behold.
Mural Mile
If you’re interested in more contemporary art, take a walk around the neighborhood. Not only will you find more unexpected Zagar mosaics, you’ll see part of the Mural Mile—a self-guided walking tour in Center City that features 17 murals. With a full weekend in Philadelphia, you will probably see a handful of the murals on your walks, but this map can help ensure you don’t miss any near you.
Lunch at Reading Terminal Market
If you’re ready for lunch, now is a great time to visit Reading Terminal Market. A lot of visitors are concerned at this Philadelphia landmark will be a tourist trap based on their food hall experiences in other cities, but that’s definitely not the case here. Yes, there are tourists, but locals (especially us) will tell you that a visit here is one of the top things to do in the city.
In the bustling market space, you can find Philly classic foods like cheesesteaks and DiNic’s roast pork sandwich along with Pennsylvania Dutch specialties and cuisines from all over the world. Some of our favorites include cheesy khachapuri from Saami Somi and fancy corn dogs from Fox & Son Fair Foods. Even if you’re not hungry, it’s worth the time to browse here. If you’re just looking for a snack, get one of the excellent pretzels from Miller’s Twist. We can never visit Reading Terminal without indulging in at least one.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a must for art lovers. With more than 240,000 works, it is one of the largest art museums in the country. Visitors can see everything from medieval armor and a 14th-century Buddhist temple to paintings by Van Gogh. Our favorites are the pop art collection that includes Roy Liechtenstein’s lithographs and photography from Pennsylvania native Andy Warhol.
Rocky fans will want to see the statue of the famous fictional boxer out front and take a quick sprint up the museum’s steps.
If you need even more art in your life, the Rodin Museum and the Barnes Foundation are both nearby. The Rodin Museum houses the largest collection of the sculptor’s work outside of France, and the Barnes Foundation is a glorious collection of artistic greats, including Matisse, Renoir, Cezanne, and many others.
Cira Green
Cira Green offers a unique view of downtown. This sprawling rooftop park overlooks the west side of Center City from 12 stories up. Free to visit, it’s a fun place to hang out for a little while and to see the skyline at practically eye level.
In the spring and summer, the park runs lots of special events, often projecting movies and sports on their massive screen. There is also a restaurant and bar offering sandwiches and drinks, so you can make a picnic or happy hour out of the experience.
Dinner
Critically acclaimed Vedge is one of our favorite restaurants. As the name hints, everything here is vegan, but you would almost never know it. All the dishes are so good, you won’t miss the meat. We love the rutabaga fondue, the grilled avocado, and anything mushroom. And everything else on the menu, too. Vedge is very popular, so it’s best to try to book several weeks in advance.
Alternative: Bud & Marilyn’s describes its style as retro American, which is evident from the sleek 60s-style décor. The menu is filled with favorites like Marilyn’s fried chicken, fontina stuffed meatloaf, and shortrib stroganoff. Their cheese curds are also ridiculously delicious. Other great options in the immediate area include Darling Jack’s Tavern, Thai at Grandma’s, and Barbuzzo for pizza and Mediterranean dishes.
After-dinner drinks
If you’re up for a nightcap, check out Hop Sing Laundromat. This quirky speakeasy is known for its incredible cocktails and its strict rules, so make sure to check out the dress code and cellphone rules before you go. It’s worth it. Whatever you do, don’t take a photo and bring cash.
Alternatives: Other options we love back in Rittenhouse Square include two speakeasies–Franklin Mortgage and Andra Hem–as well as Library Bar at The Rittenhouse Hotel. Franklin Mortgage and Andra Hem both take reservations.
Where to Stay
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Marriott Old City – An 8-minute walk from Independence Hall, this 4-star hotel has noted for its comfortable beds and helpful staff. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, and coffee bar.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco – This modern hotel in Old City offers a rooftop lounge and top-notch service. It’s known for its spa suites that include a soaking tub and for its views of Independence Mall.
Cambria Hotel Center City – Just south of City Hall, the Cambria is conveniently located to explore the whole city. It offers cozy, modern accommodations and a rooftop bar and restaurant.
Sofitel at Rittenhouse Square – This upscale hotel in one of the nicest neighborhoods offers luxury accommodations and an on-site restaurant and lounge.
Getting Around
By Air: Philadelphia International Airport is just 7 miles from downtown. It is easy to take a cab or get a rideshare from the airport to Center City. The SEPTA Regional Rail, which runs every half-hour, also stops at the airport and goes to several stops downtown.
By Train: Philadelphia is part of Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service, which also serves Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
By Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are both available in the city from the airport and to connect sites on this itinerary.
By Taxi: Taxis are widely available.
This is an excellent post! We just got back today from Philly and did most of the first-day list. We stayed at Kimpton, right next to Independence Hall. Most things on the list were altered right now. I would add the Ben Franklin house and museum and The Franklin Institute.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. The Franklin sites are great–we have lots to choose from 🙂