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

In the event you’re occupied 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 recollections of the town. I’ve been again a number of occasions through the years and uncover one thing new each time. Now, I’m excited to share some insights into certainly one of 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 crucial historic sights within the nation, watch an expert sports activities recreation, peruse public markets, take a look at the superb museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks!

For outside 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

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

Morning

They are saying breakfast is crucial 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.

In the event you’d relatively simply seize a cup of espresso and one thing mild to start out the day, La Colombe Espresso Roasters and Outdated Metropolis Espresso Inc. are each strong decisions.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, often known as “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 many times.

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 United States!

To go to Independence Corridor, you’ll want to leap on a guided tour. These run day by day of the 12 months besides Christmas from 9 AM-5 PM. They’re completely free for those who join within the customer’s heart. You may as well 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 heaps 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!

In the event you’re questioning the place the identify 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 provides, 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 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 Outdated 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 embody a screening of the inspiring “Freedom Rising.” Head to their web site to learn all concerning the varied reveals.
• One other nice possibility within the space is the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Right here you possibly can be taught all about probably the most influential Individuals via 5 completely different rooms, every centered on a special character trait of his. Tickets value 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 value $21 and you should buy them on-line right here. (This museum can be included within the Sightseeing Cross).

Lunch Break

For lunch, consistent 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.

Tackle: 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA ,19106, USA

Go to Penn’s Touchdown

Stroll just a few blocks to Penn’s Touchdown. Situated on the Delaware River, that is the place to be on a pleasant summer season day.

Take pleasure in a stroll alongside the tree-lined promenade or exit for some enjoyable on the river. It’s doable to lease 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 incessantly present motion pictures and have live shows. I wouldn’t personally advocate spending 2 days in Philadelphia within the winter, however for those who do, you possibly can go ice skating right here.

Be a part of a Segway Journey

One other enjoyable option 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 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 fun just a little! This can be a beer-loving metropolis, so sampling just a few of the native suds undoubtedly must be in your record 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 original bars within the metropolis. This consists of full beers at every place, and snacks.

These occupied with brewing might need to take a look at this extremely rated brewery expertise. You’ll be taught all concerning the brewing course of and historical past and get to pattern completely different craft beers (beneficiant samples!).

In the event you’re extra occupied with 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 completely different locations. Come hungry as you’ll do a lot of consuming on the two.5-hour tour!

In the event you simply need to do your personal factor, I like to recommend beginning out with a drink on the outside Independence Beer Backyard. They’ve a wonderful Comfortable Hour menu in addition to some fairly priced all-you-can-drink packages for those who’re actually seeking to occasion!

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 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 all the time a recreation happening.

Verify the calendar to see if one of many house groups is taking part in throughout your weekend in Philadelphia! Seeing a significant sporting occasion on this metropolis stuffed with passionate followers is unquestionably an expertise.

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Day 2 in Philadelphia

Hopefully you didn’t go too laborious on evening one, however that’s completely comprehensible for those who did. Philly is unquestionably 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 just a few completely different choices for easy methods to 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 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 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 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 possibly can simply discover one thing for breakfast.

Tackle: 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.

In the event 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” Fashion)

After you’ve glad your longing for fried dough, it’s time to work it off with just a little train — Philly type! 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 certain is. Must you nonetheless do it? In fact!

Those that are actually into the traditional movie and need to take it to the subsequent stage can take a look at 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.

Go to the Artwork Museum

In the event you’re going to run up all these stairs, you may as nicely go into the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork on the prime. It has a large assortment and is among the finest 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 possibly can 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 could 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 preferred 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 largest rival, Geno’s. It’s sort of just like the Coney canine problem in my hometown of Detroit. You’ll simply need to strive them each and see which one you suppose is finest. Good factor you’ll have 2 days in Philadelphia to strive one on every day.

Discover the Magic Gardens

In any case 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. Generally known as an “immersive combined media artwork surroundings,” it’s a surprising place to go to.

Tickets are simply $10, however it’s best to seize them on-line prematurely because it usually sells out. You may as well 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 occupied 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 lined up to now and in addition features a beer in an area brewpub. Excursions run at 11:30, 2:30 and 5:30 and value $45.

Night

Except you resolve to hitch 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 buying and snap photographs of vibrant road 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 house to all kinds of bars, from traditional Irish pubs and hookah lounges to hipster bars with names like Tattooed Mother. It’s simple to decide on your personal journey and have a enjoyable evening out right here, particularly on the weekend.

Hearken to Stay Music

In the event you have been hoping to squeeze some reside music into your 2 days in Philadelphia, you possibly can see what’s taking part in on the Theater of Residing Arts. Another choice is the close by Twisted Tail, which often has reside blues and in addition 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 observe the following pointers as nicely:

Food regimen 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 food 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’re taking within the environment and in addition burn off a few of these energy! You possibly can 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 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. In the event you’re touring to the town for the primary time and want to get pleasure from your self, I like to recommend giving winter a tough cross. 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 just a few occasions already however it’s value 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 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 group 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 referred to as 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 Practice or Bus

In the event you’re already touring within the US, particularly from different large cities on the East Coast, you possibly can simply get to Philly by practice or bus. 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 throughout the day, for instance. They arrive on the thirtieth Road Station and you may 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 could be tremendous low-cost for those who e book nicely 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 decrease time spent transferring round. The easiest way to do this is by staying in both the Outdated 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 simple to come back and go from the airport or practice station, making your journey days much less worrying.

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

Listed here are just a few 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 similar to Logan Sq. or Society Hill.

FAQs for What to Do with 2 Days in Philadelphia

Listed here are solutions to incessantly requested questions on easy methods to get pleasure from Philadelphia in 2 days.

Now You Know 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 need to come again. It’s undoubtedly a metropolis you possibly can return to many times 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 trying 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 loads to supply vacationers! Ebook your journey and revel in your 2 days in Philadelphia.

Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Received an incredible attraction, restaurant, or bar to advocate? Drop a remark beneath!

Photographs for Philadelphia on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock. 

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