Pennsylvania Travelers Recommend

The nation’s first capital, Philadelphia is home to a number of important attractions, from Independence Hall—where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed—to the Liberty Bell. One day is enough to see Philly’s historical highlights while also enjoying a cultural immersion. Here’s how to plan the perfect itinerary.

Morning: Get Acquainted with the City of Brotherly Love

Make the most of your Philadelphia day out, and kick off your explorations with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Center City is packed with major historical landmarks and other recognizable attractions, and a bus tour provides one of the simplest and speediest ways to see the sights. Most itineraries include stops at the National Constitution Center, City Hall, Betsy Ross House, and more. Alternatively, Segway tours offer another entertaining way to zip around town.

Afternoon: Hit the Museums

Philadelphia is no slouch when it comes to cultural offerings, and afternoon is the perfect time to hit one of the City of Brotherly Love’s world-class museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a popular choice: Housed in a neoclassical Greek temple, the museum displays thousands of masterpieces across various genres, cultures, and eras. As a bonus, it also offers exceptional views overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and City Hall beyond (and its famous stairs are certain to appeal to Rocky fans). For a cultural outing of a different stripe, visitors can also drop by the National Liberty Museum, the Independence Seaport Museum, or one of dozens more options.

Evening: Enjoy a Classic Philadelphia Dining Experience

Philly is nearly as renowned for its vibrant food and drinks scene as it is for centuries-old landmarks—and dinner time is the perfect excuse to go on a tasting tour. South Philly is home to some of the city’s most destination-worthy dining destinations, from Passyunk Avenue—a thriving “restaurant row,” thanks to its numerous delicious eateries—to the traditional Italian Market. For an especially memorable outing, you can also book a dinnertime ride aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, which combines waterfront sightseeing with a tasty buffet dinner.

Diverse and dynamic Philadelphia has plenty to offer visitors, from centuries of history and top-ranked museums to trendy neighborhoods and exceptional restaurants. Three days gives you enough time to get acquainted with its charms. Here's what you should see on a 3-day visit (including enviable day-trip possibilities).

Day 1: A Philadelphia History Tour

Few American cities can rival Philadelphia when it comes to history. After all, it was in the City of Brotherly Love that Founding Fathers like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington once lived and wrote. To follow in their footsteps, begin with a walking tour of Independence National Historical Park, located right in Center City. You’ll see key sights like Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed), the Liberty Bell, and the National Constitution Center. Once you’ve had a close-up look, join a hop-on hop-off bus tour to see more of Philadelphia’s important sights, from City Hall to Chinatown. In the evening, keep the history theme going with a trip to Old City: this centuries-old part of town is known for its red-brick streets, tasty BYOBs, and cozy taverns, where you can treat yourself to a nightcap after a day’s worth of adventuring.

Day 2: Shopping, Arts and Culture in Philadelphia

Philadelphia may be a history lover’s dream destination, but the city also offers a one-of-a-kind cultural pedigree. Enjoy a pleasant start to the day when you book admission to one of the city’s excellent museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most-visited in town, while the Barnes Foundation boasts an enviable collection of Impressionist works. Once you’ve had your fill of masterpieces, make your way to Rittenhouse Square, where you can browse the shops along Walnut Street, dine at one of the neighborhood’s well-reviewed restaurants, or enjoy people-watching in the square. In the evening, see another side of town by venturing to one of the city’s trendy, outlying neighborhoods. Passyunk Avenue and the Italian Market in South Philly are both dining meccas, and are visited on many food-themed tours, while Fishtown in North Philadelphia offers a taste of hipster life. 

Day 3: Easy Day Trips From Philadelphia

Tempting as it might be to stay put, three days offers enough time to plan a day-trip from Philadelphia—and there are plenty of nearby destinations to tempt you beyond city limits. For a bucolic counterpoint to the urban buzz, head out to Lancaster County, roughly 65 miles (105 kilometers) west of town. Visit the Amish and Mennonite communities that famously call the region home to explore local craft shops and homesteads, enjoy a traditional Amish smorgasbord, and go for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Given Philadelphia’s convenient position along the East Coast, New York City and Washington DC are also popular destinations for day-trippers.

Described as the “cradle of liberty,” and home to numerous iconic landmarks, Philadelphia is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene, exceptional bars and restaurants, and buzzing neighborhoods. Here’s how to make the most of your 2-day stay, covering must-visit highlights and locally loved haunts.

Day 1: Sightseeing Highlights

**Morning:**As the nation’s first capital, Philadelphia is a dream destination for history buffs. Learn about the city’s early origins on a historical walking tour. Wander the picturesque streets in aptly named Old City, and discover the monuments that make up Independence National Historical Park.

**Afternoon:**Continue your sightseeing without breaking a sweat by taking a Segway tour of Center City. Some itineraries even include stops at the City of Brotherly Love’s top cheesesteak joints, so you can sate your appetite with Philly’s most famous dish.

**Evening:**Get a different perspective on Philadelphia’s scenery with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Nighttime routes give you the chance to see the skyline illuminated after dark, and provide a relaxing way to cap off your explorations.

Day 2: An Insider’s Day in Philadelphia

**Morning:**Philadelphia may be celebrated for its museums, but you don’t need a ticket to see some of its top artworks. The City of Brotherly Love happens to host the country’s largest mural arts program, which is beloved of visitors and locals alike. Go on a mural tour on foot, by Segway, or private vehicle, and spot dozens of open-air artworks as you go.

**Afternoon:**Center City is home to Philadelphia’s best-known landmarks, but South Philly is the place to go when you want to experience local life. Take a walking tour of the Italian Market to discover one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant (and delicious) destinations, or stroll past the quirky boutiques, antique shops, and tattoo parlors that line South Street.

**Evening:**From craft beer bars to cozy taverns, Philadelphia’s convivial nightlife offerings are worth exploring during your 2-day stay. In the evening, head out on a guided pub crawl to immerse yourself in the local bar scene, or visit some of the city’s award-winning breweries.

Once the capital of the United States, Philadelphia was at the center of America's early democracy. It all happened here, from the drafting of the Constitution to the sewing of the first American flag. See below for ways to see all the top sites.

What to See

• Independence Hall— where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed

• The Liberty Bell— a 2,080-pound (943-kilogram) bronze bell that was rung to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence

• Old City— which is packed with landmarks and considered the nation’s most historic square mile

• Eastern State Penitentiary— a spooky prison that held inmates such as Al Scarface" Capone in solitary confinement, driving many of them insane

How to Visit

• String together the major sites in and around Old City on a walking, biking, or Segway tour.

• Pair history with a little booze on a BYOB trolley tour or an educational pub crawl.

• Book a combo tour that includes stops at both Revolution-era sites and the haunted Eastern State Penitentiary.