How many days do you need in Philadelphia? Two days is ideal! I found myself in Philadelphia for a conference and managed to do all the Philly Favorites. Find below a list of how you can spend two days in Philadelphia.
Independence Hall
The first stop on the list is Independence Hall, where you can envision Congress debating and adopting the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Fun fact: the inside of the Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Make your way over to the Liberty Bell Center. This is where you can see the iconic 2,000-pound symbol of American Independence.
Stop by the Storytelling Benches that are located on Chestnut street.
You can find these three landmarks, along with others, on the below map.
National Constitution Center
Are you a Constitutional junkie? Well, this is a must-see location as it is the first and only Constitution-related institution in America. Congress established this center with the aim of increasing awareness and understanding of the Constitution.
Reading Terminal Market
After all that history you must be famished! Make a stop at the Reading Terminal Market, that is an enclosed public market, and select from a variety of cuisines.
The Philadelphia Art Museum and Rocky Steps
Continue down Benjamin Franklin Parkway and you’ll see the Rocky Steps in the distance. These are actually just the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, but the Rocky movies is what made them famous. You can also find a statue of this fictional Philadelphia legend.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the nation. It has a rich collection of art from America, Asia, and Europe. The museum houses more than 200,000 objects in over 200 galleries. Take a walk through over 2,000 years of art from all over the globe.
Love Park
John F. Kennedy Plaza, endearingly called the Love Park, is situated on the bottom of Benjamin Franklin Parkway between Downtown and the Art Museum. This is probably the most Instagrammed spot in the city!
City Hall
Next, walk over to City Hall and explore this architectural beauty that was built in 1894. The vision was to make it the tallest building in the world. Now the city has an unwritten restriction on building above the City Hall.
*TIP*- Philadelphia has a very obvious homeless problem. This can be quite off-putting and upsetting when you first arrive. It’s just not something I’m used to seeing, and it was very confronting. But the city is still a fantastic place. Honestly, I felt safe walking around by myself after I saw all the locals confidently striding along.
Historical Houses
Next, explore the Betsy Ross House, which is a 300-year-old historic residence. Here, you can learn about one of the most well-known women in American history. Some other historic houses that you can visit are the homes of Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, and the Powel House. Don’t forget to make your way to Elfreth’s Alley, which is the Oldest Residential Street in the country.
Philadelphia Zoo
It is the oldest zoo in the USA. Opening its doors in 1874 with 1,000 animals and an entrance fee of just 25cents. It has certainly grown since then, and so has the price.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Visit the exact location that was home to America’s most notorious criminals. From bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton to the infamous Al Capone. This is the world’s first “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
It’s funny because when I first Pinterest what I can do in Philly I stumbled upon this Mosaic area. It turned out that this is Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, which is the largest work created with mosaic! The artist is Isaiah Zagar and he spanned this piece of art through THREE city lots. Absolutely breathtaking!
Some honorable mentions if you find yourself with more time.
- Benjamin Franklin Gravesite and US Mint
- Chinatown – Friendship Gate
- Old City/Christ Church
- Museum of Jewish American History
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Penn’s Landing – Delaware River Waterfront
Check out the Independence Visitor Center so you can plan your time in the City of Brotherly Love. Comment below what you would do if you had two days in Philadelphia.
Would love to spend a non-touristic day in Philadelphia so if you have some ideas please let me know below!
This guide isn’t complete without a mention of the delicious Philly Cheesesteak. Check out this post on where to get the five best Philly Cheesesteak spots!
Philadelphia was never on my travel list until a couple of friends attended a conference and invited me to crash at their holiday apartment rental. I’m some glad I went! What a fascinating place. Eastern State Penitentiary was somewhat of a highlight and I loved roaming the city stumbling across various places of interest.
Wow! The City Hall is so beautiful! I’ve never been to Philadelphia but it does look very, very pretty. And I like this itinerary because you included historic places–which I love!
Philadelphia is a city on my bucket list. Hopefully one day I will get there and enjoy some of the places you mentioned here.
Great post. I have always wanted to go to Philadelphia. There is so much history there to be seen! You mentioned my wish list, and some places I didn’t know of. My list just got longer. Thank you!!
This sounds like my kind of city tour, love the old building and museums! Thanks for the tips!
So many places to go (scenic, artistic, romantic, family-oriented). I’d love to visit with my family soon.
I live about 2 or so hours away from Philadelphia and I have always wanted to visit it! It looks like such a lovely place to go!