The Ultimate Weekend in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, also known as the City of Brotherly Love, is a historic and cultural hub located in Pennsylvania. Known for its rich history, including being the birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia boasts numerous landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The city is also home to a diverse and vibrant food scene, from the famous Philly cheesesteak to a wide variety of international cuisines. Whether you're a history buff or a foodie, Philadelphia offers something for everyone to enjoy!
I was fortunate enough to spend 4 years in Philadelphia for college and get to know the city pretty well. Keep reading for my recommendations for an ideal weekend in this historic city!
Day 1: Historic Landmarks and Philly Foods
Start the day with a visit to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed. Head over to the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence located just a few blocks away.
Optional: If you’re feeling inspired and want to immerse yourself in American History, head over the Museum of the American Revolution! You can easily spend 3-4 hours learning about the Founders and early America through interactive exhibits and guided tours.
After that, take a stroll through Rittenhouse Square, a popular park in the city center. A short walk away is the perfect lunch spot: Reading Terminal Market. It features over 80 vendors selling a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, and specialty foods. Be sure to check out the dairy stall run by the Pennsylvania Dutch (Amish) community for some creamy and delicious ice cream.
In the afternoon, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is home to an extensive collection of American, European, and Asian art. This is also the site of the famous “Rocky Steps.” The entrance to the museum was featured in the popular "Rocky" film series, starring Sylvester Stallone as the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa. Don’t forget to snap a photo of yourself at the top of the stairs in his iconic pose!
Spend your evening in Spruce Street Harbor Park: a popular urban park located in Philadelphia along the Delaware River. One of the main attractions of the park is the large hammock garden, where visitors can relax and enjoy the river views. Additionally, the park has a boardwalk, a large lawn area, and several food and drink vendors. Finally, you cant visit Philly without trying some authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak. Check out Pat's King of Steaks or Geno's Steaks, two popular spots and infamous rivals.
Day 2: Exploring the City
Start the day with a visit to the Philadelphia Zoo. Founded in 1874 (the oldest zoo in the United States) is home to over 1,300 animals from around the world, including big cats, primates, reptiles, birds, and more. After that, take a stroll through the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, an immersive art environment that features a mosaic of found objects and tile work.
For lunch, check out the South Street, a colorful street known for its diverse food options and street vendors (make sure to hit up the famous Federal Donuts)!
End your weekend with a visit to the One Liberty Observation Deck, located on the 57th floor of the One Liberty Place building. The observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city, including landmarks such as City Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Schuylkill River. It also features interactive exhibits that highlight the history and culture of the city!
