Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Rich in history and packed with sights, spending one day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is just enough time to see the highlights. The best things to do in Philadelphia revolve around the city’s past, modern culture and fantastic food scene. We created a perfect Philadelphia Itinerary that features must-see Philly sights and the top things to eat!
One Day in Philadelphia
Having just one day in Philadelphia will be somewhat limiting. Seriously, there is so much to see and do in Philly! Travelers will need to pick and choose which attractions and sights to tour. That said, we think that if you are going to visit Philadelphia in one day, you should absolutely make the most of it!
Whether you are on a layover or planning a short day trip to Philadelphia from nearby, you can use our guide of things to do in Philly.
Visit Philadelphia on a Long Layover, Business Trip or Day Trip
Philadelphia, PA is a major US transportation hub. In fact, PHL is a gateway to Europe – and on our trips overseas, we often had layovers of up to 24 hours in Philadelphia.
Rather than just sitting in an airport hotel, we would come up with different plans for what to see in Philadelphia in 1 day and set off to explore. We marveled at the history, sampled the local fare and experienced a bit of the nightlife. In just a short amount of time, we were able to see some of the best attractions in Philadelphia.
Likewise, visitors on business or making a day trip to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh, New York or DC have numerous options for sightseeing. Just like travelers on layovers, people on business or making day trips to Philadelphia can use our outline of what to do in Philly to plan their time.
To efficiently plan a DIY day trip to Philly, you may need to make some adjustments to our Philly Itinerary. On the other hand, you could forget about the hassle of planning a trip to Philadelphia and join an organized tour. We feature the best options for a day trip in Philadelphia at the end of the article.
More of the Best Things To Do in Philly
There are so many Philadelphia things to do that you can easily fill 2 or 3 days of sightseeing. Historic places, intriguing art and beloved sports teams are top Philadelphia attractions that can entertain visitors for days.
While we are highlighting how to spend a day in Philly, having more time is even better. To help, we offer insight into how to expand our Philadelphia One Day Itinerary to a multiple day trip.
Planning a Weekend Trip to Philadelphia
Spending an entire weekend in Philadelphia is an excellent way to experience the city! To help, we provide tips at the end of the post for alternate Philly itineraries.
Unique Things To Do in Philadelphia for Repeat Visitors
Travelers who visit Philadelphia often might be stumped when looking for places to go that are unique and interesting. Don’t fret! Find more of the Top Things To Do Philadelphia in our expanded Philly Itineraries section!
Pro Tip: No matter how long you’re staying in Philly, get organized for your trip with our Travel Planning Printables!
Things To Do in Philadelphia FAQs
Before we jump into what to do in Philly in one day, we want to answer a few frequently asked questions.
Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting?
Absolutely – and we can prove it in our itinerary of Top Things To Do in Philly! The city appeals to a wide range of visitors – from history buffs to foodies to sports fans. There is truly something for everyone.
What is There To Do in Philadelphia Besides History?
A lot! It is true that some of the best things to do in Philadelphia, PA revolve around the historical sights. However, there is much more to the city than the past! Some of the top things to see in Philly are modern.
Are There Things To Do in Philadelphia for Free?
Yes! There are many free things to do in Philly. We highlight some of the best throughout our list. Our guide of how to spend a day in Philadelphia can be used by travelers with any size budget!
Are There Philadelphia Things To Do with Kids?
Of course! The city is family friendly boasting many fun things to do in Philadelphia with kids. While our itinerary of the best things to see in Philadelphia is not exclusive to family travel, we share quite a few options for what to do in Philly with kids.
1 Day in Philadelphia Itinerary
In our Philadelphia 1-Day Itinerary, we cram all of the best things to do into a single sightseeing day. We highlight exactly what to see in Philadelphia in one day – including top attractions, the best places to eat and a touch of nightlife.
The sights featured in our Philadelphia trip planner are listed in order to create an easy self-guided tour. If there are sights you wish to eliminate, simply jump to the next sight on the list and create your preferred route.
In addition to what to see and do on a Philadelphia one day trip, we offer tips for how to get there, where to stay and what to pack. Plus, we include a Things To Do in Philadelphia Map so that you can easily find your way to the sights and attractions we feature in our list.
Our One-Day Philadelphia Itinerary includes everything you need. Save, Pin or Bookmark this article to plan your trip to Philly!
Morning Itinerary for Philadelphia in a Day
Begin your One Day Itinerary Philadelphia with a classic breakfast. Then step back in time at some of the most important sites in America’s history at the Independence National Historical Park. Depending on time and interest, delve deeper into the most historical part of the city during your discovery of Philly in a day.
The Bourse for Breakfast
Start your day of Philadelphia sightseeing with breakfast in a historic location, The Bourse. The building dates to the late 1800s and was used as a commodities exchange. However, it has been renovated into a Food Hall featuring some of the best Philly eats. It’s a great place to kick off your Philadelphia One-Day Itinerary! We recommend getting an All-American breakfast at the Grubhouse.
Not up for a full breakfast? Swing by Old City Coffee for a morning pick-me-up. The award winning coffee shop first opened in 1985 and is well known for their superior coffee beans that are roasted in-house in tiny batches.
Independence National Historical Park
Steeped in history and lined with cobblestone streets, the Independence National Historical Park is home to museums, artifacts, statues and monuments. See where the United States’ Declaration of Independence was signed and walk in the footsteps of America’s Founding Fathers.
Independence Hall
Visiting Independence Hall within the Independence National Historical Park is one of the top things to do in Philadelphia in one day. This is a must on your Philly Itinerary!
One of the most significant places in US history, Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and signed. Essentially, it is the birthplace of America. Built in 1732 as the Pennsylvania State House, the red brick building features an ornate white clock and bell tower and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visiting Independence Hall on Your One Day in Philly
Visitors who want to see the interior of the building can join a free 30-minute guided tour, but obtaining an online timed ticket is required for entry. The cost is $1 USD. Visitors also need to arrive 30 minutes in advance in order to pass through the security. So be sure to allow for the extra time when planning a Day in Philadelphia Itinerary.
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell ranks as another one of the top places to see in Philadelphia. The famous bell is conveniently located just across the street from Independence Hall – so it’s easy to add to your One day in Philadelphia.
A timeless symbol of the United States of America, the iconic Liberty Bell has a fascinating history – and is a must-see on your Philly Itinerary. Commissioned in London in 1752, the bell was cast to hang in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House. The bell was inscribed with the quote: “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof.” However, at first ring, the bell cracked.
The bell was melted, recast and re-inscribed by locals Pass and Stow, but the bell produced a horrid sound…and had to be re-cast, yet again. Years later, on July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell was rung to celebrate the first reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The Liberty Bell is now housed in the Liberty Bell Center and is free to visit (no ticket required), which makes it one of the fun things to do in Philly if you are on a budget. Exhibits inside the center tell the story of the bell and visitors are able to view the bell up close.
Carpenters’ Hall
Continue your exploration of Philly in one day at Carpenters’ Hall in Independence National Historical Park.
Witness to numerous historical events, Carpenters’ Hall housed the First Continental Congress in 1774. The brick building is one of a few in the complex – and can be toured for free. Inside, visitors will find information about its historical significance and a small gift shop. Because of its location, it is easy to fit in a visit to Carpenters’ Hall while touring Philadelphia in one day.
Museum of the American Revolution
Brush up on your history of how the United States was formed at the Museum of the American Revolution. Follow the timeline of America’s independence. From Boston to war to the beginning of the nation via engaging exhibits and interactive displays.
Because you only have a day in Philadelphia, you don’t want to spend your time standing in line! Buy a Skip-The-Line Ticket!
Tips for Visiting the American Revolution Museum
The Museum of the American Revolution is one of the best places to visit in Philadelphia to learn about history of the founding of the United State of America. It can be breezed through in about an hour, but many visitors spend up to 4 hours in the museum.
Those interested in seeing more of the best Philly sights might want to bypass the museum entirely. If you do opt to skip this museum on your 1 day in Philadelphia trip, it is still worth exploring the area. Other Philadelphia places of interest on the square are the Merchant Exchange Building, the Independence Historical Library, and City Tavern.
National Constitution Center
If your interest in the formation of the US has been piqued, consider including a visit to the National Constitution Center. Through interactive displays, the museum details the creation of the United States Constitution in a fun and informative way.
Pro Tip: Guests could easily spend the better part of the day inside the two museums we recommend at Independence National Historical Park. If history is the main focus of your one-day trip in Philadelphia, then the museums will likely be a highlight.
Attractions Near Independence National Historical Park
Just beyond the small park boundaries are more historical sights to add to your One Day Philadelphia trip plan. Discovering the attractions in the oldest part of the city is one of the fascinating things to do in Philadelphia, PA.
That said, on a quick 24-hour Philly trip, you will have to pick and choose which sights to see. We are highlighting a few of our top picks that you can add to your itinerary before lunch, if you have time. Alternatively, you could spend your entire day in Philly seeing the sights in and around Independence National Historical Park.
Washington Square
If you have time before or after visiting Independence Hall, make a quick detour to Washington Square.
Once a grazing field and cemetery, Washington Square is now a leafy urban escape and host to several memorials. Don’t miss the center fountain, the Eternal Flame and Memorial to the Unknown Soldiers of the American Revolution.
Society Hill
Society Hill is the oldest neighborhood in Philly, dating to the late 1600s. The district is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets and beautiful 18th and 19th century brick houses.
We highly encourage wandering through the area when exploring Philly in one day. Specifically, we recommend seeking out South American Street (between Spruce and Delancey), the Old Pine Street Church and Cemetery and Head House Square.
Penn’s Landing
Penn’s Landing is situated along the Delaware River waterfront. It is a fun place for families, friends, couples and solo travelers to include on a Philly day trip itinerary.
Many top events are held in Penn’s Landing. The area is home to an array of entertaining riverside bars and parks. The riverside is also an excellent place to take a stroll to see the old-time ships, submarines and beautiful bridges along the Delaware River.
Elfreth’s Alley
You can truly step back in time on Elfreth’s Alley. Walk down the landmark cobblestone lane, which has existed as a residential street for more than 300 years. Learn more at the Elfreth’s Alley Museum at #124. On your stroll, tuck down Bladen’s Court and read the stories of the homes that stand there.
Betsy Ross House
The Betsy Ross House is one of the top attractions to see when visiting Philadelphia for a day. The home is where Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in 1776. Although there is some dispute that this is, in fact, the exact house Betsy Ross lived in, it is still one of the interesting places to go in Philadelphia. Tickets are required to enter, but visiting the courtyard and gift shop are free.
The Nation’s Church
Just around the corner from the Betsy Ross House is Christ Church, which dates to 1695 and is often referred to as “The Nation’s Church.” Many of the Founding Fathers – including George Washington – were members of the American Episcopal Church. The church is open to visitors for a small fee and is considered a must-see Philadelphia sight.
Benjamin Franklin Gravesite and Christ Church Burial Ground
While some visitors may think it is odd to include visiting a cemetery on a day trip in Philly, the Christ Church Burial Ground is one of the city’s most famous sights.
The cemetery is located just east of Independence National Historical Park at 5th and Arch. Visiting the graveyard is one of the top Philadelphia activities because it is where Benjamin Franklin is buried – along with four other signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Benjamin Franklin Museum and Sites
Benjamin Franklin had an enormous impact on Philadelphia, the United States and the world. Much of his story is recorded in the city and with 1 day in Philly, you can visit many Benjamin Franklin sights.
The Benjamin Franklin Museum, which includes artifacts and exhibits from his life, is an interesting place to visit in Philly’s historical center. In the area, visitors can also see portions of Franklin’s house, the Franklin Court Printing Office and one of the oldest post offices in the USA!
Franklin Square
Taking a walk through Franklin Square has long been one of the top things to do in Philadelphia. One of the city’s originally planned public spaces, Franklin Square sits north of Independence National Historical Park. At the center is the Franklin Square Fountain (which dates to 1838) – and other sights at the park are the Parx Liberty Carousel and Living Flame Memorial.
Pro Tip: The Bolt of Lightning Sculpture is another one of the top things to see in Philadelphia in one day. From the east side of Franklin Square, you can view the 101-foot-tall sculpture. The artwork commemorates Ben Franklin’s famous experiment of flying a kite in a storm to prove lightning bolts have an electrical charge.
Where to Eat Lunch on Your One Day in Philly
By now, you’re probably midway through your 1-day in Philly, which means it is time for lunch! We have two suggestions for your mid-day meal: Reading Terminal Market or a restaurant in Philadelphia Chinatown.
Reading Terminal Market
One of the best places to go to eat in Philly is the Reading Terminal Market. In fact, we think it is a must-see on Philadelphia trips!
The market was established in 1893 under the train tracks of the newly built Reading Terminal. Today it stands as both a historic landmark and the heart of the city’s gastronomy. Not only is it a place to eat, the building itself is one of the top things to see in Philadelphia.
With more than 80 food vendors, deciding what to eat can be a conundrum. That said, we recommend getting a Philly Cheesesteak! Several vendors sell them at the market (and they are all delicious), but By George and Carmen’s Famous are our favorite spots.
Alternatively, indulge in a Tommy DiNic’s Roast Pork Sandwich. Earning such praise as ‘the best sandwich in America,’ the roast pork and beef sandwiches from DiNic’s are Philly culinary delights.
Grab a soft pretzel from Miller’s Twist as well. Pretzels are Philly’s favorite snack. And, for dessert, head for Beiler’s – either for a delicious donut or a sweet treat from their bakery.
Restaurants in Chinatown
Visiting Chinatown is another one of the fun things to do in Philadelphia for a day. The Philly Chinatown has a history that dates back to 1871. The district is filled with Asian eateries and shops – and is marked by the ornamental Chinese Gate at 10th and Arch.
Explore the vibrant district on foot. As you take in the tantalizing scents, you will likely be lured into a restaurant. Dim Sum Garden, Sang Kee Peking Duck House and Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House are all good picks!
Afternoon of Your One Day in Philadelphia Itinerary
After your filling lunch, continue your Philly tour by visiting more of the landmark sights. The afternoon of your Philadelphia Itinerary in 1 Day includes a mix of modern and historic attractions.
Philadelphia City Hall
While sightseeing Philadelphia, visiting City Hall is a must. It is one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in the city.
Opened in 1901, the Philadelphia City Hall building once reigned as the tallest building in the world. The grandiose building features a bell tower topped by a statue of William Penn (the city’s founder) – and reaches a height of 548 feet. Today, it houses the local government offices and is a National Historic Landmark.
Pro Tip: Taking a tour of City Hall is one of the top things to do in Philadelphia. City Hall offers two tours – one of the grand interior rooms and the other to the open-air tower observation deck.
LOVE Park
The famous LOVE sculpture is one of our favorite places to visit in Philly – and it’s located in LOVE Park, just steps from City Hall.
Designed in the 1960s, the park is officially dedicated to President John F. Kennedy. However, the park is now better known as LOVE Park for the Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture that was first displayed at the park in 1976.
Taking a selfie with the LOVE sculpture is one of the must-do things in Philadelphia to put on your list!
Pennsylvania Railroad Suburban Station
If you are a fan of Art Deco architecture, don’t miss the façade of the Pennsylvania Railroad Suburban Station in downtown Philly. The station sits across the street from the southwest corner of Love Park. Built in 1930, Suburban Station is still a major transportation hub today.
Center City West in Downtown Philadelphia
If there is still time left in the afternoon, consider exploring Center City West. It’s one of the fun things to do in downtown Philly. The Shops at Liberty Place is a good place to start, but shoppers will find everything in the district from a Buffalo Exchange second-hand store to Tiffany’s.
If shopping isn’t your jam, head for Rittenhouse Square – an opulent planned green space with walkways and flowerbeds.
Things To Do in Philly at Night
We have highlighted some of the best places to visit in Philadelphia in one day, but our sightseeing adventure is not over yet! To complete your 1 Day in Philadelphia Itinerary, grab a bite to eat, relax on the riverside and then join the revelers on South Street for a drink.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House in Midtown Village
After a full day of exploration, end your downtown discovery with a beverage at McGillin’s in Midtown Village. Standing as the longest running tavern in the city, McGillin’s offers a menu of pub grub in a throwback atmosphere. Soak in the nostalgia and maybe even stay for dinner.
Consider bar-hopping in Midtown Village to other fun spots, like Woody’s, Graffiti Bar or Dirty Frank’s. It’s a fantastic way to complete your Philadelphia one-day tour!
Spruce Street Harbor Park
If the riverside sounds more appealing, give your feet a much needed rest at Spruce Street Harbor. In the relaxing urban oasis, you can swing in a hammock, play a game of chess or stroll along the boardwalk. After a long day of sightseeing in Philadelphia, it is the perfect way to wind down.
South Street
Another way to end your 1-Day Itinerary in Philadelphia is on South Street, a lively entertainment district. Appealing to a wide range of interests, the street is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, international eateries, fun bars and live music venues. Tattooed Mom is a funky spot with a hip vibe – but with so many choices on South Street, we recommend wandering a bit until finding a spot that fits your style.
Pro Tip: If you have a late-night craving, be sure to stop at Jim’s on South Street for a Philly Cheesesteak. The restaurant opened in 1939 and is the perfect way to cap off your trip to Philadelphia in a day!
How Many Days to Spend in Philadelphia?
We packed loads of sights into our recommended one day trip to Philadelphia – but there is still so much more to see. While all of our Philly trips have been limited on time, we could easily spend a long weekend in Philadelphia.
To determine how many days in Philadelphia is right for your trip, consider your budget, interests and time. To help, we are highlighting more sights in our recommended Philly itineraries for longer stays.
Half Day in Philadelphia
For us, a perfect Half Day Philadelphia Travel Itinerary would include the iconic spots within the Independence National Historical Park. In fact, an easy way to plan your trip would be to simply follow our outline for the morning activities (Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Carpenters’ Hall, and Museum of the American Revolution,).
With extra time on a half-day trip to Philly, visit the other top historical sights (Society Hill, Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church Burial Grounds) that we recommend in the area.
Alternate 1-Day Philadelphia Itinerary
We believe we have outlined the absolute best way to spend a day in Philadelphia, but it’s not the only way to do it.
Touring Philadelphia in One Day with a Guide
Rather than a completely self-guided tour of what to see in Philadelphia, start your day with a local guide. The two-hour Founding Fathers Tour is a small-group walking tour that visits many of the sights we recommend seeing. More the details!
What To Do in Philadelphia for a Day…Beyond History
On the other hand, those who are looking for things to do in Philadelphia in 1 day outside the historic core have many options.
A great way to sightsee beyond Old Philly is to travel by Hop On Hop Off Bus to other top sights. Visitors can purchase tickets for 1, 2 or 3 days of sightseeing. Get Tickets!
2-Day Itinerary Philadelphia
Planning a 2-Day Philadelphia Itinerary allows for a lot more sightseeing. Visitors on a Philly weekend trip can experience the best of South Philly – including artistic attractions and delectable food.
On the first day of your trip, follow our detailed guide things to do in Philadelphia for one day.
What To See in the Morning on Day 2
Start your second day of your Philadelphia 2 Day Itinerary with a favorite Philly breakfast. Donuts and fried chicken from Federal Donuts. There are several locations, but the one on South Street is a perfect place to kick off your morning discovering South Philly.
Work your way from South Street into South Philadelphia – seeking out intriguing street murals along the way. Use this map of murals by Mural Arts Philadelphia to find the best artwork.
Continue your exploration by walking south to the Gloria Dei Church. Visiting the church is one of the best South Philadelphia things to do. The quaint church ranks as the oldest brick building in Philly and is a National Historic Landmark.
From here, detour to the riverside and climb the spiral staircase at the Washington Avenue Pier. It’s the best place to visit in Philadelphia for a birds’ eye view of the Delaware River and surrounds.
For lunch, see if you can settle the greatest debate in South Philly and decide who you think makes the best cheesesteak: Geno’s or Pat’s. The two restaurants face off on opposing street corners on what is considered the most famous Philly Cheesesteak corner.
Things To See in the Afternoon
After lunch, head north to the Italian Market 9th Street, an open-air market that dates to the late 1800s (or join a guided tour for a local experience!).
At the end of the day, circle back to South Street and go to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, one of the city’s unique art museums.
End your day with a meal at Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, where they have been serving up red gravy Italian-American dishes since 1900.
Alternatively, go further into South Philadelphia and catch a game! Both Citizens Bank Park (where the Phillies play) and the Wells Fargo Center (where the Flyers, 76ers and Wings lacrosse team all play) are located in South Philly. Attending a sporting event is one of the fun things to do in Philadelphia at night.
Pro Tip: Get a complete introduction of the best things to do in South Philly on a guide-led tour! Learn more!
3-Day Philadelphia Itinerary
To create a Philadelphia 3-Day Itinerary, we recommend following the tips in our above 2 Days in Philadelphia Itinerary. Then spending the third day at the best museums and top attractions on the north side.
What To Do in the Morning on Day 3
Start your third day in Philadelphia with a brisk walk in a cool park – The Rail Park. An old train track converted into an urban oasis, similar to the Highline in New York City, the elevated and landscaped trail in a unique attraction in Philly.
Next, eat a hearty and satisfying breakfast at Sabrina’s Café on Callowhill Street. Then, head northwest by walking along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The grandiose street features many of the top Philadelphia museums – like the Academy of Natural Sciences, The Franklin Institute, The Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (whose steps are almost more of an attraction than the art itself, thanks to Rocky Balboa). Spend your morning visiting one or more of these top institutions.
Pro Tip: Another way to experience art and culture is on a Street Art Murals Tour of the northern neighborhoods. Philly is filled with incredible and poignant street art – and guides will lead the way to the best artwork. Book it now!
Things To Do in the Afternoon
Explore the gardens and Schuylkill River paths north of the Philadelphia Art Museum. If the weather is nice, we recommend bringing a picnic lunch to have along the riverside. Otherwise, ease into the Fairmount district and eat lunch at a local hangout – like The Bishop’s Collar or Jack’s Firehouse.
Spend the last afternoon of your 3 days in Philly at the Eastern State Penitentiary, one of the odd (but highly recommended) sights to see in Philadelphia. The crumbling (and some say haunted) cellblocks in the famous prison once housed notorious criminals, like Al Capone and Slick Willie Sutton. Visitors can now tour the abandoned jail (ticket required).
Note: All of these museums can be reached with the Hop On Hop Off Bus!
Breweries and/or Bridges in the Evening of Your Philadelphia Itinerary 3 Days
With 3 days in Philadelphia, you can spend the evening of your last day tasting local craft beer or relaxing on the riverside.
Philadelphia Breweries
Philly has a long history as a beer town. There is even a district called Brewerytown, which is where the majority of the city’s beer was produced in the early 1900s. If after visiting the penitentiary, you want to stay on-point and nearby, visit Crime and Punishment Brewing in Brewerytown.
However, there are ample craft breweries in the city. Stop by the highly-regarded Yards Brewing Company to get a taste of their locally-sourced craft beer. From there, you can brewery hop to other top Philly breweries, like Love City Brewing, Triple Bottom Brewing or Liquid Art Barrel House (formerly Roy Pitz).
Alternatively, finish your time in Philadelphia in the heart of it all at the Independence Beer Garden. The outdoor, summertime beer garden offers 40 beers on tap, fun bar games and pub grub. Spending a laid back evening at IBG is one of the fun things to do in Philadelphia for adults.
Pro Tip: Those who are really interested in craft beer could join a Philadelphia Brewery Tour. The excursion includes lunch or dinner that visits multiple breweries. Get the details!
Philadelphia Riverside Relaxation
Instead of brewery hopping, you could end the day on the water, enjoying the views from the Race Street Pier and Benjamin Franklin Bridge. You can even use the BFB walkway to cross the river into New Jersey.
Next, go north to Morgan’s Pier, for great views or go one pier south to the Cherry Street Pier, a spacious exhibition center featuring a flea market and waterside pub.
If you are traveling to Philly with kids, stop by the riverside Blue Cross Riverrink for fun for the whole family. Play games, eat, relax – or strap on skates (ice skates in the winter, roller skates in the summer) for an entertaining evening.
Day Trips from Philadelphia
While there are heaps of tourist attractions in Philly, visitors staying longer may want to add day trips near Philadelphia to their itinerary. Some popular DIY destinations are DC and NYC. Other popular Philadelphia day trips are by joining tours to Amish Country and Brandywine Valley.
1 Week New York, Philadelphia, Washington Itinerary
Have a full week to spend on the East Coast? Make the most of it by creating a 1 Week Philadelphia, DC, NYC trip plan!
Philadelphia, New York City and Washington DC are in close proximity – making it easy to plan a multi-city trip. Be sure to use our tips in our New York Itinerary and Washington DC Itinerary to plan your One Week East Coast US Trip!
Top Travel Tips for 24 Hours in Philadelphia
Now that you know what to do in Philadelphia in one day we have a few more tips before you take off.
How To Get to Philly
Philadelphia can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. All of which are viable modes of transit for Philadelphia day trips.
Flights to Philadelphia
Our preferred method is to travel by plane – and when we buy airline tickets, we start our search for the best times and fares on SkyScanner.
The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located 11 miles southwest of the city and is serviced by all major US airlines.
As we already mentioned, the Philadelphia airport is an international gateway to Europe with direct flights to/from Paris, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Rome (to name just a few!). PHL is also a major domestic hub, with flights to nearly every top US destination.
Getting from Philly Airport to City Center
To get from PHL to the city center, guests can either take Private Transportation, taxis/Uber or the Regional Rail train (SEPTA).
On day trips to Philadelphia, we prefer to use the Regional Rail service – as it is inexpensive and convenient.
From the airport, passengers board the Airport Line and can exit at Jefferson Station. It’s under the Reading Terminal and just a short walk to Independence National Historical Park. Alternatively, use Suburban Station, which located just west of Love Park.
Train to Philadelphia
Visitors planning a Philadelphia day trip from NYC or Washington DC may prefer to travel by rail. We have a few specific tips for how to plan these day trips in Philadelphia using train travel.
How To Plan a Day Trip from NYC to Philadelphia by Train or Tour
One of the most popular ways to visit Philly is on a day trip from New York City. There are several ways to plan a day trip to Philadelphia from NYC.
The cities are just 85 miles apart – and Amtrak is the best way to get between the two destinations. The ride takes about 1.5 hours each way and there are multiple departures throughout the day. Trains depart from NYC at Penn Station and terminate at 30th Street Station in Philly.
Once in the city, use our outline of what to visit in Philadelphia in 1 Day to plan your own itinerary. Alternatively, you could book an organized New York to Philadelphia Day Tour (Book it!).
How to Plan a Philadelphia Day Trip from Washington DC by Bus or Train
Another popular way to visit Philly is on a day trip from Washington DC. Via train, the ride takes about 2 hours and departs DC from Union Station and arrives in Philly at the 30th Street Station. From the 30th Street Station, it is easy to get public transportation to top Philly sights.
Riding the bus will take longer than the train by about an hour, but can cost less. Check the Flixbus schedule and fares. Just keep in mind that the longer bus ride will cut into your time for what to do in Philadelphia for a day!
Where To Stay in Philadelphia
If your one-day trip to Philadelphia includes an overnight stay, you are going to need to find somewhere to spend the night! We think the best place to stay in Philadelphia on a short trip is in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the best tourist attractions.
On our trips to Philly, we stay at the Hilton Penn’s Landing. The high-rise hotel overlooks the Delaware River and is just a short walk to top attractions. The 4-star hotel features great amenities, like an indoor pool, outdoor sundeck, spacious rooms and waterfront dining. Check rates and availability!
Convenient Philadelphia Hotels
There are several other Philadelphia hotels and short-term apartments that are convenient for travelers using public transport.
Loews Hotel is a contemporary, upscale hotel within steps of Jefferson Station, near City Hall and just a short walk from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Budget travelers who want to stay in the center have a few good options, as well. We like staying at Club Quarters, which has small rooms but an excellent location. Travelers looking for affordable rooms with kitchens should check rates and availability at Home2Suites by Hilton.
We start our search for the best hotels on Booking.com – but you should also use our Top Tips for Finding Accommodations.
Best Time To Go To Philadelphia
We think autumn is the best time to visit Philadelphia. The weather is usually cool but comfortable and the autumn leaves add a stunning splash of color to the city.
Summers are also pleasant. However, the days can be hot and humid, making visiting the must sees in Philadelphia a task when doing so on foot.
Winters can be brutally cold and are best avoided – unless you like to bundle up to explore! The benefit of wintertime visits are fewer crowds. Plus, Philly hosts a spectacular and festive German-style Christmas market!
Springtime brings rain (but, it can rain in Philly year-round) and a bit of sunshine – so it’s not a bad time for trips to Philadelphia.
What You Will Need For A Philly Day Trip
Before you set off on your Philadelphia trip, you will want to make sure you have a few things with you. Check out all of our packing tips and hacks for your Philly trip. For now, grab your FREE Packing Checklist!
Walking Shoes
Our Philly Itinerary is essentially a One Day Walking Tour of Philadelphia. Therefore, you are going to need a good pair of city walking shoes! I am most comfortable in lightweight Columbia Shoes – and Kris wears Merrell trail shoes for city walks.
Clothing for Your Philly Trip
If you plan a trip to Philadelphia for the day, you will want to make sure you wear clothing that is comfortable. It’s a good idea to wear layers – as the temperature can vary throughout the day.
If you are staying the night, regardless of whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, what clothes you pack for your trip to Philly will depend on the time of year that you travel.
In the summertime, pack clothing that is lightweight and breathable – and don’t forget a sunglasses, wide-brimmed travel hat and sunscreen.
During the winter, make sure you bundle up with layers – and bring a hat and gloves. And, regardless of the season, it is always a good idea to have a travel umbrella and packable raincoat.
Travel Camera
The historical sights in Philly are truly spectacular! We recommend using a real camera to capture them. On our travels, we carry a DSLR Canon Rebel with an everyday 18-135mm lens. The camera is easy to use and is well-priced. Best of all, it comes as part of a bundle with a ton of accessories – which is perfect budget camera for beginner photographers.
Day Pack
With long stretches exploring Philly sights, you will want a great day bag to organize and secure all our your essential everyday travel items! Plus, you will need a place to stow your clothing layers.
Philadelphia Attractions Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Philadelphia Tourist Map below. It’s marked with all of the attractions highlighted in our best Philadelphia itineraries for 1, 2 or 3 days in Philly.
Start planning your trip to Philadelphia, USA! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
