I undertook a solo trip to Philadelphia after Alysha and I spent a couple weeks exploring parts of the eastern US. It marked our initial meaningful time spent outside of NYC on that coastline, proving an eye-opening experience in various aspects.
The most startling thing for two west coast natives was the sheer amount of history that exists on the east coast! Our cities are relatively new on the west coast, and we just don’t have the same depth and richness of American history that the east coast possesses.
And the blocks. Having recently lived in San Francisco, which was flattened by an earthquake in the not too distant past, we don’t generally work with bricks out here.
We visited Boston the week before arriving in Philadelphia, and I was struck by the contrast between Boston`s punk rock, question authority vibes, and the more accepting tones shown in Philadelphia`s history. When you learn about Pennsylvania`s origin story, it really makes a lot of sense.
Named after William Penn, a Quaker, the land that became Pennsylvania was gifted to Penn by the King of England – Charles II – to clear the crown’s debt.
This, of course, overlooks the fact that the land wasn’t necessarily the king’s to give – the Lenape had called this area home for thousands of years before European settlers arrived – but I won’t delve too deeply into that perspective here.
The message being conveyed is that the Quakers who established Pennsylvania significantly impacted how the location developed over time, including on a national scale. Concepts originating from Quakers like trial by jury, equal rights, and public education were later adopted in America. As the capital of the United States was in Philadelphia before relocating to Washington D.C., you can trace many democratic principles directly back to Quaker influence in Philadelphia.
However, despite all of that American history, there are also stark reminders that we have not always lived up to the principles established in the Declaration of Independence, which was drafted in Philadelphia (and SPOILER ALERT essentially functioned as wartime propaganda).
Just a short walk or so away from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell is a home that was once owned by George Washington, the first president of the United States, who possessed slaves. While many of his contemporaries also possessed slaves, Washington never appeared to truly see an issue with the practice, despite leading armies for the newly established United States, which stated in their Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal.”
Philadelphia contains abundant history relating to the American Revolution and early America, which is worth spending a full day of your 2 days in Philadelphia exploring deeply. However, it’s additionally home to a more modern side, with a couple world-class art museums, and an impressive variety of food and drinks, which is what your second day will be spent on.
In this Philadelphia itinerary, we’ll go through our version – truly, Matt’s version – of what a perfect weekend in Philadelphia looks like to help you plan your trip, with recommendations of things to do and see based on Matt’s experience.
INFO: Preparing a trip to Philadelphia? We`ve compiled some other highly detailed travel guides you may find useful. Read our guide on deciding where to stay in Philadelphia for our recommendations on the best locales to reside, and our guide to the top gluten free eateries and bakeries in Philadelphia if you`re a gluten free food enthusiast, like us.
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Table of Contents
Is a Weekend in Philadelphia Enough Time?
Living in Little Italy could be fun, but you’ll need to search for apartment rentals – there are no hotels. It’s otherwise just a brief bus ride from Downtown.
However, in the case of Philadelphia, I actually think 2 days is the suitable amount of time to spend in the city. I was there for 4 days, and especially the last day was definitely excessively long if you don’t have a vehicle or desire to engage in some of the nearby day trips, like Valley Forge.
With allotted time in Philadelphia spanning two complete days, one has enough of an opportunity to dedicate a full day experiencing the historical sites related to early American and Revolutionary history around colonial Philadelphia, and another full day exploring the more contemporary attractions of Philadelphia, such as its truly world-renowned art museums and parks.
In this itinerary for Philadelphia, we’ll assume you arrive on Friday night, and leave Sunday night, giving you two full days to see the city.
Where to Stay in Philadelphia
Ultimately, you`re likely choosing between two neighborhoods here. Philadelphia`s center between the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers is reasonably compact, limiting tourism options
Ultimately it comes down to preference for proximity – whether you prefer lodging closer to the abundance of historic locations ( Old City), or closer to the superior food and drink offerings ( Rittenhouse Square).
Note: We have an entire guide dedicated to this topic. Read our guide to the best places to remain in Philadelphia for significantly more detail on this subject.
Rittenhouse Square
This was my top overall recommendation. Although I did not actually stay here, after discovering myself here nearly every single day during my time in Philadelphia, I believe I would have made an alternate decision knowing what I know now.
The area close to Rittenhouse Square is an upscale, urban part of Philadelphia on the western side of the city center close to the Schuylkill River. The square itself is a green paradise in the middle of a concrete jungle, and I found myself there multiple times over the course of my trip to drink a coffee in the sun, do some people watching, and soak it all in.
The benefit of staying here is that you’re going to be right in the middle of all the top food and drinks in Philadelphia’s city center (if we’re being honest, South Philly is the true foodie paradise, which is easily accessible from here). Additionally, you’ll be able to walk up to the museums from here.
The tradeoff is that you’re either a relatively long walk or a short metro ride from the sights in the Old City.
The Roost Rittenhouse Square is highly recommended for those seeking stylish accommodations with hotel-like amenities in the form of a spacious apartment.
There are also two stylishly designed and reasonably priced hotels in the neighborhood – the Hyatt Centric and the Motto by Hilton.
Old City: Historic and Charming
If immersed experiences are what you seek, as the musical Hamilton implies, this is the place.
I opted to stay in Old City, which is the site of the original city of Philadelphia dating back to the 17th Century. Situated on the Delaware River, this part of the city is all red bricks, narrow cobblestone lanes, and important historical sites. It went through a period of renewal recently, after globalization moved many of the industrial jobs elsewhere.
Over the past couple of decades, this community has become vibrant with artists, studios, small companies, and eating and drinking places moving in to serve local people.
I stayed at Lokal Old City, a small collection of excellently planned and thoughtfully created apartments in the heart of Old City. Just blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, I greatly appreciated my apartment, the Ben, a top floor studio bathed in natural light. The bed and bedding possibly provided the most relaxing sleep I`ve experienced in a hotel, truthfully.
When you rent an apartment with a kitchen space, but it lacks the necessary items actually required for cooking?
This space was not that. It had everything, from tea and coffee to a huge variety of spices, along with pots, pans, and cookware. On my first night, I made a delicious cacio e pepe, a simple Roman pasta dish that we enjoy, and the kitchen had everything I needed – even a grater!
The space only has six residential units ranging from studios to two bedrooms, and all include a fully equipped kitchen.
- For refreshments:Cocktail Trading Co is reputedly the top cocktail establishment in Shoreditch. Personable, thoughtful personnel make for an excellent start to an evening exploring the city. Try the “American Pie” and assess for yourself!
The downside of Old City is that most of the city’s most interesting food and drinks are somewhat distant – about 30 minutes on foot – towards Rittenhouse Square.
A Picture-Perfect Weekend in Philadelphia: A Complete 2 Day Philadelphia Itinerary
And now, let’s get into precisely how to expend your time while you’re in Philadelphia.
My idea of a weekend trip to Philadelphia involves a little learning, a little eating and drinking, and lots of walking. There are some great museums in Philadelphia, and I’d recommend focusing on just one museum per day at most. That means you’ll need to choose which to prioritize. Don`t worry, I have an opinion on that.
Day 1: Old City, the American Revolution, and a Philly Cheesesteak
Spend your first day in Philadelphia exploring Old City, home to relics of the Colonial and Revolutionary periods.
Coffee at Menagerie
Situated on S. 3rd Street, which was the same street as my lodging, Menagerie swiftly rose to the top of my list of coffee shops to visit during my time in Philadelphia. They collaborate with a couple of roasters, including local Elixr (more on them on the morning of day 2) and Dogwood Coffee from Minnesota.
They offer a rotating collection of single origin coffees available as pour over preparations, or the more conventional espresso drinks containing a small amount of milk. The location is superb, situated two blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It`s the perfect spot to get energized before a day spent learning and exploring.
For breakfast, head a few blocks northeast to the Old City location of Philly Style Bagels, known for their bagel sandwiches (which are undoubtedly not gluten free).
The Liberty Bell at Opening
The Liberty Bell sits within a modern glass structure on the western edge of Independence Plaza. Which contradicts my conception – I believed it simply stood exposed to the chill, rain, sunlight, and heat presented by all the seasons in Philadelphia.
It’s completely free to visit, though the line is generally long and unbearable, especially in said heat or cold.
To avoid those crowds, definitely go first thing in the morning when it opens to the public at 9:00 am. There’s some details on the famous bell, such as how it was made and what it represents, but the main highlight here is undoubtedly the bell itself.
However, the bell is a bit underwhelming to be honest. It`s much smaller than expected, and as mentioned by the walking tour guide, it can be said to be poorly made. It has been remade multiple times and is famously split in half.
The bell represents the promises stated within the Declaration of Independence, whereas the crack symbolizes the failures to uphold that promise in practice of governing.
Over the years, that powerful symbolism has been adopted by multiple different groups seeking equal rights, including the pushes for Civil Rights, women’s suffrage and LGBTQ rights.
Take a Walking Tour
I have a strong inclination towards participating in walking excursions led by community guides due to two primary factors.
First, because in a lot of places with lots of history, you’re often put in the position of having to visualize what things looked like at the time of the period you’re learning about. That is much easier to do with someone along to help bring the history to life through stories and real facts throughout the experience.
Ultimately, the primary attractions in Philadelphia are made of brick. However, it is the histories attached that make them significant, and those narratives are frequently missed by only examining signage.
Second, the guide will provide a level of local insight – how to get around, the best spots for cheesesteak, the coolest museums – and a perspective that you aren’t going to obtain elsewhere.
For example, my guide held strong views on the best Philly Cheesesteak in town, which led me to skip Pat’s and Geno’s (which are built for tourists) and directed me in the direction of Jim’s instead.
Another example would be my guide persuading me to tour the Museum of the American Revolution, which I was considering avoiding until they enthusiastically described how well-executed it is (for the record, I agree).
I opted for this walking circuit, and it was adequately satisfactory (I deduce the guide was experiencing an off afternoon). I`d likely propose an alternate tour – such as this one administered by a local company, or this tour conducted by an architect who has resided in Philly for decades.
Your guided tour will cover most of the primary attractions, including the Betsy Ross House and Elfreth’s Alley. However, you likely will not be entering places such as the Liberty Bell and the Museum of the American Revolution, which is why we’ve separately recommended those stops.
Lunch at Bourse Market
For lunch, stop by the less famous of Philadelphia’s two prominent food halls, The Bourse link. Don’t worry, you’ll get to the more famous Reading Terminal Market tomorrow for lunch!
The Bourse is a contemporary food hall – which means more trendy restaurants than Reading – in a historical, 125 year old building in the heart of Old City. It’s a place for smaller food brands that can’t quite afford a restaurant to test out their concepts, which means you’re going to get more innovation and more interesting food offerings here.
Intermingled throughout the food vendors are a few inventive artistic booths. I enjoyed Art Star which offered fun prints, tote bags, mugs, and other potential gifts or keepsakes.
The other positive aspect about eating lunch here is that there are many different options available – pizza, cheesesteak, tacos, poke, the list continues!
During my time there, numerous stalls were unoccupied, so I hope they’re capable of bringing in some new vendors to fill them as things continue to recover!
The Museum of the American Revolution
As mentioned previously, I was uncertain about visiting the Museum of the American Revolution until the guide leading my walking tour essentially recommended that if exploring one museum, this should be the selection.
The two aspects that this museum seems to execute very well are bringing history alive through personal accounts (they have many diaries from regular soldiers and civilians) and presenting a fair assessment of the American experiment, with both its strengths and weaknesses.
On the first point, the museum takes you through the history, starting with the pre-revolution period where the British Crown levied taxes that the colonists deemed unfair, through the post-revolution period where the process of governing began.
They utilize a variety of mediums – charts, maps, videos, and other interactive displays – to share the story, and I thought it was well presented, helping me learn things I had never heard before, and see things from a slightly different perspective.
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On the second point, the museum isn’t just portraying America as flawless. On the contrary, there are several instances in the narrative where it acknowledges where the colonies fell short of the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence (mainly the “all men are created equal” part).
Here are the basic elements of the museum – it’ll take you somewhere around two or three hours to explore it properly. There’s a useful audio guide available too, so bring your headphones.
- The Introductory Video: A brief 10 minute presentation that establishes the context for your visit, providing you with background to prepare for what you will learn about at the museum.
- The Exhibit Hall: This is where the core of the museum is found. You`ll begin in the pre-war colonies, discover the motivations of various involved parties in the events, and gain understanding of the conditions that enabled war. Then, you`ll learn about the events leading up to the brink of war, and the initial years of fighting, when the colonies began strong but later struggledwithout infrastructure and finances. Just as it seemed all may fail, General Washington achieved a string of Northeastern victories through strategic decisions, bolstering foreign countries like France and the Netherlands to join the colonial side in the war (I don`t recall fully grasping how pivotal this turning point was for the colonies before).
- George Washington`s Command Post: In the end, I chose not to enter due to the long line of around 200 children, and decided that was not how I wished to spend my time. PLEASE SHARE MORE ABOUT THE MUSEUM EXPERIENCE.
Jim’s Philly Cheesesteaks & South Street
During our walking tour, both the guide and a security guard pointed our group in the direction of Jim’s as the best place to experience an authentic Philly Cheesesteak.
I found it quite amusing that our tour guide, who had previously recommended Jim`s restaurant, essentially said “if you ask any local from Philly, they probably name a different place.” He then stopped to ask a security guard at Independence Hall for their recommendation on where to get the best cheesesteak sandwich and the guard proceeded to answer “definitely Jim`s, not Pat`s or Geno`s.”
The truth that two locals presented the same response should be a rather good indicator. Go to Jim’s.
It’s situated on South Street, approximately half a mile south of the Museum of the American Revolution. If I were you, I would walk through Washington Square and down S 7th Street, as that`s a pleasant route through a historically significant neighborhood featuring attractive brick homes. Location map.
Side note: I unfortunately cannot enjoy a Philly cheesesteak since gluten causes me intestinal distress. A lot. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t!
South Street is a truly fascinating area, with numerous spots for eating and drinking. If you enjoy hard cider, I was particularly fond of Hale & True Cider (their hopped cider is excellent), and the pizza establishment across the street – Nomad Pizza – was extremely well-liked among locals if you’re searching for a place to have dinner.
Day 2: Exploring Modern Philadelphia
On your second day in Philadelphia, dedicate your time exploring the more contemporary side of the city, which is generally concentrated on the western end closer to the Schuylkill River.
Coffee at Elixr
Elixr is perhaps my preferred coffee shop in Philadelphia (though Rally just off of South Street is a close second!) and was among the original specialty coffee shops in the city. Their location is a few blocks east of Rittenhouse Square, and has some pleasant indoor seating, a few outdoor spots, and great coffee waiting for you.
Overall, this provided a suitable option for a quick and simple lunch if happening to be down in the canal area.
They focus on light roasts, allowing the more delicate flavors of the coffee fruit to shine through (versus darker roast, which masks those flavors with smokier ones), and is undoubtedly my personal preference in terms of roast profile.
Even if darker roasts are preferred, sampling their coffee is advised.
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They offer a selection of handcrafted coffee preparations, including pour over selections, as well as a full menu of espresso-based beverages and seasonal specialties.
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square is a public park in the center of Philadelphia that dates back to the early city plans that William Penn devised. At that time, it was thought to be on the outskirts of the city, though now it is very much in the middle of all the activity.
During my time exploring the city, I found myself returning repeatedly to this place, appreciating its charming atmosphere and enjoyable pastime of people watching.
The square serves somewhat as a junction for the surrounding localities. To the west of the park closer to the river lays one of the costliest residential areas in the nation, brimming with housing. Whereas to the east of the park heading into Center City is noticeably more commercial in nature, with streets lined with eateries and boutiques hawkingsome of the hippest, priciest brands around (think Allbirds, Urban Outfitters, and Apple).
On sunny days, it presents a lovely respite for relaxation while observing Philadelphia residents leisurely passing time, enjoying outdoor meals bathed in sunlight.
Reading Terminal for Lunch
For an early lunch, head over to one of Philadelphia’s most famous food markets – Reading Terminal Market. They feature more than 100 vendors, ranging from produce stands to coffee shops to cheesesteaks, doughnuts, and sushi.
It’s a good place to go with a group and plan on sharing a bunch of different things from different stands.
The food offerings are primarily ready-made meals, which don`t become very busy until around 10:00-11:00 am (based on my experience arriving early when it was rather quiet).
The southern end of the market appeared to focus more on raw ingredients – featuring a cheese shop, a charcuterie stall, a produce market – while the main section of spots to grab a quick meal is toward the northern end.
This is paradise for food lovers and though I have Celiac Disease and can’t partake in most of the events in a place like this, I would highly recommend Fox & Son, which serves fair cuisine like corn dogs, loaded fries, and funnel cakes that are 100% gluten free (though you’d never know it).
For other recommendations on what to eat at Reading Terminal Market, I’d turn here,here, and here.
Tackle An Art Museum: Choose Your Own Adventure (Rodin vs. Barnes)
For art enthusiasts visiting Philadelphia, I recommend exploring either the Barnes Foundation or Rodin Museum. The Barnes holds an impressive collection of impressionist works, while the Rodin Museum houses the largest collection of sculptures by Rodin outside of Paris.
If restricting your Philadelphia visit to two days, prioritizing one attraction over the other will be necessary based on personal interests. Here are some factors to weigh for each option.
The Rodin Museum
The Rodin Museum in Paris is my favorite of the city’s museums because it narrows its scope, focusing on one man (Auguste Rodin) at one point in history, taking you through his journey to becoming one of the most famous sculptors ever. Compared to the Louvre, which can be downright overwhelming at times, it’s a unique way to experience art.
The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia is comparable to the museum in Paris – I was very surprised to see that they have their own casts of the Thinker and the Gates of Hell – and holds the largest collection of Rodin’s works outside of Paris.
The museum is administered by the neighboring Philadelphia Museum of Art, and was gifted to the city in the late 1920’s by an American businessman who commenced collecting works by Rodin with the ambition of establishing a museum in Philadelphia.
It’s a relatively small museum, meaning visitors only require around one or two hours to properly experience it (which is the ideal amount of time to spend viewing art before the mind completely ceases functioning).
A unique aspect is that on Fridays (between Memorial Day and late September), they host an outdoor bar in the front garden from 4:00-8:30 pm. Giant chess sets and ample seating are available. Visiting the museum then enjoying a drink in the garden could make for an entertaining way to launch your Philadelphia weekend, if your schedule allows. More info here.
Cost: Adults are $12, under 18 are free. You can purchase a two day ticket for the Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art for $25, if you wish to visit both during your trip.
Hours: Friday to Monday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation is a private collection that was built by Albert Barnes, a businessman who later focused on art collecting and had a passion for French impressionism.
Over several decades, during which he was granted authority by Pennsylvania to establish the Barnes Foundation and transform it into a learning center for fine art, he accumulated $25 billion (in today’s currency) worth of art.
This grouping displays works primarily from French impressionists such as Cézanne and Renoir, though there is also a Van Gogh piece, numerous Picasso works (many surprisingly abstract), and even a work from Dutch master Bosch, whose hellish designs I truly appreciate after visiting the Prado Museum in Madrid and learning about his perspective on morality and religion.
The collection is small, with just a couple levels and about eight rooms on each level.
One aspect I enjoyed was the fact that this expanded my comprehension of impressionism, which I assumed was all still lifes of water lilies and various fruits, to also include landscapes.
Cézanne in particular was a master at depicting the French countryside in the typical impressionist style, which was a fresh approach that I hadn’t previously seen (I must have overlooked it at Musée d`Orsay?).
It’s a relatively brief visit – around two hours will do – and I was engaged. Digital direction recognizes photographed artworks and provides phone info, as no labeling exists within the museum itself (thus bring your device!).
Cost: $25 for adults, adolescents and university students (with ID) are $5, and children under 12 are free.
Operating hours: Thursday to Monday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Walk to the Rocky Statue + Philadelphia Art Museum
While I wouldn’t advise spending your constrained time visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, mainly because I find smaller, more focused collections preferable when time is limited, I would suggest stopping by there for a few reasons.
First, the Rocky statue. Everyone wants to view the Rocky statue! At one point, they relocated it away because it didn’t mesh with the ambiance of the museum, and ended up moving it back because so many people were inquiring about it and why it wasn’t situated at the top of the famous stairs from the movie. So they shifted it to the base of the stairs, tucked away in a little green space to the right of the stairs.
Secondly, the perspectives back towards City Hall and downtown Philadelphia are superb.
Last, the Washington Monument fountain on the other side of the road from the stairs leading up to the museum.
It depicts George Washington on horseback at the top level, with two additional levels below. It provides an intriguing monument to observe thanks to the intricate engravings and massive animal statues on the bottom level… as long as you ignore the more somber history underlying the surface.
Washington, like numerous contemporaries of his time, unlawfully slaughtered indigenous inhabitants (and stole their land, destroyed their towns, and completely disrupted their way of life) of what would later become the United States of America, specifically the Iriquois who had allied with the British.
Here’s a insightful read on the topic (it initiates with discussing recent protests in Philadelphia, and the segment at the bottom about Washington is the part I found particularly thought-provoking).
Ultimately, like numerous other parts of American history in Philadelphia, it serves as yet another reminder that America, and its heroes from history books growing up, were never faultless.
And, for me, that’s acceptable. As long as we can have an open and honest dialogue about that, and we continue moving forward and learning from past mistakes.
Dinner and Drinks in Fishtown
This is one of the few instances during this itinerary that likely necessitates travel via public transportation or taxicab to arrive at the destination.
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We are unable to fully solve gentrification issues here – the displacement of less affluent residents is an unfortunate reality that has occurred in virtually every major city, and stems from a complex interweaving of challenges. However, it is worth acknowledging what is happening in this area when visiting, as the signs of change are difficult to miss.
For reference as we go through the process for getting tickets, you can purchase tickets for the Uffizi Gallery here.
With that out of consideration, the principal reason to visit Fishtown as a tourist with confined time is rather uncomplicated: the cuisine (and beverages). This is the area of the city that’s crowded with all of the trendy hotspots that food writers in Philadelphia are praising.
Again, it is important to note that I, Matt, have Celiac Disease, and thus I was unable to partake in most of the culinary experiences offered in this area.
However, that certainly does not mean that you shouldn’t!
I`ll point out a few eateries that caught my attention, and then link to sources where food enthusiasts recommend dining in Fishtown.
For pizza, head to Eeva. Interestingly enough, I actually found myself there early in the morning (we’re talking before 8:00 am) because they share a space with ReAnimator Coffee (which is also good). They were firing up the wood-burning pizza ovens and getting ready for a busy day of service.
Another good, more famous option for pizza nearby is Pizzeria Beddia, which has won all sorts of awards over the years and was one of the original food enthusiast entries into the Fishtown area.
In terms of drinks, this area contains numerous bars providing a wide array of options ranging from popular beers like Bud Light to hard ciders, elaborate cocktails, and locally crafted brews. Visit Evil Genius or Human Robot for their selection of beers, Original XIII to sample locally made hard ciders and some intriguing taps, and R&D if you prefer pricey mixed drinks.
For more advice, check out this post on Reddit – In my experience, Reddit typically offers the best genuine recommendations for dining and drinks, rather than a basic listing of all potential restaurant possibilities.
What to Do with One Day in Philadelphia
If you have one day in Philadelphia, I’d get an early commencement and do the Liberty Bell at opening.
Then, I’d participate in the walking tour (unfortunately missing the Museum of the American Revolution) and get lunch at Reading Terminal Market.
Choose between the two museums – Rodin or the Barnes Foundation – and then head to Rittenhouse Square.
From there, head to Jim’s for a classic Philly cheesesteak, and end your day down on South Street at one of the numerous bars lining the bustling thoroughfare.
Getting Around Philadelphia
For maximum coverage, most of Philadelphia can be explored on foot, though the subway and bus systems also aid in transport.
On Foot
Philadelphia has an extremely walkable layout. The terrain is almost entirely level between the two rivers forming the eastern and western borders of downtown. It takes approximately 45 minutes on foot to traverse from one river to the other. However, this itinerary wouldn`t really involve walks of that length. In comparison to cities on the west coast, Philadelphia`s size is smaller.
Or, to provide an east coast analogy, on a scale ranging from New York City to Boston, it more closely resembles Boston in regards to spatial compactness and walkability.
I’d recommend doing as much walking as possible while you’re in Philadelphia. The itinerary above is organized in a way that means you should be able to tackle the entire thing without needing a taxi or public transportation, if you’re up for walking.
Public Transportation
Within the city center, your two options are going to be the subway or bus. I enjoy taking public transportation when traveling, and obtained a three day unlimited pass for my trip.
I spent seven years using public transit to get to and from work across the Bay in San Francisco. Remembering that I`m somewhat of an advocate for public transportation – a barista at a coffee shop in London laughed at me when my reply to “what’s your favorite thing about London?” was “the Tube” – I truly did not prefer taking public transit in Philadelphia.
Let’s start by focusing on buses, which are likely the best choice for traveling north and south to areas like Fishtown and South Philadelphia. I`m unsure why, but every single bus I took in Philadelphia was packed. No matter the hour. Going in any direction. Perhaps they need to operate additional buses to keep up with demand? It certainly wasn`t a particularly pleasant experience.
The subway transportation system was – according to an individual who frequently uses the Bay Area Rapid Transit in the San Francisco region and enjoys the subway transportation in New York City (which is a viewpoint that splits opinions, at minimum to some individuals we met in suburban New Jersey who attempted to convince me that I was going to lose my life if I placed one foot on the NYC subway) – very unclean, particularly the City Hall station, which one would think would have among the best upkeep.
It appears the general transportation framework in Philadelphia obtains considerably less funding than comparable sized frameworks in other cities, and is chronically underfunded to such an extent that necessary repairs have been postponed for years, repairs which are adding up and will necessitate an investment exceeding double the average annual budget to mend.
This article provides valuable insight about the situation and its effects on local inhabitants. Spoiler: the biggest, most negative impact is on the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of Philadelphia.
By the end of the two days, you truly won`t need public transportation for this Philadelphia itinerary. The city center is compact enough to walk almost everywhere, and for any isolated trips that may come up, I`d recommend taking a Lyft or taxi.
Getting to Philadelphia
If your travels bring you to Philadelphia from a major eastern seaboard city, we recommend utilizing Amtrak to travel between locations. It proves considerably less stressful and, in many cases, cheaper and swifter than flying.
If you’re coming from elsewhere, then air travel will likely be your best option.
Taking Amtrak
First of all, train travel is the most enjoyable. We spent three months in Europe last year after a couple of years spent primarily driving everywhere and very occasionally flying, and being in Europe made us fall in love with traveling by train all over again.
It’s, without a doubt, our preferred method of transportation, and we wish there were more train options on the west coast. Given the distances separating cities, though, it makes sense why that doesn’t truly exist.
There are a few Amtrak rail lines connecting Philadelphia to other major eastern cities, which includes a high-speed route between NYC and Philadelphia that takes around an hour and 20 minutes.
I took the Amtrak from New York City, and the travel experience that day was one of the most convenient journeys I`ve ever embarked upon.
It’s in this place on Google Maps, and it’s likely to be crowded with individuals wanting to get the perfect image (spoiler: to get that, you must arrive before 7:00 am…which I did).
If you’re arriving from further afield – Boston or Washington D.C. for instance – the faster (and more costly) Acela Trains may be a preferable choice if time is a limiting element. It saves around an hour and 15 minutes between Boston and Philly (it’s a five hour journey altogether) and 30 minutes between D.C. and Philly.
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From Elsewhere
If you’re coming from a location that’s not on the eastern seaboard, you’re likely going to be flying into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
To travel from the air terminal to the downtown area, you can take the SEPTA Airport line, which only requires about 20-25 minutes. It operates every 30 minutes (yearly on weekends) from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm (from 5:00 am on weekends). You’ll need to procure a SEPTA Key Card from the kiosks at the airport, and the journey (dubbed a “Quick Trip”) will cost $6.75. You can pay with cash on board the train, but it costs $8.
Additional Northeast USA Travel Guides
If you find this guide helpful, you won’t want to miss our other northeast travel guides!
New York City
- A Perfect Long Weekend in New York City: A 3-Day Itinerary
- Where to Lodge in New York City: The Best Neighborhoods and Accommodations
- Gluten Free Dining Options in New York City: Top Restaurants and Bakeries
Boston
- Spending a Weekend in Boston: A Model 2 Day Itinerary for the City
- Locations to Lodge in Boston: A Complete Guide to the Best Areas
- Gluten Free Options in Boston: A Thorough Guide for Celiacs
Philadelphia
