Things to Do in Philadelphia: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Philadelphia, birthplace of American democracy, combines world-class history, major art museums, thousands of outdoor murals and one of the country's best food scenes, from cheesesteaks to soft pretzels and BYOB bistros.
This guide covers the best things to do in Philadelphia, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with Valley Forge, Longwood Gardens and Lancaster County, plus food and where to stay.
Top things to see in Philadelphia
Independence Hall
Where the Declaration and the Constitution were signed.
Liberty Bell
Cracked symbol of freedom.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
World-class collections and the Rocky Steps.
Reading Terminal Market
Historic food hall since 1893.
Elfreth's Alley
Among America's oldest residential streets.
Barnes Foundation
Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse masterpieces.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Haunting 1829 prison.
Italian Market
Outdoor market in South Philly.
Philadelphia in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Old City
Start with timed-entry tickets for Independence Hall and see the Liberty Bell across the street, then the Museum of the American Revolution. Lunch at Reading Terminal Market. In the afternoon, walk Elfreth's Alley and visit Christ Church. Dinner in Old City.
2Day 2 · Art and the Parkway
Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and run up the Rocky Steps, then the Barnes Foundation on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Lunch near the Parkway. In the afternoon, see the Rodin Museum and Love Park. Spend the evening around Rittenhouse Square.
3Day 3 · Neighborhoods
Tour Eastern State Penitentiary in the morning, then join a Mural Arts walking tour. Lunch on a cheesesteak in South Philly. In the afternoon, wander the Italian Market and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens mosaics. Dinner on East Passyunk Avenue.
Philadelphia in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Valley Forge
Take a day trip to Valley Forge National Historical Park, where Washington's army camped in the winter of 1777–78. Lunch nearby. In the afternoon, bike or drive the park's encampment tour. Return to Philadelphia for dinner in Fishtown.
5Day 5 · Longwood Gardens
Visit Longwood Gardens, about an hour away, with conservatories, fountains and themed gardens. Lunch at the garden's café. In the afternoon, stop in the Brandywine Valley for the Brandywine River Museum of Art. Return in the evening.
Philadelphia in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Lancaster County
Drive to Lancaster County's Amish Country for farmland, covered bridges and Central Market in Lancaster city. Lunch on Pennsylvania Dutch food. In the afternoon, visit Bird-in-Hand or Intercourse. Return to Philadelphia.
7Day 7 · Last day
Explore the Franklin Institute or the Penn campus, then pick up soft pretzels and last souvenirs. Have a farewell lunch at Reading Terminal Market. Philadelphia International Airport is about 25 minutes away by train.
What to do in Philadelphia on a weekend
For a weekend in Philadelphia, combine Independence Hall, the art museum, Reading Terminal Market and a South Philly cheesesteak.
New York City is about 90 minutes by train.
What to do in Philadelphia in the evening
Evenings mean BYOB restaurants, bars in Fishtown and Northern Liberties, and theater on the Avenue of the Arts.
Summer brings Spruce Street Harbor Park on the waterfront.
Philadelphia for couples
Couples can dine around Rittenhouse Square, catch a concert at the Kimmel Center and spend a day at Longwood Gardens.
Philadelphia with kids
With kids, the Franklin Institute, the Please Touch Museum, the Philadelphia Zoo and the Liberty Bell are winners.
What to eat in Philadelphia
Cheesesteak
Thin-sliced beef and cheese on a roll.
Soft pretzel
Figure-eight Philly style.
Roast pork sandwich
With broccoli rabe and provolone.
Water ice
Summer favorite.
Tastykake
Local snack cakes.
Where to stay in Philadelphia: best areas
Old City
Near the historic sites.
Center City
Central and convenient.
Rittenhouse Square
Elegant and leafy.
Fishtown
Trendy bars and restaurants.
What to do in Philadelphia when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, the Franklin Institute and Reading Terminal Market.
How much does a trip to Philadelphia cost?
Expect $180 to $300 per night, $15 to $35 for a meal and about $30 for the art museum.
Practical tips for Philadelphia
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October.
Getting around
SEPTA subway, buses and regional rail; walkable center.
Our practical tips
- Reserve Independence Hall tickets.
- Use SEPTA and walk.
- Try more than one cheesesteak.
- Check free museum days.
- Explore beyond Old City.
- Book Longwood tickets ahead.
Mistakes to avoid
- Driving and parking in Center City.
- Skipping the Barnes.
- Eating only cheesesteaks.
- Ignoring the neighborhoods.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Philadelphia?
Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the art museum and Reading Terminal Market.
How many days do you need?
Three days for the city, a week with day trips.
Is Philadelphia family-friendly?
Yes, with hands-on museums and a zoo.
How far is New York City?
About 90 minutes by train.