Itineraries for Your Trip to Philadelphia
2 Days in Philadelphia for First Timers
I was lucky enough to spend a good portion of my childhood in the Philadelphia area, and every time I return to visit family, I’m reminded anew just how much the city has to offer. It’s not just that Philly was one of the country’s first capitals, with the UNESCO-listed landmarks to show for it, nor that its museums are some of the world’s best. Nor is it only its atmospheric neighborhoods, like Old City, or foodie highlights like Reading Terminal Market, one of the country's oldest and largest covered markets.
It’s also that Philadelphia’s walkable scale and heart-of-gold personality make it fantastically easy to get to know—even with two days to explore. The City of Brotherly Love, indeed.
Philadelphia experiences weather extremes, with sweltering summers and frosty winters—pack according to the seasons.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Philadelphia Museum of Art, an essential cultural stop with iconic steps.
If you want an introductory overview of Philadelphia—to discover how its neighborhoods fit together and to glimpse many of its major monuments—there are few better or more convenient ways to begin than with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Most offer on-board commentary, which provides a great introduction to the city’s history and highlights, while their flexibility makes them especially easy to fit into your schedule.
Once you’ve had the overview experience, hop off in the middle of Center City to get a closer look. No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a history tour—it’s one of the country’s oldest cities, after all. Pick an itinerary that explores the Revolutionary War–era highlights of [Independence National Historical Park](https://www.viator.com/Philadelphia-attractions/Independence-National-Historical-Park/d906-a11340, from the Liberty Bell and the UNESCO-listed Independence Hall to Congress Hall and Carpenters’ Hall.
In Philadelphia, centuries of history also mean centuries of hauntings—and a spooky ghost tour is a great way to dabble in Philly’s macabre side. Get a different view of Old City’s highlights when you set off after dark and discover a side of the city that isn’t shared with daytime travelers. Between the haunted taverns and creepy graveyards, do some ghost-spotting yourself.
Philadelphia is just as celebrated for its rich cultural offerings as its history, and you can dedicate your second day of sightseeing to exploring them. Begin with a morning trip to one of the City of Brotherly Love’s highlight museums. For art, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art or Barnes Foundation; for science, the Franklin Institute; and for civics and government, the National Constitution Center.
Philadelphia’s museums may be world-famous, but so is its food scene. While celebrated for staples like cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and hoagies, the city is also considered one of the top dining destinations in the country. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, embark on a lunchtime food tour that charts that culinary range and visits must-try destinations like the storied Reading Terminal Market.
But it’s not just Philadelphia’s dining scene that’s celebrated—the city’s lively network of pubs, craft breweries, and taverns ensures its drinks scene is no less feted. For a fitting final toast to your two-day trip, book an evening pub crawl experience. In between rounds, enjoy rubbing shoulders with Philadelphia residents, all while soaking up some local lore.
