How to spend two days in Philadelphia

By Samuel Ford
Published: July 18, 2024
Two days in Philadelphia

How better to acquaint yourself with the good old US of A than with a trip to the ‘Birthplace of America’? That’s right, fabulous Philadelphia brims with things to do for travelers looking for urban adventures.

With city tours, views from skyscrapers, unending culinary delights, and glorious summer weather, you won’t be left wanting for things to do here. After all, they say it’s always sunny in Philadelphia...

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Day 1

Morning

Dive headfirst into exploring the city by boarding a hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour. This is the most efficient and exciting way of seeing the best that the city has to offer and getting your bearings of Philadelphia at the same time.

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Along the 25-stop route, your friendly Philly guide will let you in on the city’s history, culture, dining spots, and, of course, where to get the most authentic Philly cheesesteak. You’ll see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Museum of Art (with the famous steps that Rocky climbed), the Eastern State Penitentiary, and much more. Your ticket is valid for 1 whole day, so you can explore the best of the city at your leisure.

All that sightseeing is sure to work up an appetite. En route your guide will point out where to get some of the best Philadelphia soft pretzels you can get your hands on, and not hopping off to get a bite would be criminal!

Lunch

Did you think you’d start reading about what to do in Philly and not be recommended a cheesesteak? Think again! And get straight down to Jim’s South Street to get your hands on a soft bread bun packed with prime beef, gooey cheese, pickles, and peppers.

They claim it’s the best cheesesteak you can find, and who are we to argue with their 80 years of experience churning out these mouthwatering subs?

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Afternoon

Enjoy a moment of calm in the center of the bustling city at Longwood Gardens. This 1,077-acre botanical paradise in the heart of Philadelphia presents lush flower displays, plants from across the globe, and awesome fountain shows over the summer months. What’s more, the center also incorporates a treehouse you can climb up to, waterlily gardens, topiary displays, and a living art gallery of miniature manicured bonsai trees.

Evening

An afternoon of perusing plant life will mean that you are re-energized to explore the city by night, and there are all sorts to be doing when the sun goes down.

Dine at Baology for the best dim sum this side of Taiwan, classic pizza at Stina Pizzeria, or Vedge where the upscale vegan within you will delight at the meat-free menu.

Later on, sip lurid libations at either Hop Sing Laundromat which serves classy cocktails with a speakeasy vibe, or enjoy a famously friendly welcome at the chic underground Franklin Bar.

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Day 2

Breakfast

Now that you’re settled into the City of Brotherly Love, it’s important to seek out the best breakfast to fuel the second day of adventures.

Sam’s Morning Glory Diner will more than suffice for your fill of classic American breakfast items. They serve up everything you could desire from bacon and eggs with sausage gravy to waffles with ice cream, pancakes, and fluffy French toast piled high with fruit. They even make their own ketchups and jams to accompany breakfast. The difficult part is choosing what you’ll order.

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Morning

Take a jaunt down to the riverside at Penn’s Landing and let your food digest with a view of the Delaware River glimmering in front of you and the skyscrapers of downtown reaching to the heavens behind.

This is the historic site where William Penn landed in 1682 and founded the Province of Pennsylvania. On the waterfront, you’ll also find the Independence Seaport Museum which provides visitors with an educational and interactive glimpse into the city’s maritime heritage.

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Afternoon

The afternoon calls for a taste of classic Philly culture, and how better to discover this fabulous city than by following in the footsteps of one of its most famous inhabitants? The Franklin Footsteps walking tour will lead you on a path forged by Benjamin Franklin, writer, philosopher, scientist, inventor, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

Your guide in traditional colonial dress will take you past the Betsy Ross House where the first US flag was made, Franklin’s home, his final resting place, and the picturesque Elfreth's Alley lined with 32 original colonial-era homes.

Stroll down cobblestoned pathways, through pretty alleys, and learn all about the Founding Fathers and the forging of a nation.

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Evening

As evening draws in on your 2-day Philly break, why not step back in time in the Old City and learn some gruesome tales on a Murder by Gaslight walking tour? This spooky murder mystery trail teaches you about the darker side of the city's Victorian era.

Led by your guide - who just happens to be the victim of a 130-year-old murder - you will also be tasked with inspecting a crime scene, gathering clues, and questioning the suspects you meet along the way.

This rather unusual end to your trip might just intrigue you enough to want to extend your stay...!

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there’s our list of fun things to do in Philadelphia. Don’t forget – many of these top attractions are available with a pass by Go City, which will help you save on combined admission costs. We hope you enjoyed this list, and consider adding a few options to your vacation itinerary.

See the list of attractions on our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes.

Samuel Ford
Go City Travel Expert

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Best time to visit Philadelphia

Visitors to Philadelphia may be forgiven for feeling like they’re traveling through time in this former capital city, as they chart its evolution from the birthplace of the United States to the modern, cosmopolitan city it is today. No stone of history is unturned in its museums, and no corner of its streets devoid of its own work of art or world food café. You can also travel through the seasons, and it’s particularly vibrant in the summer months with its stacked schedule of outdoor festivals and events. But for those who prefer a little space, there’s plenty to enjoy in the cooler months too, with its abundance of galleries and restaurants to escape into, and of course a profusion of parks and gardens that are continually changing as the year goes by. So whether you prefer hot or cold, bustling or quiet, or are at the mercy of your schedule, you can be sure to find plenty of interest, and people ready to welcome you, in the city of brotherly love. Summer Summer is the busiest and most expensive time to visit Philadelphia, but if you love warm weather, outdoor festivals and the company of other extroverts then there’s no better place to be. June is Pride month, so be sure to hop onto an LGBTQ history tour, scope out restaurants serving LGBTQ themed food to support pride-related charities or go and see one of the city’s famous drag shows. If you find yourself in Philadelphia for the Independence Day celebrations in July, brush up on your history by visiting the National Constitution Center or the Museum of the American Revolution, or contemplate heroes from around the world at the National Liberty Museum. Beer, folk and food festivals continue well into July and August, and although they say it’s always sunny in Philadelphia this is also when the rain is most likely to roll in. Beat the humidity by escaping to Spruce Street Harbor Park, considered to be one of the best Urban beaches in America, or escape to Longwood Gardens where the water lilies will be in full bloom and the pond’s fountains dazzling crowds with water and light displays. Fall September is a refreshing time to be in Philadelphia, as temperatures cool, crowds disperse and the colors begin to change – so if you’re after some fiery photographs head to Independence Hall or the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where the autumnal leaves contrast against the city skylines. A month-long Fringe Festival also kicks off this month, or if you’re a fan of all things fungi, check out the annual Mushroom Festival at Kennett Square, just outside the city. October is Halloween month and festivities abound, with German food and music taking center stage as part of several Oktoberfest celebrations. At Peddler’s Village, about 45 minutes out of town, a hundred scarecrows pop up every year, and visitors can vote for their favorite while exploring winding brick walkways and quirky restaurants. If you’re still in Philadelphia on the third Thursday of November you’ll be able to watch the country’s oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade, which runs from 20th Street to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Santa himself makes an appearance at the parade, which officially starts the winter holiday season. Winter If you like to save money, avoid crowds and don’t mind the cold, then Philadelphia in winter could be the perfect city for you. After the Thanksgiving Parade the dark evenings are brought to life with annual traditions such as the RiverRink Winterfest, the Philadelphia Christmas Village and Christmas at the Wanamaker Building. Franklin Square lights up with Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations every year and there are light displays in almost every park and public garden. The new year celebrations begin with a fireworks display on the Delaware River on New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day locals flock into the city once again to marvel at the lavish floats and costumes of the Mummers Parade, a much-anticipated annual tradition since 1901. January is the coldest month in Philadelphia, with an average temperature of just above freezing – but it’s also the best month for snow, so snow angels are your thing you’re in the right place! In February things begin to brighten a bit and you’ll start to see buds appearing on trees and hedges. Try wrapping up for an invigorating walking tour, then head indoors to the Aquarium or the Penn Museum to thaw out. If you’re feeling brave, liven up the dark evenings with a Dark Philly Adult Night Tour. Spring Although Spring in Philadelphia is still brisk with average temperatures rising from just the mid-30s in March to the 50s in May, it’s a good time to visit before the crowds – and accommodation costs – increase in summer. There’s plenty to do in spring, as outdoor markets start popping up and street festivals – complete with outdoor skating rinks, ferris wheels and carnival games – come back to life along the river. In April sports fans can cheer on Olympic hopefuls at the high school and collegiate Penn Relays, and in May many of the attractions that have been closed for winter begin to reopen, including the Delaware RiverLink Ferry which links the Camden and Philadelphia Waterfronts. Nature lovers will find plenty of inspiration in spring, as pops of color begin to appear on street corners in the form of tulips and other early emerging flowers. At the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden the cherry blossoms burst into life in a profusion of pink and white petals, reassuring walkers and passers by that warmer weather is on the way. See more with Go City Summer, winter, spring or fall, you’ll find plenty to fascinate you in Philadelphia. And whether you prefer indoors or outdoors, museums or tours, you’ll see and save more with Go City.
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