The By-The-Book Philadelphia Itinerary

This three-day By-the-Book itinerary is packed with tried-and-true Philadelphia adventures, essential for any first-time visitor (or anyone’s first visit in a while).

Delve into Philadelphia’s history and pivotal role in the founding of the nation, be awed by art collections, enjoy the great outdoors, and taste the wide variety of culinary offerings that have made Philadelphia an international food destination.

Day 1

Morning

Start your visit at the Independence Visitor Center on Independence Mall, where you can get tickets for local attractions and map out your journey with trip-planning help in 12 languages. Take a trip to the Visitor Center’s second floor to enjoy sweeping views of Independence Mall from the Liberty View Terrace.

Visit Independence Hall and take a $1 ticketed tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site where America’s Founders signed the Declaration of Independence. Just across the street is where you’ll find the Liberty Bell. The symbol of American Independence is free to see (and snap a selfie with), as are the accompanying exhibits inside the Liberty Bell Center.

On the northern end of Independence Mall, the National Constitution Center is the nation’s only museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution, located just two blocks from where it was signed.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to Reading Terminal Market,  one of America’s oldest and largest indoor farmer’s markets. Shop and eat your way through 80+ local vendors, offering everything from coffee to cheesesteaks, and Philadelphia souviners.

Just a short walk away, snap a photo of Philadelphia’s City Hall‘s stunning architecture. Then, head to Dilworth Park for seasonal activities, food, and plenty of space to relax. Another photo op waits just a few steps away at LOVE Park. Strike a pose in front of Robert Indiana’s iconic sculpture at the gateway to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Philadelphia’s Parkway Museums District.

Evening

Cheers to your first full day in Philadelphia at the city’s oldest continuously operating tavern, McGillin’s Olde Ale House. The pub has been pouring pints since 1860 and features vintage signs from Philadelphia’s past hung throughout the space.

Day 2

Morning

Start the day by taking in historic city sights from a comfy seat on a double-decker bus, with tours available in multiple languages. Hop off the bus and explore the 9th Street Italian Market, where you can retrace Rocky’s famous jog through this lively open-air market filled with diverse cuisine.

Follow the Italian Market south to refuel with a cheesesteak from Pat’s or Geno’s. Philadelphia’s two most famous cheesesteaks are cooked right across the street from one another. These two iconic cheesesteak spots are easy to spot with their bright neon signs and the aroma of sizzling onions. Order one from each and decide for yourself which is best.

Afternoon

Return to Old City to relive the story of the American Revolution and the early days of the United States at the Museum of the American Revolution. Afterwards, take a short walk back to Independence Mall and explore the groundwork of the President’s House Historic Site. Once home to Presidents George Washington and John Adams, this site tells the story of slavery and freedom in the early days of America.

Stroll down our nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, Elfreth’s Alley. There you can admire 32 18th-century homes that line this cozy block in Old City. For a closer look at working-class living in early Philadelphia, visit the Elfreth’s Alley Museum at houses 124 and 126. Afterwards, fill any extra room in your suitcase with souvenirs, gifts and tax-free clothes and shoes purchased at one of the many independent shops and art galleries in Old City.

Evening

Dine in the historic district along 2nd Street at spots like Royal Boucherie, The Plough and the Stars, and Khyber Pass Pub. Finish your evening with a treat from The Franklin Fountain, a turn-of-the-century style ice cream parlor just a few doors from the nation’s oldest operating candy store, Shane Confectionery.

Day 3

Morning

Start with a morning walk, jog, run or bike ride along the 20+ mile Schuylkill River Trail, weaving through downtown into Fairmount Park. For an added workout, climb the 72 “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art before heading inside to explore one of the nation’s largest art collections, spanning 2,000 years.

Step outside for one of Philadelphia’s most iconic views: Boathouse Row. The best vantage point is on the western shore of the Schuylkill River, along MLK Jr. Drive. Continue your adventure into Fairmount Park. Visit one of the many trailheads in this expansive, 2,000+ acre park for a hike, or tour one of its historic mansions.

Afternoon

Visit the castle-like complex that is Eastern State Penitentiary, Once inside, navigate the cellblocks and learn more about former inhabitants, including “Slick Willie” Sutton and notorious gangster Al Capone. The Penitentiary offers a comprehensive audio tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi. After your tour, find a quaint lunch stop amidst an international array of flavor in the Fairmount neighborhood.

Finally, take a short walk to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to visit the Rodin Museum. There, you can revel in one of the largest collections of sculptor Auguste Rodin’s works outside of Paris, including a six-foot cast of The Thinker.

Evening

End day three with an evening along the Delaware River with dinner and drinks aboard the Moshulu. This restaurant is on the world’s oldest and largest square rigged sailing vessel still afloat.