Philly in a Weekend: History, Art, Food & Drink

Discover the historic city of Philadelphia, where American history comes to life.

03 May 2023

A visit to Philadelphia offers travelers the opportunity to explore America's historic past. With iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, visitors can delve into the roots of American democracy. Alongside the historical attractions, Philadelphia is also renowned for its culinary scene, offering a wide variety of mouth-watering local dishes to try.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering Philly's History and Art Scene

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Reading Terminal Market, with options ranging from Amish donuts to cheesesteaks.
  • Take a stroll along Independence Mall, where you can visit historic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
  • Head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection ranging from Monet to Duchamp.
  • Grab lunch at Sabrina's Cafe, known for its creative takes on classic brunch dishes like stuffed french toast and crab cake benedict.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the Barnes Foundation, a unique museum featuring an eclectic mix of impressionist, modern, and African art.
  • End the day with dinner at Zahav, a critically acclaimed restaurant serving modern Israeli cuisine.
  • Hotel Recommendation: The Rittenhouse Hotel, a luxurious option in the heart of Philly's most fashionable neighborhood.
Day 2

Exploring Philly's Food and Drink Scene

  • Start the day with a classic Philadelphia breakfast at Green Eggs Cafe, featuring dishes like red velvet pancakes and Philly-style bagels.
  • Take a tour of the iconic Eastern State Penitentiary, known for its innovative prison reform practices and famous inmates like Al Capone.
  • Have lunch at Pat's King of Steaks, a legendary institution serving up classic Philly cheesesteaks since 1930.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring local breweries and distilleries, like Yards Brewing Co. and Philadelphia Distilling.
  • Take a food tour of Reading Terminal Market, trying out everything from locally made ice cream to authentic Amish pretzels.
  • End the day with dinner and drinks at Barclay Prime, an upscale steakhouse and cocktail bar in Rittenhouse Square.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, a stylish and quirky option featuring a rooftop lounge and a pet-friendly policy.
  • Philadelphia may be known for its cheesesteaks and history, but there's so much more to discover in this vibrant city. From world-class museums to innovative restaurants and bars, there's never a dull moment in the City of Brotherly Love.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Philadelphia by plane is to fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) which has international and domestic flights available.

Car

Driving to Philadelphia via Interstate 95 is a convenient option for those coming from nearby cities.

Train

Amtrak offers train services to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station from various cities across the United States.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Philadelphia, passengers can arrive in Philadelphia via a cruise to nearby cities such as New York or Baltimore and then take ground transportation to Philadelphia.

Bus

Greyhound and Megabus provide bus services to Philadelphia from various U.S. cities.

More travel plans

Philly in a Day: Liberty Bell, Cheesesteaks, Art

Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, offers a perfect blend of history and culture. As a tourist, one can explore the historic landmarks, museums, and art scenes of the city, including Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and Philadelphia Museum of Art. Moreover, the city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak, and you can try the authentic mouth-watering cheesesteaks at Pat's or Geno's.

Philly Fun: A Budget-Friendly 3-Day Family Adventure

A family friendly trip to Philadelphia offers an exciting blend of history, culture, and fun activities. Explore iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where America's founding fathers declared independence. Visit the Franklin Institute, a science museum with interactive exhibits, or take a stroll through the Philadelphia Zoo to admire a diverse range of wildlife.

Philly in 5: A Romantic Escape for Couples

A romantic trip to Philadelphia offers a blend of history, culture, and world-class dining experiences for couples to indulge in. Couples can explore the city's historic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, stroll along the picturesque streets of Old City, and enjoy a sunset together from the top of One Liberty Observation Deck. Philadelphia's culinary scene offers diverse options, starting with an authentic Philly cheesesteak to elegant farm-to-table dining experiences that are sure to leave couples satisfied.

Philly's Cultural Delights: A 2-Day Getaway

A romantic trip to Philadelphia, United States promises to be filled with historic and cultural delights. Take a stroll hand-in-hand through the charming streets of Old City before enjoying a candlelit dinner at the stylish Rittenhouse Square. Don't miss the iconic Philly cheesesteak and end the night with a kiss atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.