Philadelphia United States 4 Day Itinerary

Philadelphia 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: History and Independence

  • Morning: Start at Independence Mall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Independence Hall (free tickets available online) where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed.
  • Lunch: Grab a classic Philly cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks, right across from each other in South Philadelphia.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Liberty Bell Center, home to the iconic Liberty Bell. Take a stroll through Washington Square Park, a beautiful green space with historic significance.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Abe Fisher, offering seasonal American cuisine. Rest your head at The Alexander Inn, a boutique hotel in the heart of Old City.

Day 2: Art, Science, and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its steps from the movie Rocky. The museum’s collection includes over 800,000 works of art.
  • Lunch: Head to Reading Terminal Market, a historic market offering a wide variety of food vendors, including DiNic’s roast pork sandwiches.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Franklin Institute, a science museum with interactive exhibits and a giant heart you can walk through.
  • Evening: Catch a show or concert at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. For dinner, try Percy Street Barbecue, serving up delicious ‘cue.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures

  • Morning: Take a stroll along the Schuylkill River Trail, offering beautiful views of the city skyline.
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk around the park.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Philadelphia Zoo, home to over 1,300 animals, including some rare and endangered species.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Distrito, serving up creative Mexican cuisine. Stay at The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton, a stylish hotel with great amenities.

Day 4: Neighborhood Exploration

  • Morning: Explore the trendy Fishtown neighborhood, known for its street art, indie shops, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Pizzeria Vetri, serving up delicious Neapolitan-style pizza.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison turned museum with a haunting history. Take a guided tour to learn more about its past.
  • Evening: End your trip with dinner at Fork, offering creative American cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

Things to Know

  • Philadelphia is very walkable, but you can also use public transportation (SEPTA) or ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.
  • Be prepared for variable weather, as Philly can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
  • Don’t forget to try a soft pretzel, a Philly classic!

Tips

  • Buy a Philly Phlash pass for discounted admission to many attractions.
  • Take advantage of happy hour deals at local bars and restaurants.
  • Explore different neighborhoods to get a true feel for the city.

Transportation

  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is easily accessible by taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
  • Use SEPTA buses, trolleys, or subways to get around the city.
  • Consider purchasing a SEPTA Independence Pass for unlimited travel during your stay.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Philadelphia!