Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is a vibrant and historic destination that offers something for everyone. Regardless of whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or are just looking for a fun day out, there’s plenty to see and do in this bustling, Pennsylvanian metropolis. If you’re short on time, spending 24 hours in Philadelphia is the perfect way to get a taste of what the city has to offer— and leave you wanting to come back again.
Make the most of your time in the City of Brotherly Love with this 24-hour city guide to Philadelphia:
Morning
First, let’s stop at the city’s historic center.
Traveling by car? Park your vehicle for the day at the Independence Visitor Center Parking Garage located at 6th and Market Streets (8:00am – 8:00pm). Street parking is hard to come by during weekends and business hours. The garage is conveniently located just a short walk from Philadelphia’s main historic attractions and is fairly secure. Plus, you can always stop inside the Visitor Center for more information or to use the restrooms.
After you’ve parked your car, head to Independence National Historical Park. Here, you’ll find some of the most important historical sites in the United States, like Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. See the Liberty Bell on display, too, an iconic symbol of American freedom. Remember to reserve tickets in advance—they tend to sell out!
Afternoon
After your history lesson at Independence Hall, take a 15-minute stroll uptown (or Uber/Lyft) to Reading Terminal Market to grab a bite to eat. The Reading Terminal Market is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the country. Here, find vendors selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods to the Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches the city is known for. Snap a few photos, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market.
Once lunch is finished, find culture in one of the city’s many museums. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is great for kids whereas at the Philadelphia Museum of Art you can see impressive works by Monet, Cézanne, and Van Gogh. Or, take a self-guided tour of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, an outdoor art installation created by artist Isiah Zagar, for a unique experience. The Magic Gardens feature a labyrinth of walkways and passageways lined with colorful mosaics, tile work, and found objects all art-lovers can appreciate.
Evening
If the sun hasn’t yet fully set, take time to walk through the charming cobblestone streets of the Old City. Make sure to admire the historic architecture unique to the area as you go. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at any of the nearby restaurants to get a real taste of the city— Jose Garces’ Amada (Spanish), City Tavern (American), or Han Dynasty (Chinese), anyone?
After dinner, if your night is feeling young, walk to Spruce Street Harbor Park. This park is known for its unique and innovative design, which features floating gardens, a boardwalk and a variety of recreational amenities—like hammocks, a playground, mini-golf course and a beer garden— for even more fun.
Finally, end the day back to your hotel where you can unwind from the busy day and all the new memories you just made. (I like staying at Penn’s View and Independence Park when I’m visiting Philadelphia.)
Morning, Next Day
Before you’re fully on the road again, channel your inner movie buff. Make a pitstop by the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a quick photo-op of “Rocky’s Steps”. The 72 steps in front of the museum have gained notoriety through their appearance in the 1976 film “Rocky”. In the movie, the fictional character Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) runs up the stairs as part of his training regimen. Today, the stairs are a popular destination for tourists, where they can recreate the scene while overlooking the city.
Not ready to go? If you’ve fallen in love with the city, extend your stay by visiting Eastern State Penitentiary or Longwood Gardens. Equally as unique, both locations are fully worth a day trip in and of themselves.
Will You Visit Philadelphia?
Intrigued by the rich history, delicious food, and unique neighborhood charm of Philadelphia? If so, it’s time to start planning your trip! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this amazing city and all it has to offer. Check out some of the recommended spots in this guide to plan the perfect itinerary.
After you visit, be sure to share your experience in the comments below. Did you discover a hidden gem? Have a favorite restaurant or attraction? We want to hear all about it!
