One Day in Philadelphia: Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Adventures of Matt & Nat
- Jan 13, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 13
If you love US history, then it’s hard to beat a visit to Philadelphia! There’s something magical about standing in the exact rooms where the most important documents in US history were drafted. And getting to experience iconic pieces of history like the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and the gravesite of the great Benjamin Franklin makes Philadelphia a unique and very special US city that’s worth a visit. And we haven’t even gotten into the food here! Can anyone say Philly Cheesesteak?! Yes, please! We had the privilege of visiting this amazing city for one day and wanted to put together an itinerary that is perfect for the time-crunched travelers like us!
⬇️ Watch our "One Day in Philly" video for a closer look at our visit! ⬇️
Looking for the perfect hotel or lodging for your time in Philly? Check out these recommendations:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The DWIGHT D Hotel
⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Notary Hotel
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Canopy
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loews
Or use the map below to find the perfect stay for you!
8:00 AM: Breakfast at Ultimo Coffee
(2149 Catharine St)
Ultimo Coffee roasts its own coffee, focusing on balanced, complex flavors that highlight the best characteristics of each bean. Their menu includes classic espresso-based drinks, single-origin brews, and seasonal specialty drinks. Beyond coffee, Ultimo offers a small but thoughtful selection of pastries and baked goods, particularly at their Germantown location, which features an in-house bakery. The atmosphere varies by location but is generally minimalist, warm, and welcoming—perfect for a quiet morning coffee, catching up with a friend, or getting some work done.
Other options:
▪️ Old City Coffee, Inc. (221 Church St)
▪️ Herman's Coffee (1313 S 3rd St)
▪️ Elixr (1600 Market St)
9:00 AM: Philadelphia Museum of Art and the famous “Rocky Steps”
(2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy)
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the nation's most esteemed art institutions, housing over 200,000 works spanning diverse eras and cultures. Its grand neoclassical building stands at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, offering stunning views of the city. The museum is also famous for the "Rocky Steps," a set of 72 stone steps immortalized in the 1976 film Rocky, where visitors often reenact the iconic training scene. At the base, the bronze Rocky statue is a popular photo spot, making the museum a must-visit for both art lovers and movie fans alike.
11:00 AM: Independence Park
(520 Chestnut St)
Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia is a 55-acre historic district preserving key sites from America's founding. Central to the park is Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. Nearby, the Liberty Bell Center houses the iconic Liberty Bell, symbolizing freedom and democracy. The park also includes significant structures like Carpenters' Hall, the First and Second Banks of the United States, and Franklin Court, offering insights into the nation's early history. Often referred to as "America's most historic square mile," the park provides a profound glimpse into the country's revolutionary past. If you plan to visit Independence Hall, be sure to book your timed entry ticket HERE!
1:00 PM: Lunch at Reading Terminal Market
(1136 Arch St)
Reading Terminal Market, established in 1893, is one of America's oldest public markets, located at 12th and Arch Streets in Philadelphia. Housed in a National Historic Landmark building, the market features over 70 merchants offering a diverse array of goods, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and international cuisine. The market operates daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, though individual vendor hours may vary, and Pennsylvania Dutch merchants are typically closed on Sundays.
Note: During our visit, we visited Bourse Food Hall for lunch (see photos below) which has unfortunately closed since then.
Explore the best of Philly with Urban Adventures, where local guides share unique stories behind the city’s iconic sights and hidden gems. Whether you're eager to uncover Philadelphia’s rich history or relax with a local craft beer, there’s a perfect tour waiting for you!
Highlights:
▪️ Take this 2-hour walking tour where you explore a history-drenched neighborhood and view some of the iconic sights of Philadelphia with a local guide
▪️ Get a whistle-stop private tour of all the major Philadelphia sights, as well as a couple of hidden gems, too!
▪️ Absorb the rich historical significance of landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Christ Church, Elfreth’s Alley, Betsy Ross House and more
▪️ Enjoy a surprise local treat with your guide at the end of your tour!
5:00 PM: Happy Hour
Whether you’re sipping a classic drink in a historic Old City bar, enjoying rooftop views in Center City, or tasting inventive small plates in trendy neighborhoods like Fishtown, Philly’s happy hour scene has something for everyone. With countless bars, gastropubs, and lounges offering daily specials, it’s the perfect way to unwind and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Notable options:
▪️ Tattooed Mom (530 South St)
▪️ Mission Taqueria (1516 Sansom St 2nd Floor, Above Oyster House)
▪️ Assembly Rooftop Lounge (1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, inside The Logan Hotel)
6:30pm: A Classic Philly Dinner
No visit to Philly would be complete without having a classic Philly Cheesesteak! Here are some places we recommend trying:
▪️ Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks (214 Market St) - Where we went
▪️ Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies (600 Wendover St)
▪️ Tony Luke’s (39 E Oregon Ave)
▪️ Jim’s South Street (400 South St)
▪️ Ishkabibble’s (517 South St)
We hope that this guide has helped you make the most of your time in Philadelphia, and if it has, we hope you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more travel content!
Disclaimer: We only recommend products, services, and resources that we believe will provide value to our readers/viewers. If you purchase anything using our referral links, we may get a small commission with no extra cost to you, and the money we receive from our advertising relationships helps us to keep creating content free of charge to our readers/viewers.
Comments