Philadelphia is a city that does have something for everybody. Whether you love history, food, or art, you will certainly find plenty to explore and enjoy when you visit this vibrant city.
In this post, we’ll take you on a virtual tour through Philadelphia, highlighting some of the best things that you can do here in a day. One of the best things about Philadelphia is that it’s very walkable, so it’s easy to pack a lot of sightseeing into a single day.
Start Your Day With A Classic Philly Cheesesteak
The famous Philly cheesesteak, the city’s signature sandwich. It is definitely worth getting a bus from NYC to Philly for one. Once you hop off the bus from NYC to Philly, you’ll find many places to get a cheesesteak here. Some places are more famous than others – Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks, for example, are two of the most well-known spots in the city and are neighbouring restaurants that have been in friendly competition with one another for over five decades.
While both of them claim to have invented the original cheesesteak, nobody really knows which one actually did, or if it was either of them! No matter where you choose to get your cheesesteak, you’re sure to be in for a delicious, filling start to your day in the city.
Explore Old City And Independence National Historical Park
Once you’ve enjoyed your breakfast, head to Old City, Philadelphia’s historic district. This area is home to some of the most iconic and important landmarks in the city, including Independence Hall, where both the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed. It’s also home to the Liberty Bell, which has been an enduring symbol of freedom in the US for decades. You could easily spend the rest of the day exploring Independence National Historical Park, which includes twenty acres of attractions and historic buildings.
The Betsy Ross House, the National Constitution Center, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum are some other notable attractions worth the visit in Old City. You can also take a guided walking tour of the neighbourhood to learn more about the architecture and history.
Visit The Philadelphia Museum Of Art
If you love art, then you can’t go to Philly without a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. With a collection that includes over 240,000 objects ranging from ancient artefacts to contemporary art pieces, you’ll never get bored here. Some highlights include paintings by Monet, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh along with photographs, sculptures, and decorative arts. For art lovers, it’s the perfect way to spend your day.
The ‘Rocky Steps’ is one of the most famous features of this museum. The 72 stone steps that lead up to the main entrance were featured in the movie Rocky and of course, many visitors enjoy running up them just like Sylvester Stallone in the movie.
Enjoy A Walk Through Fairmount Park
Once you’ve explored the museum, it’s worth putting a stroll through Fairmount Park on your itinerary. One of the largest urban parks in the US, it covers over two thousand acres and has miles of walking and cycling trails along with picnic areas, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities. If you’re visiting Philadelphia in the spring or summer months, then the park is well worth a visit to see the many gardens and meadows bursting into bloom with colourful flowers.
Go To Center City For Dinner And A Show
After a day filled with sightseeing, head to Center City for a bite to eat and some entertainment. The heart of the entertainment district in Philadelphia, Center City is home to several excellent great bars, restaurants, and theatres, so it’s the perfect place to wind down and relax in the evening before heading home or to your hotel.
There are lots of fabulous options in Center City when it comes to where to eat, from upscale restaurants to more casual eateries. Some popular choices include Zahav, an award-winning and popular Israeli restaurant, and Reading Terminal Market, a historic food hall that’s been serving some of the tastiest local specialities since all the way back in 1893.
Once you’ve enjoyed your dinner, you can catch a show at one of the many excellent theatres in Philadelphia. You can find Broadway shows, concerts, and other cultural events at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, or head to the Walnut Street Theater to enjoy a show at the oldest continuously operating theatre in the English-speaking world.
From delicious cheesesteaks to art museums, the city of Philadelphia has so much to offer and is well worth a visit. By following this itinerary, you can make the most of your day in Philly and be sure to see some of the most iconic and beloved attractions that the city has to offer.
