Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Philadelphia?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Philadelphia?
Most people spend two to three days in Philadelphia during their visit. The cultural city offers amazing highlights such as the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, the theatre, and the cuisine.
Philadelphia is a large and diverse city that has a strong history from the founding days of the United States. It is home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and many other sights related to the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the American Revolution. There are also many museums, markets, restaurants, and neighborhoods that are unique and fun to explore.
Do you have one or two days to visit Philadelphia? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Philadelphia?
As a large city, Philadelphia offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. Given only one day, you will likely find yourself hurrying to experience the key highlights such as the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the theatre. To truly savor all that the city boasts, a more generous amount of time is advisable. Many travelers opt for two to three days to thoroughly relish the wonders of the city. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations for making the most of your visit.
How to spend a day in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is known for it's world-class museums and famous landmarks, so make sure you spend at least a day exploring at one or more of the most appealing. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Museum of the American Revolution Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option ($25)
- Philadelphia Museums self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt ($37)
- The Philadelphia Sightseeing Flex Pass: Save on 35+ Landmark Attractions & Tours ($55)
Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, Philadelphia is known for its wide range of shows. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Philadelphia by Operation City Quest ($10)
- Allentown City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest ($10)
Philadelphia is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Philadelphia?
A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the cultural city of Philadelphia, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time to take it all in. You don't want to miss the chance to explore the museums and famous sights, soak up the big city atmosphere, take in a show, and dine out at amazing restaurants. Many tourists set aside two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Philadelphia below.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
How to spend 2 days in Philadelphia
Having a weekend (two to three days) in Philadelphia will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Don't miss the Liberty Bell during your trip to Philadelphia, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Italian Market & More: Non-Touristy Food Tour w/ Journalist ($95)
- Philadelphia Italian Market Public Food Tour ($61)
- Inside the Italian Market: Chef-Led Tasting Journey ($80)
The public transit in Philadelphia is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Philadelphia, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.