Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Philadelphia?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Philadelphia?
As a large city, Philadelphia offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. Three days is just the right amount of time to see pretty much everything in Philadelphia. Most visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, and we have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting. Also, Philadelphia is popular with families and students which enjoy visiting because the city offers activities specifically for them.
How to spend 3 days 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 ($24)
- 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.
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:
- Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour ($90)
- Philadelphia's Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour ($65)
- Best of Philadelphia Food Tour-Small Group Walking Tour ($59)
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.
Because Philadelphia is a fairly large destination, you can spend at least a full day exploring the many neighborhoods, landmarks, and popular attractions found around town. It is a large city with a lot of diverse neighborhoods. It is the sixth largest city in the US.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise with Buffet ($66)
- Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour ($36)
- Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Philadelphia (1, 2, or 3-Day) ($36)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl ($45)
Is 4 days enough time in Philadelphia?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Philadelphia at your own pace to explore the museums and famous sights, soak up the big city atmosphere, take in a show, and dine out at amazing restaurants. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
How to spend 4 days in Philadelphia
Having 4 days in Philadelphia will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Shopping in Philadelphia is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping Tour from Philadelphia to Philadelphia Outlets ($149)
Live music is very popular in Philadelphia, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.
Is 5 days enough time in Philadelphia?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Philadelphia has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Philadelphia as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the theatre at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Philadelphia
With 5 days in Philadelphia, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl ($45)
- Philadelphia: Italian Market Food - Small Group Walking Tour ($61)
- Philadelphia: South Philly Art - Small Group Walking Tour ($42)
Philadelphia is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, this city offers its own type of beauty.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Philadelphia: Italian Market Food - Small Group Walking Tour ($61)
- Philadelphia: South Philly Art - Small Group Walking Tour ($42)
- Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites ($44)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Philadelphia, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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