Known as Philly. Philadelphia is a historic gem that’s rich in history. Filled with some incredible food and has some iconic attractions. Whether you’re a history nut for the city’s Revolutionary War past or just hungry for an authentic Philly cheesesteak. One day here should have you feeling full. Browse this guide of must-see sites, where to eat and must-do things in Philadelphia on your next visit.

Morning: Kickstart with Philly’s History and Iconic Sights

Breakfast at Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is where you can start your day in the heart of Philadelphia. If you are about to sightsee, this bustling and historic market is just the place to get your fuel. You can either treat yourself to apple fritters or indulge in a savoury breakfast bowl; there’s something for everybody. The scram bowl at Down Home Diner is a favourite, with cheese, peppers, home fries. And sausage definitely a meal to pep you up.

Visit Independence Hall

A short walk or hop on the Market–Frankford Line will get you from Reading Terminal Market to Independence Hall. One of the most important historical landmarks in the nation. The U.S. Declaration of Supinde pendence is here. The Constitution was debated and signed. Although the building itself is modest, its history is monumental. Ensure your tickets to a guided tour are reserved in advance because same-day availability is rare. A humbling and inspiring start to any day in Philly is standing where the Founding Fathers stood.

Explore Liberty Bell

Visitors can see one of America’s most enduring symbols of freedom right through the street from Independence. Hall at the Liberty Bell Center. The crack of the Liberty Bell is famous. Prized for its resilience; and is a historic landmark above which people pose for photographs. For the bell’s story and its place in American history, click here.

Relax at Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park is an open green space — take a break. If you don’t have plans to go out later in the day. Spend some time at the park to take in its beautiful scenery. And enjoy the rustling chorus of leaves changing colors to red and orange (which makes for a great place to unwind before pursuing the rest of the day’s activities) is a great idea.

Afternoon: Sample Philly’s Legendary Cheesesteaks and Art Scene

Lunch at Sonny’s Famous Steaks

Who doesn’t go down to the Philly cheesesteak? Its cheesy cheesesteak sandwich, is a thing of mind-blowing proportions. Heavy on thinly sliced beef and baked cheese. Is worth the trek to the other side of town, but for me. One of the great things about Sonny’s Famous Steaks is that it is, in fact, in the city. There are a variety of cheeses that you might prefer: Either provolone. American, or the old standard Cheez Whiz, but whichever you like best. Sonny’s has one of the best cheesesteaks in town.

Stroll Down Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Head over to Benjamin Franklin Parkway after lunch, a beautiful straight avenue leading to one of Philly’s best cultural landmarks. The tree-lined world-class museums along this wide. Modeled after Paris’s Champs-Élysées.

Visit the Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation boasts among the most impressive collections of Impressionist and Post Impressionist paintings worldwide. These were art masterpieces that aficionados like art dealers, Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, etc exchanged with each other. The intimacy of each work of art is displayed at its best with the museum allowing for an immersive experience that is a must see destination for any avid art lover looking for that creative experience.

Discover the Rodin Museum

Only a few hundred meters away from the Rodin Museum, it brings us a rare treat with its rich works by French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Among its many iconic sculpture works, The Thinker and The Gates of Hell are found. Visit the museum’s serene garden modelled on the original Rodin Museum in Paris.

Experience the Philadelphia Museum of Art

A visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is essential to any trip to Philly, for its superb collection, and also because of its famous steps immortalised by SYLVEST STALLONE in the film ‘ROCKY’. Climb the steps and stretch out over a panoramic view of the city skyline, then step inside and explore the museum’s many variegated galleries: Renaissance masterpieces and modern and contemporary works.

Evening: Indulge in Philly’s Culinary Scene and Nightlife

Happy Hour at Victory Brewing Company

When you spend a day zigzagging around, sit at Victory Brewing Company for a drink. This brewery is a place for crafting locally brewed beers based on the day’s journey. Victory Brewing Company offers a wide range of options, including hoppy IPAs and stouts, for beer lovers of just about every description.

Dinner on Friday Saturday Sunday

Friday Saturday Sunday, a local favourite that’s become simply ‘must go to’s’ won last year’s James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. This spot has a refined seasonal menu and helps Philly’s budding food scene to shine. If you’re not booked then the bar menu is more casual or if you want to experience the chef’s carefully curated dishes, go for the prix fixe menu.

Vegetarian Delights at Vedge

Vedge is the place to go for something plant-based if you’re in the mood. It’s known for its innovative approach to vegetables and with this award-winning restaurant pioneered how flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dishes can be. Kate Jacoby and Rich Landau even got non-vegetarians to sing praises for their menu where chefs turn vegetables into culinary masterpieces. As a result, you are very recommend sharing plates to try out a good amount of unique creations.

Philly Tour Options for Extra Exploration

If there is anything you should do on your visit to Philadelphia, check out one of the (or all!) tours they offer to get an idea of the history and culture and a perspective of the city.

  • Historic Walking Tour: If this city’s historic landmarks are what you are interested in seeing then this 90-minute walking tour allows you to experience them in less than an hour while covering more than 15 different sites.
  • Evening Ghost Tour: This ghost tour brings Philly’s past to life. They have actors wearing period costumes, including Alexander Hamilton. A fun, sort of creepy way to learn about the haunted history of the city.
  • Donut Tour: But if you’ve got a sweet tooth, join the doughnut tour and stop in three bakeries in the city, including Tiffany’s Bakery.
  • BYOB Trolley Tour: If you want a different version of city tours, head to the BYOB trolley tour. If you roll through Philly, you’ll get a drunk comedian’s handle on Philly’s history.
  • Bike Tour: If you are a Philly sight-seeing kind of person but you are not a car person, take the life out of your legs on a bike tour to see the sights such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The Where to Stay for a Perfect Day in Philly

When planning a short trip, staying in Center City gives you easy access to most major attractions.

Center City Hotels

  • Independence Park Hotel: This historic hotel is just a few blocks from Independence Hall and boasts charming, well-appointed rooms with a dose of Philadelphia flavour.
  • Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square: If you explore Philly on foot and don’t mind being a little closer to Reading Terminal Market and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, this hotel is not a bad spot. Rooms are cosy, public areas are flooded with light, and it is welcoming as a result.

Located less than half a kilometre from the Rodin Museum, it offers us rare rich works by French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Its many sculpture works are among its most iconic: The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. During your stay there, visit the very serene modelled Rodin Museum garden that was a walk into the original Rodin Museum in Paris.