Best of Philadelphia: Essential Stops for a Memorable Weekend Trip

Plan the perfect weekend escape to Philadelphia, a city where history comes alive and culinary delights that are way more than cheesesteaks (although fantastic)! I’ll show you how to experience the best of Philly from the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the historic Liberty Bell. Dive into the vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm, from the bustling markets of Reading Terminal to the cobblestone streets of Old City.

Whether you’re indulging in a Philly cheesesteak or exploring America’s most historic square mile, Philadelphia offers an eclectic mix of activities and attractions that promise a weekend full of discovery and enjoyment. Pack your bags and get ready for a vibrant urban adventure with just 48 hours in the heart of the City of Brotherly Love <3

Cities on the east coast continue to surprise me. Philadelphia was not an exception, I had such a great time in a short 48 hours. We stayed at the Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City. Centrally located and walkable to many areas of Philly, I would recommend this hotel when coming to Philadelphia. We got in on a Thursday night and stayed through Sunday morning, most of these things you can definitely check off your list in a weekend 🙂

Day 1

Day 1 in Philly we spent exploring the area near our hotel. We stayed in City Center which we found centrally located to almost everything. Reading Terminal market was a short 5 minute walk from our hotel. You can be in there for hours! They have so many food vendors and shops you are guaranteed to find something you like. We also did some shopping off of Market Street with lots of stores to choose from. We ended our night with a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park. Unfortunately we watched our home team lose 🙁 but it was a really nice park with really good chicken tendies

Food:

• Carmens: Inside of reading terminal market you will find Carmens one of the best known places to get a cheese steak
• Joe’s Steaks: I have to recommend a couple more cheese steak spots because if you’re going to get anything in Philadelphia let it be a cheese steak.
• Millers Twist: Best soft pretzel I’ve ever had. Also located inside reading terminal market, A MUST!
• Zahav: We didn’t get to try this place because it was completely booked but looks amazing with over 2,000 4.5+ reviews.

Things to do:

• Reading Terminal Market: Home to some of the
• Phillies Game: Philadelphia is a hugeeee sports town. Depending on the season check out a Phillies, Eagles or 76ers game. The vibes, the food, the people, it can’t be missed.
• Love Park: You have to take a picture in love park
• Rocky Steps + Art Museum: A little further out of City Center another iconic monument in Philly. Be prepared to wait in a 10-20 minute line, but definitely worth the cool picture to take a picture with Rocky. Also right next to the Art Museum

Day 2

Day 2 we had so much fun exploring more of Philly. We got to see historic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. One thing that we did that make getting around Philadelphia so much easier was hopping on the Big Bus Tour. I always recommend hopping on one of these buses when you are crunched for time as it drops you off at all the must see spots. From China town to Elfreths Alley, we learned so much on Day 2.

Food

• Malbec: We stumbled upon this place when on our Big Bus tour. It was an Argentinian tapas restaurant with some of the yummiest empanadas and flan I’ver ever had.
• Talula’s Garden: The things I would do to re-eat my meal at Talula’s Garden. Such a fantastic seasonal food menu and the quality was out of this world. 10000% come here for dinner! Tip: If you don’t see any online reservations, call the restaurant! That is how I get lucky with last minute reservations most of the time.
• Oh Brother Philly: Another cheese steak recommendation of course

Things to do

• Big Bus: Highly recommend doing this. For only $36 you have a way to get all around town and hop on and hop off at the most iconic spots in Philadelphia
• Washington Square: Beautiful park to walk through on your way to the Liberty bell or independence hall.
• Independence Hall: We did a 20 minute tour of Independence Hall, the birthplace of the US constitution. Book in advance! The booking system is a little funny, tickets are available 24 hours before your desired tour date. Cost is $1 per ticket.
• Liberty Bell: Another iconic symbol of the United States of America. Yes there will be a line to see the bell. But I think it’s worth going inside vs what others recommend of just seeing it from the outside. The line moves quickly, you will wait 20-30 minutes but its worth it to see this

Conclusion

And just like that, 48 hours in Philadelphia have flown by! From stepping back in time at Independence Hall to catching the electric vibes at a Philles game, we soaked in as much of Philly as we could. This city’s blend of historic charm and contemporary buzz is truly captivating, whether you’re marveling at art inside the Art Museum or enjoying a leisurely stroll through Rittenhouse Square.

If you like quick weekend getaways like I do, check out my 48 hours in Seattle blog post on how to explore the heart of the Pacific Northwest in a week <3