Itineraries for Your Trip to Philadelphia
1 Day in Philadelphia for First Timers
Whether you come for the history, culture, sports, or food, Philadelphia delivers. It's where the United States was born, and you can walk inside the buildings where the Founding Fathers debated the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The Philly of today is no less singular, thanks to its characterful neighborhoods, world-class museums, and a restaurant scene that’s one of the country’s best.
As a Philly local, I know just how special—and impressive—the city can be. If you’re a first-time visitor, here’s how to make the most of your 1-day trip and enjoy an introduction full of Brotherly Love. (Just one warning: Once you realize what the city offers, you may want to extend your stay.)
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall at Independence National Historical Park.
Philadelphia experiences four seasons, from snowy winters to sweltering summers—come prepared with in-season gear.
Kick off your Philadelphia excursion with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. The City of Brotherly Love has attractions packed into its Center City that you can explore by double-decker bus and preserve your energy for a full day of discovery. Glide past the historic landmarks of Independence National Historical Park, admire City Hall and Love Park, and admire views overlooking the Delaware River when you pass Penn’s Landing.
Once you’ve gotten your City of Brotherly Love overview, take a closer look. Philadelphia is home to a number of world-class museums—from the Impressionist-art-packed Barnes Foundation to the Franklin Institute, a destination for science and learning. Few institutions can rival the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This grand temple of culture (literally—it resembles a Greek temple) is famed for more than its masterpiece-packed collection. You might recognize its famous steps from Rocky.
As the sun sets, catch the view from the Art Museum steps or while strolling down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, one of the city’s grandest thoroughfares. From there, hop on a taxi or rideshare service down to South Philadelphia’s Italian Market neighborhood, one of the oldest continually operating markets in the country. Here, classic Italian fare is unsurprisingly the order of the day. Pull up a chair during a dinner experience and get into the merits of whether it’s “red sauce” or “gravy” in true Philly-Italian fashion.
