Only have one day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and wondering how to make the most of it. Philadelphia is one of the largest and oldest cities in the United States, known as the “Birthplace of America“. There are many historical landmarks to see in the city and many things to do for your one-day trip to Philadelphia.
The city has so much to offer that you can easily spend a few days in the city! But even if you’re short on time, it is possible to cover major sightseeing places in Philadelphia in one day.
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Philadelphia during my Washington DC Cherry Blossoms Trip. I enjoyed the day exploring Philly by visiting the historical sites, getting to know about the history of the American revolutions, and going on a City Hall architecture tour. The city is a unique blend of modern culture with historical architecture.
In this Philadelphia travel guide, you’ll find a list of the best things to do in Philadelphia, some useful tips for your visit, and a 1-day Philadelphia Itinerary to help you plan your time. So, keep reading about this historical city of America!
With just one day in Philadelphia, it’s best to focus on the places and attractions that truly make the city unique! I highly recommend learning about America’s fight for Independence, the Liberty Bell, and more.
The good news is that many of the most famous landmarks in Philadelphia are within proximity of each other, making a quick day trip to Philadelphia very doable.
Also, If you’re visiting Washington DC or New York, Philadelphia is just few hours away! This makes complete sense to visit it in one day !
Things to Know About Philadelphia
- Philadelphia is the real birthplace of American history- there is No other state with as much American history packed in as Philadelphia.
- Downtown Philadelphia is not called “downtown”, it’s called “center-city”.
- Many restaurants are BYOB (bring your beer) because of the crazy liquor laws!
- Even with so much history to see in Philadelphia, many places are free to visit.
How to Spend One Day in Philadelphia as First Timers
- Historical sites such as Liberty Bell & Independence Hall
- Philadelphia City Hall
- Elfreth’s Alley
- Philadelphia Museum of Arts
Morning Itinerary for Philadelphia in one Day
Breakfast at Menagerie Coffee
To kick off your one day in Philadelphia Itinerary, you need to fuel up with a hearty breakfast and Coffee. I can’t start my day without Coffee and maybe you do too! And there is no better way than hitting the local coffee spot!
There are so many nice places to eat in Old Town Philly but I highly recommend getting your Coffee and brunch at Menagerie Coffee. The cafe is a short walking distance from historical sites offering a cozy and warm atmosphere. You can grab Coffee, sandwiches and Croissants. The cafe remains open from 7 AM to 5 PM which is perfect to start your day super early!
Another wonderful option is Passero’s Coffee Roasters. This local joint serves amazing breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and smoothies for breakfast Fuel up with a smoothie bowl or avocado toast before the big day ahead of you.
the Liberty Bell
After the brunch, walk 5 minutes to Independence Hall Visitor Center. You can get maps, guides, and other important information to start your jam-packed day in Philadelphia.
From here, cross the road and arrive at Liberty Bell. No Philadelphia Itinerary is complete without seeing the iconic Liberty Bell and it should be the first must-visit stop of the day!
The Liberty Bell is a national symbol of the USA that has been used in many movements over time to represent equality.
The Liberty Bell’s roots are insignificant, as it was simply the bell inside the old State House. Even though America didn’t gain Independence until 1776, the bell was created in 1751, before the Revolution.
However, the abolitionist movement was huge in Philadelphia, and in the 19th century it took inspiration from the bell’s inscription: “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof”. Over time, it came to be known as the Liberty Bell and went on to serve as a symbol throughout the Civil War, Civil Rights, and Women’s Suffrage.
However, at the first ring, it cracked. The bell was then melted, recast and re-inscribed by locals Pass and Stow, but still produced a horrid soud, and had to be re-cast, yet again. Years later, on July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell was rung to celebrate the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. Today it sits at Liberty Bell Center and it is visited by millions of people every year.
Once you’re inside the Liberty Bell Center there are plenty of information boards with historical details and exhibits, so it’s kind of like visiting a museum. You can’t touch the Bell but can get nice close photos with it!
There is NO ticket required for a visit, which makes it the top free thing to do in Philadelphia!
Tip: The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. I highly recommend arriving early since there can be a long wait during the peak summer season. Only a limited number of people are allowed in at a time, and there is also a security checkpoint. We arrived at 8:30 am and luckily were part of the first groups to get in.
Independence Hall
Next, make the two-minute walk across the street to Independence Hall, or Pennsylvania’s original statehouse. This is the most recognized site of Philadelphia being the place where America’s founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This is also where the U.S. Constitution was signed over a decade later! I would say this is one of the most important American landmarks!
Unlike the Liberty Bell, visiting Independence Hall requires you to join a guided tour. You’ll need to book it in advance during peak tourist season! Tours are free of charge, first come, first serve, and leave every 15 minutes. You can book this tour online here.
But if you visit Philadelphia in January or February, you won’t need to book tour tickets (except for holidays).
You’ll need to go through security, so show up at least 30 minutes before your time slot to avoid any issues. If you don’t book online, you can go to the Visitor Center located across the road from Independence Hall to sign up. For more information and opening times, please check the official website.
TIP: One of the beautiful photo spots here is in the middle of Independence Square, near the Commodore John Barry Statue.
When you’re here, must stop by Congress Hall, located right next door to Independence Hall and is also worth a stop. This is the site of America’s first Supreme Court and was also where presidents George Washington and John Adams were inaugurated! It is free to visit and guided tours are available on-site.
Elfreth’s Alley and Museum
After checking the Liberty Bell and Independence, walk 10 minutes to visit Elfreth’s Alley. Step back in time as you walk down this landmark cobblestone lane, which has existed as a residential street for more than 300 years. This is why it is the Oldest residential street in the USA!
By the 1700s most of the Philadelphia Population was settled near the river and this led to overcrowding and it was difficult for tradesmen to reach the river. So, in 1706, two real estate owners combined their property to accommodate the quickly growing population of artists and tradesmen in Philadelphia. Elfreths Alley is home to the 18th-century artisans and tradespeople of early Philadelphia.
During the 18th century when most people began to work out of the first floor of their homes on Elfreths Alley. There were 32 houses built between 1728 and 1836. The houses have been continuously inhabited.
Walking amongst these houses is literally like walking through history, and the best part is that people still live here! This is one of my favorite places you must include in your 1 day Philadelphia Itinerary.
You can learn more at the Elfreth’s Alley Museum at #124 and #126, which is open between April to November. It operates from 12 PM to 4 PM Friday through Sunday. Tickets to enter the museum are cheap at just USD 3, and that money goes right back into preserving the alley. You can purchase tickets directly at the museum or online here.
If you’re visiting Philly outside of the museum hours, it’s still worth walking down Elfreth’s Alley. It’s a public street, so you can visit any time of day. I loved strolling this alley and it’s great for photos!
If you don’t find tickets for the day, you can book this Old City Philadelphia History Tour that covers visit to Independence Hall National Historic Park, Museum of American Revolution, and much more.
Betsy Ross House
After visiting Elfreth’s Alley, walk 5 minutes to Betsy Ross House- one of the most iconic attractions in Philadelphia. This home is where Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in 1776!
It is 18th century home, now a museum dedicated to sharing the story of America’s first “stars and stripes” and the legend of Betsy Ross. Here you’ll learn about the life of Betsy Ross through the exhibits in the museum.
Tickets are required to enter, but visiting the courtyard and gift shop are free. This is one of the most interesting places to visit during your day trip to Philadelphia.
Race Street Pier & The Benjamin Franklin Bridge
After soaking into the history, take a short walk down to the Race Street Pier to view the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. It’s a nice place for a stroll along the Delaware River.
While here, don’t forget to have a look at the beautiful Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Built in 1926, at one time it was the largest suspension bridge in the world!
There are lots of cafes & restaurants along the waterfront in the beautiful dining settings. if you’re hungry by now, you can have lunch here or head over to the next stop where you can grab your lunch!
Reading Terminal Market for Lunch
By now, you’re probably midway through your one day in Philadelphia which means it is time for lunch! I suggest Reading Terminal Market for your mid-day lunch. This is one of the best places to go to eat for your first time in Philadelphia, especially if you love food!
The market was established in 1893 under the train tracks of the newly built Reading Terminal. Today it stands as both a historic landmark and the nation’s oldest operating farmers market. When you visit, prepare for chaos!
In this indoor market, you’ll get everything from Philly cheesesteaks to cheeses and desserts. There are more than 80 food vendors here. Take your time to walk around the Food hall and have the best lunch according to your choices!
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM, Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM.
Afternoon of Your 1 Day in Philadelphia Itinerary
Tour Philadelphia City Hall
When you’re in Philadelphia, visiting the Philadelphia City Hall is a must! It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city! If you love architecture like me, do not miss this iconic historical building of Philadelphia!
Opened in 1901, the city hall is the largest municipal building in the United States (even larger than the nation’s capitol in DC) with 14.5 acres of space and gorgeous architecture. It was also once reigned as the tallest building in the world!
The grand structure features a bell tower topped by a statue of William Penn (the founder of Philadelphia) and reaches a height of 548 feet. From the tower, you will get a panoramic view of the city.
Today, it houses the local government offices and is a National Historic Landmark. Taking a City Hall Tour is also a top thing to do in Philadelphia!
While you visit here, must prepare for lots of security screening on each floor during your Inside the City Hall Tour! I highly recommend the City Hall inside tour that includes the observation tower. The tour lasts for 2-3 hours, and if you’re lucky enough like me, get to attend live assembly sessions! It was the major highlight of my one day in Philadelphia itinerary!
The Philadelphia city hall hours vary for the tower and inside. You can book the tickets here.
- For the Tower Tour- Monday-Friday 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM, Sundays 11 AM to 4 PM
- For the Building Inside Tour- 10 AM to 2 PM, Monday-Friday
While you’re done with the tour, just head to the famous LOVE Sculpture, just outside the City Hall. It is popularly known as LOVE Park for the Robert Indiana sculpture that was unveiled here for the bicentennial in 1976. Taking a pic with the LOVE Sculpture is one of the must-do things in your 1 day in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Museum of Arts and Rocky Steps
From Love Park, take a short 10-minute Bus Ride to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is located at the end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, right off the Schuylkill River.
With gorgeous architecture, it’s infamous for “Rocky Steps” and known for its role in the Rocky films, where Rocky famously ran in the movie! Don’t forget to take in the lovely view of downtown Philly from the top.
So, technically these are the Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps at the east entrance! There is also a Rocky statue located outside the museum.
Finish up your one day Philadelphia Itinerary by visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the third largest art museum in the country. Exhibits here include rare finds from all over the world but also works by famous artists like Monet, Picasso, and Warhol. If you’re an art lover, this place is worth stopping!
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday and Friday open until 8:45 PM.
If you’re not interested in visiting the museum, take a long walk near the Schuylkill River and explore the beautiful parks close to the museum and the beautiful Fairmount Water Works area. This is the perfect way to end your one day in Philadelphia itinerary.
Philly cheesesteak for the Dinner
Since this is a one-day itinerary, and of course you need to try the famous Philly cheesesteak. Philly cheesesteaks are available almost anywhere in the city. Several spots in the city claim to be original but it’s a huge task to find the best one!
The original Philly cheesesteak is a title that Pat’s King of Steaks holds. They’ve been operating since 1930, and are open 24/7. Across the street is Geno’s Steaks, aka Pat’s biggest rival. Eating at either place will give you a classic Philly cheesesteak experience.
Philadelphia also has tons of food tours, so don’t worry if you have trouble deciding where to begin!
But if you’re vegetarian like me, those places aren’t for you! But still, you can have a vegetarian version of Philly Steak at Triangle Tavern or Monster Vegan.
Things to do in Philadelphia at Night
To complete your 1 Day in Philadelphia Itinerary, I have a few recommendations.
South Street Philly
If you love lively actions, end your 1-Day Itinerary in Philadelphia on Philly South Street. South Street is one of Philly’s most famous streets, and also one of the busiest streets, regardless of day or time.
Appealing to a wide range of interests, it is lined with more than 400 restaurants, boutiques, galleries, international eateries, fun bars, and live music venues. Just walk around South Street and find the spot of your choice. If you’re looking for a night out, find a bar on South Street!
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
As the longest-running tavern in Philadelphia, this old Irish pub offers a menu of pub grub in a throwback atmosphere. Soak in the nostalgia and maybe even stay for dinner. This is also one of the most fantastic ways to finish your Philadelphia day trip.
Take the Night Ghost Tour
One of the best ways to end your Philadelphia one-day Itinerary is by seeing a whole different side of the city via Ghost Tour.
We all know Philadelphia is a city with a Patriotic history, and you’ll be surprised to know that that history has lots of dark sides! One of the best ways to learn about Philly’s dark past is by going on a ghost tour. Ghost tours are pretty common here as in other cities of the USA like Savannah, New Orleans, or Charleston.
You can book this Dark Philly Adult Night Tour where you will visit the city’s original red light district and haunted areas that were used as execution sites, and it is an entertaining way to end your night.
If you’re interested in learning about the city’s dark and dirty secrets, check out this night tour of Philadelphia for yourself!
Have More than 24 hrs in Philadelphia?
If you have two or three days in Philadelphia, here are a few more worthwhile places to add to your itinerary:
- Museum of the American Revolution
- National Constitution Center
- Franklin Institute (Best Science Museum of the USA)
- Rodin Museum(the largest museum of Auguste Rodin’s outside of Paris)
- Pann’s Landing
- Benjamin Franklin Gravesite at Christ Church Burial Ground
- Benjamin Franklin Museum
- Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
- China Town
Getting Around Philadelphia
While Philadelphia is a very sprawling city, most of the areas are walkable and Old City is particularly easy to explore on foot.
As we were coming from Washington DC, we parked our car for the day at Philadelphia Independence National Historical Park Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets and explored all the sights by foot during our day trip to Philadelphia.
Besides walking, Philadelphia has a great public transit system, the SEPTA. The SEPTA is easy to use and quick. You can buy a one-day ticket, which includes regional rail travel, for $12.
For longer distances, like airport transfers or exploring different neighborhoods, you can use Uber or Lyft.
To get downtown from Philadelphia Airport(PHL), you can either take private transportation, Lyft/Uber, or the Regional Rail (SEPTA).
If exploring by foot isn’t your option, you can join a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. Not only will you see the major historical sights, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, but this bus also hits places like Philadelphia City Hall and Reading Terminal Market.
Train to Philadelphia
It’s very easy to plan a Philadelphia day trip from New York or Washington DC and you can do that by train.
One of the most popular ways to visit Philly is on a day trip from New York City. The cities are just 85 miles apart, and Amtrak is the best way to get between the two.
The ride takes about 1.5 hours each way with multiple departures throughout the day. Trains depart NYC at Penn Station and terminate at 30th Street Station in Philly. 30th Street Train Station is one of the last remaining grand train stations in the United States and it serves services Amtrak and SEPTA, the local and regional train.
Alternatively, you could book an organized New York to Philadelphia Day Tour.
From DC, the train takes about 2 hours and departs from Union Station and also arrives at the 30th St Station.
Note: If you’re arriving at 30th St Station by train/SEPTA, Just reverse this One Day Philly Itinerary as you’ll be near Rocky Steps first thing in the morning!
Best time to visit Philadelphia
The winter season is very cold and snowy, and the summer can be very hot and crowded in Philadelphia.
May and October seem to be the best weather-wise, in terms of being able to do some sightseeing around Philadelphia. The lines to places like the Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are longer during the summer.
Spring is another favorite time to visit the city with so many cherry blossoms and Tulips adorning the city! The weather will be decent and less crowds!
Where to Stay in Philadelphia, USA
Philadelphia is a very big city and offers many ranges of accommodation options catering to all budgets. As you have only one day in Philadelphia, I highly suggest staying in the Historic Old Town area or near the waterfront.
Below are my recommendations according to the best price, quality, and location.
- Kimpton Hotel: Rated one of the top hotels in the US, located right in the middle of the historic center city. Every room is pet-friendly.
- Hotel Aloft Philadelphia: A beautiful hotel in an old bank building. Located close to the Reading Terminal Market, City Hall, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell, the best hotel to stay in the historic building in the center of everything!
- Morris House Hotel: This highly-rated boutique hotel is located in a beautifully renovated historic building that dates from 1787. Less than a 10-minute walk from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- Element Philadelphia Downtown : Just a block from City Hall. It has a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, a shared lounge, and free bikes. The place has modern, well-equipped rooms, friendly staff, and a decent continental breakfast. Request a room higher up for an awesome city view.
- Apple Hostel Philadelphia: If you’re on a strict budget, this is the best-rated budget hotel and hostel with an excellent location in the historic old town.
FAQs About One Day Philadelphia Itinerary
Is it Worth Visiting Philadelphia for one day?
Yes, Philadelphia is worth visiting for one day! It is one of the top historical cities of the USA and is known for its history, culture, architecture, and food. There are so many amazing things to do in the city that you’ll always find something new to explore!
Is One Day in Philadelphia Enough?
Yes, One day is more than enough to see the highlights of Philadelphia and get a taste of what this city has to offer. You can cover all the major historical landmarks from city hall, Independence Historical Park, and cultural scenes of the city in one day.
Is Philadelphia a Walkable City?
Yes, Philadelphia is a walkable city. Most of the major sightseeing attractions are near to each other and it’s easy to explore on foot. You don’t need a car!
What is the Prettiest Alley in Philadelphia?
Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia is known as the Prettiest Alley in the World due to its unique architectural features along with history.
Is it safe to walk Downtown Philadelphia at Night?
Yes, generally Philly is safe to walk at night! But as with any other city avoid walking in the dark alleys and use your instincts when you venture at night! Also, Philly is pretty known for its drug scenes, try to avoid the Skid Row area at night.
Philadelphia has so many things to do in one day, and 24 hours in Philadelphia is just not enough! But I made the most of the day and saw everything I wanted to! It was a busy day, and if you’re visiting Philly for the first time, make sure to bring your walking shoes! I would like to go back someday to explore more hidden gems of Philadelphia.
Hope I’ve convinced you to visit Philadelphia for one day and enjoyed reading this article! If you enjoyed reading this, you may also like to read my other City Guides:
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