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Strike the perfect balance with two days in Philadelphia, enough time to dive deep into America's founding story, explore world-class museums, and savor authentic local cuisine without feeling overwhelmed. A Hop-on Hop-off tour makes the most of your weekend, whether you're enjoying Philadelphia for solo travel flexibility, keeping the whole family engaged, or immersing yourself in a comprehensive Philadelphia history tour that brings textbooks to life across an unforgettable two days in Philadelphia.
Solo travelers
Families
History buffs
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start your two days in Philadelphia at Metropolitan Bakery, where locally roasted coffee pairs perfectly with fresh-baked croissants, scones, and breakfast sandwiches. This beloved bakery supplies bread to many of Philly's finest restaurants.
Attraction: Independence National Historical Park
America's most historic square mile encompasses Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, and numerous colonial buildings where the United States was conceived, born, and nurtured during its revolutionary and formative years.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Independence Hall
Highlights:
- Tour Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed by America's Founding Fathers in the Assembly Room.
- Stand before the iconic Liberty Bell and examine its famous crack while learning how it evolved from a colonial bell to an enduring symbol of freedom.
- Walk through Congress Hall, where the U.S. Congress met from 1790 to 1800 when Philadelphia served as the nation's capital, witnessing crucial early legislation.
Pro tip: Book free timed-entry Independence Hall tour tickets weeks in advance through recreation.gov, as they sell out quickly, especially for weekend visits during your two days in Philadelphia.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Dive into Reading Terminal Market for lunch, choosing from over 80 vendors. Sample a legendary roast pork sandwich from DiNic's, grab fresh Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels from Miller's Twist, or try authentic Thai cuisine from Sang Kee Peking Duck House.
Attraction: Museum of the American Revolution
The nation's premier museum dedicated to the Revolutionary War chronicles America's founding through immersive exhibits, rare artifacts, including George Washington's headquarters tent, and thought-provoking displays examining the revolution from multiple perspectives.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Museum of the American Revolution
Highlights:
- Marvel at George Washington's actual headquarters tent; the canvas structure that served as his command center throughout the eight-year Revolutionary War.
- Experience dramatic life-sized recreations, including a privateer ship deck and Valley Forge winter encampment with authentic soldier perspectives.
- Explore diverse narratives highlighting the roles of women, enslaved people, Native Americans, Loyalists, and British soldiers in the revolution.
Pro tip: Allow 2-3 hours to fully absorb this exceptional museum; it's the crown jewel of any Philadelphia history tour, and your ticket is valid for two consecutive days.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Eastern State Penitentiary
Once the world's most famous and expensive prison, Eastern State Penitentiary pioneered solitary confinement as rehabilitation from 1829 to 1971, now preserved as a haunting historic site offering self-guided audio tours through crumbling cellblocks that once held Al Capone.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
Big Bus Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
Highlights:
- Tour Al Capone's luxuriously furnished cell, complete with rugs, artwork, and a radio, drastically different from standard cells, during his 1929-1930 imprisonment.
- Walk the revolutionary wagon-wheel architecture designed by John Haviland that inspired over 300 prisons worldwide with its hub-and-spoke layout.
- Experience haunting cellblocks where nature has reclaimed the space, creating an eerily beautiful decay with skylights illuminating abandoned cells.
Pro tip: Download the award-winning audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi featuring former guards' and inmates' voices that bring the prison's revolutionary history vividly to life.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Late Night (7pm - 9pm)
Dinner: End your first day at Zahav in Society Hill, Chef Michael Solomonov's award-winning Israeli restaurant. Savor their legendary hummus, grilled lamb shoulder, and seasonal mezze in a warm, sophisticated setting that has earned James Beard recognition.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at La Colombe Coffee Roasters' flagship location in Fishtown. This Philadelphia-born coffee company serves exceptional espresso drinks, draft lattes, and light breakfast pastries in a minimalist-chic setting.
Attraction: Barnes Foundation
Home to one of the world's greatest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern paintings, the Barnes Foundation displays 181 Renoirs and 69 Cézannes alongside African sculpture, American decorative arts, and metalwork in Dr. Albert Barnes' distinctive ensemble arrangements.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Barnes Foundation
Big Bus Philadelphia: Barnes Foundation
Highlights:
- Explore the world's largest Renoir collection (181 paintings) displayed in unique wall ensembles mixing masterpieces with decorative objects and African art.
- View exceptional works by Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, and Van Gogh arranged according to Dr. Barnes' revolutionary educational philosophy.
- Experience the distinctive ensemble method where French medieval sculptures hang beside Navajo textiles and ordinary household objects illuminate artistic principles.
Pro tip: The Barnes requires timed-entry tickets that often sell out weeks in advance—book online immediately when planning your two days in Philadelphia to secure your preferred time slot.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Stop at Parc, a French brasserie on Rittenhouse Square offering classic bistro fare. Enjoy steak frites, French onion soup, or their signature burger while people-watching from the sidewalk terrace.
Attraction: Philadelphia Museum of Art
One of America's largest and most prestigious art museums houses over 240,000 works spanning global cultures and 2,000 years of artistic achievement, from ancient artifacts and medieval masterpieces to Impressionist paintings and contemporary installations.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Big Bus Philadelphia: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Highlights:
- Run up the iconic 72 "Rocky Steps" and pose with the Rocky statue for the quintessential Philadelphia photo while enjoying spectacular skyline views.
- Explore world-renowned Impressionist galleries featuring masterpieces by Renoir, Monet, Cézanne, Degas, and Van Gogh, rivaling European museum collections.
- Wander through reconstructed architectural treasures, including a medieval cloister, a Japanese teahouse, and an Indian temple hall, transported to Philadelphia.
Pro tip: Visit on the first Sunday of the month for pay-what-you-wish admission, or arrive after 5pm on Fridays for discounted evening tickets and smaller crowds during your Philadelphia for solo travel weekend.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
An immersive mixed-media art environment created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens features indoor galleries and outdoor sculpture spaces entirely covered in colorful mosaics made from tiles, mirrors, bicycle wheels, bottles, and found objects.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: South Street
Big Bus Philadelphia: South Street
Highlights:
- Wander through the magical outdoor labyrinth where every surface—walls, floors, tunnels—sparkles with intricate mosaics incorporating mirrors, ceramics, and recycled materials.
- Discover the indoor galleries showcasing Zagar's artwork and learn how he transformed Philadelphia's South Street neighborhood through hundreds of public murals.
- Photograph the kaleidoscopic environment that appears different from every angle and lighting condition, making it endlessly photogenic.
Pro tip: Reserve timed-entry tickets in advance, as this popular attraction often sells out on weekends, especially during your two days in Philadelphia.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Late Night (7pm - 9pm)
Dinner: Walk down South Street to Jim's Steaks for an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak experience. Watch your sandwich being prepared on the griddle, choose your cheese (Whiz, American, or provolone) and toppings, then enjoy this Philly institution.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start at Sabrina's Cafe for their legendary stuffed challah French toast, creative omelets, and hearty breakfast specials that fuel families for a full day of exploring during your two days in Philadelphia.
Attraction: Franklin Institute
One of America's premier hands-on science museums captivates visitors of all ages with interactive exhibits exploring physics, astronomy, space exploration, and human biology, anchored by the famous walk-through Giant Heart and cutting-edge planetarium shows.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Franklin Institute
Big Bus Philadelphia: Franklin Institute
Highlights:
- Walk through the two-story Giant Heart exhibit, where kids journey through chambers, valves, and arteries while learning cardiovascular system mechanics.
- Explore hands-on Sports Zone exhibits where children test reflexes, balance, and athletic abilities through engaging scientific experiments and challenges.
- Catch a spectacular show at the Fels Planetarium featuring stunning visuals of planets, stars, and galaxies that inspire curiosity about space.
Pro tip: Arrive right at opening (9:30am) and head straight to the Giant Heart before crowds gather—it's the most popular exhibit during your Philadelphia for families weekend.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Grab lunch at Reading Terminal Market, where families can split up and choose from dozens of vendors; everyone gets exactly what they want, from Beiler's donuts to Dutch Eating Place's hearty comfort food to Beck's Cajun specialties.
Attraction: Liberty Bell Center & Independence Hall
Philadelphia's most iconic Revolutionary War landmarks sit side-by-side, the cracked Liberty Bell symbolizing American freedom and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed by the Founding Fathers.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Liberty Bell / Independence Hall
Highlights:
- View the Liberty Bell up close while discussing how this colonial bell became an enduring symbol of American independence and civil rights.
- Tour Independence Hall (book free tickets in advance), where kids see the actual Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
- Participate in the Junior Ranger program; children complete activity booklets while exploring and earn badges from National Park Rangers.
Pro tip: The Liberty Bell Center offers free admission without reservations, perfect for flexible family schedules, while Independence Hall requires advance timed tickets during your two days in Philadelphia.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Adventure Aquarium
Located just across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey (accessible via RiverLink Ferry), Adventure Aquarium features over 8,500 aquatic animals, including sharks, stingrays, penguins, hippos, and an underwater tunnel creating an immersive aquatic world.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Penn's Landing (take RiverLink Ferry)
Big Bus Philadelphia: Penn's Landing (take RiverLink Ferry)
Highlights:
- Walk through the Shark Bridge and Shark Tunnel surrounded by hammerhead sharks, sand tiger sharks, and sea turtles swimming overhead and alongside.
- Visit Hippo Haven to see Button and Genny, the aquarium's resident Nile hippos, in their expansive habitat with dramatic underwater viewing.
- Experience touch tanks where kids gently touch stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and other marine animals under expert staff supervision.
Pro tip: Combine aquarium admission with RiverLink Ferry tickets for a fun boat ride across the Delaware River, adding an extra adventure to your Philadelphia for families day.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Late Night (7pm - 9pm)
Dinner: Return to Philadelphia via ferry and walk to Positano Coast in Old City for family-style Italian dining. Share wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, and chicken Parmesan in a welcoming atmosphere that accommodates families.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Visit Federal Donuts for their famous fried chicken and donuts. Kids love the variety of glazed donuts, while parents appreciate quality coffee and savory breakfast sandwiches.
Attraction: Please Touch Museum
Philadelphia's premier children's museum is designed entirely for kids seven and under to learn through interactive play, featuring themed exhibits including a supermarket, construction zone, water play area, and Alice in Wonderland's Wonderland.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Please Touch Museum
Big Bus Philadelphia: Please Touch Museum / Memorial Hall
Highlights:
- Ride the beautifully restored 1908 Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel, a National Historic Landmark featuring hand-carved animals and original band organ music.
- Explore River Adventures where kids navigate boats through water channels, operate locks and dams, and learn about Philadelphia's waterways.
- Let imaginations run wild in Wonderland, climbing through the rabbit hole, having tea with the Mad Hatter, and exploring oversized props.
Pro tip: Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends, but if visiting during your two days in Philadelphia on a weekend, arrive right at opening for the best experience.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Stop at City Tap House near Logan Square, a family-friendly gastropub offering craft burgers, mac and cheese, grilled chicken, an extensive kids' menu, and local beers for adults.
Attraction: Philadelphia Zoo
America's first zoo, founded in 1874, is home to over 1,300 rare and endangered animals featuring the innovative Zoo360 trail system, where big cats, primates, and red pandas roam above visitors in see-through mesh pathways.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Philadelphia Zoo
Big Bus Philadelphia: Philadelphia Zoo
Highlights:
- Watch big cats, primates, and red pandas traverse Zoo360 elevated trails that crisscross above walkways, offering unique eye-level animal encounters.
- Visit KidZooU interactive learning area where children climb like monkeys, hop like wallabies, and burrow like naked mole rats.
- Experience the Rare Animal Conservation Center, showcasing endangered species and the zoo's important breeding and conservation programs.
Pro tip: Feed the giraffes during scheduled feeding times (check daily schedule upon arrival) for an unforgettable up-close encounter kids will remember forever.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Philadelphia Museum of Art & Rocky Steps
While the full museum requires hours to explore, families with limited time can enjoy the iconic Rocky Steps experience, pose with the Rocky statue, and take in spectacular city skyline views from the museum's grand terrace.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Big Bus Philadelphia: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Highlights:
- Run up the famous 72 "Rocky Steps" like Sylvester Stallone in the movie while playing "Eye of the Tiger" for the ultimate family photo opportunity.
- Pose with the Rocky statue at the bottom of the steps, Philadelphia's most popular photo spot that draws visitors from around the world.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and downtown Philadelphia skyline from the museum's top terrace.
Pro tip: Even if you skip the museum interior, the exterior experience—Rocky Steps, statue, and views—creates lasting family memories in just 20-30 minutes during your two days in Philadelphia.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Late Night (7pm - 9pm)
Dinner: End your Philadelphia for families weekend at Campo's Deli in Old City, famous for enormous sandwiches, including the Heater (fried chicken cutlet with hot sauce and blue cheese) and traditional Italian hoagies that easily feed multiple people.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start at Old City Coffee in a historic building dating to the 1700s. Enjoy artisan coffee, fresh pastries, and breakfast sandwiches while surrounded by the neighborhood where America was born.
Attraction: Independence Hall & Carpenters' Hall
The epicenter of American independence encompasses Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, plus nearby Carpenters' Hall, where the First Continental Congress gathered in 1774 to coordinate colonial resistance.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Independence Hall
Highlights:
- Stand in Independence Hall's Assembly Room where delegates signed the Declaration of Independence and debated the Constitution, viewing Washington's Rising Sun chair.
- Walk through Congress Hall, where the U.S. Congress met from 1790-1800 when Philadelphia served as the nation's capital during its formative years.
- Visit Carpenters' Hall, where the First Continental Congress met in September 1774, setting in motion events leading to the revolution.
Pro tip: Book free Independence Hall timed-entry tour tickets months in advance through recreation.gov, as this is Philadelphia's most requested tour and sells out quickly for your Philadelphia history tour.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Dine at City Tavern, a historically accurate reconstruction of the 18th-century tavern where Founding Fathers gathered. Enjoy period-authentic recipes like West Indies pepperpot soup, turkey pot pie, and Martha Washington's chocolate mousse.
Attraction: Museum of the American Revolution
The nation's most comprehensive museum dedicated to the Revolutionary War chronicles the complete story from colonial tensions through Constitution creation, featuring George Washington's headquarters tent and immersive exhibits exploring diverse perspectives on America's founding.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Museum of the American Revolution
Highlights:
- Marvel at George Washington's actual headquarters tent—the canvas structure serving as his mobile command center throughout the eight-year war.
- Experience immersive galleries with life-sized recreations, including a privateer ship and Valley Forge winter encampment with authentic soldier accounts.
- Explore diverse narratives examining the revolution from perspectives of women, enslaved people, Native Americans, Loyalists, and British soldiers.
Pro tip: Budget 2.5-3 hours for this exceptional museum, as it deserves in-depth exploration—tickets are valid for two consecutive days during your two days in Philadelphia.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: National Constitution Center
The only museum in America dedicated exclusively to the U.S. Constitution brings constitutional history alive through theatrical performances, interactive exhibits, life-sized bronze statues of signers and dissenters, and programs examining constitutional debates.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: National Constitution Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: National Constitution Center
Highlights:
- Experience Freedom Rising, an inspiring 17-minute multimedia theatrical production exploring the Constitution's creation and evolution through American history.
- Photograph yourself alongside life-sized bronze statues of all 39 signers and three dissenters in the magnificent Signers' Hall.
- Explore interactive exhibits examining constitutional amendments, landmark Supreme Court cases, and contemporary debates about constitutional interpretation.
Pro tip: Time your visit to catch the Freedom Rising show (performed hourly) as it provides powerful context for understanding constitutional principles during your Philadelphia history tour.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Late Night (7pm - 9pm)
Dinner: Dine at Bookbinder's, a historic seafood restaurant serving Philadelphia since 1865. Try their famous snapper soup, lobster thermidor, or classic oysters Rockefeller in an atmosphere steeped in Old Philadelphia tradition.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Stop at High Street on Market for artisan toast, seasonal sandwiches, and exceptional baked goods. Try their strawberry-rhubarb Dutch baby or hearty breakfast sandwich on house-made bread.
Attraction: Christ Church & Benjamin Franklin's Grave
Founded in 1695, Christ Church served as the house of worship for George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, and numerous Founding Fathers, while the adjacent burial ground holds graves of five Declaration signers, including Franklin himself.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House
Big Bus Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House
Highlights:
- Sit in the same pews where George Washington (pew 58) and Benjamin Franklin (pew 70) attended services during the colonial and Revolutionary periods.
- Admire stunning Georgian architecture, including the original 1727 baptismal font imported from England and a magnificent Palladian window above the altar.
- Visit Christ Church Burial Ground and toss a penny on Benjamin Franklin's grave for good luck, continuing a tradition practiced by thousands annually.
Pro tip: Book Christ Church's specialized historical tour, sharing stories of Founding Fathers who worshipped here, for deeper insights during your two days in Philadelphia.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Hershel's East Side Deli in Reading Terminal Market, serving exceptional hot pastrami sandwiches. Try their pastrami and egg, matzo ball soup, or classic Reuben with crispy latkes.
Attraction: Eastern State Penitentiary
A revolutionary prison that pioneered solitary confinement as rehabilitation, Eastern State Penitentiary operated from 1829 to 1971 and influenced prison design worldwide, now preserved as a haunting museum exploring incarceration history and reform movements.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
Big Bus Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
Highlights:
- Explore the innovative hub-and-spoke architecture designed by John Haviland that became a model for over 300 prisons worldwide during the 19th century.
- Visit Al Capone's luxuriously furnished cell, complete with rugs, furniture, and a radio, starkly different from standard cells, during his 1929-1930 incarceration.
- Walk through crumbling cellblocks where skylights and nature's reclamation create eerie beauty while learning about prison reform history.
Pro tip: Take the award-winning audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi, featuring former guards' and inmates' voices that bring revolutionary and troubling prison history vividly to life.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Elfreth's Alley & Betsy Ross House
America's oldest continuously inhabited residential street, dating from 1703, preserves 32 colonial homes, while nearby Betsy Ross House marks where the legendary seamstress purportedly created the first American flag in 1776.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House
Big Bus Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House / Elfreth's Alley
Highlights:
- Stroll Elfreth's Alley's narrow cobblestone street lined with perfectly preserved brick row houses featuring original architectural details and gas lamps.
- Visit the Elfreth's Alley Museum at houses 124 and 126, showcasing furniture, tools, and artifacts from working-class families who lived here.
- Tour the Betsy Ross House and meet costumed interpreters sharing stories of Revolutionary Philadelphia and women's roles in the founding era.
Pro tip: Visit both sites in the late afternoon when tourist crowds thin, allowing quiet contemplation of colonial life during your Philadelphia history tour across two days in Philadelphia.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Late Night (7pm - 9pm)
Dinner: Conclude your two days in Philadelphia at Talula's Garden in Washington Square, a farm-to-table restaurant emphasizing seasonal ingredients. Enjoy wood-fired dishes, handmade pastas, and locally sourced ingredients in a charming garden setting.
