How to Spend 1 Day in Philadelphia

The nation’s first capital, Philadelphia is home to a number of important attractions, from Independence Hall—where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed—to the Liberty Bell. One day is enough to see Philly’s historical highlights while also enjoying a cultural immersion. Here’s how to plan the perfect itinerary.

Morning: Get Acquainted with the City of Brotherly Love

Make the most of your Philadelphia day out, and kick off your explorations with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Center City is packed with major historical landmarks and other recognizable attractions, and a bus tour provides one of the simplest and speediest ways to see the sights. Most itineraries include stops at the National Constitution Center, City Hall, Betsy Ross House, and more. Alternatively, Segway tours offer another entertaining way to zip around town.

Afternoon: Hit the Museums

Philadelphia is no slouch when it comes to cultural offerings, and afternoon is the perfect time to hit one of the City of Brotherly Love’s world-class museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a popular choice: Housed in a neoclassical Greek temple, the museum displays thousands of masterpieces across various genres, cultures, and eras. As a bonus, it also offers exceptional views overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and City Hall beyond (and its famous stairs are certain to appeal to Rocky fans). For a cultural outing of a different stripe, visitors can also drop by the National Liberty Museum, the Independence Seaport Museum, or one of dozens more options.

Evening: Enjoy a Classic Philadelphia Dining Experience

Philly is nearly as renowned for its vibrant food and drinks scene as it is for centuries-old landmarks—and dinner time is the perfect excuse to go on a tasting tour. South Philly is home to some of the city’s most destination-worthy dining destinations, from Passyunk Avenue—a thriving “restaurant row,” thanks to its numerous delicious eateries—to the traditional Italian Market. For an especially memorable outing, you can also book a dinnertime ride aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, which combines waterfront sightseeing with a tasty buffet dinner.