Philadelphia in 3 days

The birthplace of America: revolutionary history, world-class art and legendary cheesesteaks. Best time to visit: April-June and September-October. Average daily budget: $140 to $250 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Old City & Society Hill, The historic core, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and cobblestone colonial streets.

Morning: Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell. Where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated, the nation's founding landmarks.

Afternoon: Explore Old City & Society Hill, The historic core, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and cobblestone colonial streets.

Evening: Philadelphia Museum of Art & the Rocky Steps. A great art collection, plus the famous steps and Rocky statue with skyline views.

Eat: Philly cheesesteaks

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Center City & Rittenhouse Square, The walkable downtown with the elegant square, shopping and top restaurants.

Morning: Eat a classic cheesesteak. Settle the Pat's vs Geno's debate in South Philly, or try a local favourite.

Afternoon: Explore Center City & Rittenhouse Square, The walkable downtown with the elegant square, shopping and top restaurants.

Evening: Reading Terminal Market. A historic indoor market packed with food stalls, from Amish baked goods to global eats.

Eat: Roast pork sandwiches with broccoli rabe

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Fairmount / Museum District, Home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the Parkway museums.

Morning: The Barnes Foundation & Magic Gardens. An astonishing Impressionist collection plus the mosaic wonderland of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.

Afternoon: Explore Fairmount / Museum District, Home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the Parkway museums.

Evening: Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the US.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Soft pretzels and Tastykakes

Hidden gems

Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the US.
The city's epic Mural Arts murals, best seen on a self-guided or guided tour.
Spruce Street Harbor Park along the Delaware River in summer.
A quiet pint and history at City Tavern-style colonial spots in Old City.

Getting around

Philadelphia's historic core and Center City are flat and very walkable, the best way to explore. SEPTA buses, trolleys and subway lines plus the airport rail line cover wider trips, and the Parkway museums are a manageable walk or quick ride from downtown. Bike-share (Indego) is handy along the riverfront and parks. A car isn't needed in the centre and parking is pricey, so most visitors skip it.

Safety

Philadelphia's main tourist areas, Old City, Center City, Rittenhouse and the Museum District, are generally safe with normal urban awareness, though like any big city some neighbourhoods are best avoided and caution is wise late at night. Use rideshare or transit after dark, keep valuables out of view in cars, and stay alert around transit hubs and quieter streets in the evening.

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