Want to spend a weekend in Philly? This itinerary is exactly what you are looking for! Within this travel guide, I will take you on a 2-day adventure across the old capital visiting not just the historical sites, but also some of the weirdest and most awesome attractions like the Mutter Museum, and the Rocky Steps, as well as touring around the wonderful food scene that Philly is known for.
So without further ado, here is the ultimate 2-day backpacking itinerary for Philly. Let's begin by taking a look at the map and where this itinerary will take you below.
- Philadelphia Itinerary Map
- 2 Days in Philly: A Backpacking Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Philadelphia?
- When to Visit Philadelphia?
- How to Get to Philadelphia?
- How to Get Around Philadelphia?
- How Much Money Do I Need for 2 days in Philadelphia?
- Is it Safe in Philadelphia?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for the US?
- What to Pack for Philadelphia?
- Further Reading for Northeast USA
Philadelphia Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1: | Explore Historic Philly |
| ☀️ Day 2: | Hidden Gems & Quirky Attractions |
2 Days in Philly: A Backpacking Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Historic Philly
On our first day in Philly, we are going to explore the Old City, and one of the first things I recommend you visit is the Independence Hall Historical Park, one of Philadelphia's most iconic landmarks located right in the middle of the city center. This is the place where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted, making it one of the most important sites in American history.
Within the historical park, you will find the famous Independence Hall, one of my favorite historical buildings in the city, with its iconic bell tower and Georgian architectural style as a centerpiece. Within the park, you will also find the Liberty Bell Center, where the famous Liberty Bell is located.
Liberty Bell is one of the most famous symbols in U.S. history, and probably in the entire free world today. This cracked bell, which once rang in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), has since become a global symbol of liberty and freedom, especially after the 19th century when abolitionists adopted it in their fight against slavery.
- Apple Hostels of Philadelphia (Budget)
- Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center (High-End)
- Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia (2 hours)
- Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour (1.5 hours)
- Center City Philadelphia Food Tour with Reading Market (2.5 hours) 👍 Top Pick
To visit the bell, however, you must pass through security similar to airport screenings, which often result in long lines. To avoid having to queue, I highly recommend you visit the Liberty Bell first thing in the morning when the gate opens at 9 AM. There were only a few people waiting at the entrance when I was there, and the line started to form pretty quickly afterward.
Once you’re done, head over to Menagerie Coffee for a little breakfast. It’s one of my favorite cafes in Old City, nestled in a beautiful brick-walled space with retro-style lighting and a cozy, homey vibe, the perfect spot to start your day.
After breakfast, you can go and visit the Museum of the American Revolution, a museum dedicated to telling the story of the United States' fight for independence, providing insights into the events that shaped the American Revolution.
The exhibitions are quite extensive, with plenty of reading material, so much so that the museum ticket includes unlimited access for two days after purchase, which goes to show just how much time you’re expected to spend exploring. Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours here, or come back the next day if you don’t want to rush through it.
Here's a little hidden gem in the Old City; if you like secondhand bookstores, you will not want to miss the Book Trader, an independent bookstore in the heart of Old City, Philly. The moment you enter, you’ll find yourself not only surrounded by stacks of old books haphazardly arranged across shelves on two floors, but also immersed in its charming interior, cozy atmosphere, and wonderful artwork.
The best part about this bookstore is that, amidst all the stacked books, you'll come across a little pocket of cozy and quiet seating area where you can enjoy the books in solitude, free of charge. The secondhand books are very affordable with prices ranging from 2 to 5 USD, and the staff there are always friendly and welcoming. I love it.
For lunch, stop by Oh Brother Philly, a great spot to try the iconic Philly dish, the cheesesteak sandwich. While it’s not the best cheesesteak in Philly, that title belongs to Leo's Steak Shop, which is a bit too far for this itinerary, it’s still a solid choice and conveniently located nearby.
Next up, go and visit Elfreth's Alley Museum, a charming little historic site and open-air museum, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the country. Originally laid out in 1702, it was home to tradespeople such as blacksmiths, shipwrights, and furniture makers who helped shape the city’s early economy.
Today, Elfreth's Alley is probably one of the most photogenic attractions in Philly, with many of its buildings still preserved in the unique Georgian and Federal architectural styles from the 18th and early 19th centuries. There are still people living in these houses, so be sure to be respectful as you walk around the alley.
As the evening approaches, go and hang out at Spruce Street Harbor Park, a beautiful waterfront park located along the banks of the Delaware River. The park is known for its picturesque view of New Jersey across the river, vibrant street food stalls, colorful hammocks, benches on a sandy beach platform, and a variety of fun attractions, including beach games, food trucks, and a lively beer garden offering local craft brews that you can enjoy.
There are also some really awesome museums and attractions related to the city's maritime history like the Independence Seaport Museum where you can learn more about the history of the seaport, Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna at Independence Seaport Museum, where you can tour a real submarine, and many more. Be sure to spend some time and explore the park thoroughly before retreating for the day.
Day 2: Hidden Gems & Quirky Attractions
Today, we are going to explore all the attractions outside Old City, starting with Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in the United States. Housed in a historic building, it has more than 80 stalls with fantastic restaurants, bakeries, and shops that you can enjoy.
Some of my favorite places to eat include Dutch Eating Place, an Amish breakfast bistro serving classic Pennsylvania Dutch breakfasts and lunches; Miller's Twist, famous for their homemade soft pretzels; and many others. I highly recommend you stop at Dutch Eating Place for a generous breakfast before we continue exploring the city.
Be sure to grab a quick lunch to go at Reading Terminal Market, as there won’t be many options for food along the way. You can pick up a Greek gyro from Olympia Gyro or sausage rolls and pretzels from Miller's Twist, so you’ll have something packed for the day.
As you go west from Reading Terminal Market towards Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you will be going after, you will come across Philadelphia City Hall, one of the most impressive structures in the city with its stunning European-style architecture that stands out from the skyscrapers of Philly's cityscape.
For a great photo spot, I highly recommend walking a little further to check out Love Park, where you can capture a clear view of City Hall surrounded by skyscrapers. There are also cafes where you can relax and unwind, making it a perfect spot to take a break from all the walking around Philly.
On your way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you can also make a little detour and check out Mütter Museum, one of the weirdest and most unique museums I visited in the city. The museum is best known for its eerie collection of over 22,000 medical oddities, anatomical specimens, and historical medical tools that you can see up close.
This place will either leave you speechless or completely creeped out by its wide range of exhibits, including preserved organs, skeletons, deformed body parts, and historical medical instruments. Some of the most famous items on display are President Grover Cleveland's jaw tumor, the conjoined liver of Chang and Eng Bunker (the famous Siamese twins), and a preserved slice of brain from none other than Albert Einstein.
Once you are done, you can make your way to Philadelphia Museum of Art, another museum you shouldn't miss in Philly. I was initially skeptical about visiting it, as I’ve seen many art museums in my lifetime, including those in Washington, D.C. and Rome, but despite all that, I found this museum to be surprisingly interesting and incredibly fun to explore.
The museum is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the US, with an iconic building that you may recognize from another iconic landmark in Europe, the Greek Parthenon, sporting awesome classical Greek architecture. Inside, you will find a dizzying amount of works, with over 240,000 pieces spanning across 2,000 years.
Each wing is dedicated to a different theme of art, with one of my favorites being the South Asian art section, where entire columns from Hindu temples have been recreated inside one of the museum's many halls. In fact, what I found most fascinating about this museum is the collection of these replica temples, rooms, and even small traditional houses from different parts of the world, all somehow fitting into these spaces for us to walk around in.
The museum is vast and incredibly detailed, so be prepared to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring. While you're there, be sure to visit the Rocky Steps. If you're a fan of the movie Rocky, you can recreate the iconic exercise routine of running up and down the stairs and striking the famous hands-up pose with the Philadelphia skyline in the background. There's also a Rocky statue at the bottom of the steps that you can take photos with.
Last but not least, you can visit the Eastern State Penitentiary, which is probably my favorite attraction of all. Once a revolutionary prison, it became notorious for housing some of America's most infamous criminals, including Al Capone and Willie Sutton. Here, you can tour the historic cells and learn more about the prison and the people who lived within its walls through an engaging audio tour.
Once inside the museum, you'll be provided with an audio guide that takes you through each cell, guiding you through the history and personal stories of those who were imprisoned there. It really paints quite a vivid picture of what life was like for the prisoners here.
The entire tour was both fascinating and gut-wrenching at times, as you witnessed how the prison deteriorated over the years due to overcrowding and its shift from rehabilitation to mere containment. This is evident in the fact that it housed some of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history, including Al Capone and others.
It takes about two hours to walk through the entire prison and listen to the audio guide, so be sure to set aside enough time. Out of all the museums I’ve visited, this one was by far the most fascinating and one you definitely should not miss.
For your last night in Philly, you can go and have a drink at National Mechanics Bar and Restaurant, a wonderful bar located inside this incredible historic building with its two stunning Roman columns flanking the entrance.
Interestingly, the building was originally a bank but has since been repurposed as a social venue, which explains the two Roman columns at the entrance. The restaurant offers delicious cocktails and dishes like fries, chicken wings, and burgers, making it a perfect spot for a fun night out. After that, you can retreat for the night, completing this 2-day itinerary in Philly. Congratulations!
Where to Stay in Philadelphia?
When to Visit Philadelphia?
The best time to visit Philadelphia is during the periods of spring and autumn between April and May, and between September and early November. The city gets a ton of tourists every year, so other than the hot weather in the summer months, you will also have to deal with lots and lots of people, which is not ideal.
I was there in October, and it was great! The places weren't as crowded as in the summer, and the weather was nice and cool. The only drawback to visiting in October is that the southeastern United States experiences a lot of hurricanes during this period. You might encounter the outer rim of one, as I did with Hurricane Milton.
It was mostly light drizzling, but it also made it pleasantly cool to be outside. So, if you decide to visit in autumn, be sure to keep an eye out for any storms or hurricanes heading toward the East Coast of the US.
How to Get to Philadelphia?
By Plane: If you are traveling from abroad, you should be able to get to Philly via airlines like Qatar and British Airlines. There are several flights flying in and out of the city's Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) every day, so you should have no trouble finding one. For the best price, check out Skyscanner or Expedia.
By Amtrak: If you are within the Amtrak's northeast corridor, you should be able to catch the Amtrak train to Philadelphia. The Northeast Regional Trains are not the newest, but they are mostly in good functional condition, equipped with modern facilities like a plug and working WIFI. They are also not too expensive, safe, and are often on time.
I took the Amtrak all over the northeast, and the experience was surprisingly great. No hiccups at all. To get the cheapest price, be sure to book the ticket at least a few weeks in advance. You can book the Amtrak train here.
By Bus: Although affordable, buses can be a bit dodgy sometimes, but not always, so if you want to save some money, check out Flixbus.
How to Get Around Philadelphia?
By Walking: Although the attractions might seem far apart at first glance, it’s actually quite manageable to walk to all of them, thanks to Philly’s flat city center. I personally walked from Old City all the way to the Eastern State Penitentiary and back without any issues. If you’re up for it, you can try walking to all the attractions I’ve listed here, just as I did.
By Metro/Trams: If you’d prefer not to walk and the attractions you want to visit are near metro stations, you can use the city’s metro system (SEPTA) to get around. It costs about $2 per trip, and you can simply tap the machine with a credit card to enter, easy and convenient.
That said, Philly's metro system is somewhat notorious for its cleanliness and infrequent train schedules, as it is heavily underfunded. I recommend using it only when necessary. You can rely on Google Maps to input your destination, and the app will provide you with the best route to take.
By Tourist Bus: A great alternative, if you prefer not to walk, is to purchase a pass for one of the many hop-on hop-off tourist buses. These buses stop at all the major attractions in the city, allowing you to hop on and off as many times as you like throughout the day.
The most affordable option is the Phlash Bus, which costs only 5 USD per day. However, it doesn’t run every day and is not operational during the off-season, so be sure to check the schedule before planning your trip. You can book the Phlash Bus here.
Another excellent option that runs daily and more frequently are the Big Bus and City Sightseeing Bus. Both are operated by the same company and can be used interchangeably. While they are a bit pricier than the Phlash Bus at around 35 USD, they offer more stops and include live commentary in case you like that kind of thing.
By Uber: You can also rely on Uber to get around the city if you don't mind paying a premium for it. That said, for this itinerary, you won't be needing it.
By Car: You can rent a car through DiscoverCars. However, keep in mind that parking in Philly can be both challenging and expensive. Since most destinations are not that far apart, consider this option only if you need to travel to areas not accessible by the metro and buses.
How Much Money Do I Need for 2 days in Philadelphia?
From this 2-day itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending here as follows:
Accommodation: For 3 nights in Philly, you can expect to pay around 80 USD for accommodation at a minimum, considering you are staying in hostels.
Food: For 2 days, 3 meals a day in Philly, you can expect to pay around 90 USD for food, considering you eat out for every meal. It will be cheaper if you cook them yourself.
Transportation: For this itinerary, you can expect to spend around 5 USD on transportation, using Phlash Bus to get around town. You can save more if you prefer to walk as I did. The city is surprisingly walkable!
Activities: Depending on how closely you follow my itinerary, you can expect to spend between 110 USD on activities.
Total Budget for 2 days in Philadelphia: $285
Is it Safe in Philadelphia?
Not gonna lie, out of all the big cities I visited in the US on this trip, Philly was the only one where I felt a bit uneasy at first. This was mainly due to its underwhelming metro system and stations, which are small, dirty, and often filled with homeless people.
Philly is also where I encountered some of the weirdest people on this trip. From a woman who approached me at Starbucks to aggressively vent about her employer firing her, only to end up asking me for "anything that helps", to a crazy homeless guy who came up to me in the middle of a mall and made a bizarre tongue gesture. It was strange, but as long as you're street-smart and maintain your distance, you'll be fine.
This shouldn’t deter you from visiting Philly, as I know locals in the city, and they are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. In fact, they took me to Leo’s Steak Shop, which is arguably the best cheesesteak spot in the entire region. Philadelphians are incredibly friendly and welcoming, but just keep in mind that, like anywhere, there can be a few bad apples here and there.
There's no denying that Philly does have a higher crime rate than most cities in the US, but thankfully, the unsafe areas are far from Center City, where we’ll be spending most of our time. You should be completely fine as long as you stay aware of your surroundings. Just avoid dark, quiet streets at night, and you’ll be golden.
Which tourist SIM card is best for the US?
There are three major carriers in the US, namely AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, that offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists to purchase while traveling in the country. You can usually grab these SIM cards right at the airport, but if you have a smartphone and want data immediately when you arrive, you might want to consider an eSIM.
If you have a smartphone that supports eSIMs, I highly recommend you take a look at this eSIM. They have a variety of data packages, price points, and durations for you to choose from, ranging from 1 GB for 7 days costing only 4.5 USD to 20 GB for 30 days costing 40 USD.
The setup is fast and instant, and you can buy it before your trip so you don't have to scramble to get one at the airport after a long flight. The data speed is also equivalent to what you get with a local SIM card, with 4G speed across the entire country.
For more information on eSIMs in the US, click here: Check the US Available eSIM.
What to Pack for Philadelphia?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Philadelphia, United States of America:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeast USA
If you are looking for more articles about the Northeast USA, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- First time visiting the USA and looking for a complete itinerary? Check this out: First Time USA: 2 Weeks Itinerary Without Cars.
- Planning to visit Washington DC for 3 days? Here's an itinerary for you: 3 Days in Washington DC: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- First time visiting the US? Why not start Washington DC, its capital city known for its world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol. Here are the 10 best things to do in Washington DC.
- Here's a quick guide on how to get from Dulles Airport to Washington DC Downtown: How to Get From Dulles Airport to Downtown Washington DC.
- Want to visit world-class museums in Washington DC, but not sure where to begin? This is the article for you: 8 Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC.
- Have a day to spare in Washington DC? I highly recommend you check out Georgetown. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Georgetown, DC.
- If you’re a fan of food and history, Philadelphia offers the perfect blend with its incredible museums and some of the best food scenes in the country. Check out the 12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia (Philly).
- Philly is best explored with your stomach and taste buds. Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia (Philly).
- New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world and if you are planning to visit the city, here are the 15 Best Things to Do in New York City.
- Planning to visit New York City, but not sure where to begin? Check out our 4 Days New York City's Backpacking Itinerary.
- Looking for the best places to eat and drink in NYC? You might want to check out: Places to Eat & Drink in New York City: My 9 Favorite Places.
- Chelsea, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC, is one awesome place to explore. Here are the 8 Awesome Things to Do in Chelsea, NYC.
- Central Park deserves an entire day of exploration. Here is a complete travel guide to Central Park.
- Should you go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock? Let's find out: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock: Which One is Better for You?.
- Is it worth buying the CityPass for your trip to New York City? Let's find out: NYC CityPass: Is it worth it?.
- Want to visit Boston? Here are some of the things you do not want to miss! 15 Best Things to Do in Boston.
- Wondering how long to spend in Boston? Check this out: 3 Days in Boston: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- Want to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, but not sure where to begin? Check out: Boston's Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide.
- Planning to visit Salem? Here's a travel guide for you: Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss.
- To see all articles about the United States of America, be sure to check out our USA travel guide page.
- For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
- Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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