Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, has a long, illustrious history, and it is known for its unique sights and attractions. The city is the fifth-most populous in the United States and is home to a variety of cultures, art, and entertainment. With only three days to explore, you may feel overwhelmed trying to decide what to do and where to go. To make your trip to Philly a success, we have put together an itinerary of the best attractions and activities the city has to offer.

History and Culture of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, founded in 1682 by William Penn, is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It served as the nation’s capital from 1790 to 1800 and is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Philadelphia has a rich history, with many important events occurring in the city. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia and it was also the site of the first unofficial White House.

The city has a population of over 1.5 million people and is home to a variety of cultures. Philadelphia is known for its diversity and is a melting pot of cultures that have made their mark on the city’s art, entertainment, and cuisine. From Italian markets to Chinese restaurants, there is something for everyone in Philadelphia. The city is also known for its art and culture, with a thriving music and art scene.

Day One

On your first day in Philadelphia, you should take some time to explore the city’s history and culture. Start your day with a visit to the historic area of Old City, where you can experience the city’s colonial beginnings. This area offers some of the city’s most iconic attractions, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. You can also take a stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful buildings that line the streets.

After exploring Old City, head to Reading Terminal Market for some delicious food from around the world. This indoor market features hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to Pennsylvania Dutch-style dishes. From there, take a walk through Chinatown, where you can explore authentic Asian shops and restaurants.

Day Two

On your second day in Philadelphia, you should explore some of the city’s more modern attractions. Start your day by visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can admire works from some of the world’s most renowned artists. Then take a stroll through Rittenhouse Square, one of the city’s most beautiful parks. Here you can relax on the grass or take a seat at one of the park’s many cafes.

After exploring Rittenhouse Square, take a walk along South Street, where you can find unique shops and restaurants. This area is known for its vibrant nightlife, so be sure to stay out late and explore the area.

Day Three

On your third day in Philadelphia, get a taste of some of the city’s unique flavors. Start your day by visiting Penn’s Landing, where you can take a ferry ride across the Delaware River or grab a bite to eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants. From there, head to Reading Terminal Market, where you can sample some of Philly’s iconic dishes such as cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. Then explore some of the city’s other unique neighborhoods such as East Passyunk, Northern Liberties, and Fishtown. These areas offer some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.

Tours of Philadelphia

If you want to experience some of Philadelphia’s iconic landmarks and attractions in a more organized fashion, there are several popular tours available. One popular tour is the Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour, which allows you to explore all of the city’s main attractions at your own pace. The tour starts at City Hall and stops at all of the major landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell as well as other popular neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square and South Street. You can hop on and off at any stop throughout the duration of your tour ticket, allowing you to explore each neighborhood in-depth with plenty of time to spare. Book the Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour here.

Another popular tour is the Philadelphia Highlights Tour, which takes you on a comprehensive journey through Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. This tour includes stops at all of the major landmarks such as Independence Hall, Franklin Square, and Elfreth’s Alley as well as historical neighborhoods like Old City and Chinatown. The tour also includes an audio guide which provides interesting facts and information about each location along the way. Book the Philadelphia Highlights Tour here.

Conclusion

Philadelphia has something for everyone: history, culture, art, entertainment, great food and more! With three days to explore this amazing city, we hope this itinerary provided some inspiration for what to do on your next visit to Philadelphia!