Philadelphia Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, August 2010
RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Must-Do Experience,
Tip - Suggested Itineraries
While Philadelphia covers a huge area, here’s a manageable selection of the Pennsylvanian capital’s central attractions.
Day 1: Historic highlights
Your visit begins where the United States began, in the historic core of Philadelphia’s Old City. Head for the Independence Visitor Center to get the most out of the area’s sights. The words of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution come alive in Independence Hall and National Constitution Center, while Betsy Ross House commemorates the woman who sewed the first American flag. And then of course there’s the Liberty Bell. A large crack may have silenced it over 150 years ago, but it remains both a symbol of the city and its most-visited sight. In the evening, spend some time – if you dare – with Philly’s ghosts.
Day 2: Indoor and outdoor art
See some of Philadelphia’s best artworks for free on Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Kelly Drive; the collection of outdoor sculpture includes Robert Indiana’s world-famous LOVE sculpture. Meanwhile the Barnes Foundation Gallery has some of the country’s finest examples of 19th and 20th century French art as well as a charming arboretum. Nearby Fairmount Park is the home of the Please Touch Museum, where little fingers can get busy with all sorts of interactive exhibits. On the other hand, touching is generally discouraged at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which nonetheless boasts a vast collection ranging from ancient to modern in a neo-classical building (and if it looks familiar, think Rocky). U Penn’s Institute of Contemporary Art brings the city’s art scene right up to date.
Day 3: Community and cuisine
Starting at Washington Square, with its centerpiece Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier, head north to the recently revamped African American Museum. Nearby Chinatown announces itself with an ornate “Friendship Arch”: treat yourself to egg tarts and pork buns, or otherwise head to historic Reading Terminal Market where Amish traders come to town to sell artisanal foods. The “Gayborhood” near City Hall welcomes gay and straight alike. In the evening, take in a concert at the Kimmel Center or the nearby Academy of Music.
Latest Replies
Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Founding Fathers Tour of Philadelphia
My husband and I just moved to the Philadelphia area, and were looking for a way to really get to know the historic part of the city. We loved our tour, and our tour guide Chris was excellent! We toured parts of town we'd seen before, but with the tour were able to see them in a whole new light. I'm going to recommend this tour when friends/family come to visit. It's a great way to get an overview of Philadelphia and the incredible American history that happened here.
Reply by Viator, March 2013
Doing what: Founding Fathers Tour of Philadelphia
Nina was a great tour guide! I was on a 3-person tour and it was open to conversation and questions. I really enjoyed the unique sites that you probably won't see on any other tour. It was great to learn from someone who genuinely enjoyed what they were doing and what they were talking about. Highly recommended!
Reply by Viator, February 2013
Doing what: Small-Group Historical Walking Tour of Colonial Philadelphia
Jennifer was excellent - knowledgable and willing to adjust tour to reflect our interests. We enjoyed the experience very much.
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Philadelphia Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator
