Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia — the only U.S. city featured in National Geographic Traveler’s Best Trips 2020 issue — delivers one destination, five counties and countless things to do. On the list: fascinating museums, vibrant parks, national historic sites, and famous and delicious food. There are umpteen number of tourists places in Philadelphia that undeniably call for your attention. But when you’re in the city for just 36 hours, you’ve got to glide the surface and prioritize your time in favour of these top attractions. From essential culinary delights and historical landmarks, to fun places—follow our lead to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. Gear up for an action-packed day in the city, as we tell you what to do and where to go. From the Liberty Bell to the Rocky Steps and everything in between, there is never a shortage of things to see and do.
A Whirlwind Weekend in Philadelphia
Your vacation starts here:
- Friday | 5 P.M.
Explore the legendary collection in the world famous Barnes Foundation, renowned for its inventive displays of Impressionistic and Modernist paintings. Reserve tickets before your visit to the new abode of the Barnes Foundation to outlook the greatest private collection of post-impressionist and early modern art in America. For dinner, try the museum’s Garden Restaurant, which offers a Friday martini menu until 8:30 p.m.
- Late Night
According to U.S. News, Philadelphia has one of the top ten Best Nightlife Scenes in the United States. In Rittenhouse Square, head for an after-dinner drink at Parc Restaurant, a spot-on recreation of a Parisian bistro. Then travel to Cuba Libre in Old City to dance to Salsa and Merengue beats until 2 a.m. The open-air setting, tropical ambiance, vintage décor, upbeat Latin music and Concept Chef / Partner, Guillermo Pernot’s appetizing menu of classic & contemporary Cuban cuisine, makes it a must-see, must-experience dining destination.
- Saturday | 9 A.M.
Philadelphia is where the American Dream was founded. It’s where audacious visionaries crafted the model for modern-day democracy that inspires people globally to embrace the power of their individuality and our human potential. Start your exploration of the city’s Historic Mile at the Independence Visitor Center. Pick up free timed tickets for the Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers hammered out the beginnings of the United States. While here, be sure to visit the nearby iconic Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom that predates the nation’s birth. Head to the President’s House where both George Washington and John Adams spent most of their presidencies before the White House was built in Washington, D.C.
Move on to the National Constitution Center for special exhibits as well as an action-packed look at the history and ongoing impact of the Constitution. It is the first and the only institution in America established by Congress to “disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis in order to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people.”
Pause for lunch at City Tavern, which replicates Colonial dining, right down to hearty 18th-century entrees like turkey pot pie and chicken breast madeira. Kids will get a kick out of the costumed servers. No visit to Philly is complete without a meal at City Tavern. Or walk 10 minutes to Reading Terminal Market that is home to 80 renowned merchants who offer the best of Philadelphia’s famous specialties. Made with the finest and freshest ingredients, visitors to the Terminal have access to an unparalleled variety of international and local cuisine, including Pennsylvania Dutch specialties; mozzarella cheese made on site at the Valley Shepherd Creamery; and winner of Travel Channel’s Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America.
3:30 P.M.
From the biggest name brands to independent boutiques, not only is shopping in Philadelphia world-class, but clothing and shoe purchases are tax-free! So get ready to explore our expansive King of Prussia Mall and walkable downtown shopping districts. King of Prussia Mall is the premier shopping destination of the East Coast, featuring seven world-class department stores and more than 400 shops, boutiques and restaurants. King of Prussia boasts more retail space than anywhere else in America and features stores that cannot be found elsewhere in the region.
- Late Night
Insiders know that it takes a special elevator ride to reach XIX café, bar and restaurant that offers sweeping views and a seafood centric menu in an atmosphere that combines the building’s historical architectural elements with a stylish design scheme at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. Nab a fireside seat and enjoy the skyline views. Featuring an extensive wine-list as well as a variety of cuisine selections and dining options, XIX is the perfect setting for any gathering. Down the block, the lounge at the Ritz-Carlton offers late-night bites in a Pantheon-like setting.
- Sunday | 9:30 A.M
Visit the Rocky Steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art which is the site of the famous running of the stairs by Rocky Ballboa played by Sylvestor Stallone in the “Rocky” film series. Walk or run up to top step to enjoy the amazing view of Philadelphia as seen from this Philadelphia Art Museum entrance. Don’t miss the chance to walk through the Giant heart on your visit to the Franklin Institute which is a leading museum in science and innovation. Interactive exhibits include Space Command, Sir Isaac’s Loft: Where Art Physics Collide, The Franklin Air Show. Two-stories high, the Giant Heart would be the accurate size for a 220-foot tall person —someone as tall as the Statue of Liberty! For more than half a century, walking through the Giant Heart has been a ritual of passageway for children in Philadelphia. No visit to The Franklin Institute would be complete without visiting the icon that generations love with all their hearts! Learn how to keep your heart in tip-top shape as you explore this 5,000 square foot exhibition.
The Philadelphia Zoo may be America’s oldest, but it certainly keeps current. Over the last few years, the Zoo has changed the way its animals and visitors interact with new overhead trail systems for its fierce felines and playful primates. When you go, be sure not to miss the new aviary, which immerses visitors in the flapping and singing of more than 100 exotic birds.
- 3:30 P.M.
Before leaving town, go “inside the walls” of the picturesquely crumbling but endlessly fascinating Eastern State Penitentiary. In the century after it opened in 1829, more than 300 prisons worldwide copied its revolutionary radial design. Gangster Al Capone’s cell was lavishly decorated, but bank robber Willie Sutton’s wasn’t as comfortable — so he notoriously busted out through a tunnel in 1945.