Day trips are the perfect way to explore a new setting in a big city. Indeed, it’s fun racing against the clock trying to fit as much exploration in as possible. Philadelphia is a perfect place to enjoy an exciting 24 hours without ever getting bored.
From museums, to restaurants, to outdoor venues, there’s so much to do in Philly for a day.
We’ve got you covered on 12 wonderful ways to spend 24 hours in Philadelphia according to Philadelphians:
24 Hours Of Exploration
1. Walk from City Hall/Love Park to Art Museum, Boathouse Row, then get on I95 and go to Navy Yard. Can stop many places for photo oops and plenty of local flavors
2. Start at the east end of South Street and head west. First, get ice cream at Frozen Rolled Ice Cream, then donuts at Federal Donuts, then pudding at the Sweet Life Bakeshop, then an eclair at Yaa’s Fruitea, then cupcakes at Ramona Susan’s, then a chocolate cake at A La Mousse.
3. Start at Independence Hall, of course, because Philly is the birthplace of the nation. A quick side trip to Society Hill, then head up to City Hall and Dillworth Park to see the amazing architectural diversity and people watching. Visit Love Park while you’re there. Then detour to Walnut/Chestnut Streets for some window shopping. Work your way west to the Schuylkill River walk-one of the country’s top rated city river walks-up to Boat House Row to see the Waterworks and the Azalea Garden. Circle back to the Art Museum, Rocky statue and Rocky steps, Rodin Museum and Barnes.
4. Just walk around there’s always something great going on in Philly. I wouldn’t advise Pat’s or Geno’s there’s way better in other areas. Reading Market is always one of my favorite stops. I love Penn’s Landing it’s really relaxing. I just like to walk in Philly.
5. Bike all across Spruce, to the Schuykill river park all the way up to Manayunk
6. Reading Terminal Market, South Street, Pat’s or Geno’s, Art Museum Steps, Boat House Row. Take the Tour Bus around the city. It will show you where everything is. Great City. Do it before it gets cold.
7. Depends on your interests, but Reading Terminal Market is definitely the lunch stop!
8. Southeast Asian Food Market at FDR Park on the weekend. Philly’s best-kept secret.
9. Get a pass for the Phlash bus for $5 and it will take you to all the major attractions.
10. Reading Terminal market, Penns Landing, Old City, West Philly
11. Art Museum, Rittenhouse Square, Reading Terminal Market, Franklin Square, Penn’s Landing visit all the historic sites, ending with a walk down 9th Street in S Philly. If the Eagles are playing, it’s always a treat experiencing a game in person or in a rowdy sports bar (unless the old curmudgeon is there who told me I was cheering too loudly after a turnover and an Eagles recovery and to go home….I digress).
12. Art museum. Penns Landing/Winterfest if it’s winter. Tony Luke’s. Greenrock Tavern. Chickie and Pete’s. Pennrose diner.