Rich in history and packed with sights, spending one day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is just enough time to see the city highlights – but only with a good trip plan. The best things to do in Philadelphia revolve around the city’s past, modern culture and fantastic food scene.
Is Philadelphia worth visiting for a day?
Is Philadelphia worth visiting? Yes! Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is an excellent place to visit while touring America’s east coast. The city offers plenty of incredible sites, including historic landmarks, world-class museums and beautiful parks.
How can I spend a day in Philadelphia?
Here’s how one day in Philadelphia could look:
Explore the major historical sights of Old City, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and Christ Church. Take a lunch break and try a Philly Cheesesteak or take a food tour. Try a local craft beer (or do a pub tour in the evening).
How long should I spend in Philadelphia?
Two to three days
Two to three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Philadelphia if you want to take in some history, eat delicious food, and visit sites like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the Betsy Ross House.
Can you do a day trip to Philly from NYC?
If you want to take a day trip from NYC to Philadelphia, you have several ways to do so. As I mentioned, you can make the drive from New York to Philly either in your own vehicle or by renting a car. Another option is taking public transit, such as a train or bus.
Is Philly a walkable city?
Yes, yes, you’ve heard this: Philadelphia is a very walkable city. In every “walkable city” list ever composed, we’re near the top, usually somewhere after New York and ahead of Seattle.
Is downtown Philadelphia safe for tourists?
Philadelphia is relatively safe to visit, although you should keep your eyes open for petty theft like pickpocketing on public transportation. The center, tourist-friendly part of town tends to be safer, while the outskirts in west, north, or south Philadelphia can be more dangerous.
Do you need a car visiting Philadelphia?
One of the things that makes Philadelphia great is its compact Center City. Our neighborhoods are so walkable that you really don’t need your car. After arriving, you can get around Center City and most of Philadelphia’s eclectic neighborhoods easily on foot, via cab or public transportation.
Do you need a car to go around Philadelphia?
Using Public Transit
SEPTA’s vast public transportation network will get you anywhere you need to go — or at least very close. The new SEPTA Key fare program, which replaces tokens, passes and paper transfers, is a convenient and easy way to get around the city.
Do you need to rent a car when visiting Philadelphia?
Thanks to a convenient public transportation system and affordable cabs and rideshare services, there is no need to rent a car in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getting from the Philadelphia airport to the city center is easy, quick, and affordable thanks to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
What is the best month to visit Philadelphia?
The best time to visit Philadelphia is from March to May, when the city thaws from the cold winter and moderate room rates can be found at the hotels. Plus, a spring visit will yield a burst of photogenic cherry blossoms around the city.
How can I spend a few hours in Philadelphia?
- Snap a photo in front of the Liberty Bell.
- Pose with the Rocky Statue & run up the “Rocky Steps”
- Enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
- Tour Independence Hall, the birthplace of the United States.
- Visit the famous LOVE sculpture.
- Chow down on food from dozens of vendors at Reading Terminal Market.
What is the number one tourist destination in Philadelphia?
Reading Terminal Market
The most visited attraction in Philadelphia? Reading Terminal Market, the city’s famous indoor food paradise that’s a one-stop shop for local produce, delicious sandwiches, fresh-baked pastries and artisanal cheeses available from dozens of vendors.
What is the best way to travel in Philadelphia?
The best way to get around Philadelphia is by foot or PHLASH bus. Although some attractions like the Philadelphia Zoo require some other mode of transport, most sightseeing is centered in the Old City, Rittenhouse Square and Society Hill areas, all of which are very pedestrian-friendly.
How long is the ride from Philly to NYC?
Driving from Philadelphia to New York City takes under two hours without any traffic. Half of the 95-mile drive will be on the I-95, also known as New Jersey Turnpike in the Garden State, and you will enter Manhattan through the Holland Tunnel.
Is Philadelphia cheaper than NYC?
The average cost of living in Philadelphia is $3,742 without rent for a family of four. The average cost of living in New York City is $5,142 without rent for a family of four. For a single person, the cost of living in Philadelphia is $1,039 without rent.
What part of Philly is the nicest?
- Washington Square West. Perfect for those wanting to live close to everything Philly has to offer, yet have some quiet and peaceful nights.
- Old City.
- Rittenhouse Square & Fitler Square.
- Fairmount.
- Northern Liberties.
- Queen Village & Society Hill.
- Passyunk Square.
- Fishtown.
What is the nicest area to stay in of Philadelphia?
Best areas to stay in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Old City, one of the best places to stay in Philadelphia.
- Center City, the best hotels in downtown Philadelphia.
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a great area to stay in Philly.
- Rittenhouse Square, luxury hotels in Philadelphia.
- South Philly, cheap accommodation in Philadelphia.
How many days in Philadelphia is enough?
2 Days in Philadelphia is ideal.
See the sights of Philadelphia in a weekend, or as part of a larger USA trip (New York City is just a quick train ride away, afterall). 2-3 days is the perfect amount of time. While this is a 2 day itinerary, I’ve included many additional suggestions if you want to enjoy another day.
Is it safe to walk around Old City Philadelphia?
Center City is extremely safe, and you can feel comfortable on the streets basically any time of day or night, but if you wander too far north from Fishtown, Center City or too far south from South Philly, you may find yourself in a sticky spot.
Is Chinatown in Philly safe?
Safety. Chinatown’s impressive safety ratings rank it as markedly safer than Philadelphia as a whole, especially other neighborhoods near Center City. Chinatown has just 1.02 violent crimes per 1,000 residents each year, while Philadelphia reports violent crime rates measuring closer to 11 per 1,000 people.