Spending a Long Weekend in Philadelphia

There’s nothing quite like visiting a city that offers everything you could ever want in a destination, from unique and delicious cuisine to gorgeous nature and remarkable history. Philadelphia is a destination that checks off all those boxes and then some, making for the perfect place to spend a long weekend in. Between the historical sites that are an integral part of our country’s foundation and the one-of-a-kind museums that allow us to explore new topics and perspectives, there are so many ways to fill up a Philadelphia weekend itinerary. Read on to learn all about the things you don’t want to miss out on during your next trip to Philadelphia, no matter what piques your interest!

Museums

Museums are always a fantastic way to explore a city’s history and culture and serve as an ideal starting point when figuring out what to do during your travels. There are too many in Philadelphia to hit in just a few days, but you should definitely still pick a couple to check out while visiting! Founded in 1824, the Franklin Institute is a wonderful museum and the epicenter for science and technology research. Filled with interactive exhibits, educational displays, historic artifacts, and rotating exhibits that are sure to impress, the Franklin Institute Science Museum covers topics from astronomy and physics to biology and cutting-edge technology.  

For a truly unique and insightful experience, the Mütter Museum, located at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, is a science and history museum that focuses on the many mysteries of the medical world. The museum holds tens of thousands of specimens, artifacts, and models and dives into peculiar cases as well as the incredible advancements that have been made in the medical field over time.

For a dose of artistic inspiration, head over to the amazing Philadelphia Museum of Art. Fans of the movie Rocky will quickly recognize the iconic steps leading up to this cherished institution. The museum houses a grand collection of over 240,000 pieces of art, from ancient sculptures and Egyptian art to Renaissance paintings and modern American masterpieces.

The last museum out of the bunch we’ll mention here is the Museum of the American Revolution, a must-visit spot for the history buffs out there. Located in the city’s historic district and centered around such a pivotal time for the US, this museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and anecdotes that tell the chronological story of how our nation came to be. Highlights include Revolutionary-era weapons, George Washington’s actual war tent, manuscripts, books, a replica of the infamous Liberty Tree, and a model of an 18^th-century war ship. A visit to any of these museums during your time in Philadelphia is not only sure to wow you, but each of them will impart you with a whole new wealth of wisdom!

Historical Sites

A trip to Philadelphia always means stepping back in time with all the legendary historical sites scattered around the city. If it’s your first time in here, you definitely need to swing by and see the Liberty Bell, which rang through the city from the 1750s until the 1840s in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, before it developed its infamous crack and stopped working. Continue your journey at Independence National Historical Park, where you’ll find important establishments such as the Benjamin Franklin Museum and Independence Hall, which is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Next, dive into the history at the nearby Betsy Ross House, which is where the very first American flag is believed to have been sewn. Take a stroll down Elfreth's Alley, recognized as the oldest residential street in America. Lastly, spend some quality time in Rittenhouse Square, a beloved park planned out in the 17^th century that’s ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, and admiring the beautiful architecture that surrounds it. The history embedded in Philadelphia is something you can’t help but feel, and taking the time to visit the various landmarks throughout the city will certainly bring forth a new level of appreciation and understanding.

Outdoor Exploration

Though Philly is mostly a metropolitan destination, there is still plenty of phenomenal nature to enjoy in and around the city during a long weekend visit. Right in the heart of the city is Fairmount Park, a 2,052-acre expanse on the Schuylkill River where you can wander along scenic trails, to historic landmarks, charming stone bridges, and playgrounds, and through colorful gardens. For a more secluded endeavor while still staying within the bounds of Philadelphia, head to Wissahickon Valley Park. Here, you can hike along the scenic Forbidden Drive Trail, which brings you along the river and through the dense foliage of the park.

If you have a car at your disposal and you’re up for a short drive, Ridley Creek State Park offers even more picturesque trails, meadows, and woodlands that are perfect for hiking, biking, or simply unwinding in nature. The creek is great for trout fishing, and the waterfall created at the dam at Sycamore Mills serves as a fantastic photo backdrop.

If you want to increase your chances of spotting plenty of northeastern wildlife, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is located close to the Philadelphia Airport and protects the largest freshwater tidal marsh in the state that still remains. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded at the refuge, so any birdwatchers reading will have a terrific time here. Other animals you can expect to see include red foxes, deer, river otters, and beavers. Each park in and around Philadelphia offers a unique experience; if being immersed in the solitude of nature is more your speed, there is plenty for you here to discover.

Local Eats

Of course, we can’t leave out one of the best parts that comes with traveling anywhere, especially somewhere as iconic as Philadelphia is when it comes to food. There are a few things you without a doubt have to try while visiting, such as the city’s namesake sandwich, the Philly cheesesteak. There are countless places that serve up this meaty, cheesy goodness, and if you’re up for trying a couple different spots, you can’t go wrong with having a classic comparison contest between Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks. Each spot has been serving up delicious cheesesteaks for many decades, but the age-old debate of which is better is ultimately up to you and your preferences!

Tomato pie is another infamous, must-try food while in Philly. Tomato pie is reminiscent of pizza, with a few key differences. This dish consists of a thick crust, a generous layer of flavorful tomato sauce, and sometimes a dusting of parmesan to finish it off. Like the cheesesteak, there are endless places to pick up your slice of tomato pie, but we suggest Corropolese, a Philly staple that has mastered the art of this dish.

To try out practically every other cuisine you can think of, set aside a few hours in your itinerary to stroll through Reading Terminal Market. This market is simply brimming with vendors that offer everything from Cajun fare and BBQ to fresh seafood and Thai cuisine, as well as vendors that sell handcrafted goods. You shouldn’t have any trouble at all satisfying your appetite while exploring Philadelphia – these few mentions don’t even scratch the surface of all the unbelievable cuisine options you'll find all over the city!

Making Unforgettable Memories in the Birthplace of America

Whether you like to experience as much culture, history, nature, or local cuisine as possible when you visit a destination, you’ll find it all in lovely Philadelphia. With such incredible landmarks, museums, parks, and pure charm around every corner in this city, it’s sure to leave an amazing lasting impression. It might be hard to fit every single thing you wish to do into a single weekend, but that just means you have future visits here to look forward to! The endless experiences Philadelphia has to offer simply guarantees a getaway that you’ll fondly remember for the rest of time.