Philadelphia itinerary: 1 to 7 days
Plans for one to seven days in Philadelphia, day by day: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Congress Hall first, then the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rocky Steps and Eastern State Penitentiary, and Old City, Reading Terminal Market and the Franklin Institute as you add days. Every stop has a typical visit length.
How long do you have?
Map: 3 days
Philadelphia in 1 day
Day 1
First Bank of the United States Must see
A 1797 marble bank building in Independence National Historical Park, seen from outside as the interior is not generally open.
Independence Hall Must see
The State House where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed; ranger-led tours.
Liberty Bell Must see
The cracked bell that became a symbol of American independence and abolition, shown free in a glass pavilion across from Independence Hall.
Congress Hall Must see
Seat of the US Congress from 1790 to 1800, where Washington's second and Adams's inaugurations took place; free ranger tours.
Philadelphia Museum of Art Must see
One of the largest US art museums, with Renaissance, Impressionist and American collections and period rooms; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Philadelphia in 2 days
Day 1
Independence Hall Must see
The State House where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed; ranger-led tours.
Liberty Bell Must see
The cracked bell that became a symbol of American independence and abolition, shown free in a glass pavilion across from Independence Hall.
Congress Hall Must see
Seat of the US Congress from 1790 to 1800, where Washington's second and Adams's inaugurations took place; free ranger tours.
National Constitution Center
An interactive museum on Independence Mall devoted to the U.S. Constitution, with exhibits, a theatre show and life-size statues of the signers.
Eastern State Penitentiary Must see
A crumbling 1829 prison, once home to Al Capone, now a museum with audio tours of the cellblocks.
Day 2
The Franklin Institute
Hands-on science museum with a giant walk-through heart, a planetarium and Franklin artefacts.
Philadelphia Museum of Art Must see
One of the largest US art museums, with Renaissance, Impressionist and American collections and period rooms; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Must see
The oldest US art museum and school, with American paintings in a Victorian Gothic building by Frank Furness.
Philadelphia in 3 days
Day 1
Independence Hall Must see
The State House where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed; ranger-led tours.
Congress Hall Must see
Seat of the US Congress from 1790 to 1800, where Washington's second and Adams's inaugurations took place; free ranger tours.
National Constitution Center
An interactive museum on Independence Mall devoted to the U.S. Constitution, with exhibits, a theatre show and life-size statues of the signers.
Philadelphia Mint Must see
The largest US Mint, with a free self-guided tour overlooking coin production; photo ID required, closed Sundays.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Must see
The oldest US art museum and school, with American paintings in a Victorian Gothic building by Frank Furness.
Day 2
The Franklin Institute
Hands-on science museum with a giant walk-through heart, a planetarium and Franklin artefacts.
Philadelphia Museum of Art Must see
One of the largest US art museums, with Renaissance, Impressionist and American collections and period rooms; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Eastern State Penitentiary Must see
A crumbling 1829 prison, once home to Al Capone, now a museum with audio tours of the cellblocks.
Day 3
Old City Hall Must see
The 1791 building where the US Supreme Court first sat, next to Independence Hall; open seasonally with free entry.
Liberty Bell Must see
The cracked bell that became a symbol of American independence and abolition, shown free in a glass pavilion across from Independence Hall.
Carpenters' Hall Must see
The 1770 guild hall where the First Continental Congress met in 1774; free, closed Mondays.
Museum of the American Revolution
A museum telling the story of the American Revolution through objects, immersive galleries and George Washington's own war tent.
First Bank of the United States Must see
A 1797 marble bank building in Independence National Historical Park, seen from outside as the interior is not generally open.
Christ Church, Philadelphia Must see
Colonial church from 1744 where Washington, Franklin and Betsy Ross worshipped; open for visits with a small donation.
Betsy Ross House Must see
A colonial house museum telling the story of the upholsterer credited with sewing the first American flag.
Philadelphia in 4 days
Day 1
Independence Hall Must see
The State House where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed; ranger-led tours.
Liberty Bell Must see
The cracked bell that became a symbol of American independence and abolition, shown free in a glass pavilion across from Independence Hall.
Congress Hall Must see
Seat of the US Congress from 1790 to 1800, where Washington's second and Adams's inaugurations took place; free ranger tours.
National Constitution Center
An interactive museum on Independence Mall devoted to the U.S. Constitution, with exhibits, a theatre show and life-size statues of the signers.
Philadelphia Mint Must see
The largest US Mint, with a free self-guided tour overlooking coin production; photo ID required, closed Sundays.
Day 2
The Franklin Institute
Hands-on science museum with a giant walk-through heart, a planetarium and Franklin artefacts.
Philadelphia Museum of Art Must see
One of the largest US art museums, with Renaissance, Impressionist and American collections and period rooms; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Eastern State Penitentiary Must see
A crumbling 1829 prison, once home to Al Capone, now a museum with audio tours of the cellblocks.
Day 3
Old City Hall Must see
The 1791 building where the US Supreme Court first sat, next to Independence Hall; open seasonally with free entry.
Carpenters' Hall Must see
The 1770 guild hall where the First Continental Congress met in 1774; free, closed Mondays.
Museum of the American Revolution
A museum telling the story of the American Revolution through objects, immersive galleries and George Washington's own war tent.
First Bank of the United States Must see
A 1797 marble bank building in Independence National Historical Park, seen from outside as the interior is not generally open.
Christ Church, Philadelphia Must see
Colonial church from 1744 where Washington, Franklin and Betsy Ross worshipped; open for visits with a small donation.
Betsy Ross House Must see
A colonial house museum telling the story of the upholsterer credited with sewing the first American flag.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Must see
The oldest US art museum and school, with American paintings in a Victorian Gothic building by Frank Furness.
Day 4
Logan Square
A circular plaza on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the Swann Memorial Fountain, surrounded by museums and the cathedral.
Boathouse Row Must see
A line of 19th-century rowing club boathouses on the Schuylkill River, outlined in lights after dark.
Philadelphia Zoo Must see
America's first zoo, opened in 1874, known for its 'Zoo360' overhead trails where animals cross above visitors.
Philadelphia in 5 days
Day 1
Independence Hall Must see
The State House where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed; ranger-led tours.
Liberty Bell Must see
The cracked bell that became a symbol of American independence and abolition, shown free in a glass pavilion across from Independence Hall.
Congress Hall Must see
Seat of the US Congress from 1790 to 1800, where Washington's second and Adams's inaugurations took place; free ranger tours.
National Constitution Center
An interactive museum on Independence Mall devoted to the U.S. Constitution, with exhibits, a theatre show and life-size statues of the signers.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Must see
The oldest US art museum and school, with American paintings in a Victorian Gothic building by Frank Furness.
Day 2
Philadelphia Museum of Art Must see
One of the largest US art museums, with Renaissance, Impressionist and American collections and period rooms; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Barnes Foundation
An art museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway holding a remarkable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, hung in Albert Barnes's distinctive arrangements.
Rodin Museum Must see
Garden museum with one of the largest Rodin collections outside Paris, including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.
Day 3
Old City Hall Must see
The 1791 building where the US Supreme Court first sat, next to Independence Hall; open seasonally with free entry.
Museum of the American Revolution
A museum telling the story of the American Revolution through objects, immersive galleries and George Washington's own war tent.
First Bank of the United States Must see
A 1797 marble bank building in Independence National Historical Park, seen from outside as the interior is not generally open.
Christ Church, Philadelphia Must see
Colonial church from 1744 where Washington, Franklin and Betsy Ross worshipped; open for visits with a small donation.
Betsy Ross House Must see
A colonial house museum telling the story of the upholsterer credited with sewing the first American flag.
Philadelphia Mint Must see
The largest US Mint, with a free self-guided tour overlooking coin production; photo ID required, closed Sundays.
Day 4
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Must see
Glass-vaulted performing arts centre on Broad Street, home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, with a free rooftop garden.
Academy of Music Must see
America's oldest opera house still in use, opened in 1857, home of the Pennsylvania Ballet and Opera Philadelphia.
Philadelphia City Hall
An ornate Second Empire city hall topped by a William Penn statue; its observation deck in the tower gives wide views of the city.
Reading Terminal Market Must see
Indoor food market since 1893, with Amish stalls, cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches and bakeries.
Chinatown Must see
Compact neighbourhood behind the Friendship Gate on 10th Street, with dim sum, noodle shops and bakeries.
Day 5
Eastern State Penitentiary Must see
A crumbling 1829 prison, once home to Al Capone, now a museum with audio tours of the cellblocks.
Philadelphia Zoo Must see
America's first zoo, opened in 1874, known for its 'Zoo360' overhead trails where animals cross above visitors.
Boathouse Row Must see
A line of 19th-century rowing club boathouses on the Schuylkill River, outlined in lights after dark.
Philadelphia in 6 days
Day 1
Independence Hall Must see
The State House where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed; ranger-led tours.
Liberty Bell Must see
The cracked bell that became a symbol of American independence and abolition, shown free in a glass pavilion across from Independence Hall.
Italian Market
A long-running open-air market on South 9th Street with awning-covered stalls, cheese shops, butchers, bakeries and Italian restaurants.
Philadelphia Mint Must see
The largest US Mint, with a free self-guided tour overlooking coin production; photo ID required, closed Sundays.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Must see
The oldest US art museum and school, with American paintings in a Victorian Gothic building by Frank Furness.
Day 2
Philadelphia Museum of Art Must see
One of the largest US art museums, with Renaissance, Impressionist and American collections and period rooms; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Barnes Foundation
An art museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway holding a remarkable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, hung in Albert Barnes's distinctive arrangements.
Rodin Museum Must see
Garden museum with one of the largest Rodin collections outside Paris, including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.
Day 3
Old City Hall Must see
The 1791 building where the US Supreme Court first sat, next to Independence Hall; open seasonally with free entry.
Carpenters' Hall Must see
The 1770 guild hall where the First Continental Congress met in 1774; free, closed Mondays.
USS Olympia (C-6)
The oldest steel warship afloat, Dewey's flagship at Manila Bay in 1898, open at the Independence Seaport Museum.
First Bank of the United States Must see
A 1797 marble bank building in Independence National Historical Park, seen from outside as the interior is not generally open.
Second Bank of the United States
Greek Revival bank from 1824 in Independence Park; check opening, as its portrait gallery has long been closed.
National Constitution Center
An interactive museum on Independence Mall devoted to the U.S. Constitution, with exhibits, a theatre show and life-size statues of the signers.
Chinatown Must see
Compact neighbourhood behind the Friendship Gate on 10th Street, with dim sum, noodle shops and bakeries.
Day 4
Philadelphia City Hall
An ornate Second Empire city hall topped by a William Penn statue; its observation deck in the tower gives wide views of the city.
Reading Terminal Market Must see
Indoor food market since 1893, with Amish stalls, cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches and bakeries.
Betsy Ross House Must see
A colonial house museum telling the story of the upholsterer credited with sewing the first American flag.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Must see
Glass-vaulted performing arts centre on Broad Street, home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, with a free rooftop garden.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Isaiah Zagar's sprawling mosaic folk-art environment on South Street, with indoor galleries and an outdoor labyrinth of tiles, mirrors and bottles.
Congress Hall Must see
Seat of the US Congress from 1790 to 1800, where Washington's second and Adams's inaugurations took place; free ranger tours.
Day 5
Eastern State Penitentiary Must see
A crumbling 1829 prison, once home to Al Capone, now a museum with audio tours of the cellblocks.
Philadelphia Zoo Must see
America's first zoo, opened in 1874, known for its 'Zoo360' overhead trails where animals cross above visitors.
Boathouse Row Must see
A line of 19th-century rowing club boathouses on the Schuylkill River, outlined in lights after dark.
Day 6
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
Philadelphia's oldest church, built by Swedish settlers in 1700, with a peaceful churchyard near the Delaware River.
Museum of the American Revolution
A museum telling the story of the American Revolution through objects, immersive galleries and George Washington's own war tent.
Christ Church, Philadelphia Must see
Colonial church from 1744 where Washington, Franklin and Betsy Ross worshipped; open for visits with a small donation.
Christ Church Burial Ground
Colonial cemetery where Benjamin Franklin is buried; visitors toss pennies on his grave.
Philadelphia in 7 days
Day 1
Independence Hall Must see
The State House where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed; ranger-led tours.
Liberty Bell Must see
The cracked bell that became a symbol of American independence and abolition, shown free in a glass pavilion across from Independence Hall.
Congress Hall Must see
Seat of the US Congress from 1790 to 1800, where Washington's second and Adams's inaugurations took place; free ranger tours.
National Constitution Center
An interactive museum on Independence Mall devoted to the U.S. Constitution, with exhibits, a theatre show and life-size statues of the signers.
Academy of Music Must see
America's oldest opera house still in use, opened in 1857, home of the Pennsylvania Ballet and Opera Philadelphia.
Day 2
Philadelphia Museum of Art Must see
One of the largest US art museums, with Renaissance, Impressionist and American collections and period rooms; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Barnes Foundation
An art museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway holding a remarkable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, hung in Albert Barnes's distinctive arrangements.
Eastern State Penitentiary Must see
A crumbling 1829 prison, once home to Al Capone, now a museum with audio tours of the cellblocks.
Day 3
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
Philadelphia's oldest church, built by Swedish settlers in 1700, with a peaceful churchyard near the Delaware River.
Carpenters' Hall Must see
The 1770 guild hall where the First Continental Congress met in 1774; free, closed Mondays.
Museum of the American Revolution
A museum telling the story of the American Revolution through objects, immersive galleries and George Washington's own war tent.
Christ Church, Philadelphia Must see
Colonial church from 1744 where Washington, Franklin and Betsy Ross worshipped; open for visits with a small donation.
Philadelphia Mint Must see
The largest US Mint, with a free self-guided tour overlooking coin production; photo ID required, closed Sundays.
Reading Terminal Market Must see
Indoor food market since 1893, with Amish stalls, cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches and bakeries.
Day 4
Italian Market
A long-running open-air market on South 9th Street with awning-covered stalls, cheese shops, butchers, bakeries and Italian restaurants.
Betsy Ross House Must see
A colonial house museum telling the story of the upholsterer credited with sewing the first American flag.
Logan Square
A circular plaza on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the Swann Memorial Fountain, surrounded by museums and the cathedral.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Must see
The oldest US art museum and school, with American paintings in a Victorian Gothic building by Frank Furness.
Second Bank of the United States
Greek Revival bank from 1824 in Independence Park; check opening, as its portrait gallery has long been closed.
Day 5
Rodin Museum Must see
Garden museum with one of the largest Rodin collections outside Paris, including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.
Boathouse Row Must see
A line of 19th-century rowing club boathouses on the Schuylkill River, outlined in lights after dark.
Philadelphia Zoo Must see
America's first zoo, opened in 1874, known for its 'Zoo360' overhead trails where animals cross above visitors.
Day 6
Old City Hall Must see
The 1791 building where the US Supreme Court first sat, next to Independence Hall; open seasonally with free entry.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Must see
Glass-vaulted performing arts centre on Broad Street, home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, with a free rooftop garden.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Isaiah Zagar's sprawling mosaic folk-art environment on South Street, with indoor galleries and an outdoor labyrinth of tiles, mirrors and bottles.
USS Olympia (C-6)
The oldest steel warship afloat, Dewey's flagship at Manila Bay in 1898, open at the Independence Seaport Museum.
Christ Church Burial Ground
Colonial cemetery where Benjamin Franklin is buried; visitors toss pennies on his grave.
Chinatown Must see
Compact neighbourhood behind the Friendship Gate on 10th Street, with dim sum, noodle shops and bakeries.
Day 7
The Franklin Institute
Hands-on science museum with a giant walk-through heart, a planetarium and Franklin artefacts.
Philadelphia City Hall
An ornate Second Empire city hall topped by a William Penn statue; its observation deck in the tower gives wide views of the city.
Congregation Rodeph Shalom
Historic Reform synagogue with a 1927 Moorish Revival sanctuary; tours by appointment.
Watch: Philadelphia in 3 days
A one-minute look at the plan: every stop, day by day, with the map.
When to go to Philadelphia
April to June and September to October are the most pleasant months in Philadelphia, with mild weather for walking the historic district. July and August are hot and humid, and the Fourth of July brings large crowds to Independence Hall. Winter is cold with occasional snow, and the Mummers Parade fills Broad Street on New Year's Day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Where to stay: hotels in Philadelphia on Booking.com or Trip.com
- Skip-the-line tickets: museums and sights in Philadelphia on Tiqets
- Tours and day trips: things to do in Philadelphia on GetYourGuide or on Viator
- From the airport: a private transfer in Philadelphia with Kiwitaxi
- Sightseeing pass: save on Philadelphia's top attractions with Go City
- Data on arrival: an eSIM for United States from Airalo
- Last day: leave your bags in Philadelphia with Radical Storage and keep sightseeing
Some of these are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips for Philadelphia
- Independence Hall entry is by free timed ticket; reserve on recreation.gov (small fee), especially in 2026 with the national 250th-anniversary crowds.
- The Philadelphia Museum of Art (rebranded Philadelphia Art Museum in 2025) is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and open late on Fridays.
- The Perelman Building annex has been closed to the public since 2020, so plan the main art museum building instead.
- SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line and buses link Old City, Center City and the Parkway; most Old City sights are within a 15-minute walk.
- Eastern State Penitentiary runs Halloween Nights from September to early November, when daytime tours may end early; book online.
Make it your own
Open the guide in Andiamo Places to see every stop on a map with walking directions, move places between days, check opening hours for your dates, and add your own finds. After the trip, your photos become a journal and, if you like, a printed photo book.
Guides are made with the help of AI and public sources such as Wikipedia, and may contain errors. Opening hours and prices change, so check before you go. Spotted a wrong photo, a pin in the wrong place, a missing stop or a better one? Write to andiamotravelapp@gmail.com: the e-mail opens with this guide filled in.
Photo credits
- Academy of Music: Difference engine, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Barnes Foundation: ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0
- Betsy Ross House: Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Boathouse Row: Jeffrey M. Vinocur, CC BY 2.5
- Carpenters' Hall: unknown author, Public domain
- Chinatown: Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Christ Church Burial Ground: Smallbones, CC0
- Christ Church, Philadelphia: John Lewis Krimmel / Pavel Svinyin, CC0
- Congregation Rodeph Shalom: Smallbones, Public domain
- Congress Hall: tim eschaton from Los Angeles, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Eastern State Penitentiary: Myles Zhang, CC BY-SA 4.0
- First Bank of the United States: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain
- Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain
- Independence Hall: Mys 721tx, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Italian Market: Busterfreak at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5
- Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts: User:Wasted Time R, Public domain
- Liberty Bell: William Zhang, CC BY 2.0
- Logan Square: TastyPoutine, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Museum of the American Revolution: ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0
- National Constitution Center: ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0
- Old City Hall: Antoine Taveneaux, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: Pavel Svinyin, CC0
- Philadelphia City Hall: Toniklemm, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Philadelphia Mint: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain
- Philadelphia Museum of Art: Ken Thomas, Public domain
- Philadelphia Zoo: Derek Ramsey, CC BY-SA 2.5
- Philadelphia's Magic Gardens: sashafatcat, CC BY 2.0
- Reading Terminal Market: Bruce Andersen, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Rodin Museum: Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0
- Second Bank of the United States: Bestbudbrian, CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Franklin Institute: The original uploader was Willjay at English Wikipedia ., CC BY-SA 3.0
- USS Olympia (C-6): U.S. federal government, Public domain
Opening hours change; check before you go. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
