One Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is one of the most notable, visited cities in all of the United States. You would definitely need to dedicate at least a few days to it if you really wanted to explore all of its hidden gems & neighborhoods. But if you’re looking to make the most of your day trip in Philly, I’m here to tell you that it can be done! All you need to do is set aside one day, and grab a good pair of walking shoes.
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The guide below is going to walk you through the majority of tourist spots in Philadelphia – from Fairmount to Old City – in the most efficient order to fit it all in one day. The basic idea is that you’ll start by the Schuylkill River and end your day by the Delaware River, hitting all of the best spots in Philly along your way.
1. Kelly Drive & Boathouse Row
To start your day, park your car in one of the parking lots behind the art museum. There are plenty of free parking lots along Kelly Drive, and it starts you off in a perfect position in the city. Just keep in mind not to park too far down the path, as it does run for miles and you don’t want to add too much to your walk.
Kelly Drive is about a nine-mile loop trail that hugs the Schuylkill River and runs along Boathouse Row on the west side of Philadelphia. A popular means of getting outside while in city bounds, you can run, rent bikes, or access the river from the public areas of Boathouse Row.
Aside from starting your day with a nice stroll along the water, you can also stop at the Cosmic Cafe located right on the trail to grab yourself some breakfast and a coffee before heading into the city.
Kelly Drive is open to the public and completely free to access.
2. The Philadelphia Art Museum
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the oldest public museums in the country, and has an impressive ~2000 galleries housed in its main building. Officially completed in the year 1928, the art museum has become an iconic symbol of the city – notably featured in the “Rocky” film series. In fact, Rocky’s training scene had such a cultural impact that the steps leading up to the museum are now dubbed the “Rocky Steps,” and a statue of the boxer stands at the foot of the steps as a popular tourist stop.
The Philadelphia Art Museum is open from 10:00am – 5:00pm Thursday to Monday, with extended hours on Friday nights. The museum also offers “pay what you want” admission on the first Sunday of every month, as well as Friday nights.
3. The Oval Plaza
Out front of the art museum is the Oval Plaza, a vast green space that hosts seasonal activities organized by the recreation department. With pop-up games, fountains, food trucks, and beer gardens, the Oval is a beautiful social hub in the city.
The Oval is located at 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (in front of the art museum).
4. The Rodin Museum
As you make your way farther down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, adorned with international flags, you’ll find the next stop on your left: the Rodin Museum. This collection features the work of Parisian sculptor Auguste Rodin, and is administered by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The Rodin is located at 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway and opened from 10:00am – 5:00pm Friday through Monday. Admission has a “pay what you want” policy, and accepts donations.
5. The Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation was first established by Dr. Albert C. Barnes in 1922, and houses his impressive global collection of art. Since then, the foundation has expanded into hosting exhibits, concerts, philanthropic events, and even balls.
The Barnes Foundation is located at 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway and open from 11:00am – 5:00pm Thursday through Monday.
6. The Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia was the very first public library in the city, before that only home to private subscription libraries. Today, the Free Library provides a multitude of services to Philly residents, including classes, access to databases, business resources, reading programs, and free wifi. Be sure to check out their events page to see what’s being offered while you’re in town.
The Free Library of Philadelphia is located at 1901 Vine Street and is open 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
7. The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute, home to the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, is an impressive science museum in the heart of Philadelphia. Full of interactive, hands-on demonstrations highlighting the foundational principals of physics, biology, electricity, and more, the Franklin Institute is a great educational experience for families to enjoy together.
The Franklin Institute is located at 222 N 20th Street and open from 9:30am – 5:00pm everyday.
8. Love Park
At the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway you’ll end up in the JFK Plaza, also dubbed “Love Park.” Here you can stop for a quick photo next to the iconic LOVE statue that has become an emblem of the City of Brotherly Love. The plaza is also a great place to take in the beauty of Philadelphia from the heart of it.
Love Park is located between North 15th & 16th Street on Arch Street.
9. The Philadelphia Masonic Temple
As you’re making your way to City Hall, you’ll pass another national historic landmark: the Philadelphia Masonic Temple. Built in 1873, this impressive meeting place of the Free Masons is designed with Gothic influence, and draws the eyes of many for its art & detailed architecture.
The temple is located at 1 North Broad Street and charges the admissions listed below:
- Children Under 5: Free
- Children 6 – 12: $5 USD
- Students: $10 USD
- Adults: $15 USD
- Pennsylvania Free Masons: Free
10. City Hall of Philadelphia
Finally you’ll have reached the focal point of your walk so far: Philadelphia’s City Hall. Aside from being part of Philly’s beautiful views, City Hall also offers amazing views of Philadelphia! From inside, you can join the City Hall Tower Tour and go up its central elevator to a panoramic lookout right below the building’s eye-catching statue of William Penn.
City Hall is located at 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
11. Reading Terminal Market
Okay, by now you definitely will have worked up an appetite. While there are ample restaurants to choose from in Philadelphia, if you want to hit up one of the most popular spots in the city for both locals and tourists alike – stop into Reading Terminal Market, conveniently only two blocks away 🙂
Established back in 1893, this central nonprofit market is a hub of food stands, sit down eateries, bakeries, ice cream shops, and more. You can even pick up homemade food prepared by the Pennsylvania Dutch.
Reading Terminal Market is located at 1136 Arch Street.
12. The Fashion District of Philadelphia
Once you’re fueled back up, begin making your way to the Old City portion of Philadelphia. To do this you’ll head straight down Market Street until you hit the Liberty Bell – but you’ll pass some fun things along the way, including the Fashion District of Philadelphia! This three-block wide fashion hub houses popular brands and outlets right in downtown Philly.
The Fashion District is located at 901 Market Street in Philly.
13. The Liberty Bell
Market Street will lead you straight to the Visitor’s Center & Site of the President’s House, but the real attraction on the block is of course the Liberty Bell – and it shows. If you’d like to take a look at the Liberty Bell – a national symbol of freedom with its origins in the abolitionist movement – you’ll have to factor in a bit of time to stand in line (see below). Admission to the bell is completely free though, and you’re welcome to take photos!
The Liberty Bell is located at 6th and Market Street in Philadelphia.
14. Independence Hall of Philadelphia
Another stop you will not want to miss if you’re a history lover is Independence Hall. First opened in 1753, Independence Hall is famously known as the site where the Founding Fathers debated & signed both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787.
Independence Hall in Philadelphia is located at 520 Chestnut Street.
15. Penn’s Landing
To end your day, make your way over to Penn’s Landing and hangout along the Delaware River. Here you’ll find carnival style food trucks offering ice-cream, funnel cake, and more. Sit or stroll by the water and checkout the Penn’s Landing Marina, or leave your mark and add to Hope Fence.
The waterfront at Penn’s Landing is located at 101 North Columbus Boulevard.
16. Spruce Street Harbor Park
Once you’ve grabbed your treat, head over to Spruce Street Harbor Park to sit down and enjoy it. Located right on the waterfront, the park is typically adorned with hammocks in addition to benches to kick back and relax.
Spruce Street Harbor Park is located at 301 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
17. Liberty Point or Moshulu
There a couple options to grab dinner right on the water – we’re going to recommend Liberty Point for your typical visit into Philly. This massive waterfront restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and often hosts live bands. Overall, Liberty Point just has a cool vibe and is a fun way to end your day in Philly.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you could try your chances booking a reservation at Moshulu – another restaurant on the water (literally). Moshulu is an opportunity to dine on a ship in the Delaware River, docked permanently at Penn’s Landing.
Moshulu is located dockside at 401 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, and Liberty Point is at 211 South Christopher Columbus Street.
18. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink
Last but certainly not least, end your night at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink. Here you can enjoy a drink, play carnival games, mini-golf, jump on some rides, or throw on some skates and hit the rink (seasonally either a roller rink or ice skating rink).
The RiverRink is located at 101 S Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
Philadelphia Itinerary: Walking Map
Believe it or not, it is possible (and rather easy even for first time goers!) to walk the entire itinerary above in just one day! The stops are laid out in a straight path the crosses the city, following highly trafficked tourist areas. The whole route can be covered in just 1.5 hours, but of course will fill your day if you stop at all of the activities along the way.
And that’s a wrap! Grab a cab back to your hotel and get a good night’s sleep after your day in Philadelphia. Please let us know what your favorite part of your visit was in the comments below!
Where To Stay in Philly
- Central Location: The Rittenhouse Hotel
- Luxury Hotel: The Four Seasons Philadelphia
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
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Philadelphia seems to be a great place to visit with many things to see and do. My first choices would be the Philadelphia Art Museum and the Philadelphia Masonic Temple. Thanks for inspiring my future travels!
We visited Philadelphia over the July 4th weekend and it was a bit crazy. So we did not get to see that much of the city. I can see from your post that we need to head back and explore more. And even in the winter there will be lots of indoor things to see.
So many great ideas for a fun day in Philly. I’m a former history teacher, so Independence Hall is top of my list! I also loved going to Reading Terminal Market (YUM).
Philadelphia looks like an amazing place to visit! I’d love to visit one day and I’ll be using your post for inspiration. Thanks for sharing your recommendations!
Ohh Philly.. you made it look so good I may have to give it another chance lol.
I love a big city food hall, and this one looks fantastic! Great job highlighting places that appeal to all kinds of travelers. Pinned it to remember this post!
I have never been to Philly but I think I’d like to go thanks to your post. The pics are great and the weather looks lovely. There seems to be so many things to do. Thanks for sharing!