1 Day Philadelphia Itinerary: Food, Top Stops, & Quirky Fun
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See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Rocky Steps, and more. Plus quirky fun and great food (we found a perfect cheesesteak!)—all in one day in Philadelphia.
One Day Philadelphia Itinerary: (Jump To)
Philadelphia Video Itinerary
What to Know Before Visiting Philadelphia
If you're planning what to see in Philadelphia in one day, expect a city with walkable neighborhoods, layered history, and strong opinions on sandwiches. Bring good shoes, a flexible plan, and a backup for bad weather just in case.
Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. and is packed with colonial sites, walkable neighborhoods, and a nonstop food scene. Most major attractions are clustered in Center City, so you can do a lot in one day without spending hours on transit. Good walking shoes are a must, but SEPTA buses and subways are helpful if your feet need a break.
Is Philadelphia Safe?
Most tourist areas are in the safe parts of Philadelphia, especially during the day. Stick to well-lit streets near attractions and you’ll be fine—Center City, Old City, and the museum district are all among the Philadelphia safe areas.
The tourist-heavy parts of Center City, Old City, and the Museum District are safe during the day. You’ll see a mix of office workers, students, families, and travelers. As always, keep an eye on your belongings and avoid quiet backstreets at night. South Street and the Gayborhood are both busy and well-patrolled at night, especially on weekends.
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How to Get Around Philadelphia?
Getting around Philadelphia is easy with a combination of walking, the SEPTA system, and rideshare. You can walk around Philadelphia’s main sights, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and City Hall, without needing a car.
Once you’re downtown, everything on this itinerary is walkable or a short Uber ride away. You can cover the core of Old City on foot, hop in a rideshare for longer stretches, or use SEPTA for quick trips. A One-Day Convenience Pass ($6) covers subways, buses, and trolleys.
If you’d like to keep it easy and see all the top city attractions, Philadelphia has one of the best Hop-On Hop-Off bus routes around.
Philadelphia One Day Itinerary - Morning
Start your Philadelphia one day itinerary with Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and all the history you can handle. If you're thinking about what to see in Philadelphia in one day, knock out the historic core before the tour buses show up.
9:00 am – Start at the Liberty Bell Center
(Take the Market-Frankford Line to 5th Street Station. Walk 3 minutes west.)
Liberty Bell Center
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
The Liberty Bell is displayed inside a glass pavilion at street level, making it easy to see even from outside. Inside, interpretive signs and historical displays tell the story of how the bell evolved from a working civic object into an international symbol of freedom. The crack you’ve heard about is unmistakable—and probably larger than expected. There’s no charge to enter, but you’ll go through security. On busy days, the line starts to form around mid-morning. Try to go early. The backdrop of Independence Hall through the back window makes for an iconic framing shot.
9:30 am – Independence Hall
(Cross 6th Street; Independence Hall is directly across from the Liberty Bell.)
Independence Hall
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This is where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Guided tours take about 30 minutes and give you access to the Assembly Room, which still has its original 18th-century layout—green cloth-covered desks, Windsor chairs, and the chair George Washington sat in as president of the Constitutional Convention. Entry is free, but you’ll need a timed-entry ticket. If you didn’t book one online, stop by the Visitor Center at 6th and Market to check availability. Guides are with the National Park Service and offer quick historical context without dragging things out. It’s the most historically important room in the U.S., and it’s treated with a quiet sense of weight.
10:30 am – Congress Hall and Elfreth’s Alley
(Congress Hall is next door. After your visit, walk 10 minutes northeast to Elfreth’s Alley via Market Street and 2nd Street.)
Congress Hall
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Congress Hall served as the U.S. Capitol from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia was the temporary capital. The House met on the first floor, the Senate upstairs. Inside, you’ll see restored chambers with wooden desks, inkwells, and small galleries where the public once sat. Both Washington and Adams were inaugurated here. Unlike Independence Hall, you usually don’t need a ticket and can just walk in with your guide. The building is small, so it’s a fast stop. If you're short on time, peek in just to see the contrast between old and modern government spaces.
Elfreth’s Alley
Map: Google Maps
Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the U.S. and looks like something out of a Revolutionary War film. Narrow, cobblestoned, and barely wider than a sedan, this short block is lined with 18th-century brick rowhouses in various shades of red and brown. Residents still live here, but there’s a small museum open in two of the homes if you want to learn more. The street is ideal for quiet photos, especially in the morning. Planters, American flags, and iron boot scrapers on the stoops all add character. The whole visit takes 10–15 minutes.
Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Philadelphia or Pennsylvania!
Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.
One Day in Philadelphia - Afternoon
For lunch, go find a culinary hot at the popular Reading Terminal Market. Swing through Rittenhouse Square for some of the best Philadelphia shopping. Then hit up the Philadelphia Museum of Art or Eastern State Penitentiary for a quick cultural stop.
12:00 pm – Lunch at Reading Terminal Market
(Walk 15 minutes west or grab a 10-minute Uber.)
Reading Terminal Market
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This massive indoor food hall has been in operation since the 1890s and is one of the best places in the country to eat lunch. Vendors sell everything from Amish soft pretzels to Cajun gumbo to roast pork sandwiches. DiNic’s is the most famous—order the roast pork with provolone and broccoli rabe if it’s your first time. Bassetts Ice Cream, Beiler’s Donuts, and the Dutch Eating Place are also standouts. It’s noisy, a little chaotic, and absolutely worth it. Seating can be tough at peak hours, so be prepared to eat at a stand-up counter or bench if needed. The energy is part of the experience.
1:15 pm – The Franklin Institute
(Walk 15–20 minutes west or take a quick Uber.)
The Franklin Institute
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Tickets: GetYourGuide
One of the country’s top science museums, the Franklin Institute is hands-on and fun without being too childish. The star attraction is the Giant Heart—an oversized walk-through heart you can film from the inside. Other highlights include vintage trains, weather simulators, a space exhibit, and Franklin’s original lightning tubes. If you’re short on time, stick to the heart, the sports science area, and the electricity zone. Everything is labeled clearly and designed to move people through efficiently.
2:45 pm – Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky Steps
(Walk 10 minutes up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.)
Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky Steps
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Tickets: GetYourGuide
Even if you don’t go into the museum, you’ll want to visit the Rocky Steps. There are 72 of them—take them slow unless you’re filming your own Rocky-style sprint to the top. The view over the Parkway and back toward City Hall is one of the best city skyline shots in town. At the base, the Rocky statue is permanently installed near the right side if you’re facing the museum. If you do go inside, you’ll find rooms full of Impressionist paintings, medieval armor, American decorative arts, and more. The arms and armor wing is a fast highlight if you're short on time. Admission is pay-what-you-wish on certain evenings. Tickets include admission to the nearby Rodin Museum.
3:30 pm – Eastern State Penitentiary (Alternative to Art Museum)
(If you're not into art museums, walk 15 minutes or Uber 5 minutes from the Art Museum.)
Eastern State Penitentiary
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Tickets: GetYourGuide
(Free Admission for NARM Members)
This former prison looks like a castle from the outside and a horror movie from the inside. The cellblocks are mostly untouched, with crumbling plaster, iron doors, and skylights that cast eerie shadows across the floor. Famous inmates include Al Capone, whose cell has been preserved. The included audio tour is narrated by Steve Buscemi and covers everything from daily prison life to escape attempts. You can move at your own pace and film as you go. The setting is dramatic—bring your widest lens. Admission is around $21 online, and the last entry is at 4:00 pm.
Read our full blog post about visiting the Penitentiary.
5:00 pm – Rittenhouse Square
(Uber or bus 10 minutes south to Walnut Street.)
Rittenhouse Square
Map: Google Maps
This is one of the city’s oldest planned squares and now functions as a neighborhood park ringed with upscale shops, cafes, and brownstones. During the day you’ll see locals reading on benches, walking dogs, and kids climbing the central fountain. Walnut Street is filled with boutiques like Boyd’s and numerous chain and local shopping options. La Colombe has great coffee, and Metropolitan Bakery is a solid snack stop. This is a good time to sit down, regroup, and pep up with some great coffee. If the weather is nice, you may catch live music or an art show.
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One Day in Philadelphia - Evening
Your evening starts with the best Philadelphia cheesesteak in Philadelphia and end with some great things to do in the evening in Philadelphia if you’re open to dancing and cocktails. We also include an off-the-beaten-path Philadelphia attraction that is a must see.
5:30 pm – Dinner at Jim’s South Street
(Uber 10 minutes to South Street. Rittenhouse to South Street is walkable but long.)
Jim’s South Street
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This is one of the top cheesesteak shops in the city and has been open since 1939. It usually has a line down the block, but it moves fast. Order like a local—“whiz wit” means Cheez Whiz with onions. The grill is open behind the counter so you can see the chopping and sandwich assembly. Seating is upstairs and pretty limited. The sandwiches are greasy, messy, and worth it. It’s cash only. There’s an ATM inside, but bring cash to save time and ATM fees.
6:30 pm – Explore South Street
(Walk east along South Street from Jim’s.)
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
(Free Admission for NARM Members)
This outdoor mosaic art installation is one of the strangest and most photogenic spots in the city. Artist Isaiah Zagar created it from ceramic tiles, mirrors, bottles, bicycle wheels, and found objects. There’s an indoor gallery and a sprawling outdoor maze of color and pattern. If you don’t want to pay the entry fee, the exterior is just as eye-catching. Inside, you can see tunnels, spirals, staircases, and surreal sculptures. It closes at 6:00 pm, so get there early if it’s on your list.
8:00 pm – Gayborhood / Nightlife
(Walk or Uber 10 minutes north to 13th and Locust.)
Woody’s, Voyeur, Knock, Writers Block Rehab
Map: Google Maps
Philly’s LGBTQ+ nightlife district is small, central, and packed with options. Woody’s is an all-purpose gay bar with multiple rooms, a dance floor, and sports bar-style TVs. Voyeur is a late-night dance club with a warehouse vibe and DJs on weekends. Knock is more of a relaxed lounge spot with cocktails and small plates. Writer’s Block Rehab is nearby and great if you want something quieter with a solid drink list. Rainbow-painted street signs, flags, and colorful lighting make the whole neighborhood feel lively. Most bars open at 5 pm and go late, especially on weekends.
If You Have More Time in Philadelphia
With an extra day, add a visit to the Barnes Foundation, pick another museum (or two), or take one of several easy day trips from Philadelphia. You can also dive into family things to do in Philadelphia like the Adventure Aquarium or the Please Touch Museum.
Add the Museum of the American Revolution for a more immersive dive into the 1700s. Or visit Spruce Street Harbor Park in summer for hammock seating, food stands, and riverside views. For a side trip, head to Valley Forge National Historical Park about 40 minutes outside the city.
Best Things To Do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Liberty Bell Center
Independence Hall
Congress Hall
Elfreth’s Alley
Reading Terminal Market
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky Steps
Eastern State Penitentiary
Rittenhouse Square
Jim’s South Street
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Woody’s
Voyeur
Knock
Writers Block Rehab
