Things to Do for 1 Day In Philadelphia

Whether you are here for a business trip, layover, or just passing through to your next destination, you might only get 1 day in Philadelphia. The city of brotherly love, home to the Eagles football team, soft pretzels, and cheesesteaks. But what can you actually do with less than 24 hours in this historic city? 

Here I’m going to give you a few suggestions on how to spend just 1 day in Philadelphia. So if you are looking for tourist locations or just cool places to hang out, this will definitely help you plan your day.

What Makes Philadelphia Unique?

Known as the “Birth Place” of America, Philadelphia was the first United States Capital where the “Founding Fathers” such as Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and many more signed, The United State Declaration of Independence.

Unlike other historical cities such as Williamsburg or Sterbridge Village, Philadelphia holds a piece of history that is interwoven with todays modern society. Historical Philadelphia cummulates in Old City or Independence National Historical Park.

The better part of visiting the many locations park of Historical Philadelphia is that you can actually step foot where our Founding Fathers once sat by taking a tour of the many sites such as Independence Hall or the Free Quaker Meetinghouse.

Beyond the historical sites at Independence Nation Historical Park, Philadelphia is home to many first!

The first Zoo in the United States, The Philadelphia Zoo, is home to many species of animals, while providing education on things such as conservation, rehabilitation, breeding and endangered species. But you also have the first art school and art museum, first Philosophical Society, and many more.

So while your stay might be only 24 hours, there is a variety of things for everyone.

Exploring Old City

Summary:

• Breakfast at a local cafe
• Start the historical tour at the Liberty Bell
• Next visit Independence Hall, don’t forget to get your tickets prior to arrival!
• If there is time visit the American Philosophical Society or the Museum of the American Revolution
• Grab a cheesesteak for lunch
• Spend the afternoon at the The National Constitution Center
• Head to Penns Landing for Riverside activities and dinner at The Moshulu

Detailed Information:

Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the United States and was once the capital of our country up until 1800. With a rich history, the city offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and explore the many buildings and historical locations.

This is also the main reason why many people visit Philadelphia each year.

Start your day by grabbing breakfast at a local cafe such as Knead Bagels, Eggcellent Cafe, or Cafe Ole.

Then head over to the Liberty Bell as your first stop. This will allow you to avoid the majority of crowds such as school students who are on a field trip. The earlier in the morning you visit the better chance you have of not needing to stand in line for more than a few minutes.

Grab a picture or two then as you exit the museum you will be facing Independence Hall. If you are traveling between March and December you will need to pre-plan and purchase your ticket ahead of time. (January and February tours are every 20 minutes with no ticket requirement) There will be a security check before entering the building.

After your tour definitely takes a few minutes to check out the grounds around Independence Hall. If you are lucky to be visiting any day between Thursday thru Sunday try to grab tickets for the American Philosophical Society museum tour. 

If you look to the East of Independence Hall you will see a few historical locations that might be of interest. The Christ Church Burial ground, also home to Benjamin Franklin’s grave site sits just on the corner of Arch and 5th. Many visitors leave a penny behind to pay tribute to this founding father, scientists, entrepreneurs, etc.

Next head back to the Liberty Bell and keep walking north on 6th street. Here you will find the Independence Visitor Center. While you don’t need to spend a lot of time in this location, the visitor center does offer a few educational videos while also being a great resource for all things Philadelphia such as public transportation information, what is going on in the city, things to do, and more. You might even get a surprise or two from local celebrities while exploring the hall.

Or head west down Chestnut St towards the Museum of the American Revolution. Here you will learn about both sides of the Revolutionary War, experience living history reenactments and explore the impact Philadelphia had during the war.

If you head East down Arch street you will come to the Betsy Ross house. Learn about how the first American flag was designed and the average living situation for many Philadelphians during the revolutionary war on your visit. 

After the Betsy Ross house, you will definitely be wanting something to eat.

Philadelphia is known for diverse restaurant offerings, however, you are likely wondering when you might get to explore the famous cheesesteak?!?!

Good thing you aren’t that far from either Campo’s or Sonny’s, both of which are on the list of Cheesesteak locations to cry while in Philadelphia. 

Head over to 2nd street and grab yourself a cheesesteak or hoagie from one of these locations before heading back to Independence Mall for The National Constitution Center. 

The National Constitution Center is a great interactive museum that provides information and history on who, why, when, and how the Constitution was drafted. You will need tickets for this museum, but they can be purchased at the time of walking into the main entrance. This museum may take about 2 hours to explore depending on what time your entrance video starts. 

After you explored The National Constitution Center head down to Penns Landing for some food and drinks. If you want, make reservations for the unique dining experience of The Moshulu, an old sailing vessel.