My 2 days in Philadelphia started off with a heat wave on the first day, followed by a thunderstorm on the second one. The cherry on top of the cake? It was the first day of Democratic National Convention. How is my timing? Despite the crowds overflowing the streets, journalists on every corner, and heavy rain that made me hide in the City Hall fearing for my well-being, I had a great time.
Not only did I get to see the city, but I also had fun trying to get into the frame of a camera man waving from behind the reporter like an idiot; watching a protest against literally everything – racial discrimination, immigrants’ deportation, Hilary Clinton, animal cruelty – all in one tiny square; and spotting a BMW with a number plate that said “celebrity”. I tried to convince the driver to tell me who is that poor humble celebrity hiding inside, but had no success.
My itinerary for 2 days in Philadelphia was packed to the brim, but that’s how I prefer it when I have little time in a new city. I also have to mention that I love walking and it’s my preferred way of getting from one attraction to another when I travel. But you are free to use public transport or Uber if you follow my itinerary. Here’s how to plan your time if you only have two days in Philadelphia!
Disclosure: this post contains some affiliate links which means if you buy something by clicking the link I will earn a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you.
How to Spend 2 Days in Philadelphia: Day 1
What you’ll see: Rodin Museum, Rocky Steps, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Eastern State Penitentiary
Have Breakfast at Sabrina’s Café
I have to admit, I had no idea Philadelphia restaurants scene was so impressive. Sabrina’s is a locally owned chain of cafes famous for their all-day breakfast and brunch. There are six cafes around the city. To make the most of your first day in Philly go to their Art Museum location and try one of Sabrina’s signature breakfast items, like stuffed challah French toast or lemon ricotta pancakes. The former is delicious, flavorful, and also bigger than my head. We tackled it with full force of 5 family members and won!
Sabrina’s Cafe — 1804 Callowhill St.
Marvel at Rodin’s Sculptures
A 7-minute walk from Sabrina’s Cafe
Right near Sabrina’s café is Rodin Museum housing one of the most comprehensive collections of Rodin’s artworks outside of Paris. I loved the cozy feel of this “intimately scaled museum” as it’s described on the official website. The museum is surrounded by a French garden with Rodin’s sculptures that is free for public year-round.
Rodin Museum — 2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Important: Rodin Museum is part of Philadelphia Museum of Art (which I included as the next stop in this 2 days in Philadelphia guide). You can reserve an admission ticket (it costs $30) that allows you entrance to both locations.
Tip: if you only wish to visit the Rodin Museum, admission is pay what you wish (suggested amount is $15); the garden is free year-round.
Visit Philadelphia Museum of Art and Get the Full Rocky Experience
A 10-minute walk from the Rodin Museum
After exploring the Rodin Museum walk towards the Philadelphia Museum of Art, find the Rocky statue at the bottom of the museum stairs and take a picture. There’s usually a short line to the statue, but you won’t wait more than 5 minutes.
Now the fun part begins. You have to turn on “Gonna fly now” on your phone as loud as possible and run up the stairs with determined expression on your face. Then take another picture Rocky-style facing the city with your hands triumphantly in the air.
Now you can proceed to the Philadelphia Museum of Art which houses more than 240 000 objects. Here, you can find Picasso’s Three Musicians, The Japanese Footbridge and the Water Lily Pool, Giverny by Claude Monet, and At the Moulin Rouge, The Dance by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
Philadelphia Museum of Art — 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
A Few Ideas for Lunch
The easiest way to have lunch is to make a stop at Stir restaurant located right inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art (to visit Stir, you do need a valid ticket to the museum).
It is located in a beautiful room designed by Frank Gehry, a world-famous Canadian-American architect who designed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the dancing house in Prague, and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, to name a few. For lunch, they offer a short and sweet menu that features a smash burger, an artisan quiche, and pork belly among other options.
Another option for lunch near the Art Museum is Pizza Vetri (the location on Callowhill St). It’s located not too far from Sabrina’s cafe where we started our day. They make authentic Neapolitan pizza, using the freshest seasonal ingredients. The dough is fermented for 4 days and pizza is baked at 650 degrees, resulting in beautiful light crust, scorched all around.
Stir — 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy (inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art)
Pizza Vetri — 1939 Callowhill St
Walk Around the Eastern State Penitentiary
A 15-minute walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art or Pizza Vetri
Eastern State Penitentiary is considered to be the world’s first true penitentiary with revolutionary system of incarceration that encouraged separate confinement. The system later became a model for over 300 other prisons worldwide. Some notorious criminals like Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton were held inside.
I have to say, visiting this place was the most eerie experience during my 2 days in Philadelphia. The long empty corridors and bare walls with pictures of prisoners give you chills. And Steve Buscemi’s voice on the audio guide doesn’t help either. To feel the atmosphere of the penitentiary check out some amazing pictures here and the history of the place here. Get your admission tickets online if you are planning ahead.
Eastern State Penetentiary — 2027 Fairmount Ave
How to Spend 2 Days in Philadelphia: Day 2
What you’ll see: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Magic Gardens
The second of your 2 days in Philadelphia is all about exploring the most iconic sites: Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, so there might be a little bit of waiting in lines and maybe even elbowing your way through the crowd. But it really isn’t that bad if you plan ahead.
Visit Independence Hall
Independence Hall is a must-see if you are spending two days in Philadelphia. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important landmarks when it comes to American history. Completed in 1753, it originally served as the Pennsylvania State House. However it is best known as the site where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.
You should book your tickets online, it’s only $1 per person. All tours are guided and timed.
Independence Hall — 520 Chestnut St
Visit the Liberty Bell Center
A minute’s walk from the Independence Hall
The Liberty Bell, located in Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, was cast in 1752. It famously cracked during its first test ring and was recast twice by local craftsmen. Inscribed with the words “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land,” the bell is associated with the abolitionist movement in the 19th century. Admission is free and tickets are not required.
Liberty Bell Center — 6th St & Market St
Have Lunch at the Reading Terminal Market
A 13-minute walk from the Liberty Bell
Reading Terminal Market, located in downtown Philadelphia, is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the U.S. Established in 1893, the market offers a great variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and food from around the world.
Take your time to walk around and try out samples. But if you need recommendations, Kamal’s Middle Eastern Specialties makes amazing falafel, Carmen’s has delicious cheesesteaks approved by President Barack Obama himself, and Termini Bros has great ricotta cannoli.
Reading Terminal Market — 51 N 12th St
Walk Around the City Hall
A 6-minute walk from the Reading Terminal Market
Philadelphia City Hall is the largest municipal building in the U.S. It was completed in 1901 and features over 250 statues on its facade. It currently serves as the seat of local government, as well as a historic landmark. You have several options to explore it: take a guided (or self-guided tour) or visit the observation deck for panaromic views.
Afterwards you can rest at the Dilworth Park located right at the foot of the City Hall. It has a Great Lawn, computer-programmed fountains, and a picture-perfect Love Sculpture.
See the Wanamaker Organ
A 2-minute walk away from the City Hall
The largest operational organ in the world is located in the Wanamaker Building, literally two minutes away from the City Hall. You need to go inside Macy’s and walk all the way to the back to see it.
It was crafted in 1904 and installed in its current place in 1911. The organ features over 28,000 pipes, some as small as a pencil and others up to 32 feet tall.
Explore Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
A 20-minute walk from the Wanamaker Organ
Magic Gardens is an outdoor art gallery occupying half a block on South Street in Philly. The space is created using non-traditional materials like glass bottles, mirrors, found objects, toys, bicycle wheels and what not.
I loved the installation, but what’s even more amazing is the story behind it. The artist Isaiah Zagar along with other activists turned the neighborhood into artistic haven and helped to stop construction of a highway that would have eliminated South Street. Initially, he used several empty lots to start this project.
In 2002 the Boston-based owner (who, apparently, had no idea that his land was being used) decided to sell the land, but was confronted by the community that was against destroying the art project. There was a two-year legal battle. And guess what? The owner lost!
Apart from the outdoor gallery, there’s also a small indoor museum featuring modern art works. My favorite part, though, was the restroom inside the museum!
Finish the Day With a Hearty Dinner
After visiting the Magic Gardens I headed to my Airbnb apartment and cooked a dinner myself. But if you are looking for a place to eat out, you can try a cheesesteak at George’s sandwich shop or Ishkabible’s, both within a 10 minute-walk from the Magic Gardens. You can also check out this list of restaurants on South Street recommended by Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.
George’s Sandwich Shop — 900 S 9th St
Ishkabibble’s — 337 South St
Here your 2 days in Philadelphia come to an end. I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I did and if you use this guide, do leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you!
Planning your trip beyond two days in Philadelphia? Why not visit NYC? Here a few guides that can help you plan your trip:
One Day in New York: a Step-by-Step Guide
3 Days in NYC: a Step-by-Step Guide
10 Iconic NYC Foods You Must Try on Your First Visit
Where to stay for 2 days in Philadelphia
Home Away from Home, Only Better — Lokal Hotel
A small boutique hotel with 6 rooms and no concierge. As the owners describe it, “the midcentury meets industrial designed lofts make you feel like you’re at home, but a much better, calmer and less cluttered version of home.”
Not only did they design a beautiful space, but Lokal introduced “invisibe service” which means all your needs are taken care of without anyone actually being present in your space. There are iPads with room service apps, web-based music, and curated guide-book to Philadelphia that will help you explore it like a local. To really appreciate what an amazing job the designers have done, check out these before-after photos of the historic building turned into a dream-hotel.
Cozy Affordable Option — La Reserve Bed & Breakfast
Another homely experience but, unlike Lokal Hotel that is all about industrial chic, La Reserve is cozy like your grandmother’s house. The B&B is located inside one of the 19th-century townhouses lining Pine Street in a residential neighborhood. It’s quiet, yet Rittenhouse Square is only a few minutes walk away.
Budget Option — Apple Hostels of Philadelphia
If you are looking for a budget stay for your two days in Philadelphia, Apple Hostels is a good option. Like all hostels, it provides minimum comfort for a low price, plus you get to have a fun community to hang out with. The hostel is centrally located, with Liberty Bell only a few blocks away.
Pin for later:
I’m a little late to this post, but it just popped up in my Pinterest feed. This is a good 2 day guide to Philly. I’ll just add one dinner or lunch recommendation for after visiting the Magic Gardens. It’s just a block west at 1300 South Street, the Sansom Kebob House. (It used to be on Sansom Street, closer to our apartment, hence the name. We were very sad when it moved). It’s actually an Afghani restaurant and it’s a BYOB (bring your own bottle for an adult beverage). In Pennsylvania, liquor licenses are very expensive and controlled, so many restaurants are BYOB in Philly which fortuitously, also keeps costs down for patrons.
Thank you for this wonderful addition, Suzanne! I only spent 2 days in Philadelphia. There’s only that much that you can see and do in a few days. I have never tried Afghani food, but it sounds really good! I hope I’ll get a chance to go back to Philly and check out this place!
I had no idea there was a Rodin museum in Philly! I fell in love with the one in Paris years ago and would love to see this one.
It’s really rather small, but it was still one of my favorite things to do in Philly. The garden is gorgeous!
Great Guide
Since you like Rye bread…. On the same street at the Penetentery this is a wonderful family owned Gourmet sandwich shop called Rybread. They also have one in Brewerytown near the Zoo called Rybrew!
So sweet of you to let me know! Thank you, Meg! Will make sure to give it a try when I am back in Philadelphia!