HOW TO CREATE A 3-DAY PHILADELPHIA ITINERARY
If you are wondering about your 3-day Philadelphia itinerary, this post is for you as we talk about the best things to do in 3 days in Philadelphia, and you’ll also find many travel tips for your trip.
Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the northeast of the United States. Known for the historical part it played in the American Revolution, Philadelphia is much more than that.
Full of museums, cultural landmarks, beautiful outdoor areas, and other fun and interesting places, this city has a lot to offer travelers coming with families, on their own, or as part of a couple. And though it is not famous as NY, San Francisco, or LA, it has beautiful places to visit and fun things to do if you stay in Philadelphia for 3 days.
The post was written by Rebecca
TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR PHILADELPHIA ITINERARY
I’ll also include important information and travel tips to make your Philadelphia itinerary the best it can be.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product (at no extra cost for you) after clicking on my link. More about it here.
Weather in Philadelphia
- The weather in Philadelphia is warm and a little rainy (also humid) in the summer, with July temperatures, usually ranging from 72ºF to 89ºF as the warmest month.
- Fall and spring are not as wet and milder, so this would be the best time.
- But winter has its own charms, and you can enjoy about 5 inches of fresh snow each month through the season. Temperatures range from about 28ºF to 41ºF during the coldest month of January.
What to Pack For Your 3-Day Trip to Philadelphia
- If you will be visiting in the summer, it’s best to bring light fabrics and colors since the temperatures are hot and humid. Shorts and t-shirts in cotton would be great.
- For winter, bring a nice warm jacket along with gloves, scarves, and hats. You might also want to bring a pair of thermal pants to put under your jeans to keep your legs warm on those colder days.
- And good walking shoes are a must! You’ll need them no matter what the season, and if they are resistant to water (and melting snow in winter), then all the better.
Where to Stay in Philadelphia For 3 Days
With plenty of hotels to choose from around the city, here are a few suggestions for your 3 days in Philadelphia for all budgets.
- For a luxury option, I recommend The Rittenhouse Hotel. It is within walking distance of the city center, offers amenities like a tea room and spa, and is a favorite for couples.
- A mid-range budget option would be Club Quarters Hotel in Philadelphia. It’s a nicely decorated hotel with a great location near Liberty Bell Center and a subway station.
- If you’re on a tight budget, take a look at La Reserve Bed and Breakfast, which has 19th-century décor and is located in downtown Philadelphia near popular Rittenhouse Square.
How to Get Around Philly For 3 Days
The best way to get around in Philadelphia is by public transportation or on foot.
- Most of your destinations are located either in the Old City, Society Hill, or Rittenhouse Square areas, so walking is a great option. Philadelphia is a very pedestrian-friendly city.
- Use the subways or the Philly PHLASH bus, which are cheap, run on time, and take you to all the attractions you’ll want to see. They will take you to all the major sites, so consider getting an all-day pass for $5 on the days when you’ll be using it more than twice (otherwise, it’s $2 a ride). Children under 4 and seniors are free. It runs every 15 minutes from 10 am-6 pm during summer and the holidays. Oh, and these buses are bright purple, so they’re easy to spot.
- You can use taxis and Ubers if necessary, but that will be rare.
- While you can rent a car to get around the city, you may find it difficult to navigate the convoluted street patterns and traffic, not to mention find parking. So, I would suggest skipping a car since you will be spending most of your time in the city center.
- You can also check out sightseeing bus tours – the hop-on and hop-off buses are a popular way to get around. Check out prices here.
More Travel Tips for Philadelphia
- Philadelphia is known for a few food items, like their soft pretzels. But, venture out for some other great culinary delights – like the restaurant Vedge, which is completely vegan and has lots of creative offerings. So, explore the Philly food scene while you’re here.
- You might also want to look into the SEPTA’s Independence Pass, which will not only get you discounted transportation but also cheaper admission tickets at various attractions.
- There is also the Go Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass – it includes admission for over 30 Philadelphia attractions and it might save you tons of money. Calculate the admission prices for the attractions you want to visit before you buy the pass – it might be very useful for your trip. Check out the All-Inclusive Pass here.
- Philadelphia is a very safe city, so long as you take the same precautions you would take in other big cities. Keep your belongings close, avoid walking alone down empty side streets after dark or subway platforms late at night, and be aware of your surroundings. Like any city, some areas have more crime than others, like Nicetown-Tioga and Hunting Park in North Philly, but the destinations on this itinerary will generally keep you closer to the city center.
THINGS TO DO IN PHILADELPHIA IN 3 DAYS
So, here are fun things to do in Philly.
ACTIVITIES ON DAY 1 OF 3 DAYS IN PHILADELPHIA
It’s Day 1 in the City of Brotherly Love. How shall we begin?
Fairmount Park
Our first stop today is one of the most scenic and fun outdoor spaces in the city: Fairmount Park.
At over 9,200 acres, Fairmont Park is perfect for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and just strolling through the greenery.
This is a great place to let the kids run off their energy and for the adults to explore the natural beauty. Bring your breakfast and have a picnic by the water if you like. If it’s winter, you can still explore, button-up!
- After an hour or two, take an Uber/taxi or drive to the Please Touch Museum.
- I rarely recommend ubers/taxis, but in this case, it will save a lot of time over public transportation and it should only take 5-10 minutes
- You could walk to the Please Touch Museum, but it would take around 35-45 minutes.
- If you skip the Please Touch Museum and head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it should take about 15 minutes by public transportation or 30 minutes on foot.
Please Touch Museum
Despite its weird name, this Please Touch Museum is a favorite among locals, especially parents. You can enjoy interactive exhibits, and there are also special events regularly held.
This is a fun stop for families, especially with elementary-school kids. But if you’re a couple without kids or a solo traveler, skip this museum in favor of the next one, which is one of the best in the city.
- Check out the website of the Please Touch Museum for more info.
- From the Please Touch Museum to the Philadelphia Museum of Art it takes around 45 minutes on foot and about 10 minutes by public transportation.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Full of various permanent and rotating collections, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a great place to visit during your time in the city.
Along with the artwork, there are hands-on activities and special events, like caroling during the holidays and live music on Fridays. There is a free audio tour that you can use by just subscribing to the museum’s podcast on your phone.
Make sure to grab some lunch before heading out.
- If you go on the first Sunday of the month or on a Wednesday between 5:00 pm and 8:45 pm, entry is free.
- Check out the website of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for more info.
- Our next stop is the Eastern State Penitentiary and it is just a 15-minute walk from the museum.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Operational from 1829 to 1971, this prison, Eastern State Penitentiary, is a National Historic Landmark that once housed the famous mobster Al “Scarface” Capone.
Now, it is closed and used for tours and is the site of one of the top haunted houses in the country – The Terror Behind the Walls. Massive and castle-like, this prison is pretty imposing and may not be appropriate for younger children.
- The six attractions will take about 45 minutes to walk through.
- Check out the prices for admission here.
- Then you can stop for a snack and some music in The Yard.
- Click here for more information.
- Time to head to our next stop, the Franklin Institute. It’s about a 10-minute bus ride or a 15-minute walk.
The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is an interactive science museum with fascinating exhibits that rotate throughout the year. But that’s not the only reason to visit – though it may be if you’re a science buff.
The 72 stone steps that lead up to its front door have become iconic because of a scene in the movie “Rocky” in which Sylvester Stallone runs up the steps. Tourists love copying the scene and have pictures to prove it.
So, bring your camera and your running shoes. Don’t worry. No one will stare. We’ve all done it. ☺
After you’ve finished here, it’s off to the last stop of the day.
There are two options for ending your day.
Spruce Street Harbor Park (Summer-Fall) OR Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest (Winter-Spring)
Depending on when you visit, here are two choices to end your night on Day 1.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
If you visit Philadelphia in the summer or fall, visit Spruce Street Harbor Park for some fun on a warm evening.
This urban beach is equipped with hammocks to lay in, tons of stalls selling snacks and drinks, beach games, and a boardwalk that you can stroll and explore. There’s even music and dancing. You can bring the whole family or just yourself and your other half.
Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest
Or… if you visit in winter or spring, head over to the Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest right on the Delaware River waterfront.
Have cocktails in the lodge, enjoy live music and dancing, take the kids ice skating at the riverside rink, and even snuggle up with your special someone in the warming cabins. This is the quintessential winter experience and a great place for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Enjoy the views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from both spots before turning in to get some rest for Day 2.
WHAT TO DO IN PHILADELPHIA IN 3 DAYS – DAY 2
For day 2 of this 3-day itinerary in Philadelphia, let’s start at lovely Rittenhouse Square.
Rittenhouse Square
Built at the end of the 17th century, Rittenhouse Square and the area are some of Philadelphia’s most expensive parts.
Full of boutiques, dining, and luxury housing, it’s nonetheless an interesting place to stroll. The park is a breath of fresh air, full of greenery in the middle of the city.
- Wander the area for an hour before we try our next stop, City Hall. It is a 10-minute walk or slightly less by bus.
City Hall
Located in the middle of Center City, you’ll want to stop at the City Hall during your visit, which is one of the historic places in Philadelphia.
Once the tallest building in the US, the structure is more than 14 acres large and surrounded by over 250 outdoor sculptures.
There are tours inside that explore the art, architecture, and history of the building, or if you’re pressed for time, take the 15-minute tower tour.
Each one will give you a chance to see the city from the Observation Deck (not the same as the One Liberty Observation Deck), which is the highest open-air deck in the city at 548 feet.
- Click here for more information on the city hall tour and the observation deck.
- Enjoy the amazing views before heading to our next stop, Reading Terminal Market, 5 minutes away on foot.
Reading Terminal Market
The Reading Terminal Market is located below a former railroad terminal in Center City, and inside it, you’ll find just about everything you could want to buy.
You will find fresh and local produce, housewares, jewelry, and much more.
Stop here and wander the stalls for some souvenirs to bring home. And grab lunch at one of the many restaurants and eateries.
- Then it is time for the next destination on this itinerary. It’s about 10 minutes by bus or on foot – Love Park.
Love Park
As I’ve mentioned, this is the City of Brotherly Love, so it’s no surprise that the most famous landmark in the city is a sculpture that spells out LOVE, located in John F. Kennedy Plaza – but known by all as Love Park.
Take some selfies with the iconic statue before wandering the newly redesigned green area and seeing the added water feature. If you’d like to see the Spanish counterpart to the LOVE statue, take a short walk to Sister Cities Park, which showcases the AMOR sculpture.
- This will probably take about an hour, then head to our next spot, Philadelphia Magic Gardens, about 15 minutes away by bus.
Philadelphia Magic Gardens
This artsy landmark, Philadelphia Magic Gardens, is actually a space maintained by a non-profit organization to showcase folk art.
It is the largest work created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. Wander through the three city lots and explore the eclectic mix of art. Don’t miss the outdoor area, which is like a labyrinth! Fun for solo visitors, couples, and families – and anyone who loves art!
- Check out the website of the Magic Gardens for more info.
- After an hour or two of exploring, you’re probably ready for our last stop of the night.
- Grab some dinner before heading over (a 20-minute bus ride) to the One Liberty Observation Deck.
One Liberty Observation Deck
Known as “Philly From the Top,” this One Liberty Observation Deck deck gives some fantastic views of the Philadelphia skyline.
Located on the 57th floor of One Liberty Place, it sits 883 feet above the ground and is the perfect place to end your day.
If you time it right, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset from a whole new perspective. And if it’s after dark, the twinkling lights of the city are also breathtaking.
- Find out more about the view from Philadelphia’s tallest standing attraction
- Enjoy the panorama as you cap off Day 2.
HOW TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN PHILLY – DAY 3
Let’s start the last day in Philadelphia at the Liberty Bell.
Liberty Bell
Today, we are starting at the iconic Liberty Bell. Famous as a symbol of freedom and liberty, it’s a must-see.
Visit early in the morning because the lines aren’t usually that long then (about 30 minutes). You can see the bell from its vantage point over Independence Hall (which you can see in the background and makes for even better pictures/selfies), and then we’ll head over to the Independence Hall.
Independence Hall
You can’t skip Independence Hall. It played a crucial part in America’s history, as the place where the Founding Fathers gathered in 1776 and signed the Declaration of Independence – leading to the Revolutionary War and the nation’s birth.
It was also where the US Constitution was put together and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- I recommend picking up a free ticket (they have set times) and taking the guided tour.
- But they often sell out, so stop by the Independence Visitor Center first thing to get yours.
- An hour or so later, let’s visit just one more museum (a 5-minute walk).
The Museum of the American Revolution
Now, if you’ve had all the American history, you can skip this attraction – I absolutely understand.
But, if you’re up for one more stop, then this museum is the place.
Dedicated to all things involving the war that gave America its independence from Britain, from the first battle at Lexington and Concord to the end, you’ll see weapons, paintings, and hear speeches. There are also quite a few special events if your trip coincides with one.
- Our next destination on this Philadelphia itinerary – Mural Arts Program Tour – will be 15 minutes away by bus.
- Stop for a bite of lunch before you get there, though.
Mural Arts Program Tour
Murals are painted all over the city – so keep an eye on them as it is a must-do in 3 days in Philadelphia. However, they’re hard to find unless you know where to look.
That’s where the tour comes in. Take one of the Mural Tours (there are different theme tours) and see the various works of art, how they were created, and the history of the communities they are found in. These tours can be done on foot, by trolley, train, or even Segway.
- The guides are locals and incredibly knowledgeable (remember to tip yours to show your appreciation).
- Prices vary depending on which tour you choose.
- Most tours take about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
- Check out one of the mural tours in Philadelphia.
- After the tour is finished, we have one last stop to make: Boathouse Row. It’s about 25 minutes by bus.
Boathouse Row
This National History Landmark consists of 10 boathouses, thus called Boathouse Row, that were built in the mid-19th century.
It is one of the most recognizable sights in the city and definitely worth a stop during your 3 days in Philadelphia.
- Stroll along Kelly Drive as the sun sets or take a walk on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive for a broader view.
- When night falls, this is a gorgeous spot because you can see all the glittering lights from the boathouses reflecting on the surface of the river.
It’s a dazzling sight, and I hope it leaves you with good memories of your time in Philadelphia.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE PHILADELPHIA ITINERARY
This 3-day Philadelphia itinerary should have answered the question of where to go and what to do. I hope you will find it helpful to plan your own trip to the City of Brotherly Love. There is so much here to explore and see in Philadelphia in 3 days, whether as a solo adventurer, part of a couple, or as a family vacation together.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This post was written by Rebecca, who runs her own blog at The Journey at Home – where she writes about her life as a mother of 5 with everything that comes along with it. She lived in New York for a long time before she moved to Las Vegas. She also works as a freelancer for Arzo Travels.
