Philadelphia & Washington DC 2‑Day Adventure

Day 1: Philadelphia Highlights

Morning: Start the day with a stroll through the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can admire the famous “Rocky Steps” and the impressive collections inside. Afterward, visit the historic Liberty Bell in Independence National Historical Park and take a few minutes to reflect on its symbolism.

Afternoon: Dive into local flavor at the bustling Reading Terminal Market, sampling Philly cheesesteaks and pastries. Then explore the intriguing Eastern State Penitentiary for a deep dive into history and architecture.

Evening: Enjoy a family-friendly evening at the Franklin Institute where interactive science exhibits captivate all ages. Finish the day with a leisurely walk through Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, an outdoor mosaic wonder.

Day 2: Washington, D.C. Essentials

Morning: Begin at the symbolic Washington Monument and take in panoramic views of the capital. Continue to the grand National Mall to explore the expansive green space and iconic monuments.

Afternoon: Visit the revered Lincoln Memorial and the historic White House exterior, then head to the National Gallery of Art for a world‑class art experience.

Evening: Conclude your day at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, where aviation and space history inspire wonder. End with a quiet moment at the Library of Congress, the world’s largest library.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Philadelphia Museum of Art – 2 hours – $30.00
• Independence Hall – 1 hour – $1.00
• Eastern State Penitentiary – 2 hours – $21.00
• Liberty Bell – 30 minutes – $0.00
• The Franklin Institute – 2 hours – $29.00
• Philadelphia Zoo – 3 hours – $20.00
• Barnes Foundation – 2 hours – $30.00
• Museum of the American Revolution – 1.5 hours – $23.00
• Reading Terminal Market – 1 hour – $0.00
• Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – 1 hour – $15.00
• White House – 30 minutes – $0.00
• United States Capitol – 1 hour – $0.00
• Washington Monument – 45 minutes – $1.00
• Lincoln Memorial – 30 minutes – $0.00
• National Mall – 2 hours – $0.00
• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – 2 hours – $0.00
• National Gallery of Art – 1.5 hours – $0.00
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – 2 hours – $0.00
• Smithsonian Institution (Visitor Center) – 1 hour – $0.00
• Library of Congress – 1 hour – $0.00
• National Mall (Additional Exploration) – 1 hour – $0.00
• Total Estimated Cost: $200.00

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider extending your stay in Philadelphia to explore the Barnes Foundation and a night out in the vibrant South Street area. Conversely, for a shorter trip, combine the morning and afternoon of Day 2 into a single “quick‑visit” itinerary, focusing on the National Mall and the key museums, then depart early evening. This flexible approach lets you customize the trip length without missing the iconic landmarks.