3 Days in Philadelphia Itinerary

• Day 1: Independence National Historical Park
  Visit the Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center to learn about the founding of the United States. Stop by the Betsy Ross House to see where the first American flag was sewn. End the day with a tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary, once home to notorious criminals like Al Capone.
• Day 2: Museum Day
  Explore the art and culture of Philadelphia with a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which houses over 240,000 works. Then, head to the Franklin Institute to learn about science and technology. End the day with a stop at the Reading Terminal Market for lunch and shopping.
• Day 3: Zoos and Gardens
  Visit the Philadelphia Zoo to see over 1,300 animals and take a ride on the zoo balloon for a bird's eye view. Then, explore the Longwood Gardens and admire the various horticultural displays. End the trip with a climb up the Rocky Steps to see the sweeping panoramic views of Philadelphia.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Independence Hall (2 hours, $15)
• Liberty Bell Center (1 hour, free)
• Betsy Ross House (1 hour, $10)
• Eastern State Penitentiary (2 hours, $14)
• Philadelphia Museum of Art (2-3 hours, $20)
• Franklin Institute (2-3 hours, $23)
• Reading Terminal Market (1-2 hours, varies by purchase)
• Philadelphia Zoo (2-3 hours, $24.95)
• Longwood Gardens (3-4 hours, $25)
• Rocky Steps (1 hour, free)
Total Estimated Costs: $136.95

Transportation

Travelers can easily navigate Philadelphia with a combination of walking, ride-sharing or taxis. The most reliable public transportation system is SEPTA which includes buses, trains, and the subway. A day pass, costing around $13 is advised for unlimited rides.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you may want to consider taking a tour of the Amish countryside or visiting the One Liberty Observation Deck for stunning city views. If you have less time, skip the zoo or longwood garden and replace it with a mural walking tour or a river cruise.

Airports

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located 7 miles south of downtown Philadelphia. It is the largest airport in the Delaware Valley and relatively easy to navigate. The SEPTA regional rail connects the airport to Center City at a cost of $8.00.