Discover Philadelphia in 5 Days

• Day 1: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Reading Terminal Market, Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall. Start your trip with a visit to the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art and its impressive collection of art and artifacts. Then, head to Reading Terminal Market for some delicious local food. After lunch, walk to the Liberty Bell Center and explore the symbol of American independence. End your day at Independence Hall, where the U.S. Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed.
• Day 2: National Constitution Center, Franklin Institute, Rittenhouse Square. Begin the day with a visit to the National Constitution Center and learn about the history of the U.S. Constitution. After that, head to the Franklin Institute for an interactive science experience. End the day at the beautiful Rittenhouse Square, a scenic urban park in the heart of the city.
• Day 3: Philadelphia Zoo, Eastern State Penitentiary, Fairmount Park. Spend the morning at the Philadelphia Zoo and see some amazing animals from around the world. In the afternoon, visit the historic Eastern State Penitentiary, once the most expensive prison in the world. Finish your day with a stroll in Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.
• Day 4: United States Mint, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, South Street. Take a tour of the United States Mint and see how American coins are made. Then, visit the Betsy Ross House, where the American flag was first sewn. Continue the historic journey by walking through the charming Elfreth's Alley historic district. End the day by exploring the trendy and vibrant South Street.
• Day 5: Philadelphia Magic Gardens, Italian Market, Philadelphia City Hall. Start your day with a visit to the colorful and whimsical Philadelphia Magic Gardens. After that, explore the Italian Market and try some of the delicious local cuisine. End the trip by visiting Philadelphia City Hall and taking a tour of the stunning architecture and grand halls.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Philadelphia Museum of Art (2-3 hours, free)
• Reading Terminal Market (1-2 hours, $10-$20 per person)
• Liberty Bell Center (1-2 hours, free)
• Independence Hall (1-2 hours, $15 per person)
• National Constitution Center (2-3 hours, $15 per person)
• Franklin Institute (2-3 hours, $23 per person)
• Rittenhouse Square (1-2 hours, free)
• Philadelphia Zoo (3-4 hours, $27 per person)
• Eastern State Penitentiary (1-2 hours, $16 per person)
• Fairmount Park (2-3 hours, free)
• United States Mint (1-2 hours, free)
• Betsy Ross House (1-2 hours, $10 per person)
• Elfreth's Alley (1-2 hours, free)
• South Street (2-3 hours, free)
• Philadelphia Magic Gardens (1-2 hours, $10-$15 per person)
• Italian Market (1-2 hours, free)
• Philadelphia City Hall (1-2 hours, free)

Total Estimated Costs: $156-$186 per person

Transportation

Public transportation is a great option for getting around Philadelphia. The city has an extensive network of buses, trolleys, and subways. A one-day pass costs $9 and a three-day pass costs $18. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available for shorter trips. If you plan to visit nearby attractions outside Philadelphia, renting a car is a good option. Keep in mind that parking in the city can be pricey and some attractions may require advanced reservations.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting nearby attractions such as Valley Forge National Historic Park, Longwood Gardens, and Hershey's Chocolate World. For those with less time, consider skipping some of the indoor attractions and focusing on the outdoor sights and areas. Make sure to also check for special events or exhibitions in the city, as Philadelphia often hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Airports

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the primary airport serving the city. It is located about 7 miles southwest of downtown Philadelphia. The airport is easily accessible by taxi, ride-hailing service, or public transportation, which operates 24/7. The airport code is PHL.