The Independence Visitor Center is a great place to start your itinerary. You can grab maps, purchase tickets, and get valuable information about all the things to see and do in Philly. The visit to the liberty bell and independence hall requires registration and tickets that are free, but issued on a first-come, first-served basis. After visiting these landmarks, head over to the Betsy Ross House to see where the first American flag was made. Then, stop at Elfreth's Alley, famously known as the oldest residential street in America, for a glimpse into colonial life. Lastly, visit the Reading Terminal Market to sample some of Philadelphia's famous foods and shop daily essentials at Amish stalls.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art features over 240,000 art pieces, including works from famous artists like Monet and van Gogh, making it an excellent destination for art lovers. Then head over to the Rodin Museum for a beautiful sculpture garden stroll. Next, head to the Magic Gardens, one of the city's most unique sites, which features a mosaic art installation. Lastly, head over to Pat's King of Steaks, where the cheese steak was invented, to grab lunch, and then to Franklin Square.
Philadelphia has a robust transit system operated by SEPTA, which includes buses, trolleys, and trains. You can purchase a day pass for $13, which makes it easier to use transit throughout the city. Walking is also a feasible option to get around to nearby sites. Ride-sharing is another option to get around for areas not accessible using public transit.
The costs of public transportation and ride-sharing can vary as per distance and location. Tickets for SEPTA can be purchased at a kiosk or the SEPTA application, while ride-sharing costs depend upon the operator.
If you have more time in Philadelphia, visit the Philadelphia Zoo or take a stroll down Spruce Street Harbor Park to relax and enjoy the boardwalk atmosphere. For those with less time, consider cutting down the itinerary to one day and visit only the sites that interest you the most. Also, note that the city is home to world-class museums, such as the Franklin Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences, which require a full day dedicated to them.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the main airport serving Philadelphia. PHL is located seven miles south of Center City Philadelphia, and it takes about 25 minutes to get there from downtown. Other airports in Philadelphia area include Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) and Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN), both located an hour's drive from Philadelphia.