Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Exploring Philadelphia on a Shoestring Budget

Viewed by 66 travelers

Day 1: Historic Sites and Art

Old City District, Philadelphia, PA

8:00AM

Breakfast at High Street on Market

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at High Street on Market, known for their freshly baked pastries and artisanal sandwiches.
Walk or take a short ride to Independence National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
USD 10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Elfreth's Alley

Explore the oldest residential street in America at Elfreth's Alley, filled with charming colonial homes and cobblestone streets.
Walk to Elfreth's Alley for free.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Head to the iconic Reading Terminal Market for lunch, offering a variety of delicious food options from around the world.
Take a short walk to Reading Terminal Market.
USD 15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Discover the unique mosaic artwork at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a hidden gem in the city filled with colorful sculptures.
Walk or take a short ride to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.
USD 10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Federal Donuts

End your day with dinner at Federal Donuts, known for their delicious fried chicken and gourmet donuts.
Walk or take a short ride to Federal Donuts.
USD 12, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Old City District

Day 2: Nature and Relaxation

Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Lox, Stock and Barrel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Lox, Stock and Barrel, known for their bagels and lox sandwiches.
Walk or take a short ride to Fairmount Park.
USD 8, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Explore the serene Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, a traditional Japanese house surrounded by beautiful gardens and a koi pond.
Walk to Shofuso Japanese House and Garden for a small entrance fee.
USD 5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at Belmont Plateau

Enjoy a peaceful picnic at Belmont Plateau, offering stunning views of the city skyline from a scenic hilltop.
Walk or take a short ride to Belmont Plateau.
USD 10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Hike along the Schuylkill River Trail

Take a leisurely hike along the Schuylkill River Trail, a picturesque path that follows the river through Fairmount Park.
Walk to the Schuylkill River Trail for free.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Clarkville

End your day with dinner at Clarkville, a cozy neighborhood spot known for their gourmet pizzas and craft beer selection.
Walk or take a short ride to Clarkville.
USD 20, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Fairmount Park

Day 3: Street Art and Cultural Vibes

South Street, Philadelphia, PA

10:00AM

Brunch at Tattooed Mom

Enjoy a quirky brunch at Tattooed Mom, a vibrant dive bar known for its eclectic decor and delicious comfort food.
Walk or take a short ride to Tattooed Mom.
USD 15, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore Graffiti Pier

Discover the colorful street art and urban graffiti at Graffiti Pier, a hidden gem along the Delaware River waterfront.
Take a short ride to Graffiti Pier.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shop and Stroll along South Street

Browse the unique boutiques and funky stores along South Street, a vibrant cultural hub in Philadelphia.
Walk along South Street for free.
USD 20, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Unwind at Spruce Street Harbor Park, a riverside park with hammocks, food vendors, and stunning views of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Walk to Spruce Street Harbor Park.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Jim's Steaks

End your day with a classic Philly cheesesteak at Jim's Steaks, a legendary spot for this iconic sandwich.
Walk or take a short ride to Jim's Steaks.
USD 10, 1 hour
Find Hotels in South Street

Day 4: Art and Academia

University City, Philadelphia, PA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Metropolitan Bakery

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Metropolitan Bakery, known for their freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffee.
Walk or take a short ride to University City.
USD 10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art

Explore cutting-edge contemporary art at the Institute of Contemporary Art, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions by emerging artists.
Walk to the Institute of Contemporary Art for free.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Food Trucks at The Porch

Enjoy a variety of delicious street food options from the food trucks at The Porch, a popular outdoor dining space on the UPenn campus.
Walk to The Porch for lunch.
USD 8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the University of Pennsylvania Campus

Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque University of Pennsylvania campus, admiring the historic buildings and beautiful collegiate architecture.
Walk around the UPenn campus for free.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dim Sum Garden

End your day with a delicious dinner at Dim Sum Garden, known for their authentic Chinese dumplings and noodle dishes.
Walk or take a short ride to Dim Sum Garden.
USD 12, 1 hour
Find Hotels in University City
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Philadelphia, PA

Trip Packing List: Philadelphia (Feb 27–Mar 5, 2026)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Philadelphia, PA (May 6, 2026)
Packing List
Philadelphia Weather & Climate Guide: A Year-Round Guide
Weather Guide
Full Guide to Michelin Star Cities: 2025 Updated List
Travel Expert
Global Michelin Cities & US Travel Tiers from New York
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Philadelphia, PA Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go