Planning your first trip to Philadelphia? This one day in Philadelphia itinerary covers all the must-see landmarks, delicious local eats, and hidden corners that give the city its charm. From the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to the famous “Rocky Steps” and Reading Terminal Market, this guide will help you experience the best of Philly in just one unforgettable day. Whether you’re visiting for a quick city break or passing through on a road trip, this itinerary will show you how to make the most of every hour.
Philadelphia is a small but beautiful city in Pennsylvania. There’s a lot of history here and some stunning architecture! For a small place, there’s also quite a lot to do, so this Philadelphia one day itinerary is quite full. If you can, I’d definitely recommend spending a couple of days here.
We visited Philadelphia as a family (with our toddler), so I will also include some kid-friendly tips!
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WE ALSO HAVE GUIDES ON:
– ATLANTA – NASHVILLE – NEW ORLEANS – NEW YORK – SOUTH CAROLINA–
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Is One Day in Philadelphia Enough?
Yes, one day is enough to see many of Philadelphia’s main highlights, especially if you focus on the historic centre and plan your route carefully. While you won’t be able to see everything, you can still visit iconic landmarks, enjoy the food scene, and get a great feel for the city in just 24 hours.
We stayed a night in Philadelphia, meaning we got a full day to explore. If you do plan to stay, the best area to stay is the Center City or the Old City. This will put you within walking distance of everything in this itinerary.
Our Top Hotel Picks:
- Budget Stay – Motto by Hilton Philadelphia: A modern, compact hotel in a fantastic location, making it ideal for short stays where location is everything.
- Mid-Range Stay – Hampton Inn Philadelphia: (This is where we stayed). It is a great option if you want comfort, convenience, and a great free breakfast included. Located a short walk away from Reading Terminal Market and other downtown attractions. This is also a great choice for families.
- Luxury Stay – Renaissance Philadelphia: A stylish, upscale hotel in the heart of Old City, perfect if you want a more premium stay while still being steps away from Independence Hall and the historic district.
- 👉 Or view all of Philadelphia’s current hotel offers and availability here.
Exploring the beautiful and historic old city of Philadelphia.
One Day in Philadelphia Itinerary at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of how to spend one perfect day in Philadelphia. I’ll go into more detail for each stop further down in this guide.
- Morning: Breakfast in the city, followed by visits to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and a walk around City Hall.
- Lunch: Head to Reading Terminal Market, which is one of the best food spots in the city, with plenty of options to suit all tastes.
- Afternoon: Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, see the famous Rocky Steps and Rocky Statue, then explore the historic streets of Old City.
How to Get Around Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a very walkable city, especially around the main historic centre, where most of the key attractions are located. If you’re following this one day itinerary, you’ll find that many of the highlights are all within easy walking distance of each other.
We personally found that the best way to explore Philadelphia in one day was on foot, as it allows you to really take in the historic streets and atmosphere at your own pace.
That said, like with any city visit, it is a lot of walking. If you’re not a big walker, or if you’re visiting Philadelphia with young children, you may want to consider a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour. The route is great, and it will take you right by all Philly’s top attractions.
Your Perfect One Day in Philadelphia Itinerary
If you only have 24 hours in Philly, this is the perfect way to spend them. I’ll share an ideal itinerary and also include a free Google Map!
We visited Philadelphia from New York City. We took an early bus from Port Authority to Jefferson Station. This was an easy journey, taking about two hours. Check the current prices and departure times here.
Note: In Philadelphia, Jefferson Station is the most central option.
The beautiful Old City of Philadelphia.
Breakfast: Morning Glory Diner
Start your day with a big breakfast at Morning Glory Diner, known for its classic American breakfast and cosy atmosphere. This diner came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. They even have homemade ketchup! This will get you ready for your day in Philly.
Kid Tip: There is a playground right across the street, so we let our toddler have a quick 15-minute play before heading to our next stop!
We visited this diner because it was highly recommended to me by a friend. While the food absolutely did not disappoint, it is a little way off the route. If you want to save some walking time, you could also get breakfast somewhere in the Center City.
Morning: Independence Hall & The Liberty Bell
After breakfast, head to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Independence Hall is a beautiful red brick building and a must-see on your first visit to Philadelphia.
It is open from 9-5, and they offer free tours! Tours run from 10:40 am and last about half an hour. You can join a tour on the day or book in advance for a $1 fee.
We chose to explore at your own pace, as we find it much easier and more relaxed with a toddler. However, you can do a 90-minute guided tour of the Old City of Philadelphia. This tour is very well rated, and the guides can usually offer interesting insights that you wouldn’t usually know.
Independence Hall is a must-visit on your Philadelphia itinerary.
Just a short walk away is the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American freedom. The Liberty Bell Centre is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and is also free to visit.
If I’m honest, the Liberty Bell is a little underwhelming, but it’s really something you should see when you’re in Philadelphia!
Even if you don’t go into the museum, you can see the bell through the glass windows and hear a brief history by pressing the interactive buttons. (Available in multiple languages).
The Liberty Bell.
Late Morning: Elfreth’s Alley and Franklin Square
Continue your day by exploring more of the Old City and Philadelphia’s historic district. Wander the charming streets, check out small galleries, shops, and cafes. There are so many pretty little buildings to see here. Cobbled streets and red brick houses gave me a bit of an England vibe! I really wish I’d taken more photos in this area.
One of the most popular streets is Elfreth’s Alley, which is a charming red brick street and makes a perfect photo spot. Looking for more great locations? Read my guide on all the beautiful Instagram spots in Philadelphia, here.
Elfreth’s Alley – Photo by Vini Brasil on Unsplash.
After Elfreths Alley, continue on to Franklin Square, which is located just a short walk from the Old City attractions. This historic park features a charming carousel, a mini-golf course themed around Philly landmarks, and plenty of green space for kids to run around.
There’s also a popular playground and a café if you need a quick snack break. It’s an easy, low-effort stop to add into your itinerary, especially if you’re travelling with children and want a mix of sightseeing and play time.
View of Franklin Square. Photo by Chris Henry on Unsplash.
Pick up a Late Lunch at Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market is one of the most popular spots in Philadelphia and a great spot to pick up something for lunch.
It’s a large, vibrant indoor market offering everything from Philly cheesesteaks to Amish baked goods. It’s the perfect spot to sample local flavours and recharge.
Trying a Philly cheesesteak is a must-do when you’re in Philadelphia (unless you’re veggie like me!)
Local produce for sale at Reading Terminal Market.
Afternoon: City Hall
Next, take a stroll to Philadelphia City Hall, this is ajust a short walk away from Reading Terminal Market and is a stunning architectural landmark. Quite possibly the most beautiful building in Philly.
I didnt realise until after our visit, but you can actually go up to the observation deck for panoramic city views! Tickets cost £16 for adults, and you can book them on the City Hall website, linked here.
Stunning archetecture at Philadelphia City Hall.
Late Afternoon / Early Evening Philadelphia Museum of Art & Rocky Statue
Finally, head towards the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This is picturesque walk, but it will take around 30 minute. Alternatively you can hope on a SPHLASH Downtown Loop bus and be there in about 15 minutes. If you did chose to purchase the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, then this is on the route.
The museum is huge, if time allows, explore a few highlights inside, if not, just see it from the outside! Adult tickets for the musem cost $30, but note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Click here to see current opeining times and purchase tickets in advance.
Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Don’t miss the famous Rocky Steps (from the 1976 film Rocky and its sequels), which lead up to the museum and snap a photo with the tribute Rocky statue, located at the bottom of the steps. This is a fun, iconic Philly moment.
Huge Movie fan? Consider a Philadelphia Movie and Television Sites Walking Tour.
Iconic Rocky Balboa Statue in Philadelphia.
Heading Back to Your Philadelphia Hotel
We finished our day in Philadelphia by picking up some picnic style snacks to eat in our hotel (Hampton Inn Philadelphia). We find this an easy option when exploring with a toddler, but of course, you could go out for dinner.
We really enjoyed the delicious, complimentary breakfast at the Hampton Inn before catching our bus back to New York. My son especially loved the make your own waffle machine!
Map of This One Day Philadelphia Itinerary
Here is a free, interactive map of this day in Philadelphia itinerary. Just click on the blue “more options” button to open it in Google Maps. You can then easily add or amend stops if you need to!
FAQ’s on Spending a Day in Philadelphia
Yes, one day in Philadelphia is enough to see the city’s main highlights, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. However, you’ll need to plan your time carefully and focus on the key attractions; you could easily spend longer!
If you only have one day in Philadelphia, don’t miss Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (including the famous Rocky Steps). These highlights give you a great mix of history, culture, and local food.
Philadelphia is best known as the “Birthplace of America.” It is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. It’s also famous for its food scene, especially Philly cheesesteaks, and its iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell.
For this one-day itinerary, a CityPASS is usually not worth it, as it’s designed for visiting multiple attractions over several days. You’ll likely save more money by buying individual tickets for the attractions you plan to visit.
Final Thoughts on Spending One Day in Philadelphia
Spending one day in Philadelphia is the perfect introduction to one of America’s most historic cities. From standing in the very place where the Declaration of Independence was signed to running up the famous Rocky Steps, this itinerary gives you a great mix of history, culture, and fun, all in just a day!
What makes Philadelphia especially ideal for a short trip is how walkable it is. With so many iconic attractions located close together, you can cover a lot without feeling rushed, making it a great destination for both couples and families alike.
If you do have more time, it’s well worth slowing things down, exploring more neighbourhoods, and diving deeper into the city’s incredible food scene. But if one day is all you have, this itinerary will help you make the absolute most of it. Make sure to read our guide on the most beautiful photo spots in Philly next!
Thank you so much for reading our one day in Philadelphia itinerary. I hope you have an amazing first trip to Philly!
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WE ALSO HAVE GUIDES ON:
– ATLANTA – NASHVILLE – NEW ORLEANS – NEW YORK – SOUTH CAROLINA–
Happy Exploring,
A London mum sharing stylish, family-friendly travel guides.
I In our travel guides, I show you that you can still travel as a family and create beautiful memories, even when trips aren’t full of kid-centric activities.
When I’m not planning our next adventure, I also share timeless style inspiration and ideas for living more thoughtfully and sustainably.