Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, has so much to offer for history enthusiasts, foodies, and art lovers alike. This city is full of hidden gems that are worth exploring, and the best way to uncover them is by taking a day trip. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Philadelphia’s surrounding areas offer countless opportunities for exciting and unique experiences. In this post, we’ll be featuring the best day trips in Philadelphia for you to add to your bucket list. From stunning national parks, charming towns to picturesque vineyards, we’ve got you covered. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an adventure-filled day trip in Philadelphia!

The 3 Best Day Trips in Philadelphia

1. Private Half Day Philadelphia Driving Tour
2. Philadelphia 1 2 3 or 5 Day City Pass
3. Philadelphia Sightseeing Day Pass for 35 Attractions

The 3 Best Day Trips in Philadelphia

1. Private Half Day Philadelphia Driving Tour

Enjoy a personal and private introduction to the City of Brotherly Love on this half-day sightseeing tour around Philadelphia. The 4- or 6-hour tour takes you on a comfortable minivan to visit all the must-see spots in the city, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Exhibit, the South 9th Street Italian Market, Philadelphia City Hall, Love Park, the Rocky steps at the entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and much more. This educational, relaxing, and fun tour is perfect for the entire family. Local hotel pickup and drop-off is included. You can head directly to the meeting point at 229 Arch St or request a pickup from a selected point. Don’t miss the chance to have an unforgettable experience exploring Philadelphia with a knowledgeable driver/guide.

2. Philadelphia 1 2 3 or 5 Day City Pass

Enjoy the best attractions in Philadelphia with the Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass. With this pass, you can select the number of days you want to sightsee (1 2 3 or 5 days) and get admission to 30 included attractions and tours. You’ll have access to popular attractions such as the Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Philadelphia Tour, Eastern State Penitentiary, Franklin Institute Science Museum, and more. Plus, you’ll receive a free digital guide to help plan your trip. Save up to 45% compared to buying separate attraction tickets and activate the pass by visiting your first attraction then use it on consecutive calendar days. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Philadelphia’s most iconic sights and experiences with ease thanks to the Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass.

3. Philadelphia Sightseeing Day Pass for 35 Attractions

The Philadelphia Sightseeing Day Pass for 35 Attractions offers you the chance to explore the revolutionary city of Philly without breaking the bank. With the pass, you can customize from 1 to 5 days and use it directly from your mobile phone to visit as many attractions as you want. Moreover, you can save up to 50% on total admission costs at over 35 attractions.

One of the most convenient ways to explore the city is by hopping on and off the bus tour, also included in your pass. Discover haunted Philly on a themed walking tour or delve into the city’s history by exploring landmark museums and monuments. If you’re a Rocky fan, don’t miss the chance to train like him on the famous front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

No visit to Philly is complete without indulging in some local food. With your pass, you’ll enjoy discounts at many local restaurants and bars, including the historic Reading Terminal Market or the 9th Street Italian Market.

The Eastern State Penitentiary is also included in your pass, so you can experience the eerie beauty of this once-famous prison. With The Philadelphia Pass, you can explore some of the most popular attractions in The City of Brotherly Love without any cash in your pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Philadelphia

Philadelphia, also known as Philly, is the largest city in Pennsylvania, and it’s a popular tourist destination. Philadelphia’s history, art, food, sports and culture make it a city worth visiting. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions by tourists about Philadelphia.

1. What is Philadelphia famous for?

Philadelphia is famous for many things, but it’s best known as the birthplace of America. It’s where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, and the city played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Other famous things about Philadelphia include:

• The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence
• The Rocky Steps, at the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
• The cheesesteak, a delicious sandwich made with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese on a hoagie roll
• The Philadelphia Eagles, the city’s football team, and their passionate fans
• The Reading Terminal Market, a famous indoor food market founded in 1893
• The murals, beautiful pieces of public art scattered around the city

2. What are some free things to do in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has plenty of free things to do that don’t require you to spend a lot of money. Some of the best free things to do in Philadelphia include:

• Visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed
• See the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence
• Walk around the Reading Terminal Market and sample some local food
• Explore the many murals scattered around the city
• Visit the Franklin Institute Science Museum on the first Wednesday of the month for free admission
• Take a stroll in Fairmount Park, which covers over 2,000 acres and has countless trails and paths
• Visit the Museum of Art on the first Sunday of the month for “pay what you wish” admission

3. What are the best museums in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a rich art and cultural scene, and there are several excellent museums in the city. Some of the best museums in Philadelphia include:

• Philadelphia Museum of Art: This museum is home to over 240,000 works of art and is famous for its “Rocky Steps.”
• Barnes Foundation: This museum has an impressive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern paintings.
• National Museum of American Jewish History: This museum tells the story of Jewish life in America and has several interactive exhibits.
• The Franklin Institute: This science museum has over 400 exhibits, including a planetarium and a 3D theater.
• Eastern State Penitentiary: This former prison is now a museum and offers tours that give visitors a glimpse into what life was like for prisoners in the 1800s and 1900s.
• Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art: This museum showcases Jewish art from around the world.

4. What is the best time to visit Philadelphia?

The best time to visit Philadelphia is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller than during the summer months. If you don’t mind the cold, December is also a great time to visit, as the city lights up for the winter holidays. However, if you’re on a tight budget, consider visiting during the winter months, as hotels and flights tend to be cheaper.

5. What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, and each one has its own distinct personality. Some of the best neighborhoods to visit in Philadelphia include:

• Old City: This historic neighborhood is home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and many excellent restaurants and bars.
• Rittenhouse Square: This neighborhood is known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and beautiful parks.
• Fishtown: This up-and-coming neighborhood is home to many trendy bars, restaurants, and small shops.
• University City: This neighborhood is home to several universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.
• South Philly: This neighborhood is famous for its cheesesteaks, Italian markets, and vibrant street art scene.

6. How can I get around Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has several options for getting around the city, including:

• SEPTA: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority operates buses, subways, and regional rail lines throughout the city.
• Bike share: Indego is Philadelphia’s bike share program, which allows you to rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace.
• Taxis and rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Philadelphia.
• Walking: Philadelphia is a walkable city, and many attractions are within a short distance of each other.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Philadelphia

If you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia, there are so many things to see and do that it can be overwhelming. With its vibrant history, world-class museums, and unique food scene, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Philadelphia:

1. Visit Independence National Historical Park

No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to Independence National Historical Park. Here, you can see some of the most important buildings and artifacts from early American history, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, as this popular attraction can get crowded.

1.1. Independence Hall

Independence Hall is the birthplace of the United States of America. This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and later the United States Constitution. A tour of Independence Hall will give you an insight into the colonial era and early American history.

1.2. Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of freedom and independence. This bell was commissioned in 1752 and rang to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Entry to the Liberty Bell is free, but you’ll need to book tickets in advance.

2. Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the country. Its collection includes more than 240,000 works of art from around the world. Some of the most famous pieces in the museum include Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Marcel Duchamp’s Nude Descending a Staircase.

2.1. Rocky Steps

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is also famous for the “Rocky Steps.” These are the front steps of the museum that were featured in the movie Rocky. If you’re feeling up to it, you can run up the steps just like Rocky did.

3. See the Reading Terminal Market

The Reading Terminal Market is a bustling indoor market that’s been a staple of Philadelphia since 1893. Here you can try some of Philly’s famous cheesesteaks, as well as other local specialties like soft pretzels, roast pork sandwiches, and shoofly pie.

3.1. Best Food Stalls

Some of the best food stalls in the Reading Terminal Market include Dinic’s for roast pork sandwiches, Beiler’s Bakery for donuts and other baked goods, and Tommy DiNic’s for the famous Philly cheesesteak. Don’t forget to try some Pennsylvania Dutch specialties like scrapple or chow-chow.

4. Walk Around South Street

South Street is a historic street in Philadelphia that’s known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to explore on foot, with street art and murals adding to its charm.

4.1. Tattoos and Street Art

If you’re interested in tattoos, be sure to check out the famous Philadelphia Eddie’s Tattoo shop. There’s also plenty of street art to admire, including the “Magic Gardens” mosaicked alleyway created by artist Isaiah Zagar.

5. Visit the Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is a popular attraction that’s been around since 1874. Its collection includes more than 1,300 animals from around the world, including rare and endangered species.

5.1. Zoo360 Animal Exploration Trail

One of the highlights of the Philadelphia Zoo is the Zoo360 Animal Exploration Trail. This network of see-through mesh walkways allows animals to move overhead and throughout the zoo.

6. Take a Stroll in Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, with more than 2,000 acres of green space. Here, you can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and even historic mansions.

6.1. Horticultural Center

The Horticultural Center in Fairmount Park is a must-see for anyone interested in gardens and nature. Its collection includes more than 20,000 plants and flowers, as well as several indoor and outdoor gardens.

7. Take a Bite Out of Philly’s Food Scene

Philadelphia is known for its unique food scene, so be sure to try some of the local specialties while you’re here. In addition to the cheesesteak, other must-try foods include soft pretzels, water ice, and Tastykakes.

7.1. Philly Cheesesteaks

Philly cheesesteaks are a classic for a reason. These sandwiches are made with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a choice of toppings like onions or peppers. Some of the most famous cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia include Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks.

7.2. Soft Pretzels

Soft pretzels are another Philly classic. These twisted dough snacks are typically served with mustard or cheese sauce for dipping. You can find them at street vendors all over the city.

7.3. Water Ice

Water ice is a type of Italian ice that’s popular in Philly. Unlike traditional snow cones, water ice has a smooth consistency that’s similar to sorbet. Some of the best places to find water ice in Philly include Rita’s Italian Ice and John’s Water Ice.

7.4. Tastykakes

Tastykakes are a beloved Philly brand of snack cakes. These sweet treats come in a variety of flavors, but the classic butterscotch krimpets and peanut butter tandytakes are local favorites.

In Conclusion

Philadelphia is a great city to explore as a tourist. From historic landmarks to unique food and art scenes, there’s something for everyone. By following this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Philly and experience all that this vibrant city has to offer.