The City of Brotherly Love is a place that is near and dear to our family for a variety of reasons. A few years ago we took a family road trip to Philadelphia and had an absolute blast. An easy car ride or train trip from Washington, DC. The city is so walkable and easy to navigate and has so much to offer families visiting. We’ve put together a very packed 3 day itinerary below but keep in mind you can easily spend all day at the museums if you have time to stay longer.
Day 1:
The BEST way to see a city and have the flexibility to get on and off at various places is the Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour! Visit Philadelphia’s top attractions—like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall—on a full loop. You can select from a 1, 2, or 3-day pass. Board at any of the stops and get to know the city at your own pace, with live commentary.
Walk around The Italian Market where dozens of vendors line the street, selling vegetables, fish, meats, spices and produce from their stalls, while gourmet shops and restaurants occupy storefronts in between.
Lunch & dessert at the Italian Market is such a fun way to experience historic South 9th Street. Angelo’s Pizzeria for cheesesteaks and Isgro for italian pastries and cookies. Eat lunch at the nearby playground at S 10th St & Fitzwater St around the corner from Angelo’s Pizzeria.
Explore The Liberty Bell, housed inside of the Liberty Bell Center which spans almost an entire city block on 6th Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. Entrance to the Liberty Bell Center is free and no tickets are required. Walk across the street to Independence Hall, located on Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets. Tickets are required for entrance to Independence Hall from March through December. After your tour you can sit in the courtyard on benches and relax and take in all of the history.
Day 2:
Explore The Franklin Institute, one of America’s most celebrated museums—a renowned leader in science and technology. You can spend all day here- it is simply the best! Purchase tickets here.
Have a late lunch at the famous Reading Terminal Market. For 127 years, Reading Terminal has been providing Philadelphia neighbors with their grocery & meal planning needs and more than ever, we stand committed to being here for our community. You can spend a great deal of time walking around, looking at what each vendor has to offer. Think Union Market but on a much, much larger scale.
Philadelphia is a terrific foodie city, but, for visitors, it can be tricky to know where to find the best places to eat. A walking food tour removes the guesswork. Eat your way through the city, from Reading Terminal Market to Sansom Street, and experience the best of the Philly food scene.
Another amazing way to see the city and is sure to entertain your Bambinos is through the Philly by Night Double Decker Bus Tour! After dinner, climb on board and relax on the double decker bus and learn from the 90 minute tour and drive by 27 attractions. You can also do the double decker tour during the day as well.
Day 3:
Grab a coffee from the first La Colombe location found in Rittenhouse Square and walk to Love Park and take a photo in the iconic park.
Tour Eastern State Penitentiary, which was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious lawbreakers, including “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone. Purchase tickets here.
Philadelphia’s Old City Historic Walking Tour is an informative way to end your weekend as you may visit some places you haven’t seen yet. Walk in the footsteps of America’s Founding Fathers on this walking tour of Philadelphia’s old city. Visit important landmarks such as Christ Church, the Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters’ Hall, and Independence Hall as your guide narrates local history.
Play at Please Touch Museum, with two full floors of fun, engaging exhibits, children are empowered to pursue their curiosity and explore the wonder of the world around them and within their own imaginations. Make online reservations here.
Eat & Drink-
If we aren’t stuffed from a food tour, we have some favorite places to eat when we are in Philly-
Osteria
Abe Fisher and any of their other restaurants
Cleavers for cheesesteaks
Great breweries in Philadelphia
You gotta try water ice
More Recommended Museums & Attractions-
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Museum of American Revolution
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Rodin Museum
Mütter Museum
Rittenhouse Square
Rocky Statue & Steps
Elfreth’s Alley
Check out a sports game if you are there at the right time
Google parks near you to experience a local spot
