The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Tourists in Philadelphia, PA: History, Art, and Culinary Adventure

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Day 1: Dive into Philadelphia’s Historic Core

Morning: Independence National Historical Park

Begin your Philadelphia experience at Independence National Historical Park, often called the birthplace of America. Upon arriving, visit the Independence Visitor Center (6 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106) to pick up maps and reserve timed tickets for popular sites. The visitor center also features the Liberty View Terrace, offering panoramic views of Independence Mall.

The crown jewel is Independence Hall (520 Chestnut St), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and adopted. Tickets for Independence Hall tours are free but must be reserved in advance on the National Park Service’s website (Independence Hall Tickets). Explore the Liberty Bell Center just across the street to see this renowned symbol of freedom.

Don’t miss Christ Church Burial Ground (5th & Arch St), the resting place of Benjamin Franklin and other founders. Admission is free and hours are generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all these sites.

• Google Maps: Independence National Historical Park Directions

Lunch: Reading Terminal Market

Next, take a short walk to Reading Terminal Market (1136 Arch St), one of the oldest and largest indoor farmer’s markets in the country. Enjoy everything from Philly cheesesteaks to Pennsylvania Dutch bakeries and multicultural delights.

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Reading Terminal Market Official Site
• Google Maps Directions: Reading Terminal Market

Afternoon: City Hall and Dilworth Park

Post-lunch, admire Philadelphia City Hall (Broad & Market Sts), the largest municipal building in the U.S. Visit Dilworth Park adjacent to it for a relaxing stroll or seasonal events like fountains and ice skating.

• Google Maps Directions: City Hall and Dilworth Park

Late Afternoon: Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky Steps

End your day with a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy), famous for its vast collections and iconic “Rocky Steps.”

• Admission: $25 (adults), free for children under 12—tickets available online: PMoA Tickets
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays)
• Google Maps: Philadelphia Museum of Art

Dinner: Jim’s South Street

Round out the day enjoying a classic Philly cheesesteak at Jim’s South Street (400 South St). Open till midnight, it’s known for its authentic “whiz wit” sandwich.

• Cash Only
• Google Maps: Jim’s South Street

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Day 2: Culture, Markets, and Neighborhood Exploration

Morning: Breakfast at Sabrina’s Cafe

Start your day with a delicious brunch at Sabrina’s Cafe (1804 Callowhill St), known for hearty, creative all-day breakfast options.

• Google Maps: Sabrina’s Cafe

Morning: Rodin Museum & Barnes Foundation

Visit the tranquil Rodin Museum (2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy) famous for Rodin’s bronze sculptures including The Thinker.

Then explore the Barnes Foundation’s exceptional collection of Impressionist and modern art.

• Rodin Museum: Pay-what-you-wish entry
• Barnes Foundation: $25 adults, free under 12
• Barnes Tickets & Info
• Google Maps Directions: Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation

Lunch: Parc Brasserie

Enjoy classic French cuisine in a chic setting at Parc Brasserie, adjacent to Rittenhouse Square.

• Google Maps: Parc Brasserie

Afternoon: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Immerse yourself in colorful mosaics and folk art at the Philadelphia Magic Gardens (1020 South St).

• Admission: $15 adults, $10 children
• Tickets
• Google Maps: Magic Gardens

Evening: Boathouse Row and Manayunk Dinner

Relish an evening stroll along the scenic Boathouse Row (MLK Jr. Drive) complemented with dinner in the nearby Manayunk neighborhood, known for its culinary variety.

• Google Maps: Boathouse Row, Manayunk

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Day 3: Outdoor Adventures and Historic Insights

Morning: Schuylkill River Trail and Fairmount Park

Begin the day with biking or jogging along the Schuylkill River Trail, connecting to sprawling Fairmount Park, the largest urban park in the U.S.

Enjoy park trails, historic mansions, and sculptures amid natural beauty.

Midday: Eastern State Penitentiary

Tour the historic and atmospheric Eastern State Penitentiary (2027 Fairmount Ave), known for its imposing architecture and infamous past inmates including Al Capone.

• Admission: $17 adults, discounts available, timed tickets online
• Eastern State Tickets and Info
• Google Maps: Eastern State Penitentiary

Lunch: Fairmount Neighborhood Eateries

Head nearby for delicious lunch options that include international cuisine, local craft beverages, and casual bites to recharge.

Afternoon: Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation, or Franklin Institute

Depending on your interests, revisit the Rodin Museum or Barnes Foundation or explore the interactive Franklin Institute (222 N 20th St), a science museum with exhibits for all ages.

• Franklin Institute Admission: $23 adults, $19 youth
• Franklin Institute
• Google Maps: Franklin Institute

Evening: Dinner and Sunset at Penn’s Landing

Conclude your trip with dinner at Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River waterfront, where restaurants like Morgan’s Pier provide casual dining with panoramic views.

Take a sunset stroll along Race Street Pier or Cherry Street Pier for perfect photo opportunities of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

• Penn’s Landing Directions

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Philadelphia provides an unbeatable combination of historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and exceptional food experiences, all accessible across three well-planned days. This itinerary ensures visitors savor the essence of the city, blending exploration, learning, and relaxation for a fulfilling cultural adventure.

Each day offers a diverse blend—from founding American history to contemporary art, bustling markets to serene parklands—guaranteeing memorable moments and deep connections with the City of Brotherly Love.

For further insights, ticket bookings, and local tips, visit MyPhillyConnection.

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Quick Reference 3-Day Itinerary Table

Time	Activity	Location	Tickets & Links
Day 1 Morning	Independence Hall and Liberty Bell	Independence National Historical Park	Free (Reserve via NPS)
Day 1 Lunch	Reading Terminal Market	1136 Arch St	Free entry
Day 1 Afternoon	City Hall, Dilworth Park, Rittenhouse Square	Center City	Free
Day 1 Late Afternoon	Philadelphia Museum of Art	Benjamin Franklin Pkwy	$25 Tickets
Day 1 Dinner	Jim’s South Street	400 South St	Cash only
Day 2 Morning	Sabrina’s Cafe, Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation	Benjamin Franklin Pkwy	Rodin: Pay-what-you-wish, Barnes: $25 Tickets
Day 2 Lunch	Parc Brasserie	Rittenhouse Square	Reservations recommended
Day 2 Afternoon	Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens	1020 South St	$15 Tickets
Day 2 Evening	Boathouse Row & Manayunk Dinner	Schuylkill River	Free
Day 3 Morning	Schuylkill River Trail, Fairmount Park	Fairmount Park	Free
Day 3 Midday	Eastern State Penitentiary	2027 Fairmount Ave	$17 Tickets
Day 3 Lunch	Fairmount Neighborhood Eateries	Fairmount	Varies
Day 3 Afternoon	Franklin Institute	222 N 20th St	$23 Tickets
Day 3 Dinner	Penn’s Landing	Delaware River Waterfront	Varies

This itinerary offers a comprehensive and immersive way to explore Philadelphia, capturing historic grandeur, artistic innovation, and culinary excellence across three beautifully layered days.