The Ultimate 4-Day Itinerary for Tourists in Philadelphia, PA
A visit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania provides the perfect balance of history, art, cultural exploration, and culinary adventure. Whether you’re tracing America’s revolutionary roots, discovering world-famous art, or diving into vibrant neighborhoods, the City of Brotherly Love offers endless experiences. This 4-day itinerary is curated to maximize your time, showcasing the city’s most iconic monuments, hidden gems, and mouthwatering food—with all essential travel details like tickets, directions, and top attractions.
Day 1: Discover the Roots of American Independence
Morning: Independence National Historical Park
Start your Philadelphia journey in Old City, the birthplace of the United States. Visit the Independence Visitor Center (6th and Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106) to pick up free maps, get helpful tips, and book tickets for Independence Hall.
Tour Independence Hall (520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed. Free tickets are available through the National Park Service (Reserve your ticket here). Afterward, cross the street to the Liberty Bell Center to view the world-famous symbol of freedom. No ticket is needed for this visit.
End the morning with a quick stop at Christ Church Burial Ground (5th and Arch Streets), where Franklin and other revolutionaries rest.
- Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (varies by season)
- Google Maps Directions: Liberty Bell & Independence Hall
Lunch: City Tavern or Reading Terminal Market
For a historic lunch, dine at City Tavern (138 S 2nd St)—a faithful recreation of a colonial-era tavern serving 18th-century dishes in period style. Alternatively, enjoy a modern vibe at Reading Terminal Market (1136 Arch St), a Philadelphia classic featuring over 80 local food vendors including Beiler’s Donuts, Carmen’s Cheesesteaks, and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties.
Afternoon: National Constitution Center and Museum of the American Revolution
Visit the National Constitution Center (525 Arch St)—a museum dedicated to the living document that shaped the nation. Then, walk to the Museum of the American Revolution (101 S 3rd St) for immersive exhibits covering Revolutionary history.
- National Constitution Center Tickets: $15 Adults / $11 Youth (Buy Here)
- Museum of the American Revolution Tickets: $24 Adults (Buy Here)
Evening: Dinner in Old City & Explore Penn’s Landing
End your first day with an evening stroll along Penn’s Landing (Delaware River Waterfront, 121 N Columbus Blvd), lined with restaurants, river views, and occasional concerts. Dine at Positano Coast for Italian favorites and sunset waterfront views.
Day 2: Philadelphia’s Art & Culture
Morning: Breakfast and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Enjoy brunch at Sabrina’s Café (1804 Callowhill St)—a Philly breakfast staple. Then begin your exploration along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, home to some of the country’s most renowned art institutions.
Late Morning: Philadelphia Museum of Art & the Rocky Steps
Start at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy). This world-class museum holds over 240,000 artworks, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Duchamp. Don’t skip the famous Rocky Steps and the statue of Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character near the entrance.
- Tickets: $25 Adults / Free for Youth under 12 (Purchase Online)
- Hours: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., closed Tuesday
- Google Maps Directions
Midday: Rodin Museum and The Barnes Foundation
Nearby, the Rodin Museum (2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy) showcases Auguste Rodin’s sculpture masterpieces including The Thinker. Then visit The Barnes Foundation, home to one of the world’s greatest Impressionist collections by Renoir, Cézanne, and Picasso.
- Rodin Museum: Pay-what-you-wish
- Barnes Foundation: $25 Adults (Tickets & Hours)
- Google Maps: Rodin Museum Directions
Afternoon: Calder Gardens (New in 2025)
Experience Calder Gardens, a new space blending art and horticulture featuring abstract works by Philadelphia-born artist Alexander Calder.
Evening: Dinner and Nightlife
Dine at Zahav (237 St. James Pl), an acclaimed Israeli restaurant serving award-winning dishes such as their signature laffa bread and lamb shoulder.
Reservations are essential several weeks ahead (Zahav Reservations).
After dinner, enjoy cocktails at Assembly Rooftop Lounge (1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy). Google Map Directions.
Day 3: Parks, Science, and Modern Attractions
Morning: Franklin Square Breakfast & Adventure Aquarium
Grab coffee and pastries at Franklin Square (200 N 6th St), a lively park that includes a mini golf course inspired by Philly landmarks.
Then take a short Uber or taxi ride across the Delaware River to Adventure Aquarium (1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ), known for its giant shark tunnel and hippos.
- Tickets: $31.99 Adults (Buy Here)
- Google Maps Directions
Lunch: Chinatown Favorites
Return to Philly and enjoy lunch in Chinatown. Top picks include Dim Sum Garden (1020 Race St) and Terakawa Ramen (204 N 9th St).
Afternoon: Franklin Institute
Spend your afternoon at the Franklin Institute (222 N 20th St), Philadelphia’s premier science museum. Explore interactive exhibits, the Giant Heart, and live planetarium shows.
- Tickets: $23 Adults (Buy Here)
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Google Maps Directions
Evening: Walk Boathouse Row & Dinner in Manayunk
Enjoy a stroll or sunset along Boathouse Row before heading to Manayunk, a trendy district known for dining and nightlife. Try Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar (4365 Main St) or The Goat’s Beard for American fare.
Day 4: Neighborhoods, Art, and Markets
Morning: Italian Market & South Philly Mosaics
Begin your day in South Philadelphia’s Italian Market (Ninth Street from Wharton to Fitzwater Streets), one of the oldest open-air markets in the U.S. Browse Italian, Mexican, and Vietnamese vendors, or join a walking food tour through Tiny Table Tours.
Across the street, explore Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (1020 South St)—an immersive mosaic art environment created by Isaiah Zagar.
- Tickets: $15 Adults / Book Here
- Google Maps Directions
Lunch: Sabrina’s or Blue Corn
Enjoy a homestyle brunch at Sabrina’s Café (910 Christian St) or grab tacos at Blue Corn (940 S 9th St).
Afternoon: Mural Arts Philadelphia Tour
Philadelphia is known as the mural capital of the U.S., with over 4,000 public art murals. Join a guided tour from Mural Arts Philadelphia to learn about the city’s vibrant art scene.
- Tickets: $30 Adults (Mural Arts Tours Info)
Late Afternoon: Eastern State Penitentiary
Before wrapping up your trip, visit Eastern State Penitentiary (2027 Fairmount Ave), a haunting yet fascinating historic prison that once held Al Capone. Visitors can tour restored cells and listen to an audio guide narrated by Steve Buscemi.
- Tickets: $17 online (Eastern State Tickets)
- Google Maps Directions: Eastern State Penitentiary
Dinner: Penn’s Landing Sunset & Farewell
End your trip with a scenic dinner at Morgan’s Pier (221 N Columbus Blvd) or Fette Sau for BBQ by the river.
- Google Maps Directions: Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia’s mix of history, art, nature, food, and community spirit makes it a truly unforgettable destination for travelers seeking both depth and variety. Over four days, you’ll experience the essence of America’s founding city—from its revolutionary landmarks and art collections to its vibrant local neighborhoods.
Use this itinerary to capture the city’s iconic sites, discover its local treasures, and taste its authentic flavors—you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Philadelphia’s endless charm and cultural heartbeat.
For more detailed itineraries and attractions across Pennsylvania, visit MyPhillyConnection.