Things to do in Philadelphia? See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, walk through Old City and Elfreth’s Alley, climb the Rocky Steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, visit Eastern State Penitentiary, try a cheesesteak at Reading Terminal Market and discover the city’s murals. To visit Philadelphia, allow 2 days, or a long day from New York. The best times are May–June and September–October.
The largest city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia lies between New York and Washington, on the East Coast of the United States. This guide brings together the highlights, two itineraries, the budget, where to stay and the climate, with a tool other guides do not have: a decision tree to help you choose between staying overnight and visiting on a day trip.
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Time zoneEastern Time: UTC−5, UTC−4 in summer · details5 hours behind London most of the year, same time as New YorkLocal time now: –:–
AirportsPhiladelphia International Airport (PHL) · detailsAlso easy to reach by train from New York (JFK, Newark) or Washington
EntryUS citizens: domestic travel; UK citizens: approved ESTA or US visa before travel · GOV.UK
Ideal length2 days, 3 with the art museums
Things to do in Philadelphia: the highlights
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
At the heart of Independence National Historical Park, Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the building where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787. It is visited on a tour led by the National Park Service. According to the NPS (checked 26 October 2026), when reservations are needed, tickets are free but carry a $1.00 administrative fee, can be reserved up to 30 days ahead on Recreation.gov, and some next-day tickets are released at 5 pm the day before; arrive 30 minutes early for security screening. Just opposite, the Liberty Bell, a cracked bell that became a symbol of freedom, is displayed in a glass pavilion.
Old City, Elfreth’s Alley and the Independence museums
Around the park, Old City keeps its 18th-century brick houses. Elfreth’s Alley is billed as one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the country. The Museum of the American Revolution, the National Constitution Center and the sites linked to Benjamin Franklin (museum, Christ Church and its burial ground) complete the visit.
Reading Terminal Market and the cheesesteak
This covered market, under the former Reading station since the late 19th century, brings together dozens of stalls: sandwiches, Amish specialties, pastries. It is the best place for lunch downtown. The cheesesteak, a sandwich of thinly sliced beef and melted cheese, is the local specialty; the rival Pat’s and Geno’s, in South Philly, are its emblems.
City Hall and Center City
City Hall, topped by a statue of William Penn, the city’s founder, dominates Center City, and its observation tower can be visited. Nearby, Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture gave its name to LOVE Park. Rittenhouse Square, farther west, is the elegant square of the center.
Philadelphia Museum of Art and the « Rocky Steps »
At the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art holds one of the great art collections in the United States. Its steps, made famous by the film Rocky, draw as many people as the museum; the boxer’s statue stands at the bottom. On the same avenue: the Barnes Foundation (Impressionists and Post-Impressionists) and the Rodin Museum.
Eastern State Penitentiary
This 19th-century prison, designed on a star plan to isolate inmates, is now a museum in a state of preserved ruin. Al Capone was held here. The audio-guided tour is one of the most unusual on the East Coast.
Murals, Magic Gardens and neighborhoods
Philadelphia has thousands of murals, the result of a city public art program: you discover them as you walk around or on guided tours. Artist Isaiah Zagar’s mosaic-covered Magic Gardens are on South Street. The Italian Market, on 9th Street, is one of the oldest open-air markets in the country; Fishtown, to the northeast, is the neighborhood for cafés and breweries.
The waterfront and Fairmount Park
Penn’s Landing runs along the Delaware River; on the other side, in Camden, you can tour the battleship USS New Jersey. Along the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row lines up its boathouses, lit up at night, at the entrance to the vast Fairmount Park.
Itinerary: Philadelphia in 1 or 2 days
Day 1, morning: Independence Hall (reserved time slot), the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center
Day 1, afternoon: Old City, Elfreth’s Alley, the Museum of the American Revolution, then Penn’s Landing
Day 1, evening: dinner in Center City or a cheesesteak in South Philly
Day 2, morning: Reading Terminal Market, City Hall and LOVE Park, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Day 2, afternoon: the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rocky Steps, or the Barnes Foundation; Eastern State Penitentiary late in the day
On a day trip: stick to Day 1 plus Reading Terminal Market
Day trip from New York or overnight stay: our decision tree
Philadelphia is often added to a trip to New York or Washington. Here is how to decide, based on the length of your trip and your interests.
Your situation
Our advice
Fewer than 6 days in New York, moderate interest in history
Stay in New York: Philadelphia would take a full day of travel and sightseeing
6 days or more in New York, curious about American history
Day trip: early train, the Independence area and Reading Terminal Market
Art or museum lover
Stay at least one night: the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation each need half a day
New York – Washington trip
Stop for a night in Philadelphia, halfway, then continue to Washington
Traveling with children
A night there avoids two long journeys in one day; the short visits (Liberty Bell, the market) are easy to combine
Destination de Voyage summary. Philadelphia is on the Northeast rail corridor (Amtrak) between New York, Washington and Boston: check journey times and fares on the operator’s website.
To build an East Coast trip, see also Boston and our tips for a successful road trip.
When to go to Philadelphia
The best times are May–June and September–October: 23.6 to 28.4 °C (74 to 83 °F) in the afternoon in late spring, 26.1 to 19.6 °C (79 to 67 °F) in early fall. Summer is hot and humid (average high of 31.0 °C (88 °F) in July) and winter cold (5.2 °C (41 °F) in the afternoon and −3.3 °C (26 °F) at night in January), with snow mainly in January–February. Precipitation is spread throughout the year. The climate is close to New York’s: see also when to go to New York.
Month
Max
Min
Rain
Snow
Rainy days per 7
Crowds
Verdict
January
5.2 °C (41 °F)
−3.3 °C (26 °F)
80 mm (3.1 in)
18 cm (7.1 in)
2.5
Low
❌ Cold, snow possible
February
6.8 °C (44 °F)
−2.5 °C (28 °F)
70 mm (2.8 in)
21 cm (8.3 in)
2.4
Low
❌ Cold, snow possible
March
11.6 °C (53 °F)
1.3 °C (34 °F)
101 mm (4.0 in)
9 cm (3.5 in)
2.5
Medium
⚠️ Cool, end of winter
April
18.2 °C (65 °F)
6.8 °C (44 °F)
88 mm (3.5 in)
1 cm (0.4 in)
2.5
Medium
✅ Spring blossoms
May
23.6 °C (74 °F)
12.3 °C (54 °F)
85 mm (3.3 in)
—
2.5
High
✅ Mild, ideal for walking
June
28.4 °C (83 °F)
17.7 °C (64 °F)
103 mm (4.1 in)
—
2.4
High
✅ Warm, long days
July
31.0 °C (88 °F)
20.9 °C (70 °F)
111 mm (4.4 in)
—
2.3
High
⚠️ Hot and humid, storms
August
29.9 °C (86 °F)
19.9 °C (68 °F)
109 mm (4.3 in)
—
2
High
⚠️ Hot and humid
September
26.1 °C (79 °F)
16.1 °C (61 °F)
112 mm (4.4 in)
—
2.2
Medium
✅ Mild, fewer people
October
19.6 °C (67 °F)
9.6 °C (49 °F)
88 mm (3.5 in)
—
2.1
Medium
✅ Fall colors
November
13.3 °C (56 °F)
3.8 °C (39 °F)
74 mm (2.9 in)
1 cm (0.4 in)
2
Medium
⚠️ Cool, Thanksgiving
December
7.8 °C (46 °F)
−0.4 °C (31 °F)
101 mm (4.0 in)
9 cm (3.5 in)
2.5
Medium
⚠️ Cold, holiday lights
Temperatures, precipitation and snow: NOAA (National Weather Service) 1991–2020 normals, Philadelphia International Airport station. Rainy days per 7 days: Destination de Voyage calculation = average number of precipitation days in the month (NOAA, 1991–2020) ÷ number of days in the month × 7. Crowds: our estimate.
Daylight matters too for a city break: on June 15, Philadelphia gets 15 h 00 of daylight; on December 15, 9 h 21, and the sun sets around 4:36 pm in December (Destination de Voyage calculation, NOAA solar algorithm).
Budget for visiting Philadelphia
Philadelphia remains an expensive city, especially for accommodation in Center City. The Independence Park sites run by the National Park Service are free (apart from the small booking fee for Independence Hall when reservations apply), and markets such as Reading Terminal Market let you eat at reasonable prices. Taxes and restaurant tips are added to displayed prices.
Getting around Philadelphia
From the airport: a SEPTA Regional Rail line links the airport to downtown; taxis and rideshare are also available.
From New York or Washington: Amtrak trains to 30th Street Station, or intercity buses, cheaper and slower.
In town: the historic district and Center City are walkable; SEPTA subway, trolleys and buses for the rest.
Car: unnecessary in town; useful only for a trip to Amish Country (Lancaster County) or the Brandywine Valley.
Where to stay in Philadelphia
Neighborhood
Best for
Strengths
Old City and Society Hill
First visit, history
Walking distance to the Independence sites, historic streets
Center City (around City Hall, Rittenhouse)
Short stays
Central, restaurants, station and transit
Museum District / Fairmount
Art lovers
Close to the Parkway museums, quieter
Fishtown / Northern Liberties
Nightlife, mid-range budget
Bars, breweries, cafés; a little out of the way
For a short stay, choose Old City or Center City: you will do almost everything on foot.
Entry requirements, health and safety
US citizens: domestic travel, with no entry formalities.
UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026), you need an approved ESTA, applied for only through the official ESTA website or app, or a US visa before you travel; your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. A valid ESTA does not guarantee entry.
Safety: according to GOV.UK, violent crime and gun crime rarely affect tourists, but take care in unfamiliar areas and try not to walk through quieter areas alone, especially at night. Find out about neighborhoods before walking around in the evening, and watch phones and bags in tourist areas. Emergency number: 911.
Weather: the Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November (GOV.UK); follow official alerts.
Health: medical treatment is expensive (GOV.UK): insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is essential (see our travel insurance guide).
Practical tips for Philadelphia
Money: cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep a few dollars for tips.
Displayed prices: taxes are not always included; in restaurants, add the tip.
Reservations: book your Independence Hall time slot and the major museums, especially in summer and on weekends.
Internet: visitors from abroad can use an eSIM or local SIM; see our eSIM guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Philadelphia?
Two days for the historic sites, downtown and one major museum. One day is enough for the essentials from New York.
Can you visit Philadelphia from New York?
Yes, on a day trip by train (Amtrak) or bus. Leave early and focus on the Independence area.
How do you get to Philadelphia?
By air to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), linked to downtown by SEPTA Regional Rail, or by train from New York or Washington to 30th Street Station. Check current flight routes with the airlines.
What is the best time to visit Philadelphia?
May, June, September and October: mild temperatures, long days and less humid heat than in July–August.
What should you eat in Philadelphia?
The cheesesteak, soft pretzels and the specialties of Reading Terminal Market.
Is Philadelphia dangerous?
The tourist areas are busy, and according to the UK FCDO violent crime rarely affects tourists, but take care in unfamiliar areas at night and find out about neighborhoods before leaving the central districts.
Our sources
NOAA (National Weather Service): 1991–2020 normals, Philadelphia International Airport station
Destination de Voyage calculation: rainy days per 7 days, day length and sunset (NOAA solar algorithm)
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