24 Hours in Philadelphia- The Adventuring Millennial Travel Blog

I love a good day trip.

And I’m guessing since you’re here, that you do too.

So welcome day-trippers! Sure, we would probably all love longer vacays. But sometimes that just isn’t possible. I love to get away whenever I can, even if it’s just for a day. And that is exactly what this post is about!

Since moving to New York, I have been taking more trips around New England. And I recently discovered that Philadelphia is the perfect city for a day or weekend trip. Sure, you could spend more time in this city. But with just 24 hours in Philadelphia, you can easily hit the highlights (and of course, squeeze in a Philly cheesesteak!)

If you are planning a day trip to Philly, read on. This is my complete guide to 24 hours in Philadelphia.

24 Hours in Philadelphia

Getting There

If you only have 24 hours in Philadelphia, you probably won’t fly into Philly. But, Philly does offer an international airport.

Most likely, you should consider driving, taking a bus, or taking a train to Philadelphia. Driving and parking around the city aren’t too difficult. And the Amtrack and Megabus both stop in Philly, so consider one of these options.

Transportation in the City

Pack your tennies, Philly is a very walkable city. And most of the main historical sites are easily reached with a short walk.

But, Philly also offers the SEPTA system, which includes public buses, trains, and subways. Consider purchasing a One-Day-Convenience Pass. This pass costs $9 and works for up to 8 trips in the same day. And of course, Uber and Lyft operate in Philly.

Good to Know

With a population of 1.5 million, Philly is a fairly large city. Sometimes it gets a bad rap for being unsafe. But, just as you would when visiting any large city, be aware of your surroundings. The main touristy areas are very safe. Use common sense and you should have no problems during your visit.

Alright, let’s start our one-day adventure!

Doughnuts at Federal

Regular readers won’t be surprised that my itinerary starts with doughnuts.

So yes, this 24-hour itinerary begins at one of Philly’s most popular doughnut shops. Federal Doughnuts has been serving fancy fried treats and Korean chicken since 2011. Stop by one of their many locations for a S’mores, Strawberry-Lavender, or Peanut Butter Malt doughnut.

Head’s up, the fried chicken isn’t available until 11. And since we have a lot to fit into our day, we need to start earlier. So just enjoy a doughnut (or 3) for now.

The City Center location (1632 Sansom St.) is 1 mile from our next stop. Walk along Chesnut Street, take a bus or subway, or drive. Soon, you will reach our next stop: La Colombe. There are locations throughout the city, but make your way to the cafe on 100 S Independence Mall W.

24 Hours in Philadelphia- The Adventuring Millennial

Coffee at La Colombe

Yes, Federal Doughnuts serves coffee. But trust me, when in Philly you need to try La Colombe.

This US coffee roaster started in Philly in 1994. Since then, their beans have been sold around the country. But what really makes them special are their cafes. La Colombe is known for their draft lattes. And you might have seen their canned drinks at your local grocery store. But, at the cafes, you can actually order a latte on draft.

This drink is light, airy, and unlike any coffee I’ve enjoyed before. So stop by for your morning cup before heading to our next stop.

Tour Independence Hall

Philly is dripping in history. Everywhere you turn, you will notice signs marking a significant historical event. This city played a major role in the American Revolution. It served as the United States capital for 10 years. When you are in Philly, you need to check out some historical sites.

And with one day, we are going to see the main site, Independence Hall.

Here, the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were discussed and signed. This is one of the most popular tourist sites in the city. Tickets are free, but they go fast. So, I suggest booking your ticket in advance. (You will be charged a $1.50 reservation fee, but it’s worth it.) Sign up for a tour time online. On the day of your tour, pick up your tickets from the Independence Hall Visitors Center at least 45 minutes before your tour.

The 30-min guided tour gives an overview of the events that made Independence Hall famous. You will see the room where the Declaration and Constitution were adopted. After the tour, consider taking the 20-minute Congress Hall tour. This is an additional free guided tour that allows you to enter the building where Congress met from 1790-1800.

After your tour, make your way back to Independence Mall. You will see the large building where the Liberty Bell is housed.

See the Liberty Bell

Honestly, you don’t have to go inside the building to see the Liberty Bell.

The area where the Liberty Bell is displayed is surrounded by large glass windows. So, if you just want to lay eyes on the Bell, look through these windows.

For everyone else, join the line. Don’t be intimidated by the length. There is an airport-style security check to get into the building. But once you get inside the building you don’t have to wait in an additional line to see the Liberty Bell.

You don’t need tickets for this building. Just wait in line and you can view the Bell for free.

Near the front of the line, you will see an exhibit showcasing the President’s House. This is where Washington and Adams both lived during their Presidental terms.

After viewing the Liberty Bell, you are probably ready for lunch. Make your way to one of America’s greatest food halls, Reading Terminal Market.

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

And it’s not only one of the greatest. Reading Terminal Market is also one of America’s oldest food halls. And every day from 8-6 pm, join hungry Philadelphians on a quest for the city’s best food.

You might feel overwhelmed with options at this market. Take your time and explore. Here you can find gourmet grilled cheese, corn dogs, Philly Cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania Dutch food, and more.

And when you are ready for dessert, enjoy pastries, ice cream, or cannolis.

Pose with the LOVE Statue- When in the City of Brotherly Love, make sure to see the iconic LOVE statue. First installed in 1976, this Philly landmark is still a popular photo spot today. And before you leave, spend some time appreciating the City Hall building. This impressive architectural feat is the largest municipal building in the United States.

Touristy Afternoon

Take your time in the market. Enjoy your food, drinks, and dessert. Depending on how long you spend at the market, you have a few different options for the afternoon. Fit in as many (or as few) as you want!

Take a self-guided walk along Mural Mile– you can see thousands of murals throughout the city. In the 1980s, the city started an anti-graffiti program that allowed local artists to showcase their work through murals. Today, take walks or tours past the almost 3,600 murals that fill the city’s walls.
Pose with the LOVE Statue– When in the City of Brotherly Love, make sure to see the iconic LOVE statue. First installed in 1976, this Philly landmark is still a popular photo spot today. And before you leave, spend some time appreciating the City Hall building. This impressive architectural feat is the largest municipal building in the United States.

Channel your inner Rocky– Run up the famous steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Pose next to the Rocky statue. And, why not check out the art inside the museum? The museum costs $20, but every Wednesday from 5-8:45 pm and the 1st Sunday of every month from 10am-5pm pay-what-you-wish for your ticket.
See the Oldest Residential Street– Yes, Philly is home to the oldest residential street in the country. Walk around Elfreth’s Alley. Residents still live in these homes that date to the early 18th century.

Tour the Betsy Ross House– Although the real story is questionable, the seamstress’s story is an American folk legend. Take a self-guided tour for $5. Afterward, walk a few minutes to the Christ Church Burial Ground. 5 signers of the Declaration (including Benjamin Franklin) are buried in this cemetery.

When you are ready for dinner, check out McGillian’s.

Dinner at one of Philly’s Oldest Taverns

McGillian’s Old Ale House prides itself in being the old continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia. McGillian’s opened in 1860, the same year the US elected Lincoln as our 16th president.

Today, visit McGillian’s for affordable (or cheap AF in this New Yorker’s mind) pub fare. The welcoming and cozy atmosphere seems loved by locals and tourists alike. The menu offers a range of option, including Chicken Marsala for $10 and a Philly Cheesesteak for $8. Oh, and don’t forget the drinks! Cocktails will set up back $4-$6. Yes, you read that right.

Time for Tour? What About Dessert? Why Not Both!

We’ve planned a full day already. So no judgment if you want to call it a night. Stay at McGillian’s for a while. Enjoy the atmosphere (and cheap food & drinks!).

But, if you want to extend your day. Consider taking a Ghost Tour. You know there are some great stories floating around this historic city. And if you’re a frequent reader, you know I love Free Tour by Foot. This pay-what-you-wish tour company operates in many major world cities. Their tours are always enjoyable. On select nights, they offer the Ghosts of Philly Tour from 8-10pm. Check their website for availability and to reserve your spot.

End your night with at a retro-inspired ice cream counter. Stop by Franklin Fountain for a sundae or soda-fountain beverage. Head around the corner to their sister shop the Franklin Ice Cream Bar for, you guessed it, dipped bars.