Things to Do in Philadelphia
The perfect weekend itinerary for a visit to Philly.
Maybe you’re planning your own trip to Philly. Maybe you’re looking to have staycation in your own city, or want to have some new experiences in your hometown. Whatever the reason might be, this is the perfect 3-day itinerary for eating, drinking and seeing the best of Philly.
The side streets of Philadelphia are perfect for wandering.
Day 1
Check into your hotel. I recommend Yowie for a cute location and excellent design, or at The Guild House for history and charm.
From the hotel, walk over to 4th and Bainbridge Street and work your way South. This is a very pretty area, and home to some of my favorite independent shops in Philadelphia: The Merrygold Shop, Moon + Arrow and Moore Vintage Archive are all on this stretch of Fourth Street. Philly AIDS Thrift is also just a few blocks away.
When you’re done shopping, walk or grab a car across town for drinks at Friday Saturday Sunday. The bar is walk-in only, and they serve some food as well.
If you’re a planner, make a dinner reservation at Heavy Metal Sausage, a butcher shop that serves family-style dinners at night. For something closer to Friday Saturday Sunday, make a reservation at Illata.
Join a small group food tour of Philadelphia with Tiny Table Tours!
Day 2
Start your day with a cup of coffee at Wim Cafe, then join us for a Beyond the Italian Market tour. This is our signature food tour of South Philly, which will introduce you to tons of local businesses, and take you off the beaten path of tourist spots. Use the code WEEKEND for 15 percent off your tickets.
After the tour, visit Salt & Vinegar for souvenir shopping and John’s Water Ice for a refreshing treat.
Head back to your hotel to freshen up.
For dinner, go to Royal Izakaya and put your name in for a table, then head around the corner for a drink while you wait at New Wave Cafe.
After dinner, walk or take a care to Solar Myth for a post-dinner jazz show or just a glass of wine as a nightcap.
Head House Farmer’s Market is our favorite Sunday morning activity.
Day 3
For breakfast, head to Famous Fourth Street Deli for ginormous portions of Jewish breakfast classics.
Peruse the farmer’s market at Head House Square (Sunday only) and grab coffee at Bloomsday Cafe.
Spend the afternoon at a museum. Options:
Book a guided tour at the Barnes Foundation.
Self-guided at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Self-guided at The Fabric Workshop & Museum.
Once you’ve had your fill of culture, head to Kampar for Malaysian classics and really good cocktails.