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Philadelphia, the vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and delicious food scene, offers a plethora of experiences to enjoy in just 24 hours. Whether you are strolling through historic landmark-filled streets or savoring a classic Philly cheesesteak, this city has something to captivate every visitor. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a memorable urban adventure, Philadelphia is a must-visit destination that promises a day filled with excitement and discovery.

I had planned to visit Philadelphia in May of 2020 for one of my very close friends wedding but that was obviously pushed back due to Covid-19. Eight months later, I found myself in the historical city of Philly on the coldest weekend recorded that winter, to finally celebrate my friend finding true love with a mask in hand (or rather on my face). It was long overdue but I was so excited to spend a day exploring this city and I was truly blown away. With iconic attractions such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and world-class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, there is no shortage of things to see and do! The city is clearly growing, as you can see new developments all around and it has recently become more popular among foodies with tons of restaurants to choose from throughout the city.

While one day in Philadelphia isn’t quite enough time to really enjoy the city, it’s still work exploring if that’s all the time you have. You can probably fit everything into one weekend if your travel days are more flexible. I only had about 24 hours in Philadelphia, so I made a list of the top sites I wanted to see and planned where to eat around them to save time. Read on to learn what not to miss if you only have one day in Philadelphia. Remember to save this post for your future trip because with so much American history, everyone needs to visit the city of brotherly love at least once!

5:00 PM - Touch down in Philly! I scheduled an Uber to take me to my hotel which was a pretty simple process at the Philly airport, but make sure you go to the designated car share pick-up area to meet your driver. It’s a quick 20-minute ride from the airport to downtown Philly & there are lots of great hotel options. I chose The Notary Hotel which is part of Marriot’s Autograph Collection. The location is absolutely perfect with every major attraction within walking distance and is located directly across the street from City Hall which in my opinion, is Philadelphia’s most beautiful building. To my surprise, I was upgraded to a larger room with the most amazing view of the skyline and a clear view of City Hall! After checking in and freshening up, I bundled up (it was 16 degrees out!) and made my first small loop around the city center. I walked through Love Park where there is a large “LOVE” installation then made my way around the square to a restaurant I couldn’t wait to try! Mexican food has a special place in my heart and El Vez had fantastic reviews so it seemed like a no-brainer to have my 1st meal there. The vibe inside was vibrant and inviting and the food was SO delicious! I sat at the bar and had their Bazooka Limon Guacamole which had goat cheese and pistachios. Yes, it sounds a little weird but I promise that it’s delicious. For my main course, I ordered the slow-roasted lamb tacos and a refreshing Pink Cadillac margarita. They have some typical staples if you’re looking for something more traditional but I was in the mood for something a bit different and was extremely pleased by how delicious everything was.

8:00 AM - I’m a natural early riser but if you’re not, starting your day early is the best way to ensure you have time to see as much as possible! By 8am I was out the door and on my way to the beloved Reading Terminal Market, just a short 5-minute walk away from the hotel. This is one of the oldest markets in the country and you can find some of the best food from local vendors inside as well as fresh produce, meat, coffee, and dry goods. The market opens at daily 8am and 9am on Sundays, and I suggest getting there early to beat the crowds. I took my time strolling through each aisle before making my selections. I knew I wanted something light so I opted for a coffee from Old City Coffee and a croissant from Market Bakery. They also have a ton of Pennsylvania Dutch food vendors that looked and smelled amazing so I encourage you to try those out. With a coffee in hand to keep my fingers warm, I walked towards the water for about 20 minutes to Elfreth’s Alley. This perfectly preserved cobblestone street has colonial row houses that date back to the early 1700s and is one of the only preserved full-length streets in the country. Since I got here early, I had the whole street to myself and enjoyed chatting with a local who has lived on the street for 40 years and was able to tell me more about the alley since the museum was closed. On my walk to Elfreth’s Alley, I passed by Girard Fountain Park which has a really cool bust statue of Benjamin Franklin made out of keys and nameplates of all firefighters fallen in the line of duty.

10:00 AM - The next stop was the Betsy Ross House which is only about a 5-minute walk from Elfreth’s Alley. This famous site opens at 10am, is only $5 for admission, and takes less than 30 minutes to tour. The house is very small but the history inside is amazing. There’s a gift shop before you exit & you might even see a Betsy Ross impersonator as you make your way out. The next big stop on my list was the iconic Liberty Bell located in Independence Park which also houses Independence Hall. You could spend a couple of hours in this area visiting the different buildings but some were closed due to Covid so save some time to stop inside all of the buildings in this area. The Liberty Bell is housed in a free little museum which showcases the importance of the bell, what it symbolizes, and what that has meant throughout its’ history.

1:00 PM - With all of that walking I had worked up quite the appetite so I was beyond ready to sit down, out of the cold for lunch. Talula’s Garden is the perfect setting for brunch or lunch and it’s right around the corner from Independence Park. Its’ outdoor seating is nestled in an alley with vines on the walls so you feel like you’re actually dining in a secret, hidden garden. My outdoor table had a little heater nearby to keep me warm and I opted for a hot soup to warm my insides. Their menu is full of yummy locally sourced items so it was hard to make a decision but the Curried Apple & Butternut Squash Soup was just what I needed! I also had fresh squeezed orange juice and a side of fresh, homemade multigrain toast. I highly recommend making a reservation, especially if you plan on visiting on the weekend. I popped in to add my name to the list and explored the neighborhood around it while I waited. After lunch, I finished exploring Independence Park then headed back to the hotel to get ready for the wedding and then I was off to the airport for a 9am flight the next morning.

Philly is such a cool city and has so much to offer whether you’re going with family, kids, friends, or your significant other. There’s tons of history to discover and restaurants to try. Be sure to check out Viator and Get Your Guide to see all of the exciting tours offered in Philly! If you have a few days to spend there, you’ll get to see everything but if you’re limited on time then I hope this helps you plan out what you should see while visiting!

Happy travels!

- Tess

Tess Arnold

Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!

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