A weekend in Philly is the perfect escape from New York or a must visit destination for fans of Colonial American history. This is the place where plans were made and executed, to free America from the grip of Great Britain. I spent two full days exploring the downtown area, and there’s no shortage of incredible things to see and do.
Reading Terminal Market
A food market with over 80 vendors. It’s busy but fun. The food at Reading Terminal Market is surprisingly good quality, and the market itself is very clean and tidy, so it’s an inviting place to spend some time munching on various foods.
I tried a number of different cheesesteaks, my favourite was ‘by George’, on the right hand side, as you enter off the main street. The steak, cheese and sauce was on point.
Some of the other vendors had long lines, were too touristy or yelled at you, rather than talk to you, a rather impersonal experience. Dinci was one of them. My tip is that if locals are eating there, its a winner, winner chicken dinner.
If you have a sweet tooth, which is typically not my jam, Termini Bros was on point. After wolfing down the cheesesteak, the pastries were so well presented, they spoke to me, so I just had to. I figured in the cold and walking, I’d be burning off the calories anyway. Right?
In the food court you will find ‘Philbert’ the Pig.
Pop a coin in his mouth and watch it drop into the charity box. Based on the photo, guess where the coin exits.
1101 Filbert St, Market East, Philadelphia County, 19107
Liberty Bell Center
I must confess that I really didn’t know much about the bell, until I went to the center. As a bell, it failed, having to be recast multiple times, with a split running up the side, before it was removed from service. The bell’s importance is not so much it sounding an alarm, but about its symbolism. In essence the bell is a symbol of freedom and independence. The center walks you through the bells’ journey and what it has meant to various groups over the centuries.
Did you know the Liberty Bell, once hung in the steeple of Independence Hall, ringing to call citizens to important events. Hoo knew!
Free entry and no ticket required. You will be screened by security prior to entry.
100 S Independence Mall E, Independence Mall Historic Area, Philadelphia County, 19106Independence Hall
The seat of the First Congress, where they debated the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the birthplace of American democracy. Its status is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Independence Hall remains remarkably authentic in its design, materials, and setting. Most of the building’s exterior elements, including its structure and design, are original. The interior spaces where pivotal historical events occurred are preserved, along with some original finishes.
While the wooden steeple of the bell tower was replaced in 1828, it maintains the historical character of the building. The surrounding Independence National Historical Park enhances the Hall’s historic atmosphere with its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century low-scale structures.
You will be screened by security prior to entry.
500 Chestnut St, Jewelers’ Row, Philadelphia County, 19106Independence Seaport Museum and area
Check out the Independence Seaport Museum and the area around it. There are a number of exhibits of note, including Olympia, a nineteenth-century cruiser, was placed into service in February 1895 and is the oldest steel warship afloat in the world. Alongside her is the WWII submarine Becuna.
If that’s not enough navy, look across the river for the USS New Jersey, a WWII era battleship that can fire a shell weighing as much as a car.
301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia County, 19106Rocky steps
Rocky fans won’t want to miss a trip to the iconic steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the very ones Rocky ran up in the original film. Climbing all 72 steps to the top feels like a victory, and you’ll find plenty of visitors, myself included, striking the classic pose alongside the Rocky statue. The area is always lively, filled with unique characters that make for great people-watching.
On my visit, a frigid Philly winter’s day, a trumpet player braved the cold to play the Rocky theme song, adding the perfect touch to an unforgettable moment.
See the steps in the movie, skip to 1.46mins
Spring Garden St, Ben Franklin Parkway-Kelly Drive, Philadelphia County, 19130
The city, like many large urban areas, has a drug problem. You can see drug affected and homeless on the street, often near prominent tourist venues. Watch for syringes on the ground.
Avoid walking outside the historic area and venturing north. It’s not for tourists.
Wrap up
If you’re looking for things to do in Philadelphia, the downtown area has plenty to offer. It’s compact, walkable, and packed with attractions. I discovered fascinating insights about Philly and how the United States operates. Perfect for a weekend getaway, Philadelphia is well worth the trip.
Happy travels
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Brett Williams
Brett Williams, founder of Ylore Travel, has explored over 50 countries and lived in four, embodying his passion for travel and cultural immersion.
His love for discovering new places and unique experiences inspired the creation of Ylore Travel, making self-guided travel accessible to adventurers worldwide.