Weekend getaway from New York · #3 of 10
Philadelphia
The birthplace of American independence is 90 minutes by train: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, a mile of world-class museums and a serious cheesesteak rivalry.
Need a quick escape from NYC? In just 90 minutes, Amtrak drops you right in the heart of Philly. We will kick things off with Old City's historic charm and iconic cheesesteaks, then hit the museum mile and a spooky Gothic prison.
Getting there
Super fast, taking about 80 minutes city-center to city-center. Don't waste cash on the Acela; just book your Regional ticket a few weeks early to snag the best deal.
The classic budget hack. If you are really pinching pennies, Chinatown buses are even cheaper. Skip driving: it takes 2 hours if you are lucky with traffic.
Day 1
Cobblestones, history, and a legendary cheesesteak showdown- 18:00 AMDrive
Amtrak to 30th Street Station
Hop on the train and you will be stepping into Philly's grand, column-filled station in just 80 minutes. It is so fast and easy it practically feels like riding the subway.
📍 Moynihan Train Hall, New York
Tip · Snag your tickets a few weeks early to get the cheapest morning fares.
- 210:00 AMSight
Independence Hall
Stand in the very room where America's founders argued, debated, and signed the nation into existence. The quick, guide-led tour gets you through the history in under an hour.
📍 Independence Hall, Philadelphia
Tip · Grab those timed-entry tickets online early; morning slots are the first to sell out.
- 311:30 AMSight
The Liberty Bell
Pop across the street to see the world's most famous cracked bell. It is housed in a sleek glass pavilion, completely free to visit, and the line moves surprisingly fast.
📍 Liberty Bell Center, Philadelphia
- 412:30 PMFood
Lunch at Reading Terminal Market
This bustling 1893 market is a food lover's paradise. Wander the packed aisles to grab a hot roast pork sandwich, fresh Amish soft pretzels, and a warm Beiler's doughnut.
📍 Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia
Tip · Bring some cash, show up with an empty stomach, and plan to share so you can taste everything.
- 52:30 PMSight
National Constitution Center and Old City stroll
Get your history fix at the interactive museum, then lose yourself in Old City's charming cobblestone streets. It feels like a cozy European neighborhood.
📍 National Constitution Center, Philadelphia
- 65:00 PMActivity
Independence Beer Garden
This leafy outdoor spot is perfect for a quick afternoon reset. Grab a local craft beer, play a round of giant Jenga, and soak up the fun, laid-back vibes.
📍 Independence Beer Garden, Philadelphia
- 77:00 PMFood
Cheesesteak showdown in South Philly
Time to pick a side! Order a legendary 'wiz wit' at these neon-lit rivals facing off on 9th Street, grab a spot at the outdoor counter, and dig right in.
📍 Pat's King of Steaks, Philadelphia
Tip · If the lines here are crazy, do what locals do and head over to Jim's on South Street.
- 8NightStay
Stay at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Rest your head at this stylish boutique hotel. It features a killer rooftop bar and sits right next to the historic sights, setting you up perfectly for day two.
📍 Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, Philadelphia
Day 2
Art masterpieces, iconic movie steps, and a Gothic ruin- 99:00 AMFood
Breakfast near Rittenhouse Square
Wake up with a stroll through Philly's prettiest square. Grab a coffee and pastry from a local cafe and enjoy the leafy views and bubbling central fountain.
📍 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
- 1010:00 AMSight
Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rocky Steps
Cue the theme music, run up the famous steps, and high-five the Rocky statue. Inside, you will find a massive collection packed with world-class art and gorgeous galleries.
📍 Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia
Tip · You will find the Rocky statue right at the bottom of the steps. The photo line moves fast, so stick around.
- 1112:30 PMFood
Lunch in Fairmount
Skip the museum cafeteria and head to the cozy neighborhood behind it. You will find friendly local gastropubs serving up delicious bites and cold drafts.
📍 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia
- 122:00 PMSight
The Barnes Foundation
Prepare to be wowed by this stunning gallery. It is packed floor-to-ceiling with masterpieces by Matisse, Cezanne, and Renoir, arranged in unique, quirky groupings.
📍 Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia
Tip · They use strict timed entry here, so make sure to reserve your slot before you go to lunch.
- 134:00 PMSight
Eastern State Penitentiary
Explore this eerie, crumbling Gothic prison frozen in time. Grab the excellent audio guide, narrated by Steve Buscemi, to hear fascinating stories as you wander the ruins.
📍 Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
- 145:30 PMActivity
Shop Walnut and Chestnut Streets
Stretch your legs on the city's main shopping drag. Pop into local boutiques and big-name flagships, or just enjoy some great people-watching on your walk back.
📍 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
- 157:30 PMDrive
Evening train home
Head back to the station and hop on the train home. You will be back in NYC in time for bed, with a whole weekend of memories behind you.
📍 30th Street Station, Philadelphia
Tip · Sunday-evening trains home book up fast, so secure your return ticket at the same time you buy your outbound.
Where to eat
Over a hundred fantastic stalls to choose from. Make sure to leave room for warm doughnuts from Beiler's and a giant cookie from Famous 4th Street.
The birthplace of the cheesesteak, still squaring off with Geno's across the street. Order like a pro: say 'wiz wit' and don't look back.
A huge, leafy beer garden offering local drafts and lawn games right in the historic district.
The insider's choice for cheesesteaks, known for thin-sliced beef cooked to perfection since 1939.
When to go
Perfect weather for wandering outside. The parks are blooming, and strolling from Old City to the Parkway is a breeze.
It gets pretty sticky, but the city's beer gardens and lively outdoor events make up for the heat.
Ideal sweater weather. You will enjoy thinner crowds and shorter lines at all the top historic spots.
Chilly but cozy, with festive holiday markets. Plus, almost all the stops on our list are indoors anyway.
Good to know
- Lock down your tickets for Independence Hall and the Barnes Foundation online before you leave.
- Leave the car behind. Philly is incredibly walkable, and public transit or a quick rideshare covers the rest.
- Amtrak tickets get pricier closer to the date. Book a few weeks early to save serious cash.
- If you want to save your cash for food, take NJ Transit and SEPTA via Trenton. It is slower, but super cheap.
