How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love is a large metropolis bursting with an extended range of attractions and neighborhoods. History buffs, sports fans and those seeking a lively night out will particularly enjoy a visit to America’s erstwhile capital.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Appreciate the city’s profound historical importance by visiting the Independence National Historic Park. The Liberty Bell is on view and Independence Hall - where the Declaration of Independence was signed - is open for tours.
2. Jog up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art like Sylvester Stallone's Rocky, then savor hundreds of galleries housing thousands of priceless works. Undoubtedly one of the largest and best art museums in America.
3. Enjoy dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants. A longtime favorite is Old Original Bookbinder’s, a steak-and-seafood house opened in the 1860s that's the epitome of casual elegance. While in town, make sure to have a hoagie - nowhere else do cheese steaks taste quite the same as in Philly!
4. Spend an hour or so at the renowned Italian Market, an outdoor marketplace bustling with fruit, fish, flower and meat vendors. An abundance of cafés and cool gift shops add to the allure of the market, which is open year-round (though many businesses are closed on Mondays).
5. Visit the University of Pennsylvania (known simply as Penn), an Ivy League institution with a campus rich with handsome old buildings. "The Green" at the heart of campus is great for people watching, while the university's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is great for ancient-people watching.
6. Enjoy Philly’s sporting life which includes professional teams in baseball, basketball, football and hockey. Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies, is a wonderful place to watch a baseball game between April and October.
7. Take a trip back in time by visiting Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continually lived-upon street in America. This is usually a quick diversion, although on the first weekend of June the homes open up to the public and are well worth viewing.

Tips & Warnings

• Check weather and road conditions before driving to Philadelphia in the winter.