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3 days in Philadelphia

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3 days in Philadelphia
Three very different days make for one great overview of Philly. Spend the first day exploring history, the second perusing museums, and the third getting up close and personal with some pop culture that defines the city.
Good for: Families, Groups, Seniors, Individuals
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
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Day 1
Independence Visitor Center
Independence Visitor Center

The first stop for anyone interested in Philadelphia history, the Independence Visitors Center is a one-stop resource center. National Park Service representatives staff the center, directing and guiding visitors, while film presentations, wireless tours and a free concierge service will secure the information and reservations you need for the perfect visit.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Independence Hall
Independence Hall

Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Liberty Bell Center
Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell originally hung in the tower of Independence Hall across the street.  It continued to be used after the initial cracking when the... more »

Fee: No      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center is the first and only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the U.S. Constitution and its legacy of freedom. Located two blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Historic Philadelphia, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship as a state-of-the-art museum, a civic education hub and a national town... More

The National Constitution Center is the first and only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the U.S. Constitution and its legacy of freedom. Located two blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Historic Philadelphia, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship as a state-of-the-art museum, a civic education hub and a national town hall. Less

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: 1-2 hours
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Betsy Ross House
Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross is an iconic figure in American history, but her story is less clear than that often taught in school.  It is known that she ran an... more »

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Elfreth's Alley
Elfreth's Alley

America's oldest residential street was built in 1702 and is now designated a National Historic Landmark.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Day 2
Love Park
Love Park

Also known as the JFK Plaza, Love Park is home to the iconic LOVE sculpture and is a resting spot atop the bustling Ben Franklin Parkway.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a world-class natural history museum dedicated to advancing research, education, and public engagement in biodiversity and environmental science. Visitors can enjoy four floors of interactive permanent exhibits, come face-to-face with T. rex and other prehistoric creatures in Dinosaur Hall, take a stroll in a... More

Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a world-class natural history museum dedicated to advancing research, education, and public engagement in biodiversity and environmental science. Visitors can enjoy four floors of interactive permanent exhibits, come face-to-face with T. rex and other prehistoric creatures in Dinosaur Hall, take a stroll in a tropical garden in the live Butterflies! exhibit, and see animals up close in the Live Animal Center. Less

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: 2-3 hours
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Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

The head church of Philadelphia's Catholic Archdiocese is on the National Registrar of Historic Places. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here in 1979.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute

Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of America’s oldest and premier centers of science education. The museum is known for blockbuster exhibits, a bevy of interactive ongoing exhibitions, and one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences. Today, the Institute continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science... More

Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of America’s oldest and premier centers of science education. The museum is known for blockbuster exhibits, a bevy of interactive ongoing exhibitions, and one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences. Today, the Institute continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake. Less

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: 2-3 hours
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Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art

This museum has perhaps the most dramatic location of any in the world being situated on a hill at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway... more »

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: 1-2 hours
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Day 3
United States Mint
United States Mint

Dating from 1793, the Philadelphia Mint is the oldest and largest of the six facilities operated by the United States Mint.  The present structure is... more »

Fee: No      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Mummers Museum
Mummers Museum

The Mummers Museum opened in 1976, and is dedicated to the Philadelphia celebration of the new year. Mummers are costumed entertainers who dance and play music to welcome in the New Year.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Penn's Landing
Penn's Landing

Penn’s Landing, the waterfront site where William Penn docked, is now the great gathering place for outdoor events, especially in warmer weather. A variety of concerts, presentations and athletic events celebrate this waterfront area where history mingles with present-day pursuits.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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South Street
South Street

Known as Philadelphia's liveliest and funkiest strip, the street has more than 300 stores and restaurants.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: 2-3 hours
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Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (PMG)is a mosaicked visionary art environment, gallery, and community arts center that preserves, interprets and provides access to Isaiah Zagar's unique mosaic art environment and his public murals. The Magic Gardens site, Zagar's largest artwork, includes a fully tiled indoor space and large outdoor mosaic sculpture garden that spans half a block on... More

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (PMG)is a mosaicked visionary art environment, gallery, and community arts center that preserves, interprets and provides access to Isaiah Zagar's unique mosaic art environment and his public murals. The Magic Gardens site, Zagar's largest artwork, includes a fully tiled indoor space and large outdoor mosaic sculpture garden that spans half a block on Philadelphia's famous South Street. Inside, view PMG's ever changing exhibitions in two indoor galleries. Less

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.