One of the benefits of living in Northeast Philadelphia is how easy it is to access the suburbs and center city Philadelphia. Looking for that perfect vacation? Why not try a staycation and head to center city to explore its rich culture, history, and entertainment options. Check out a possible 36-hour itinerary from Northeast Philadelphia into downtown Philadelphia below.
Friday
Late Afternoon
- Leave for Center City.
Evening
- Dinner in Old City: Spasso Italian Grill, Fork Restaurant, High Street on Market, or another Old City restaurant.
- Desertย Walk to Ice cream at The Franklin Fountain.
- Check-in to your hotel in Center City. Be sure to book your hotel in advance. There are lots of choices including at least 8 highly reputable boutique inns and hotels to choose from.
- After Check-in: Bluecross RiverRink Summerfest (times not yet published) -OR- Outdoor Movie Showing (various locations have outdoor movie showings in the summer but times not yet published) -OR- Head over for Friday Nights at the Art Museum for different live music and gallery access until 8:45pm.
Saturday
Morning
- Grab breakfast near your hotel using Yelp to see which places people are talking about.
Afternoon
Option 1: Science Track
Franklin Institute – Calxaverian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Franklin Institute ย Start your day near Logan Square at the Franklin Institute, one of the most recognized centers of scientific education in the country. There are 10 galleries and you may find yourself more interested in some of the galleries versus others. Tickets range from $16-20 and give access to all the permanent galleries (Your Brain, The Giant Heart, Sir Isaac’s Loft). There are also very often temporary, special exhibits that arise that require separate purchase.
- Grab lunch at Franklin Institute
- Muter Museum ย A short walk away (.8 miles), at a museum of medical history, the Mutter Museum helps visitors understand the mysteries and beauty of the human body in a collection of over 20,000 unusual unique anatomical specimens. Tickets range from $13 to $18.
- Head back to hotel
Option 2: History Track
Liberty Bell
- Independence Hallย Tickets are required during the day in the summer. You can reserve tickets in advance for free, but there is a small processing fee and tickets must be picked up at will call on the day of the tour 45 minutes in advance). It’s important to plan ahead.
- Liberty Bell A short walk away. No tickets are required and admission is free. Entrance is on a first come, first serve basis.
- National Constitution Center – Learn the history of the constitution through this interactive exhibit. This exhibit requires getting and purchasing tickets in advance. -OR- United States Mint ย One of only a handful of locations in the U.S. and one of only two places you can see a tour. The Philadelphia tour is free and self-guided.
- Grab a casual lunch near Historic Center City
- Head back to the hotel
Evening
- Dinner
- Helium Comedy Club -OR- Head to a traditional movie theater like the Ritz.
Sunday
Morning
- Sleep in and go for a nice walk in the morning
Afternoon
Reading Terminal Market – elPadawan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Brunch at Reading Terminal
- Head home to Northeast Philadelphia
