If you happened to watch the last Super Bowl, then you know that Philly is a big sports town — so try to take that into account when you think about how to plan a trip to Philadelphia. Of course, the City of Brotherly Love offers a whole lot more than just a fantastic football team — it boasts world-class art, a rich historical background (it’s the birthplace of the American government), and some great food and beverage options, to boot. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Philadelphia that you and your family will be raving about for years to come.
When to Visit
Philly’s a Northern city, so if you’re trekking during winter months, plan wisely: Bring boots, heavy coats and mittens. It gets on the chillier side starting in fall, so plan to dress warmly then, too. It might not always be sunny in Philadelphia in summer, but it is often warm. It’s also pretty packed with tourists — you’ll see lines snaking around to see the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell. If you’re looking for reasonable temps and less tourists, then your best bet is to visit sometime between March to May, according to Vacation Idea. Hotel rooms are cheaper then, too.
Getting Around
When you consider how to plan a trip to Philadelphia, you will probably look to visit the downtown historic sites; so your best bet is to walk it. Philly’s really walkable in fact, as most sites are within 15 minutes of each other. You can also bike it: there’s rentable bikesharing, and you can Ride the PhillyPhlash between attractions (it’s just $2 a ride or $5 for an all-day pass that will take you to 22 places). You can also take public transit, using buses, subways and trolleys or just hail a taxi. For more ideas, including maps, check out Visit Philly.
Touring the City of Brotherly Love
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie or want to drink your way through colonial taverns, there are plenty of tours that reveal one of the sides of Philly you’re looking for. Try a Chew Philly Food Tour to eat your way through the city. Watch history come alive at the Independence After Hours tour, or soar over the city in a hot air balloon. Check out other tours here.
History, Rocky and More
As one of only 23 UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United States, make a stop at Independence Hall. You’ve also got to see the Liberty Bell. Run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art like Rocky Balboa, and pose with a Rocky statue at the bottom of the steps (or hey, maybe you want to go inside to check out some world-class art?). The Philadelphia Zoo is the first zoo in the country, and it also has some pretty cool behind the scenes tours, too. But the most popular tourist site is the Reading Terminal Market, America’s oldest farmer’s market.
Where to Eat
Philadelphia is a world-class restaurant town, and Philadelphia Magazine lists its top 50 picks here. The local market itself is a great place to start if you’re a foodie or famished. Enjoy Amish-cooked pancakes, pick up some artisan cheese, or just wander around and curate your meal. Di Bruno Bros. is great place to pick up a picnic basket, gourmet gift, and amazing homemade cheese spreads. You’ll also want to get an authentic Philly cheesesteak. Every local has a favorite spot, and if you can’t decide, here’s a link to some of the most authentic spots to grab one.
Jeanette Hurt is the award-winning writer and author of eight culinary and drink books, including The Cheeses of California: A Culinary Travel Guide, which received the 2010 Mark Twain Award for Best Travel Book, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. She's written for TheKitchn.com, Four Seasons Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Entrepreneur.com, and dozens more publications.
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