Forgets New York City, go to Philadelphia! Philadelphia is a city with a unique mix of history, art, culture and culinary delights. It is the birthplace of the American Independence, home to world-famous art museums, impressive murals and of course the iconic Rocky Balboa. During this four-day city trip I will take you along all the highlights in text, images and sound, including a good dose of Rocky magic. With my personal images I will gladly show you why Philadelphia is a destination that should be high on your wish list.
Day 1: Arrive in Philly
Your journey begins at Schiphol, which is directly connected to Philadelphia. KLM works together with Delta and American Airlines on this route and flies directly to Philadelphia several times a week. Direct flights, so without a transfer, cost (if you book on time!) around 600 euros return. Meals are included as standard on this intercontinental flight.
Fly with KLM, Delta or American Airlines directly from Schiphol to Philadelphia. Flight tickets are available from 595 euros return in low season. Expect to pay around 900 euros in high season. Meals are included as standard on these intercontinental flights.
Checked baggage is subject to a surcharge and the flight time is approximately 8 hours for the outward journey, 7,5 hours for the return journey.
First impression of the city
After your flight, you land at Philadelphia International Airport, where you immediately feel that you have arrived in the great America. It starts with the unmissable enormous American flag in the arrivals hall of the airport. After your flight, you land at Philadelphia International Airport, where you immediately feel that you have arrived in the great America. It starts with the unmissable enormous American flag in the arrivals hall of the airport.
If you book a hotel in the city center like I did, you will get a beautiful first view of the city skyline during the taxi ride to your hotel. The iconic skyscrapers such as One Liberty Place and the Comcast Technology Center tower high above the city.
Sonesta Rittenhouse Square
During this city trip I stayed in Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square, a hotel that is perfectly located in the heart of the city. A large part of the sights in Philadelphia can be found within walking distance of this mid-range hotel. The rooms are equipped with a very large and comfortable bed and are remarkably spacious and well-appointed, especially when you compare this to other hotels in this price range. A recommendation as far as I'm concerned.
Dinner at Condesa
Are you looking for a good restaurant within walking distance of your hotel after a long flight? Then go eat at Condesa, a Mexican restaurant just a few minutes from the hotel. The menu offers authentic dishes, such as corn tortillas that are made fresh daily. Pair your meal with a Mexican cocktail and I guarantee you will have a good night's sleep after this meal. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of the food due to fatigue after the long flight, but trust me, this is the perfect way to kick off your city trip!
Day 2: History and culture
Breakfast Vernick Coffee Bar
Breakfast is unfortunately not included as standard, as in most American hotels. So start your day with a breakfast at Vernick Coffee Bar, located a few minutes walk from the hotel in the Comcast Technology Center. You can enjoy freshly baked rolls and excellent coffee here. In the US, however, I always try to get some vegetables and fruit in for breakfast, because this is often missing in American meals. So I opted for the fruit-granola yoghurt breakfast and it was delicious. Recommended!
Stroll through the city
You can choose to always move around by taxi, but if you like walking you can also choose to explore the city on foot. You will walk past iconic buildings and you will get a much better experience of daily life in the city. So start your morning with a walk towards the Independence hall. Gradually you get a good impression of the city.
Independence hall
After your morning walk, immerse yourself in Philadelphia's rich history by Independence hall to visit. This is where the American Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. You can also admire the interior of Independence Hall by booking a tour. The tours are provided by National Park Rangers. It is very nice and interesting to learn in about half an hour how everything fits together with American history.
Liberty Bell
Near Independence Hall you will find the iconic Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell is an iconic bell, cast in 1752 for the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. The bell is famous for the crack that later appeared in it, which symbolizes the imperfection of freedom and the fight for independence. The bell was associated with the proclamation of American independence on July 4, 1776, although it is unclear whether the bell was actually rung at that time. Today, the Liberty Bell is a symbol of freedom, justice, and the fight for civil rights in the United States.
Lunch Freida for Generations
After history, it's time for culture. Time for a moment of rest and a delicious lunch at Freida for Generations! This unique place combines freshly prepared, seasonal dishes with a cozy community atmosphere. It is the ideal place to relax and get inspired. What makes this café unique is that it is customary to sit at a table with strangers, so you can make new contacts. You can easily make new contacts with different generations and cultures here, which makes it a unique experience.
Elfreth's Alley and Mural Arts
After lunch, you’ll be energized to explore the city. Stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in America, where you’ll admire the charm of 18th-century architecture. Then, end the afternoon with a Mural Arts Walking Tour, which takes you past some of the city’s most impressive murals.
We experienced this tour ourselves and were positively surprised, highly recommended! During this tour you will walk with a local guide along the most beautiful and impressive Street-Art murals of Philadelphia.
In this 2 to 3 hour tour you will walk along impressive works of art that so beautifully decorate the buildings of Philadelphia. The local guide will tell you more about the special stories behind the works of art.
Sunset SkyHigh Bar & Restaurant
The (literal) highlight of your city trip to Philadelphia! SkyHigh Bar & Restaurant is the highest sky bar in the city and is located on the 60th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel. It is an iconic building that offers a beautiful 360 degree view of the city.
Personal tip: It's the perfect place for a beer or wine in the late afternoon, especially with the sunset which makes the view even more spectacular. This bar is definitely an Instagram-worthy spot for world travelers looking for something special.
You can also dine there, although the prices are on the higher side, but still reasonable for the location and experience. Remember that there is a smart-casual dress code, so wear something smarter to enjoy this unique experience. If you visit the bar in December, you can also enjoy the stylish Christmas decorations that make the bar just that little bit more beautiful and cozy.
Dinner Gran Caffe L'Aquila
Enjoy unique and authentic – and I mean it when I say this – Italian meals at Gran Caffe L'Aquila. This restaurant combines traditional recipes with a wide range of dishes and delicious snack platters. But what makes this award-winning restaurant extra special is the homemade gelato that is often included in the main courses.
On or with different main courses you get unique types of ice cream served. It sounds strange and it is, but you just have to try it and give it a chance. For example, with the main courses I had bacon ice cream, wasabi ice cream and jalapeno pepper ice cream and strangely enough the chef managed to make it fit well with the rest of the main courses. I, and actually the whole table, was positively surprised by this restaurant and as far as I'm concerned this is the perfect ending to a cultural day in Philadelphia.
Day 3: Rocky Day
Rocky Tour of film locations
Start your day (after breakfast) with a Rocky Tour which takes you past the most memorable film locations from the Rocky movies. Visit the world-famous Rocky steps, Rocky Statue, Mighty Mick's Gym, the Italian Market and Laurel Hill Cemetery. For fans of the movies this is a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the legendary boxer.
It is also good to know that the original Rocky film from 1976 will be 2026 years old in 50. Given the enormous cultural value of this film and what it has done for the city, Philadelphia does not want to let this pass us by. In 2024, the first Rocky Festival held.
Every year, they now celebrate the anniversary of Philadelphia's most iconic film franchise. Beginning in December each year, expect a series of events across the city that honor the most famous film and the Philly locations that made it famous. The Rocky tour which takes you along the various film locations, originated from this festival and can now be booked all year round.
Follow in the footsteps of Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa and discover Philadelphia's filming locations from the blockbuster "Rocky" movies. Visit the South and North Philly 'hoods and the many downtown attractions, including the Museum of Art and the world-famous Rocky Steps.
Food tour Italian Market
The Italian Market is the oldest open-air market in America and a must-visit for foodies in Philadelphia. Here you will find a mix of traditional Italian delis and food stalls, where you can sample fresh pasta, cannoli and other delicacies. The market runs along 9th Street and is a lively place where you will find not only Italian food, but also Mexican and Asian influences. It is a good idea to bring cash, as not all stalls accept debit cards.
Pat's & Geno's
While you’re in the area, swing by Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, Philadelphia’s most famous cheesesteak joints. They’re located directly across from each other and have had a friendly rivalry for years over who makes the best cheesesteak. At Pat’s, you order like the locals do: tell them up front whether you want “wit” (with onions) or “wit-out” (no onions) and which cheese you want – Cheese Whiz, provolone or American.
Geno's has a more basic menu and is known for its juicy steak and eye-catching neon signs. Expect long lines, especially on weekends, but the service is fast and worth the wait. If you have time, try a cheesesteak at both and decide for yourself who's the winner!
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Spend the afternoon at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a unique art venue filled with colorful mosaics. This is not only a visual spectacle, but also an inspiring place to admire the creative work of artist Isaiah Zagar.
Dinner Victor Café
End the day with dinner at Victor Café, a restaurant famous for its opera-singing waiters and classic Italian dishes. Be surprised by the combination of culinary perfection and live music, an experience you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll notice right away that I don’t have any pictures of this restaurant and there’s a reason for that: they want to keep this special experience as authentic as possible, both for you and for the opera singers performing. A phone-free experience!
Day 4: Food, culture and sports (ice hockey!)
After three days of sightseeing and history, it's time for a day full of good food, art and a good dose of sports experience. Today starts relaxed with a delicious breakfast at the Reading Terminal Market, followed by a cultural highlight at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Then we dive into the oldest bar in the city for a hearty lunch and end the day with an ice hockey game of the Philadelphia Flyers. A day that lets you feel the real Philadelphia!
Breakfast Reading Terminal Market
There's no better place to start your day than at the Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest and most famous covered markets in America. Here you will find dozens of stalls with freshly baked bread, juicy donuts and hearty breakfast dishes. An absolute must is a “Pennsylvania Dutch” breakfast at Dutch Eating Place, where you can sink your teeth into fluffy pancakes or a classic scrapple (a local pork dish). Prefer something sweet? Then go for a fresh apple fritter from Beiler's Bakery – considered by many locals to be the best in town.
Besides food, the market is also a place where you can taste the real, raw Philadelphia. Expect a mix of tourists and locals doing their daily shopping. The atmosphere is pleasantly chaotic and it is fun to walk around and just look at what is for sale. Tip:: go early, because it gets seriously busy around lunchtime!
Philadelphia Museum of Art
After a hearty breakfast it is time to soak up some culture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This museum is one of the largest in the US and has an impressive collection of European masterpieces to modern art. Even if you (like me) are not really an art lover, a visit is still worth it. In each wing of the museum you are on a different continent and it is very cool to see what the differences are. Also the Dutch 'Delfts blue' can be found here.
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The building itself is a work of art, with beautiful pillars and enormous halls with high ceilings. Take your time to look around at your leisure and when you've seen enough, you can grab a coffee in the museum café before continuing on to the next destination.
Lunch McGillin's Old Ale House
Time to replenish your energy levels, and where better to do that than at McGillin's Old Ale House? This is Philadelphia's oldest Irish pub, in business since 1860. Inside, the atmosphere is old-fashioned, with exposed beams, historic photos, and a wall of beer taps. This is the place to try a local brew, like a Yards Philly Pale Ale or a Troegs Hopback Amber Ale.
Beer taster tip: Order the beer tasting carousel where you get 6 half beers to taste!
The food is simple, hearty and perfect for a lunch with a beer. Go for a cheesesteak egg roll (a spring roll sized Philly cheesesteak), a classic citizen or a Irish beef stew. The pub is always packed with locals, students and sports fans, so expect a lively atmosphere. Especially if you return later in the evening, as McGillin's is not only a busy daytime bar, it is also a popular nightlife spot.
Ice Hockey Philadelphia Flyers
The perfect end to your city trip: an evening full of action at a Philadelphia Flyers ice hockey game at the Wells Fargo Center. Even if you're not a big hockey fan, the experience is fantastic. The atmosphere in the stadium is unparalleled - the moment the Flyers hit the ice, the crowd goes wild. Expect hard checks, fast moves, and a lot of energy in the stands. I've included two short videos below to give you an idea of what to expect.
A tip: wear a Flyers shirt (available at the fan shop) to really get into the atmosphere. The fans in Philly are known to be fanatical and loud, and that's what makes it so much fun. During the game you can enjoy a gigantic stadium pretzel, a hot dog or a “crab fries” from Chickie's & Pete's, a local favorite. Whether you understand the rules or not, you'll be swept up in the excitement. And if the Flyers win? Get ready for an explosion of joy in the stadium!
This way your city trip to Philadelphia ends on a high note – full of energy, good memories and probably a few kilos heavier. But hey, that's part of it!
Tip:: We previously wrote articles about practical information for Philadelphia en budget, cost and saving tips for Philadelphia.
Package holidays through discount airlines such as TUI en D-Travel are usually the cheapest way to explore the city. They compete with cheap flights and have good deals with hotels in the city, so you usually pay more if you book them separately.
Complete city trips of 4 to 5 days can be booked in the low season from around 700 euros. That is flight + hotel with often a transfer. Realistically, you will rather end up at around 900 to 1200 euros per person.
