It’s always sunny in Philadelphia - no matter the season! Philly, as the city is affectionately known, is famous as the birthplace of liberty and the place for pursuing happiness. So, it’s no surprise that there are tons of amazing things you can do in the city, especially if you’re here just for the weekend. Right from river and art tours to parks, museums, and delicious cuisines, there’s no dearth of things to do in the city known as the ‘Athens of America’. To that end, check out our list below of all the best things to do over the weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1. Learn the candle-making process at Wax + Wine
With trying times upon us, we’re all looking for ways to make our homes cozier and comforting. Candles are a great way to do that, so how about you try making your own? The renowned Wax + Wine offers candle-making workshops for groups of up to five people, and that too in the outdoors. Costing just 50 USD per person, the 90-minute class allows you to hang out with people and come away with 2 lovely candles. Since it’s a BYOB experience, you can even get your own bottle of wine and they’ll even give you disposable cups for additional safety.
Wax + Wine - The Candle Bar Experience
Address: 1034 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Website: Wax + Wine The Candle Bar Experience
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 5pm - 8:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 6 pm
Price: 50 USD per person
2. Spend a day at the Oval
If you’re in Philly over a summer weekend, then the Oval+ is the best place to spend your weekends. The vibrant seasonal pop-up outdoor public space features fun for all ages between Wednesdays and Sundays. While it does have Wellness Wednesdays and Arts and Culture Thursdays, the fun begins on Friday with a rotating lineup of late-night film screenings and food trucks. You’ll especially love Game Day Saturdays, where there is Pop Up Play and quizzes in the beer garden. if you’re with your family in Philly, then don’t miss the Family Fun Sundays, when there’s a rollicking DJ dance party for kids!
The Oval
Address: 2451 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
Website: The Oval
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 11pm (closed Mon & Tue)
3. Go on a kayak tour on the Schuylkill River
The gorgeous Schuylkill River, which flows through northern Philly, empties into the Delaware River, and this is why it’s also known as the ‘Hidden River’. One of the best ways to spend the weekend is to explore this gorgeous river onboard a professionally guided kayak tour. Instructors tell you how to safely operate the kayak and get you out on the water, allowing you to thrillingly float down the river for over an hour. What’s more, they even offer private tours for those who want to go exploring on their own. Do you fancy a moonlight kayak tour? They do those too!
Schuylkill River kayak tours
Address: Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Website: Schuylkill River kayak tours
Opening hours: Please check here for complete tour schedule.
Price: From 40 USD per person.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The iconic and historic Philadelphia Museum of Art is like the city’s very own Parthenon. The majestic building rises at the end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and it is one of America’s largest art museums. It features close to a quarter-of-a-million pieces of art spanning more than 2,000 years, including the Impressionist movement, Renaissance, and even the ancient world. What’s more, the museum also houses eye-popping installations, including an entire 14th-century Buddhist temple and a sculpture garden!
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
Website: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun: 10am - 5pm; Fri & Wed: 10am - 8:45pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 14 - 25 USD
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Vance Lehmkuhl
Tour operator and tour guide for American Vegan Center in historic Old City Philadelphia, administering walking tours focusing on Philadelphia's "veg history" - the vegans and vegetarians through history that started the US vegetarian and vegan movements in this city. Author of "Eating Vegan in Philly" (2016) and also "V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column," a collection of my colum... Read more
Tours by Vance
5. Hang out at the Independence National Historical Park
The Independence National Historic Park is perhaps the most well-known sight in all America - after all, it’s the birthplace of the great American democracy. It’s home to not only the Ben Franklin Museum, but also Congress and Independence Halls, and the iconic Liberty Bell. All these sites were where many of the events that pioneered the formation of the United States took place; for instance, the historic Declaration of Independence was signed in the Independence Hall in 1776. Moreover, except for the National Constitution Center, most attractions in this historical park are free to explore. All in all, it’s a great way to spend the weekend.
Independence National Historical Park
Address: Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
Website: Independence National Historical Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Stroll along South Street
The vibrant and lively South Street is a riot of colors and lights, and it is a great place to spend the weekend. You’ll find everything from indie bookstores, music and antique shops, and delectable eateries. Slurp refreshing ice-cream at Rita’s before digging into freshly baked pies at Magpie. End your day by feasting your eyes on the incredible colors and lights show at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.
South Street
Address: 33rd Street/Spruce Street to Front Street, Phialdelphia, PA
Website: South Street
7. Have a picnic in Franklin Square
If you’re headed to Philly with your family for the weekend, then enjoying a picnic at Franklin Square is a must-do. The refreshing lush green space features a storytelling bench, a mini-golf course, a carousel, and even a playground and a picnic area! Spread out the delights of your picnic basket on a soft picnic blanket on the green grass and soak up the sun as it shines down on the city. Your children have lots of space to play ball, throw frisbees, and gambol around, as you enjoy a book with a drink while watching over them.
Franklin Square
Address: 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA
Website: Franklin Square
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
8. Go on a ghost tour
With so much history to speak of, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia has some spooky secrets up its sleeves. Do you have the guts to visit its scariest sites? Then this ghostly 75-minute walking tour, which takes you around 20 of Philly’s hair-raising sites, might just be right up your alley. Right from Pine Street paranormal to Independence Hall’s legendary ghosts of the past, this moonlit ‘ghost tour’ will also delve into some of the city’s most haunted folklore, tales, and facts. You’ll also get to see some famous shooting locations, including those of treasure-hunting thriller National Treasure and the spooky The Sixth Sense.
Haunted Philadelphia: Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
9. Take a segway tour (from USD 65.0)
If you’re a culture vulture, then you need to join this tour, which showcases Philadelphia like never before - and that too aboard a segway! Zoom around important Philly locations like Society Hill, Ben Franklin Parkway, Italian Market, Historic District, and Penn’s Landing on this small tour where a guide will tell you all about Philly’s important history. If you’re a history lover, then it’s a truly thrilling way to spend the weekend. Pro tip: Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and clothes that are appropriate for the weather.
Philadelphia Segway Tour with Historic District, Society Hill
Duration: 2 hours
10. Sample the flavors of Philly on a mouthwatering food tour (from USD 65.0)
Philly’s cuisine is a delicious mishmash of food from many immigrant communities. So, it’s only fair that you spend your weekend sampling its most iconic and delectable eats. Skip the pricey restaurants and eat your way through what can only be described as two-and-a-half hours of culinary decadence. Think soft pretzels, tomato pie, cheesesteak, scrapple, stromboli, and more. Finally, the tour ends at the Reading Terminal Market, where you can top it off with two lip-smacking desserts.
Flavors of Philly Food Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore picturesque Philadelphia
Philadelphia has both culture and mystique and it is one exotic city with a small-town heart. Even if you’re visiting just for the weekend, there’s so much to see and do that you’ll have trouble choosing! So, check out these best things to do over the weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to enjoy a memorable 2 days in the sun-kissed city.
Tip from tour guide
Visit The Magnificent City Hall of Philadelphia: Imagine that you are in Philadelphia City Hall; 88 millions bricks, 250 sculptures, 600 rooms, 30 years to built, and one of Philly's most iconic piece of art: the 37 foot - tall statue of the city founder William Penn.
It is still today the largest municipal building in the United States. Built in the second empire French chateau style, City Hall's beauty lies not in it's size, but in the intricate details awaiting discovery around nearby every corner, and an unbeatable view.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to