I’ve lived right outside of Philadelphia for 4 years, and under an hour from the city my whole life. I’ve taken this beautiful place for granted, but after going downtown yesterday, I wanted to share a travel guide for those that may be visiting the city for a day!

Disclaimer: This city has SO much to offer, but I wanted to synthesize it into a day where you could pretty much walk to everything, and not be bothered with a lot of public transportation. I am sure I will have many more posts on other parts of the city, but this is a comprehensive guide that will take you through about 20 blocks from the waterfront back!

This guide is organized by locations so you can start at one end and work your way back!

Waterfront

The Philadelphia Water Front, or Penn’s Landing, is such a fun place to see remnants of Philly’s boat history, the gorgeous river, and New Jersey right across the way!

• Take the ferry over to the Camden Aquarium, and maybe see the hippos.
• Go for a ride on a pedal boat
• Hang out in the park and beer garden, with plenty of food vendors, crafts, and live music
• Go to the Seaport Museum!

Old City

Old City Philadelphia is my favorite part of town, and I have SO many suggestions of things to do around there, but the first thing to do is just walk! Go down Market and Arch Street, then be sure to wander through 2nd and 3rd street as well.

• Visit Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest, constantly inhabited street in the country!
• Get a coffee at United by Blue (truly my favorite shop)
• Stop by Tartes for some baked goods!
• Check out the Liberty Bell, Christ Church, Quaker Meeting House, and Independence Hall.
• Stumble into the little boutique shops for niche items
• Get some ice cream at Franklin Fountain!
• Pick up a snack at The Bourse.

Jefferson Station

This area is great because you have a few niche neighborhoods, shops, and landmarks!

• Walk through the Gayborhood, and maybe eat at one of their awesome restaurants.
• Go to China Town for an authentic dinner and experience! Good luck picking a place (I like Dim Sum Garden)
• Stop by Century 21 to score some designer bargains!

Rittenhouse

Rittenhouse is an area I grew very familiar and close with during my freshman year of college, and I went back to my old stomping ground over the weekend. I am including my favorite shopping district in this area, and Rittenhouse Square park serves as a beautiful treat at the end of the shopping road!

• Go shopping on Walnut and Chestnut Street! These major shopping streets have high end shops and fast-fashion favorites, and the buildings give that great city feel to the shopping experience.
• Visit the first Anthropologie store! This gorgeous landmark is not one you want to miss.
• Soak up the sun in Rittenhouse Square Park, and enjoy live music, lots of doggies, and the farmer’s market on Saturdays.
• Stroll through the neighborhood to find little cafe’s and shops, as well as great historic architecture.