Philadelphia event weekends: what to do between sessions
The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, cheesesteaks and the Rocky steps, with Penn's campus in University City.
Events we cover in Philadelphia
20 Nov 2026*Philadelphia Marathon
Philadelphia, United StatesMarathon30 Apr 2027*Broad Street Run (10 miles)
Philadelphia, United StatesMarathon17 May 2027*University of Pennsylvania Commencement
Philadelphia, United StatesGraduation
Philadelphia, United StatesMarathon30 Apr 2027*Broad Street Run (10 miles)
Philadelphia, United StatesMarathon17 May 2027*University of Pennsylvania Commencement
Philadelphia, United StatesGraduation
Arriving
Philadelphia (PHL) has SEPTA trains to Center City in 25 minutes.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | University City | Near Penn and 30th Street Station. |
| Mid-range | Old City and Rittenhouse | Walk to history and restaurants. |
| Splurge | Rittenhouse Square | Luxury hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City
- Mid-range: The Study at University City
- Splurge: The Rittenhouse
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- Franklin Institute.
- Philadelphia Zoo.
Rainy-day backups
- Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- Barnes Foundation.
Free things to do
- Liberty Bell.
- Rocky steps at the Art Museum.
- Schuylkill River Trail.
Getting around
- SEPTA subway and trolleys; the stadiums are at the end of the Broad Street Line.