# Penn Relays: what to do between sessions in Philadelphia

Source: https://eventweekends.com/us-sports/penn-relays/
Last checked: 2026-11-02

## In short

- **When:** 22 to 24 April 2027 (expected, not yet confirmed by the organiser)
- **Where:** Franklin Field, Philadelphia, United States, about 2 km from the centre
- **Free time:** Most fans arrive the day before and leave the day after, with the match-day morning free.
- **Best base:** Old City and Rittenhouse: Walk to history and restaurants.
- **Getting there:** Philadelphia (PHL) has SEPTA trains to Center City in 25 minutes.
- **Weather:** In April, Philadelphia averages highs of about 17°C and lows of 5°C, with roughly 97 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 13 h 31 min of daylight.
- **Top things to do:** Independence Hall and Liberty Bell; Cheesesteak and food tour; Eastern State Penitentiary

## Know before you go

- The oldest and largest track meet in the US, with high school and college relays.

## Weather and what to pack

In April, Philadelphia averages highs of about 17°C and lows of 5°C, with roughly 97 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 13 h 31 min of daylight.
- A warm layer for the evenings.
- A rain jacket or umbrella: it rains often in this month.
- Check the stadium bag policy: clear bags or small bags only at many venues.

## Airport to venue

Philadelphia (PHL) has SEPTA trains to Center City in 25 minutes.

Walk from 30th Street Station.

## Where to stay

- **budget:** University City. Near Penn and 30th Street Station.
- **mid:** Old City and Rittenhouse. Walk to history and restaurants.
- **luxury:** Rittenhouse Square. Luxury hotels.
- Hotels we would book: Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City (budget), The Study at University City (mid), The Rittenhouse (luxury)

## Day plans for the free hours

### Arrival day (Wednesday 21 April)

Fan zones open the day before. Take the afternoon for the city.
- Half-day: Eastern State Penitentiary. Historic prison.
- Eat: Zahav, Modern Israeli

### Match day morning (Thursday 22 April)

Free until you head to the stadium. Avoid anything far away or tiring.
- Easy outing: Cheesesteak and food tour. Reading Terminal and the Italian Market.
- Free: Rocky steps at the Art Museum.

### The day after (Sunday 25 April)

A full free day before you fly.
- Full day: Amish Country day trip. Lancaster County.
- Eat: Reading Terminal Market, Food hall

### Evening plans

For the night before or after the match.
- After dark: East Passyunk and Fishtown.

## Tours worth booking

- [Independence Hall and Liberty Bell](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Philadelphia%20history%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-penn-relays): Free timed tickets for the hall.
- [Cheesesteak and food tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Philadelphia%20food%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-penn-relays): Reading Terminal and the Italian Market.
- [Eastern State Penitentiary](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Eastern%20State%20Penitentiary&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-penn-relays): Historic prison.
- [Amish Country day trip](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Lancaster%20Amish%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-penn-relays): Lancaster County.
- [Mural Arts tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Philadelphia%20mural%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-penn-relays): Street art by trolley.

## Where to eat

- Reading Terminal Market: Food hall
- John's Roast Pork: Cheesesteaks and roast pork
- Federal Donuts: Donuts and fried chicken
- Zahav: Modern Israeli

## With kids

- Franklin Institute.
- Philadelphia Zoo.

## Rainy-day backups

- Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- Barnes Foundation.

## Getting around

- SEPTA subway and trolleys; the stadiums are at the end of the Broad Street Line.

## Questions people ask

### When is Penn Relays 2027?

The next edition is 22 to 24 April 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

### What is the weather like during Penn Relays?

In April, Philadelphia averages highs of about 17°C and lows of 5°C, with roughly 97 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 13 h 31 min of daylight.

### How do I get from the airport to Franklin Field?

Philadelphia (PHL) has SEPTA trains to Center City in 25 minutes. Walk from 30th Street Station.

### Where should I stay for Penn Relays?

For most visitors the best base is Old City and Rittenhouse: Walk to history and restaurants.

### What else can we do around Penn Relays?

Good short outings in Philadelphia include Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, Cheesesteak and food tour, Eastern State Penitentiary. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

### What is there for kids and families near Penn Relays?

Family-friendly picks: Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, Amish Country day trip. Franklin Institute.

### How far is Franklin Field from Philadelphia centre?

About 2 km in a straight line. Walk from 30th Street Station.

More in Philadelphia: https://eventweekends.com/city/philadelphia/