How to Spend 48 Hours in Philadelphia

Yet, no matter how knowledgeable you consider yourself in finding the best spots for visits, it can be a bit overwhelming in such a big city, more so if your stay is only 48 hours short.

But don't fear, we've done the hard work for you and created our list of favourite spots and hidden gems to keep you entertained during your 48 Hours in Philadelphia.

It's time to fuel up for your 48 hours in Philadelphia with a simple but healthy breakfast.

One spot that everyone talks about is the Parc Restaurant. Located on Rittenhouse Square, this has been one of Philadelphia's most popular restaurants since it opened a decade ago. Stephen Starr's tribute to a Parisian bistro is one of those restaurants that provide you with the coveted sidewalk seating from where you can see the hustle-bustle of the park.

It's more of a brunch spot, so have a little sleep in and then pad your stomach with tasty omelettes and steak frites to prepare yourself for the day's adventure.

With brunch out of the way, the time to visit the attractions has officially started. And what better place to visit than Valley Forge National Historical Park?

If you're keen on making the travel north to see it, you'll find an intriguing time capsule location.

The Revolutionary War encampment occupied by George Washington in the 1770s attracts many history buffs, as the entire trail connects a lot of historic structures and key monuments. This includes the early-20th-century National Memorial Arch, Muhlenberg Brigade's recreated log-cabin barracks, and Washington's Headquarters.

All of that is complemented with the lush meadows and woodlands, so it's not just history but also nature.

There are a few major tourist items you want to tick off now, and Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell have to be on your list.

These attractions form two of the most important symbols of the United States' history and that of democracy too. It's a captivating look back through time to see how this incredible country first started. To relax after an intense few hours of history, then perhaps a stroll through the famous Longwood Gardens will relax your mind.

The 1,077 acres botanical garden contains not just parks but also meadows, woodlands, fountains, displays, and exhibitions. The entire place is a physically dazzling display of horticulture. This is an excellent place for creators and artists that draw their inspiration from nature, and you'll spot many sat throughout. Strolling through these gardens feels like you have entered a paradise hidden away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Additionally, the site provides activities appropriate for all age groups at different points throughout the year, so you will no doubt be able to find something just for you.

After a full day of walking and exploring (sounds a lot like summer camp already), it's time to find a place to have dinner.

There's so much choice for food in Philly that it ultimately depends on your preference. If you are a pizza lover, then Lorenzo & Sons Pizza offers $4 large pizza slices till 3 A.M. that will certainly fill you up. Or, you'd be remiss not to try the famous Philly Cheesesteaks that countless cafes and restaurants offer.

If you want to see the nightlife and sample something different, head towards the Deck on the Moshulu. It's a fine dining restaurant situated on the world's oldest and largest four-masted tall ship. The outdoor space becomes a lot more enjoyable with DJ nights, frozen wine pops, elaborate ice cream concoctions, fireplaces with S'mores kits and even fitness events.

It's only open from May to September, so if you've just finished summer camp, it's perfect for you if you've got 48 hours in Philadelphia.

Start your new day at Reading Terminal Market, a historic must-visit place for tourists.

Opened in 1892, the market has more than 80 vendors selling a fantastic variety of food. It is also a place for locals to grocery shop, so that seal of approval definitely means you're in the right place. Your choices include, but are not limited to, deli sandwiches at Hershel's, roast pork sandwiches at DiNic's, doughnuts from Beiler's, cannoli at Termini Bros., soft pretzels at Miller's Twist, scrapple at Down Home Diner, apple dumplings at Dutch Eating Place, sweets from Mueller Chocolate Co…..

The list goes on, so grab some food and have a stroll.

To switch it up after historical landmarks dominated the first day, we've pencilled Philadelphia Zoo as something different for day two.

The zoo contains countless animals, so you can roam around, take selfies, attend educational programs, and even ride the carousel (we're all just big kids, really). There are tons of indoor and outdoor exhibits, so there's something for any condition. Being city-based, it's also relatively simple to get to by bus, making it an ideal stop amongst all the shopping.

Animals and retail therapy; the perfect mix.

Channel your inner fighter and head to the steps made famous in the Rocky films.

By all means, go and check out the incredible Philadelphia Museum of Arts, with a wide range of collections available for art-lovers. But arguably, its biggest attraction lies outside, the steps which Rocky runs up during the well-loved boxing films. If your fitness level is anything like ours, then a slow walk to the top will do, where you can imitate millions of other pictures and get the famous film shot.

If you do, be sure to tag us in your pictures to share them!

Depending on your budget, you have a lot of options.

If you prefer fine dining of international cuisine, Buddaken provides you with lots of options with its multicultural menu. They offer a delightful mix of Indian, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese in elegant fusion, with something for everyone.

But if, like us, you've just finished summer camp and you want to stick to a budget, then it's best to go to Peddler's Village. Here, you can enjoy a natural, eclectic festival environment. You will be able to roam around many restaurants, speciality shops, boutiques, and annual festivals of fruits and scarecrows, along with many other countryside attractions. Not only will you get to enjoy the activities, but you'll find gorgeous food at a great price.

A perfect way to wrap up your 48 Hours in Philadelphia.

• Philadelphia is an accessible city to get around on foot, and it has consistently been named the easiest city in the US to get around. It's a compact, relatively small city (by US standards), and you'll find loads of colourful 'Walk Philadelphia' signs dotted around, encouraging you on which way to go. It also has some of the most bike lines, as well as one of the biggest fleets of hire bikes in the country, so be sure to use them when you can.

• If you need to use a transit system, it's a relatively straightforward process. It's known as SEPTA, and is one of the biggest around, meaning you can get wherever you need to in Philly quickly. Like most major cities, you can get a card, load a dollar value (or a weekly, daily, monthly fare) on there and ride until your heart's content.