Morning

High Street Sweets. Rise early like founding father and famed Philadelphia resident Benjamin Franklin, and get to High Street on Market first thing for some of the city’s best house-baked breads and breakfast sandwiches. The also-excellent pastry selection changes seasonally — order a croissant and whatever tea cake is currently on the menu.

American History Tour. Most of Philadelphia’s rich American history can be explored within a few blocks. Start at the Liberty Bell — arrive when the center opens to beat the typically substantial crowds — and examine the symbol of freedom and its famed crack. Next, go across the street to Independence Hall to tour the grounds where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. (No tickets are required for the Liberty Bell, but stop by the Ranger’s Desk at the Independence Visitor Center for same-day tickets to Independence Hall.)

Midday

Beer Garden Break. Just across the street from the Liberty Bell, find the lively Independence Beer Garden. Break for a relaxing lunch and choose a local craft brew from a selection of 40 taps.

Flag Origins. A few blocks away, find the Betsy Ross House, where the legendary seamstress sewed the first American flag. Specialized audio tours are available for both adults and kids ages 4–8.

Afternoon

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream. The Franklin Fountain is a retro soda fountain just a few blocks from the exhibit (and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.) Order the house-made ice cream in a cone, or choose one of the giant sundaes, delivered in a Chinese takeout container.

Benjamin Franklin Artifacts. Back on Market Street, enter through a passageway to see the remnants of a home once owned by Benjamin Franklin. The Fragments of Franklin Court archaeological exhibit showcases artifacts found buried at the site.

Evening

Patriotic Dinner. Dubbed Little Lion for the nickname once given to Alexander Hamilton, the inviting restaurant is conveniently situated in historic Philadelphia and serves Southern-infused comfort foods, craft beer, and specialty cocktails. Relax in the lofty space that once housed a bank and plot out your next day.

Morning

Coffee and Doughnuts. Federal Donuts serves up fried dough made to order, so “hot fresh” sugar-rolled flavors like vanilla spice and strawberry lavender practically melt in your mouth.

Midday

Science Fun. The Franklin Institute science museum is chock-full of cool, hands-on fun. Permanent exhibits include the Sports Zone, where you can race against professional athletes, and high-speed cameras analyze your run, plus others that allow visitors to interactively explore electricity, the brain, and the heart. Rotating exhibitions are popular, as well, including those recently highlighting robots, dinosaurs, and 3-D printing.

Afternoon

Museum Options. If you don’t tour the art museum, opt for another nearby gem. Older kids might like the Mütter Museum — an oddball collection of medical curiosities and anatomical specimens, with highlights like Einstein’s brain and a plaster cast of conjoined twins Chang and Eng. For younger kids, the Please Touch Museum, with its hands-on exhibits and indoor carousel, is always a hit.

Evening

Dinner on the Parc. Parc, from Philadelphia-based restaurateur Stephen Starr, is right on Rittenhouse Square. The kid-friendly spot serves classic French bistro fare in a convivial atmosphere, and the tables outside offer lovely views of the leafy square.

Morning

Breakfast at Aqimero. Dine on Belgian waffles or eggs Benedict under the dome of the former bank building before setting out on another adventure-filled day. 

Midday

The Philadephia Zoo. Dating back to 1874, America’s first real zoo is spread out over 42 acres, with highlights like the unique Zoo360 animal trail system, which gives animals like gorillas and African lions more room to roam. Kid-friendly exhibits and educational programs are abundant, and when it’s time for a break, try a soft pretzel from the outpost of Philly Pretzel Factory, a local favorite.

Afternoon

Kelly Drive. After the zoo, head across the river to the bronze Playing Angels sculptures that reside on Kelly Drive and walk the path south to take in more public art and sweeping views of the Schuylkill. Keep your eyes peeled for boaters methodically rowing sculls from Boathouse Row.

Evening

Walnut Street Cafe. Just over the river in University City, this sleek-yet-casual sunny café has something for everyone. Choose from pasta and small plates to a porterhouse steak for two. Kids will love the house-made sodas and ice cream sandwiches for dessert.

Morning

Market Breakfast. A few blocks from the hotel, Reading Terminal Market is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating indoor farmers markets, with stalls selling everything from ice cream to Peking duck. Make for Beiler’s, where you’ll find Pennsylvania Dutch classics next to the M&M-topped and lemon cream-filled pastries.

Midday

Go Fish. Spend the morning at the Adventure Aquarium, just across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey. Kids 6 and under will enjoy the hands-on KidZone, while all ages can get up close to Nile hippos, stingrays, turtles, and the sharks that populate the 550,000-gallon Shark Realm.

Afternoon

River Rink. After the aquarium, come back across the Delaware River to the Blue Cross RiverRink. In warm weather, the rink hosts Summerfest, with roller skating, mini golf, and plenty of Philly-favorite treats, while in cold weather the rink transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating, a ski chalet-inspired lodge, and plenty of hot chocolate.

Evening

Diner Favorites. Helmed by the same team that runs Philadelphia’s award-winning restaurant Zahav, Rooster Soup Co. serves an updated take on classic diner food, with all of the profits going to a local charity. Try the house-made biscuits, smoked matzo ball soup, blue plate specials, and milkshakes. With mostly counter seating and only a few tables, it’s a good idea to make a reservation.

Morning

All Day Cafe. Start the day at Talula’s Daily on Washington Square. Pull up a seat in the charming all-day café and market (that also hosts nightly “secret” supper club dinners) for a cup of La Colombe coffee and a freshly baked muffin or full breakfast made with local cheese and eggs.

Magic Morning. Perhaps the most whimsical spot in the city, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is an indoor and outdoor gallery on South Street meticulously covered in colorful mosaics, thanks to local mosaic mural artist Isaiah Zagar. Tour the creative, offbeat space, filled with found objects and sculptures, and have your camera handy — there are countless backdrops for prime picture taking. Lines can be long on the weekends, so arrive when it opens at 11 a.m.

Midday

Italian Specialties. Visit the Italian Market, America’s oldest outdoor market, and pop into Di Bruno Bros. cheese shop, Claudio’s, and other mom-and-pop vendors who have been selling specialty foods on Ninth Street for years.

Water Ice. After strolling the Italian Market, in summer indulge in a refreshing John’s Water Ice. Choose from the fresh fruit flavors that the family-run shop has been making since 1945, and remember not to call it Italian ice here.  

Afternoon

Mural Arts Trolley Tour. Philadelphia is home to a staggering number of murals, mostly thanks to the nation’s largest public arts program: Mural Arts. Book one of their themed tours to explore the “world’s largest outdoor art gallery” by trolley.

Evening

An Electric Evening. One of the five original public squares William Penn laid out when planning the city, Franklin Square is now home to a mini golf course featuring Philadelphia’s historic landmarks, a charming carousel, a spacious playground, and a picturesque fountain in the center of it all. Come for a casual dinner at SquareBurger and treat yourself to a Cake Shake, infused with Tastykake butterscotch krimpets, a hometown favorite.

Morning

Breakfast in the Art District. Stop into Sabrina’s Café for a hearty breakfast before making your way to the nearby museums. Arrive early to beat the crowds of locals eager for egg scrambles and the famous stuffed French toast drizzled with vanilla bean syrup.

Midday

Parisian Sculptures. Channel your inner Francophile during a visit to the Rodin Museum, which houses the largest collection of the artist’s work outside of Paris. The garden is particularly lovely, featuring a total of eight works, including “The Thinker.”

Intimate Art. Across the street from the Rodin Museum find the Barnes Foundation, a staggering, world-class collection of works from artists like Matisse, Degas, Picasso, and more. Stay for lunch at the café, overlooking the museum’s garden.  

Afternoon

The Champs-Elysee of Philadelphia. Walk down Benjamin Franklin Parkway — conceived in 1917 by French designers who were inspired by the Champs-Élysée — to reach the Philadelphia Museum of Art. If you’re not suffering from art exhaustion, stroll through a few of the institution’s some 200 galleries, or just jog up the stairs, a la Rocky Balboa, to get a stunning skyline view of the city.

Riverside Views. Continue walking up the bike path next to Kelly Drive for picturesque views of the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row.  

Evening

Philadelphia Fine Dining. Philadelphia is among the best food cities in the country, and restaurants like Vernick prove it. Helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Greg Vernick, the seasonally focused menu, bar program, and warm ambiance — set in a former townhouse — are close to perfect.

Cocktails Under the Dome. Return to The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, and unwind with a cocktail or glass of wine in the opulent lobby bar.

Morning

Coffee and History. Before seeing the historic sites, stop into the Philadelphia-based La Colombe for a latte to go. As you make your way to the Museum of the American Revolution, pause while passing Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Midday

Revolutionary Museum. Spend the morning exploring the city’s newest historic spot, the Museum of the American Revolution. Visitors can experience several interactive elements, peruse the collection of manuscripts and objects of the era, and examine General Washington’s war tent.

Market Lunch. Walk the aisles of Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest indoor markets in the country, and try to narrow down your lunch options among the array of new and old vendors. DiNic’s makes a stellar roast pork sandwich (ask for it with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone) and treats yourself to a scoop of Bassetts Ice Cream afterward.

Afternoon

Old City Shops. Stroll the independent boutiques populating the quaint Second and Third streets in Old City for small-label clothing brands, design-centric home goods, and unique jewelry and souvenirs.

Spa Break. Relax and recharge with an aromatherapy or couple’s massage at the Richel D’Ambra Spa & Salon.

Evening

Fancy Food. Acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval’s Aqimero is another example of outstanding Philadelphia dining. The Latin American flavors are fused in a modern, sustainable way, and the wood-fired oven creates delectable steaks and seafood. Don’t miss the restaurant’s sushi and ceviche bar, raw bar, and extensive mezcal collection.