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Eastern State Penitentiary and around
A day in Philadelphia · 9:30–17:15 · 4 stops
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mapvivid.com/philadelphia/itineraries/eastern-state-penitentiary-and-aroundA walking day around Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky Steps, with a lunch break nearby and The Barnes Foundation to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Eastern State Penitentiary ↗1 hBook ahead
Atmospheric former prison once home to Al Capone.
- Allow 2 hours with the audio tour
- Dress for weather; much is outdoors
↓ 13 min walk
10:452Philadelphia Museum of Art ↗2 h 30 minAt night · Allow a few hours
Grand art museum with vast European and American collections.
- Pay-what-you-wish on first Friday evenings
- Check the Perelman Building for special shows
Lunch
13:15Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 2 min walk
Afternoon
14:303Rocky Steps ↗1 hSunset
The famous steps from the movie Rocky, with city views.
- Run up for the classic photo
- Rocky statue is at the base to the right
↓ 13 min walk
15:454The Barnes Foundation ↗1 h 30 min
Renowned collection of Impressionist and modern masterpieces.
- Timed tickets recommended
- Galleries are arranged in the founder's ensembles
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Philadelphia tips
Transportation
- Use a SEPTA Key: SEPTA buses, subway and trolleys accept the SEPTA Key card and contactless payment, which is easier than paying cash.
- Walk Center City: Center City is compact and grid-based, so walking between Old City, Rittenhouse and Chinatown is easy.
- Take the Airport Line: SEPTA's Airport Line regional rail links the airport with Center City stations.
Local Hacks
- Run the Rocky Steps: Climb the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for city views and a photo with the Rocky statue.
- Try a soft pretzel: Philly-style soft pretzels are a local snack sold at bakeries and stands all over town.
- Go to Spruce Street Harbor Park: In warmer months this waterfront park has hammocks, lights and food stalls.
Saving
- Visit free sights: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and many historic sites in Independence National Historical Park are free.
- Eat at the markets: Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market offer cheap, filling meals from local vendors.
- Check pay-what-you-wish times: Some museums offer pay-what-you-wish or free hours; check their websites before you go.
Security
- Stay alert at night: Some neighbourhoods and transit stations are less safe after dark; stick to busy streets and use rideshares late.
- Watch your belongings: Keep phones secure on the subway and in crowds around Independence Hall and the Reading Terminal Market.
- Avoid unlicensed rides: Use official taxis or rideshare apps rather than accepting rides from strangers near stations.
Cultural
- Try a cheesesteak: Philly's famous sandwich comes in many styles; locals debate whether to order with or without onions and cheese type.
- See the murals: Philadelphia has thousands of public murals; the Mural Arts programme offers tours.
- Tip for service: Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars in the US, usually a percentage of the bill.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect hot humid summers: Summers can be sticky; wear breathable clothes and plan indoor breaks in museums.
- Bundle up in winter: Winters are cold with occasional snow; pack a warm coat, hat and gloves.
- Enjoy spring and fall: These seasons are mild and pleasant; bring layers and a light jacket for cool evenings.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/philadelphia/itineraries/eastern-state-penitentiary-and-around
Day 2 of 29:30–17:154 stops
Eastern State Penitentiary and around
A walking day around Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky Steps, with a lunch break nearby and The Barnes Foundation to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hAtmospheric former prison once home to Al Capone.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Allow 2 hours with the audio tour
- Dress for weather; much is outdoors
📷 Photos
13 min walk
210:45 · 2 h 30 minGrand art museum with vast European and American collections.
- Tip: At night
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Pay-what-you-wish on first Friday evenings
- Check the Perelman Building for special shows
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:15
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps2 min walk
Afternoon
314:30 · 1 hThe famous steps from the movie Rocky, with city views.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Run up for the classic photo
- Rocky statue is at the base to the right
- Sunset gives great skyline views
📷 Photos
13 min walk
415:45 · 1 h 30 minRenowned collection of Impressionist and modern masterpieces.
3 tips
- Timed tickets recommended
- Galleries are arranged in the founder's ensembles
- Bags must go in lockers
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Philadelphia. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.