Solo Travel Philadelphia
If you’re planning a solo trip to Philadelphia in the USA, this article will help you discover things to do alone in Philly. Find out how to get to Philadelphia, how to get around Philadelphia and recommended places to stay if you’re in Philly alone. I hope this inspires you to solo travel Philadelphia.
N.b. If you book through this page for your Philadelphia solo travel, I donate to organisations helping vulnerable girls in conflict zones. Thank you for helping. Lisa x
About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a fantastic destination for solo travellers, offering a blend of history, culture, and vibrant city life. Stroll through the charming streets of Old City, where you can visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, or explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art and run up the famous “Rocky Steps.” The city’s walkability makes it easy to discover local gems, from cosy coffee shops in Rittenhouse Square to eclectic boutiques in South Street.
Solo dining is easy here with numerous cafes and restaurants offering a welcoming atmosphere. Try a classic Philly cheesesteak or sample diverse cuisines in Reading Terminal Market. For a peaceful retreat, Fairmount Park offers scenic trails and plenty of green space
Philly is also the home of “The Mural Mile”, a mapped route around the neighbourhood that showcases some of the most well-crafted wall murals and graffiti I have ever seen.
South Philly is bounded by South Street, the Delaware River and the Schuylkill River and is roughly 21 square kilometres in size. Most Philly residents are extremely proud of this area and say it is the heart and soul of the city. And it’s easy to see why, as the creative vibe is almost tangible.
The atmosphere of South Philly is incredibly creative, artistic and picturesque. The pot plants, strings of coloured lights in the trees and colourful bikes and retro Vespas all make you feel like you have just found one of the friendliest places in the whole country.
Top Things To Do in Philly Alone
1. Get Arty
One of my top things to do in Philly alone is to see the Mural Mile which is by far my favourite part of Philadelphia. It’s a mapped route, along which you will find 17 of the city centre’s most iconic and popular murals.
The route is actually 2.5 miles long by foot so don’t let the name fool you! Luckily there will be endless restaurant and bar options to choose from along the way, if you fancy a refreshing pint or a glass of wine along the way.
What’s incredible about these gigantic pieces of art is that the craziest murals have adopted the 3 dimensional format! When you approach one from a distance, you feel like you are looking at a life-like, optical illusion. Only when you stand directly underneath the mural, you see how the artist has actually incorporated traditional sculpting techniques that lift parts of the graffiti off the wall.
Philadelphia is known for its vibrant murals and you can join this Public Art Tour which is a small-group walking tour that takes you through South Philly’s Queen Village and Bella Vista neighbourhoods to see some of the city’s most striking public art.
2. Explore The City on Foot
South Philadelphia is proud of its Italian heritage. If you have seen the movie called Rocky, you may also remember a scene where Sylvester Stallone runs through an area of run-down streets. In real life the market area where Rocky trains is a vibrant street with stalls of fruit, vegetable, butcher meats and Italian produce, like mouth watering cheeses and a variety of pastas. It’s definitely worth a look around and you can take an Italian Market tour to discover the area (it’s even been featured in the Michelin Green Guide of Philadelphia!)
There are lots of other walking tours you can take in the city. You can join an Old City walking tour to see 10 of the main sights. Walk in the footsteps of America’s Founding Fathers and stop at Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, and Elfreth’s Alley.
Or, if you don’t feel like walking around the city, there’s this Philadelphia half-day group tour that covers the best of Philadelphia and picks you and drops you off at your accommodation.
For something a little bit different, take your own wine (or beer) and hop aboard a sightseeing trolly tour to visit some of the top sites such as Love Park, City Hall, the Liberty Bell and more.
Stalls at the Italian Market
3. Eat Your Way Around The City
Reading Terminal Market is a great spot to visit, especially if you don’t mind having a snack or staying for a bigger meal. Reading Terminal Market claims to be the oldest farmer’s market in America. You can take a Reading Terminal Market tour to meet others if you don’t want to explore yourself.
I recommend one doughnut stall in particular – just head left and keep walking towards the very end of the market, where you will find Amish or “Dutch” pastries and doughnuts, a tradition of the Lancaster County. They are just incredibly crunchy on the outside but absolutely melt in your mouth. You can take an Underground Donut tour to eat the donuts with others.
I would have these every day if I lived in Philadelphia! Here you can also find lots of ethnic vendors side by side with Philly Cheese Steaks. A Philly Steak is actually a bread bun stuffed with beef and some sauce. Most guide books state that DiNic’s Roast Pork and Beef is the best sandwich in America.
Actually, the Travel Channel voted this delicacy as the top dog. When I tried one, my expectations were incredibly high. I remember thinking “yeah it’s a bread bun with some meat and sauce”. I’m not sure if it’s worth the hype but luckily it fit the price bracket of a solo traveller just fine.
If you are a foodie, there are plenty of food tours you can do. From an Italian Market tour to a Flavours of Philly Tour on a 2.5 hour culinary walk. There’s even a Secret Food Tour through the central and historical areas of the city.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
4. Visit The Museums
This museum has an impressive selection of pieces by Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso and Cézanne amongst others. As the collection is huge, you may want to plan your visit around the must-sees and then see how much time you have left to explore the rest.
Many tourists actually flock all the way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art – not because of the Picassos and Van Goghs – but because of Rocky Balboa. The statue of Rocky stands by the main stairs leading up to the entrance.
Any given time there will be a small queue forming in front of the Stallone statue, as everyone wants a picture with Rocky. As I was traveling solo and as I’m not great with selfies, I took photos of other people’s aunts and uncles instead. I also had a great time watching someone try to recreate the scene from the Rocky movie where Stallone trains at the museum stairs, running up and down for ages. You can see the famous Rocky steps on a Philly movie sites tour where you get to see various filming locations from the Rocky franchise including the famous steps!
If you like museums, there are several that you can visit. At the Museum of the American Revolution you can dive into Philadelphia’s rich history and discover the birthplace of the United States. Tucked away in the heart of the Historic District, surrounded by other key colonial landmarks, the museum brings the Revolutionary War to life with fascinating artefacts, like George Washington’s headquarters tent, that tell the story of the nation’s fight for independence.
Or visit the Penn Museum to see the largest university museum in the US. Take your time exploring the extensive collections on a self-guided tour, where you can dive into the rich history of archaeological finds from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
If you’re a fan of maritime history, you can experience the rich maritime history of Philadelphia along the Delaware River at the Independence Seaport Museum. This museum is home to the Cruiser Olympia, Admiral Dewey’s renowned flagship from the Battle of Manila Bay, and the Submarine Becuna.
5. Delve Into The History
Philly has so much history and some that may surprise you. Ever heard of “Scarface” Al Capone? The Eastern State Penitentiary is where he was held. This is one of America’s most historic prisons. At the prison you can visit the hospital, the synagogue, the soup alley or the dining halls and the prison cells.
You can learn more about the history on walking tours which not only educate you, they help you to find your bearings around the city and you get exercise and meet others too!
Explore Philadelphia’s historic core on this Constitutional Walking Tour covering 1.25 miles, you’ll visit over 20 key sites, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the National Constitution Center, with a special look at Independence National Historical Park.
Join this history walking tour to learn more about Philadelphia’s history. Your guide, with a history degree, will take you to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and other key sites in America’s Birthplace of Independence. Discover the favourite spots of the nation’s founding fathers and other notable figures.
If you’re keen to delve into Philadelphia’s rich African-American history, there’s a Black Journey African-American History Walking Tour, where you’ll uncover compelling stories from the past, such as the courageous escape of Martha Washington’s handmaid and the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church by a Black pastor. The tour doesn’t just focus on history; you’ll also get to visit key landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Congress Hall. It’s a chance to experience the vibrant cultural tapestry of Philadelphia while learning about the profound contributions of African-Americans to the city’s heritage.
6. Explore The City At Night
The evening can always be a bit challenging when you’re in a city alone. If you’re one of those travellers who like to explore the city instead of being curled up in your hotel room with a book or the TV, there are plenty of things you can do at night alone in Philly.
If you feel comfortable enough going alone, you can take a dinner cruise and enjoy a buffet meal and a DJ. Or discover the city’s secret bars and spots on a night out with other visitors. This Secret Bars tour has a maximum of 10 people so you can get to know the others as you venture into five different bars in Philly.
There’s also a Liberty History pub crawl where you can discover the hidden history of the City of the Brotherly Love at some of Philadelphia’s iconic bars. If it’s something spookier that you need, consider an evening ghost tour by candlelight instead.
If it’s more sightseeing that you’re after, you can even explore the city at night on a bus tour and see Philadelphia lit up and illuminated from the comfort of your chair.
7. Venture Outside Philly
If you have some days to spare, you can take a trip to the Amish country, seeing working farmers, and visiting the Amish Village Museum to learn more about its heritage and traditions whilst shopping for Amish goods too! * Check rates & availability: Amish day tour
Or take a half-day driving tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park. Follow in the footsteps of the Continental Army and see the National Memorial Arch, Washington’s Headquarters. This park is one of the most important Revolutionary War landmarks in the country. * Check rates & availability: Valley Forge National Park
The Civil War Memorial
Tours in Philadelphia
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including Philadelphia. Choose from a Founding fathers historical walking tour, a Segway adventure or a Philadelphia sightseeing bus tour.
Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are several to book as a solo including a Revolutionary women walking tour and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. Read my review here or click the link below for all tours. * Check rates and availability for GYG Philadelphia tours
Viator – Viator are similar to Get Your Guide. They are an American company and a tour platform with more than 345,000 tours and worldwide activities. Choose from an old city historic walking tour in Philadelphia, a dark Philly adult night tour with tales of vampires and haunted attractions, to a trolley tour of the city where you can bring your own alcohol and mingle with others. Read my Viator review or click the link for all their tours. * Check rates and availability for Viator tours
Accommodation in Philadelphia
There is a wide choice of accommodation in Philadelphia but if you are backpacking here, hostels are limited. Instead, you’ll find international chain hotels, boutique hotels, apartments and bed and breakfasts.
If hotels are too pricey for when you want to travel, there is also Airbnb which offers rental accommodation on a short-term basis and rooms in Philadelphia with a local. You can stay in a private room in a local’s house or rent their whole apartment.
All of the accommodation below have been recommended by solo female travellers and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other Philadelphia accommodation click on the link below. * Check rates and availability for all accommodation in Philadelphia
Apple Hostels of Philadelphia – $
For those on a budget looking for shared accommodation, Apple Hostels of Philadelphia is a sociable hostel offering dormitory rooms and private rooms in a great location (near the Museum of the American Revolution). You can break the ice with the other guests by challenging them to a game of pool or on the Xbox.
If you’re there on selected nights you’ll receive a complimentary dinner and drink too. It’s easy to meet others here to explore the city with. Choose from a bed in a 4 or 6 bed female-only dormitory room, a twin room or a standard queen room. * Check rates and availability for Apple Hostels
ROOST Rittenhouse – $$
Located a short walk from the Mutter Museum, the ROOST Ritterhouse is a great choice if you’re looking for an apartment to stay in, especially in the Downtown area. These stylish studios come with a fully equipped kitchen as well as a dining table and a flat-screen TV if you need some entertainment in the evenings.
You can rent bikes to explore the city and there’s a 24-hour desk so it doesn’t matter if you arrive late. Choose from a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a view of the city. * Check prices and availability for ROOST Rittenhouse
The Notary Hotel Autograph Collection – $$$
This historic hotel with gorgeous architecture and decor is a stunning hotel with a lovely courtyard. Its location is perfect to able to walk around the city, and if you don’t feel like dining at the on-site restaurant and bar, it’s only a short walk to Reading Market for even more food choices.
The rooms are clean and spacious and come with soundproofing, a coffee machine, and a refrigerator. Choose from a queen room, a studio suite, a one-bedroom suite, or a king room. Or upgrade to a signature king, a city view queen, or a pure wellness room. So many choices! * Check rates and availability for The Notary Hotel Autograph Collection
Philly Suburban Station
Getting Around Philadelphia
Getting around Philadelphia is easy with loads of options depending on where you’re heading. Philly is a very walkable city due to its great city planning that favours pedestrians. The city’s grid-like layout makes it perfect for walking, especially in spots like Old City, Rittenhouse Square, and Center City. The area around South Philadelphia or “South Philly” are best experienced by foot. The city centre hotels and shopping opportunities are also within close proximity of one another.
If you do decide to hire a car, be mindful of parking, as it can be a bit tricky in the city. There are plenty of parking garages, or you might find street parking in residential areas. I recommend taking a Philly bus hop-on hop-off bus tour to get your bearings when you arrive and you get to stop off at the sights too.
If you need to cover more ground, SEPTA is the citys’ transport system. The subway’s Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line whisk you to key areas, while buses and trolleys take you to those hidden corners of the city.
If you prefer to cycle, Philly’s bike-friendly vibe is perfect for you. With bike lanes aplenty and the Indego bike share programme, you can pedal your way through the city. Or, if you don’t feel confident cycling alone, you can join this Philly bike tour peddling along a scenic trail, with your guide beside you. And if you’re after convenience, Uber and Lyft are just a tap away.
How To Get To Philadelphia
Getting to Philadelphia is fairly easy, and you’ve got a few options depending on where you’re coming from and how you prefer to travel.
1. By Air – If you’re travelling from afar, flying is the quickest option. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the main airport serving the city, located just 7 miles southwest of downtown Philly. It’s a major hub, so you’ll find plenty of direct flights from major cities across the U.S. and internationally. * Check flight prices here.
From the airport, you can easily get into the city via the SEPTA Regional Rail, which takes about 25 minutes to reach Center City, or by taxi, Uber, or Lyft. You can feel more confident by pre-booking an airport transfer with Hoppa to ensure there is someone there to collect you when you arrive at the airport.
2. By Train – Travelling by train is a comfortable and scenic way to get to Philadelphia. Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station is a major hub for Amtrak trains, making it well-connected to cities along the East Coast. If you’re coming from places like New York City, Washington, D.C., or Boston, the train is a fantastic option. The Acela Express is the fastest service, but there are also plenty of other options, depending on your budget and schedule.
3. By Bus – Buses are a budget-friendly way to reach Philadelphia. Greyhound, Megabus, and BoltBus: These companies offer routes to Philadelphia from various cities. The buses usually drop you off at locations close to downtown, such as the Greyhound Terminal or 30th Street Station. It’s a bit slower than the train, but it’s cost-effective and still convenient. The buses should offer wifi and USB charging sockets.
4. By Car – Driving to Philly gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Philadelphia is well-connected by major highways like I-95, I-76, and I-476. If you’re coming from New York City, it’s about a 2-hour drive down the New Jersey Turnpike. From Washington, D.C., it’s roughly a 2.5-hour drive via I-95.
5. By Train (International) – If you’re coming from Canada, for instance, you could take a train to a nearby city and then connect to Amtrak for the final leg to Philly. It’s a relaxed way to travel, though it does take longer than flying.
6. By ATV – For those who prefer the freedom of the open road consider hiring an RV and driving yourself around the USA stopping in Philadelphia on the way. As a solo traveller, you’ll have plenty of space for your accommodation, your own transport and possibly a kitchenette too. In most cases, they deliver to a specific location or park, so the home-away-from-home will be ready and waiting for you on arrival. Plus, you can bring your pet! * Book a campervan with RVshare
Connecting from Nearby Cities. If you’re already in a nearby city like New York, Baltimore, or Washington, D.C., getting to Philadelphia is easy. Here’s an idea of how long each one takes:
- New York City: About 90 minutes by Amtrak, 2 hours by bus, or around 2 hours by car.
- Baltimore: Around 1.5 hours by Amtrak, 2 hours by bus, or 2 hours by car.
- Washington, D.C.: Roughly 2 hours by Amtrak, 3 hours by bus, or 2.5 hours by car.
About the Author
About the AuthorRaisa has spent time travelling solo in the US and especially on the East Coast. Raisa fell in love with the Amish doughnuts at the Reading Terminal Market. Raisa was also enchanted by the artistic and creative vibe of the city and if she was ever to spend longer periods on the US continent, she’d seriously consider Philadelphia or “Philly” as her top spot.
