In One Day

If you're the kind of person who can't get through the morning without a cup of joe, then stop by any one of the city's amazing coffee shops for your morning fuel. If, on the other hand, breakfast is your mainstay, stop by the Reading Terminal Market for a sit-down meal (and brief tour of one of Philadelphia's most vibrant landmarks). Once you're done, head to your jumping-off point. Start: Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market.

1. Independence Visitor Center

Open from 8:30am, this is where you can park, pick up your tickets to Independence Hall -- and get oriented for the day ahead. Need a map? A tricorn hat? A bathroom break? This is the place to take care of business before you head across the street to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

2. Independence Hall

You're smart if you've come to this place first thing in the morning. As the day gets underway, the line for tours (held every 15 min.) can get quite long. Your visit to the original seat of the U.S. government will tell of the birth of the country's founding documents: the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Remember, if you remain within the fenced area around the Hall, you won't have to go through another security screening when you go to your next stop.

3. The Liberty Bell

Depending on your interest level, you can either spend some quality time in the modern house of this historic symbol -- or you could zip on through in 15 to 20 minutes. The Bell has always resonated most powerfully as a symbol. See it, get your photo taken with it, and you're pretty much done.

Walk north on 5th Street for 2 long blocks.

4. Christ Church Burial Ground

At this cemetery, you'll find the modest graves of Deborah and Benjamin Franklin, along with those of four other signers of the Declaration of Independence. Scour your pockets for a penny to toss onto Ben Franklin's grave, Philadelphia's equivalent of making a wish in Rome's Trevi Fountain.

Lunch in Old City

A nice, sit-down lunch at an Old City restaurant is a great way to experience Philadelphia's rich dining scene -- without spending all your own riches. Some places for fancier fare include Fork at 3rd and Market, Buddakan at 3rd and Chestnut, Amada at 2nd and Chestnut, Society Hill Hotel Restaurant at the corner of 3rd and Chestnut, and Farmacia on 3rd Street between Market and Chestnut. For a quick meal, grab a sandwich from Sonny's at 2nd and Market, or in the cafe section of Fork or Farmacia

Still in Old City, head to Market Street between 3rd and 4th streets.

5. Franklin Court

Alas, Ben and Deborah Franklin's home is not much more than excavated foundations and outdoor privy wells encased by a reconstructed frame that delineates the structure's original dimensions. What's most interesting here are the exhibits: a mirrored room dedicated to Franklin's far-flung passions, phones where you can hear international luminaries' opinions of Franklin, and a cleverly staged doll drama in three acts. Ben rented the adjoining houses for his printing company, newspaper publishing company, and post office. Employees at the post office will hand-stamp your souvenir postcards.

Walk back to 3rd Street, cross Market Street, walk past shops and galleries (no one's looking, if you want to pop on in), cross Arch Street, and head right (east) 1 1/2 blocks to:

6. Betsy Ross House

No one is certain whether this dwelling actually belonged to the nation's most famous seamstress, but the Betsy Ross House does do a great job of telling the story of the country's first Stars and Stripes. Touring the home is not a bad way to quickly get acquainted with the, er, snug joys of Colonial living, either. The front courtyard is a nice spot to take a rest, or to talk to a "Once Upon a Nation" actor.

Walk north a half-block on 2nd Street to:

7. Elfreth's Alley

The oldest continuously inhabited street in America is easy to miss. Wedged on a narrow, cobblestone thruway off 2nd Street between Race and Arch streets, the alley will be on your left, to the east, toward Front Street.

Even if you don't head into no. 126, the Mantua Maker's House (mantua means "cape"), for a $2 visit, read the historical markers to learn more about this microcosmic melting pot block. (And notice the house's busybody mirrors that let residents see who was at their doors.) A visit to the mini-Visitor Center and gift shop at no. 124 is free: Pick up a postcard or ask a question.

Double back on 2nd toward Market Street.

8. Christ Church

You can't miss the marvelous white steeple of this 1727 church. Light still streams through a grand Palladian window, illuminating the spot where Pennsylvania founder and Philadelphia planner William Penn was baptized, and where George and Martha Washington and Ben Franklin worshiped. The church's congregation still worships here, so plan accordingly.

Continue on 2nd to Chestnut Street, walk another block, and head either to one of Independence Park's many shaded benches, or, if you're feeling more ambitious, directly to your next stop.

9. Carpenters' Hall

America's interior political disagreements aren't new: They date back at least to 1774, when this modest guildhall became the site of great debate over what to do about those pesky royals. Those handy with tools will also appreciate the exhibit of Colonial building methods.

Cheesesteak Break -- If you're in need of a break and a bite to eat, you might as well get your cheesesteak fix. The most popular place within reasonable walking distance is Jim's Steaks at 4th and South streets, although you'll find plenty of lunch trucks that fry 'em up along your way.