Best walking routes in Philadelphia

20 routes ranked on sights, efficiency, hills & length — real foot distance and elevation.

3.8 scoreHills 1/108.6 kmBest Mar–May, Oct
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Ranked routes

Same score for every walk. Click a card to expand details on the map.

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#1
Viewpoint

One Hour in Philadelphia: A Short Walk

1 hour

6 stops1.7 km55 min

1.7 kmdistance55 minwith stops6stops+0 mgain
4.1 sights7.4 efficiency0.0 hills8.3 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 20 min+ up to 4 h insides+0 m climb along route
  1. National Constitution Center
  2. Christ Church Burial Ground
  3. Independence Visitor Center
  4. Museum of the American Revolution
  5. Independence National Historical Park
  6. Independence HallUNESCO
6–13 m

Photo: ViewpointMys 721txCC BY-SA 3.0

5.2/10
#2
Viewpoint

Philadelphia in One Day: Walking Itinerary

One day

17 stops13.4 km4 h 50 min

Inside visits push a full day to ~6 h 30 min.

Inside: Independence National Historical Park (~1 h) + Independence Hall (~40 min). Estimates only.

13.4 kmdistance4 h 50 minwith stops17stops~6 h 30 minfull day+94 mgain
4.3 sights7.5 efficiency1.6 hills6.6 length
Open in Google Maps 1/2 ↗Open in Google Maps 2/2 ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 3 h+ up to 5 h insides+94 m climb along route
  1. Benjamin Franklin Bridge
  2. National Constitution Center
  3. Christ Church Burial Ground
  4. Independence Visitor Center
  5. Independence National Historical Park (inside ~1 h)
  6. Independence HallUNESCO (inside ~40 min)
  7. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
  8. Reading Terminal Market
  9. LOVE Park
  10. Philadelphia City Hall
  11. Academy of Music
  12. Rittenhouse Square
  13. Franklin Institute
  14. Rodin Museum
  15. Eastern State Penitentiary
  16. Rocky Steps
  17. Fairmount Park
0–29 m

Photo: ViewpointBeyond My KenCC BY-SA 4.0

5.1/10
#3
Viewpoint

Philadelphia in 2 Hours on Foot

2 hours

10 stops5.2 km2 h 20 min

5.2 kmdistance2 h 20 minwith stops10stops+25 mgain
4.0 sights7.3 efficiency0.4 hills5.1 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 1 h 10 min+ up to 4 h insides+25 m climb along route
  1. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
  2. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
  3. Philadelphia City Hall
  4. Reading Terminal Market
  5. National Constitution Center
  6. Christ Church Burial Ground
  7. Independence Visitor Center
  8. Museum of the American Revolution
  9. Independence National Historical Park
  10. Independence HallUNESCO
6–20 m

Photo: ViewpointAcabashiCC BY-SA 4.0

4.6/10
#4
Viewpoint

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Philadelphia

Walking tour

11 stops9.8 km3 h 25 min

9.8 kmdistance3 h 25 minwith stops11stops+76 mgain
4.8 sights7.7 efficiency1.3 hills0.0 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 2 h 10 min+ up to 4 h insides+76 m climb along route
  1. Benjamin Franklin Bridge
  2. National Constitution Center
  3. Independence National Historical Park
  4. Independence HallUNESCO
  5. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
  6. Reading Terminal Market
  7. Philadelphia City Hall
  8. LOVE Park
  9. Rodin Museum
  10. Franklin Institute
  11. Rittenhouse Square
-1–20 m

Photo: ViewpointBeyond My KenCC BY-SA 4.0

4.5/10
#5
Viewpoint

Parks of Philadelphia in 2 Hours

Parks

5 stops3.4 km1 h 30 min

3.4 kmdistance1 h 30 minwith stops5stops+20 mgain
2.3 sights7.6 efficiency0.3 hills9.8 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 45 min+20 m climb along route
  1. LOVE Park
  2. Logan Circle
  3. Schuylkill River Park
  4. Hidden River Outfitters
  5. Rittenhouse Square
-3–20 m

Photo: ViewpointDaderotPublic domain

4.5/10
#6
Viewpoint

Center City, Philadelphia: Walking Route

DistrictCenter City

11 stops6.3 km2 h 40 min

6.3 kmdistance2 h 40 minwith stops11stops+37 mgain
4.3 sights7.8 efficiency0.6 hills1.9 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 1 h 25 min+ up to 4 h 20 min insides+37 m climb along route
  1. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
  2. Rittenhouse Square
  3. Franklin Institute
  4. LOVE Park
  5. Philadelphia City Hall
  6. Reading Terminal Market
  7. National Constitution Center
  8. Christ Church Burial Ground
  9. Independence Visitor Center
  10. Independence National Historical Park
  11. Independence HallUNESCO
3–24 m

Photo: ViewpointAcabashiCC BY-SA 4.0

4.5/10
#7
Viewpoint

Museums of Philadelphia in 2 Hours

Museums

8 stops4.0 km1 h 35 min

4.0 kmdistance1 h 35 minwith stops8stops+45 mgain
1.5 sights8.0 efficiency0.7 hills8.5 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 55 min+ up to 5 h 20 min insides+45 m climb along route
  1. Museum of the American Revolution
  2. New Hall Military Museum
  3. Independence Visitor Center
  4. National Constitution Center
  5. The African American Museum in Philadelphia
  6. Philadelphia History Museum
  7. Library Company of Philadelphia
  8. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
3–24 m

Photo: ViewpointBeyond My KenCC BY-SA 4.0

4.1/10
#8
Viewpoint

Colleges & Universities of Philadelphia

Signature Colleges

5 stops4.4 km1 h 25 min

4.4 kmdistance1 h 25 minwith stops5stops+41 mgain
2.0 sights7.9 efficiency0.7 hills7.3 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 1 h+ up to 1 h 20 min insides+41 m climb along route
  1. Academy of Music
  2. Philadelphia City Hall
  3. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
  4. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
  5. University City
2–20 m

Photo: ViewpointVersatile AureCC BY 2.0

4.1/10
#9
Viewpoint

Churches & Cathedrals of Philadelphia Walk

Churches

5 stops5.0 km1 h 50 min

5.0 kmdistance1 h 50 minwith stops5stops+38 mgain
1.5 sights8.7 efficiency0.6 hills5.6 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 1 h 5 min+ up to 1 h 20 min insides+38 m climb along route
  1. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
  2. Christ Church Burial Ground
  3. Congregation Mikveh Israel
  4. Christ Church
  5. Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
-1–18 m

Photo: ViewpointWiki publiusPublic domain

3.8/10
#10
Viewpoint

Easy Flat Walk in Philadelphia (Kids & Stroller Friendly)

Easy walk

11 stops9.7 km3 h 25 min

9.7 kmdistance3 h 25 minwith stops11stops+42 mgain
3.6 sights7.5 efficiency0.7 hills0.0 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 2 h 15 min+ up to 4 h 20 min insides+42 m climb along route
  1. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
  2. Franklin Square
  3. Benjamin Franklin Bridge
  4. National Constitution Center
  5. Christ Church Burial Ground
  6. Independence Visitor Center
  7. Independence HallUNESCO
  8. Independence National Historical Park
  9. Museum of the American Revolution
  10. Christ Church
  11. USS New Jersey
0–22 m

Photo: ViewpointCamera Operator: PH3 BRYANTPublic domain

3.7/10
#11
Viewpoint

Philadelphia Loop Walk from Independence Hall

Loop

19 stops7.1 km3 h 10 min

7.1 kmdistance3 h 10 minwith stops19stops+12 mgain
1.7 sights7.3 efficiency0.2 hills4.3 length
Open in Google Maps 1/3 ↗Open in Google Maps 2/3 ↗Open in Google Maps 3/3 ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 1 h 35 min+ up to 6 h 40 min insides+12 m climb along route
  1. Independence HallUNESCO
  2. Independence National Historical Park
  3. Society Hill
  4. Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
  5. The Irish Memorial
  6. Spruce Street Harbor Park
  7. Independence Seaport Museum
  8. Christ Church
  9. Betsy Ross House
  10. The 'Real World' House
  11. Museum for Art in Wood
  12. Franklin Court
  13. Walnut Street Theatre
  14. Museum of the American Revolution
  15. New Hall Military Museum
  16. Congregation Mikveh Israel
  17. National Museum of American Jewish History
  18. Liberty Bell Center
  19. Congress Hall
0–16 m

Photo: ViewpointZiko van DijkCC BY-SA 3.0

3.4/10
#12
Viewpoint

Old Town of Philadelphia in 2 Hours

Old town

8 stops4.9 km1 h 45 min

4.9 kmdistance1 h 45 minwith stops8stops+6 mgain
1.8 sights5.9 efficiency0.1 hills6.1 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 1 h 5 min+ up to 2 h insides+6 m climb along route
  1. Washington Square
  2. Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
  3. The Irish Memorial
  4. Independence National Historical Park
  5. Congregation Mikveh Israel
  6. Franklin Court
  7. Christ Church
  8. Benjamin Franklin Bridge
0–16 m

Photo: ViewpointBev Sykes from Davis, CA, USACC BY 2.0

3.3/10
#13
Viewpoint

Philadelphia Museum Walk

Museums

11 stops10.7 km3 h 15 min

10.7 kmdistance3 h 15 minwith stops11stops+47 mgain
2.4 sights8.2 efficiency0.8 hills0.0 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 2 h 20 min+ up to 7 h 40 min insides+47 m climb along route
  1. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
  2. Franklin Institute
  3. Rodin Museum
  4. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
  5. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
  6. Library Company of Philadelphia
  7. Philadelphia History Museum
  8. National Constitution Center
  9. Independence Visitor Center
  10. Museum of the American Revolution
  11. Philadelphia Contemporary
-3–22 m

Photo: ViewpointMichael BareraCC BY-SA 4.0

3.3/10
#14
Viewpoint

More of Philadelphia on Foot: Self-Guided Walk

More Sights Walk

6 stops5.2 km1 h 40 min

5.2 kmdistance1 h 40 minwith stops6stops+50 mgain
1.3 sights7.3 efficiency0.8 hills5.1 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 1 h 10 min+ up to 2 h insides+50 m climb along route
  1. The Comcast Center
  2. The Mütter Museum
  3. Rosenbach Museum and Library
  4. Fitler Square
  5. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
  6. The Woodlands
-5–27 m

Photo: ViewpointJeffrey M. VinocurCC BY 2.5

3.3/10
#15
Viewpoint

2 Days in Philadelphia: Walking Itinerary

Multi-day

2 days52 stops35.5 km

19.1 kmdistance6 h 50 minwith stops25stops+52 mgain
2.1 sights7.9 efficiency0.9 hills0.0 length
Open Day 1 in Google Maps 1/4 ↗Open Day 1 in Google Maps 2/4 ↗Open Day 1 in Google Maps 3/4 ↗Open Day 1 in Google Maps 4/4 ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 4 h 20 min+ up to 6 h 40 min insides+52 m climb along route
  1. Benjamin Franklin Bridge
  2. National Constitution Center
  3. Christ Church Burial Ground
  4. Independence Visitor Center
  5. Philadelphia History Museum
  6. Franklin Square
  7. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
  8. Reading Viaduct
  9. The Met Philadelphia
  10. Philadelphia Contemporary
  11. USS Olympia
  12. Christ Church
  13. Franklin Court
  14. Museum of the American Revolution
  15. Congregation Mikveh Israel
  16. Independence National Historical Park
  17. Independence HallUNESCO
  18. Washington Square
  19. Walnut Street Theatre
  20. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
  21. Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
  22. Spruce Street Harbor Park
  23. Adventure Aquarium
  24. Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
  25. USS New Jersey
0–26 m

Photo: Viewpoint颐园居CC BY-SA 4.0

3.2/10
#16
Viewpoint

Hidden Gems of Philadelphia in 2 Hours

Hidden gems

8 stops5.4 km2 h

5.4 kmdistance2 hwith stops8stops+24 mgain
0.8 sights7.7 efficiency0.4 hills4.5 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 1 h 15 min+ up to 1 h 40 min insides+24 m climb along route
  1. Reading Viaduct
  2. Masonic Temple
  3. Academy of Music
  4. Library Company of Philadelphia
  5. Washington Square
  6. Congregation Mikveh Israel
  7. Franklin Court
  8. Spruce Street Harbor Park
3–22 m

Photo: ViewpointDthomsen8Public domain

3.1/10
#17
Viewpoint

Philadelphia Parks Walk

Parks

9 stops11.1 km3 h 35 min

11.1 kmdistance3 h 35 minwith stops9stops+40 mgain
2.0 sights8.1 efficiency0.7 hills0.0 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 2 h 30 min+40 m climb along route
  1. Reading Viaduct
  2. Franklin Square
  3. LOVE Park
  4. Logan Circle
  5. Rittenhouse Square
  6. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
  7. Spruce Street Harbor Park
  8. Race Street Pier
  9. Penn Treaty Park
-5–19 m

Photo: ViewpointsashafatcatCC BY 2.0

3.1/10
#18
Viewpoint

Easy Parks Walk in Philadelphia

Parks

9 stops8.6 km3 h

8.6 kmdistance3 hwith stops9stops+30 mgain
2.0 sights8.2 efficiency0.5 hills0.0 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 1 h 55 min+30 m climb along route
  1. Reading Viaduct
  2. Franklin Square
  3. Race Street Pier
  4. Spruce Street Harbor Park
  5. Society Hill
  6. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
  7. Rittenhouse Square
  8. Logan Circle
  9. LOVE Park
-4–19 m

Photo: ViewpointJeffrey M. Vinocur; cropped by Beyond My Ken (talk) 17:30, 3 July 2015 (UTC)CC BY 2.5

3.1/10
#19
Viewpoint

Philadelphia Old Town Walking Tour

Old town

11 stops10.2 km3 h 25 min

10.2 kmdistance3 h 25 minwith stops11stops+59 mgain
1.7 sights7.7 efficiency1.0 hills0.0 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 2 h 15 min+ up to 3 h insides+59 m climb along route
  1. Benjamin Franklin Bridge
  2. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
  3. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
  4. Masonic Temple
  5. Washington Square
  6. Independence National Historical Park
  7. Congregation Mikveh Israel
  8. Franklin Court
  9. Christ Church
  10. The Irish Memorial
  11. Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
-1–22 m

Photo: ViewpointZiko van DijkCC BY-SA 3.0

2.9/10
#20
Viewpoint

Hidden Gems of Philadelphia: Off-the-Beaten-Path Walk

Hidden gems

11 stops9.5 km3 h 15 min

9.5 kmdistance3 h 15 minwith stops11stops+62 mgain
1.1 sights7.8 efficiency1.0 hills0.0 length
Open in Google Maps ↗
Stops & elevation
Walking only 2 h 5 min+ up to 1 h 40 min insides+62 m climb along route
  1. Reading Viaduct
  2. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
  3. The Met Philadelphia
  4. Logan Circle
  5. Masonic Temple
  6. Liberty Place
  7. Academy of Music
  8. Library Company of Philadelphia
  9. Washington Square
  10. Franklin Court
  11. Spruce Street Harbor Park
3–33 m

Photo: ViewpointSmallbonesPublic domain

2.6/10

Hills: higher = steeper along the walk. Stairs (when shown): metres of mapped stairways near the route — approximate, not a step countvisit times are estimates.

Philadelphia walking stats

From the 21 rated routes233 stops total74 unique places.

Most climb2 Days in Philadelphia: Walking Itinerary — Day 2+186 m along route
Most stops / kmOne Hour in Philadelphia: A Short Walk3.6 stops per km
Least climbOne Hour in Philadelphia: A Short Walk+0 m along route
Most stairs2 Days in Philadelphia: Walking Itinerary — Day 2~42 m mapped stairways (approx., not step count)
Longest / shortest19.1 km1.7 km2 Days in Philadelphia: Walking Itinerary — Day 1 / One Hour in Philadelphia: A Short Walk
Places on routes74unique stop ids
How we score. Same formula for every route: Sights 50% (how notable the stops are)Efficiency 25% (less backtracking between stops)Hills 10% (how steep the walk is)Length fit 15% (distance vs the kind of walk). Stairs stay a fact in metres, not a quality bar. Avg score in the hero is the mean across all ranked walks.

Philadelphia FAQ

Short answers from this city’s data.

Best first-visit walk?
One Hour in Philadelphia: A Short Walk (1.7 km, 55 min with stops) ranks #1 here.
Best months to walk Philadelphia?
Mar–May, Oct are usually the nicest months for walking.
Shortest walk?
One Hour in Philadelphia: A Short Walk1.7 km, walking 20 min.
One hour in Philadelphia?
One Hour in Philadelphia: A Short Walk: walking 20 min, with stops 55 min, 6 stops.
One-day plan?
Philadelphia in One Day: Walking Itinerary: 17 stops, ~4 h 50 min on-route; suggested insides on marked stops; full day ≈ 6 h 30 min. Visit times are estimates.
Stairs and hills?
Hills is 10% of the score (higher = steeper along the walk). Stairs are not scored — when shown, they are metres of mapped stairways near the route (approximate; not a step count). Example: stairways ≈ 0 m.
Can I change stops?
Yes — open in Maps, edit, then paste into Lineo for a cleaner order.
Why are some Google Maps links split?
Google Maps caps how many stops fit in one directions link (we use 11). Longer walks are split into numbered buttons (1/2, 2/2, …). Open them in order — each part starts where the previous one ended.