Philadelphia Is Charming, Not Dangerous!

If you’re sticking to downtown and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) area, there’s no need to worry about safety at all—this city is way more welcoming than some might think! 😊 🚄 Transportation: Amtrak Round Trip from New York I took Amtrak for the round trip, and here’s a tip: you can sit anywhere you want on the train! A staff member will come around later to check your ticket, so no need to stress about assigned seats 🎫. 🗓️ One-Day Itinerary (No Backtracking!) Morning: Downtown Historic Spots & Art Philadelphia City Hall Right after getting off Amtrak, take the subway directly to City Hall. The building has both a front and back entrance—make sure to wander both sides! Its grand, intricate architecture is perfect for photos, and it’s right in the heart of the city 🏛️. Independence Hall & Liberty Bell From City Hall, walk to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell (Google Maps will lead you the way!). These are Philadelphia’s most iconic historic spots—don’t forget to snap a photo of Independence Hall with a $100 bill (it’s printed on the back!) 🇺🇸. The Liberty Bell is free to visit, though you might wait in a short line. Philadelphia Museum of Art Hop on a bus to the Philadelphia Museum of Art—this is a must for art lovers! Even if you’re not into art, the "Rocky Steps" outside are famous for a reason (channel your inner Rocky and run up them for a fun photo op). Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and more 🎨. Noon: Lunch in Chinatown Take a bus to Philadelphia’s Chinatown to refuel! I tried two spots: Cha San Qian (Tea Third Thousand): I’d heard this bubble tea chain is super popular overseas, and it didn’t disappoint—their milk tea was smooth and not too sweet 🧋. Emei Restaurant: We had lunch here, and while the food was decent, let’s be real—it can’t compare to authentic Chinese restaurants back home. The average cost per person was around $35, which is pretty standard for Chinatown in the U.S. 🍜. Afternoon: Sweet Treat & UPenn Campus Franklin Ice Cream Next stop: Franklin Ice Cream! I grabbed a scoop (or two…) and it was delicious—creamy, rich, and the perfect pick-me-up on a walk 🥣. Pro tip: Try their seasonal flavors if they have them! UPenn Campus & Lin Huiyin’s Former Residence Take the subway to UPenn’s campus—it’s sprawling, green, and filled with beautiful red-brick buildings. Don’t miss Lin Huiyin’s former residence, which is now a cozy used bookstore 📚. The owner is friendly, and you can browse shelves of old books or pick up a small souvenir. Wander a few more campus corners—UPenn’s vibe is calm and academic, a nice break from the downtown bustle 🎓. Evening: Head Back to New York After exploring UPenn, walk to the subway and head back to the Amtrak station. The whole day was perfectly timed—no rushing, no missed spots, and a great taste of what Philadelphia has to offer! By the time I got back to New York, I was tired but happy—this one-day trip was the ideal way to experience Philadelphia’s charm without feeling overwhelmed ✨. #Philadelphia #NewYork #USADayTrip #PhiladelphiaTravel #NewYorkToPhiladelphia #CityWalk