Our first full day in Philadelphia was packed with history and a great mix of sightseeing and relaxing. We kicked things off at the Museum of the American Revolution, and what a fantastic place it turned out to be. The exhibits were engaging and beautifully done—definitely one of the better museums we’ve visited in a while. We only made it about halfway through before deciding it was time for a break. Lunch at the museum café hit the spot, and after that we took a quick walk back to the car to check on the dog.

In the afternoon, we kept the historical theme going with visits to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize advance tickets were needed to go inside Independence Hall, so we had to settle for viewing it from the outside this time around. Still, the atmosphere in the area was rich with history and well worth the stop.

Next, we made our way to the Benjamin Franklin Museum, which added a nice personal layer to all the big-picture Revolutionary history we’d seen earlier. It was interesting to dive into the life of Franklin—his inventions, writings, and all the quirky bits that made him who he was.

For dinner, we headed to Shay’s for some classic Philly cheesesteaks—and they did not disappoint. The rolls were perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside, packed with juicy, flavorful steak and gooey melted cheese. It was exactly the kind of local comfort food we were craving after a full day of sightseeing. Simple, satisfying, and totally hit the spot.

We wrapped up the day by heading back to our Airbnb, which is actually a huge two-story house that’s over 100 years old. At 1,800 square feet, it’s surprisingly spacious for a city rental. We probably wouldn’t want to live here long-term—it’s got that older house charm with a few quirks—but it’s perfect for a couple of days while we explore Philly.