How to Spend a Fall Weekend in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is particularly easy to explore in the fall. Cooler temperatures make the city’s neighborhoods more enjoyable on foot, while October brings a full calendar of exhibitions, theater, film, sports and outdoor events. For a weekend that covers both sides of the Schuylkill River, split your stay between Rittenhouse Square and University City.

Day One

Afternoon

Check into AKA Rittenhouse Square, located directly across from Rittenhouse Square Park. Settle into your suite, then head out to explore the neighborhood on foot. Walk through the park, browse the shops along Walnut Street and take in the changing leaves before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Evening

Stay close to home for dinner at a.kitchen, AKA Rittenhouse Square’s acclaimed restaurant. The seasonal menu from Executive Chef Eli Collins pairs French inspired cooking with an award winning wine program, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely fall dinner. Afterward, head next door to a.bar for cocktails or a glass of wine in its intimate setting.

If you’re looking for a show, continue the evening along the Avenue of the Arts. During October, Philadelphia Theatre Company presents Liberation at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre from October 9 through 25, while Girl from the North Country runs at the Arden Theatre through October 25.

Day Two

Morning

Start Saturday at the Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market, held around the perimeter of Rittenhouse Square. Pick up fresh produce, baked goods and seasonal treats before setting out for the day. Philadelphia has farmers’ markets throughout the city during the fall, including Clark Park Farmers’ Market in University City and Headhouse Farmers’ Market in Society Hill.

Afternoon

Make your way west to University City and check in to AKA University City. Settle into your suite and take in the panoramic Philadelphia views before heading out to explore the neighborhood.

Spend the afternoon walking through the University of Pennsylvania campus and along the Schuylkill River. For families, continue to the Philadelphia Zoo for an afternoon with more than 1,900 animals across its 42 acre campus in Fairmount Park. Cooler fall temperatures make it an especially enjoyable time to explore the zoo’s outdoor habitats and family attractions.

Evening

Return to AKA University City and head up to Level28 to take in the panoramic skyline views. Spend the evening enjoying the property’s elevated amenities, from the indoor pool and outdoor terrace to a drink in a.lounge.

Day Three

Morning

Start the morning with a walk along the Schuylkill River Trail before heading back toward Center City. Fall is a lively time for Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, with seasonal street festivals, harvest celebrations and Oktoberfests taking place throughout the city.

Afternoon

Make Sunday a quintessential Philadelphia day with lunch and an afternoon in Center City. Browse the shops around Rittenhouse Square or head to Reading Terminal Market for a taste of some of the city’s favorite local foods.

And, of course, fall in Philadelphia means football. When the Eagles have a home game, South Philadelphia fills with fans heading toward Lincoln Financial Field, bringing a distinctly Philadelphia energy to the city.

Evening

End the weekend back in Rittenhouse Square with dinner and one final walk through the park. From seasonal dining and farmers’ markets to football, festivals and crisp days spent outdoors, fall offers plenty of reasons to make a weekend of Philadelphia.