Day Trip to Philadelphia from MetLife Stadium via Amtrak

Because of the density of the Northeast Corridor in the United States, staying in New Jersey for the World Cup gives you incredibly easy access to other major cities. If you have a few days off, taking a day trip down to Philadelphia is highly recommended. It is the birthplace of the United States, rich in colonial history, and features a distinct, gritty sports culture that rivals New York.

The Amtrak Strategy

Do not rent a car to drive to Philadelphia; the traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike can be punishing. Instead, take the Amtrak train from Newark Penn Station (not to be confused with New York Penn Station). The Amtrak Acela or Northeast Regional trains will whisk you to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station in exactly one hour. It is fast, comfortable, and drops you right in the center of the city.

The Perfect Philly Day Trip

• Historic Independence Mall:

  Start your morning in the historic district. You can see the cracked Liberty Bell (free to view) and tour Independence Hall, the exact room where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and signed.

• The Cheesesteak Pilgrimage:

  You cannot visit Philadelphia without eating a cheesesteak. While the famous tourist rivals (Pat's and Geno's) are fun for photos, locals argue that the best steaks are found at John's Roast Pork or Dalessandro's.

• The Rocky Steps:

  Head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Before going inside to see their world-class collection, run up the iconic front steps and raise your arms in victory, exactly as Sylvester Stallone did in the movie "Rocky."

Book your Amtrak tickets at least three weeks in advance. Unlike local commuter trains, Amtrak pricing fluctuates like airline tickets, and last-minute fares can be prohibitively expensive.