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Want to have a blast in Philadelphia without opening your wallet? No problem! There are countless ways to enjoy the city for free. From historic landmarks to brewery tours, we’ve rounded up the best options. Seasonal and special events are listed at the end.
25 FREE THINGS TO DO IN PHILADELPHIA
1. Pizza Brain
A museum dedicated entirely to pizza! (2313 Frankford Ave, 19125)
2. Bartram’s Garden
This garden has deep roots as America’s oldest botanical garden. (5400 Lindbergh Blvd, 19143)
3. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Take a free self-guided tour of the unfurnished home where Poe lived—and dare to explore the basement! (532 N. 7th St, 19123)
4. Franklin Square
Relax in one of the city’s oldest parks, sketched into William Penn’s original plan. (200 N. 6th Street, 19106)
5. Institute of Contemporary Art
Get up close to an original Andy Warhol painting here. (118 S. 36th St, 19104)
6. Independence National Historical Park
This National Park unit includes Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center (you can no longer ring the bell). Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. From March through December, entry requires a timed ticket. No tickets are needed in January and February. Tickets are FREE; same-day distribution (non-reserved) tickets are available at the Independence Visitor Center. Advance reservations cost a $1.50 handling fee per ticket. (Independence Hall: 520 Chestnut St, 19103 – between 5th and 6th; Liberty Bell: N 6th St and Market St, 19106)
7. Yard’s Brewing Company
Free tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. (901 N Delaware Ave, 19123)
8. United States Mint
Watch coins being made! The free self-guided tour takes about 45 minutes. (151 N. Independence Mall E, 19106)
9. Schuylkill River Trail
Walk along this riverfront path for easy access to the Schuylkill Banks.
10. Yoga on the Race Street Pier
Free hour-long yoga sessions are held here daily. Kids and pets are welcome! Times vary by day and season. Donations appreciated. (Race St & N. Columbus Blvd, 19106)
11. Spruce Street Harbor Park
Relax in a hammock at this park—a perfect spot to escape the heat with a book or sunglasses. (301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, 19106)
12. Reading Terminal Market
One of the largest and oldest public markets in the US, operating since 1893. Open 8 am to 6 pm daily. (51 N 12th St, 19107)
13. Drexel University College of Medicine Bookstore
Test your nerves by viewing the dissected nervous system of Harriet Cole, the college’s former cleaning lady. (2900 W Queen Lane, 19129)
14. The Fabric Workshop and Museum
Explore a new medium at this creative space. (1214 Arch St, 19107)
15. Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
Shoe enthusiast? See hundreds of pairs dating back to Ancient Egypt. Free entry, but you must schedule your visit in advance. (148 N. 8th St, 19107)
16. Chemical Heritage Foundation
Engage your inner scientist here. (315 Chestnut St, 19106)
17. Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial
Bring a friend or meet someone new at the whispering bench. (Kelly Drive at Girard Avenue, south of Girard Avenue Bridge, 19130)
18. The Rocky Statue
Run up the steps, then down again for a selfie with the Rocky Statue! It’s now at the bottom of the steps leading to PhilaMOCA. (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Center City, 19130)
19. Awbury Arboretum
Free and open to the public for nearly 100 years. Explore 55 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, once home to a Quaker family. (1 Awbury Road, 19138)
20. Fireman’s Hall Museum
Ever dreamed of being a firefighter? Continue that dream here. (147 N. 2nd Street, 19106)
21. The Dream Garden
A mosaic of 100,000 pieces of Tiffany Glass in the lobby of the Curtis Center. (699 Walnut St, 19106)
22. Mount Moriah Cemetery
Visit this newly cleaned-up cemetery where over 80,000 people are buried. (6310-6312 Cobbs Creek Pkwy, 19142)
23. John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Explore trails and spot over 300 bird species across 1,000 acres at this nature preserve. (8601 Lindbergh Blvd, 19153)
24. Gayborhood
Stroll through this quaint neighborhood west of City Center. (NW corner of the square, S. Broad Street & Chestnut St, 19107)
25. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Take a free tour to learn more about the center. Also, a handful of free shows are offered each month. (300 Broad St, 19102)
SEASONAL + SPECIAL EVENTS
- First Friday – On the first Friday of every month, rain or shine, over 40 art galleries open from 5–9 pm. Most are between Front and Third streets or Market and Vine streets.
- Barnes Foundation – free Sundays (2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, 19130-3602)
- Outdoor Movies – on the banks of the Schuylkill River at two locations: Walnut Street Bridge and Wharton Street Esplanade at Grays Ferry Crescent.
- Creative Mornings – an inspiring new guest speaker each month.
- PHIT Comedy – free intro improv workshops (2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103)
- Disc Golf – free at Sedgley Woods outside of Philly Open (33rd Street & Oxford Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121)
Which of these have you tried? Did we miss anything?
MORE RESOURCES
- Lonely Planet Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Foldable Map
- 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Philadelphia
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
CAROLINE + ERIN
They are freelance web designers and photographers who love finding adventure, big and small. The two make a daily practice of sharing vulnerabilities, truth-telling, and side-splitting laughter. They’ve honed the art of traveling fast and doing all of the things that an adventurer can do in a day or two. The couple lives in Asheville, North Carolina and spend as much time as possible in the mountains.
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