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Budget-conscious travelers, rejoice!
It’s super easy to spend a few days (or more) seeing the sites in Philadelphia without spending much at all.
Here’s what’s free to do in Philly: quintessential historic attractions (like the Liberty Bell Center and other attractions in Independence National Historical Park); outdoor waterfront hangs (like Schuylkill River Banks and Cira Green); world-renowned murals and public art (Rocky Statue and the LOVE sculpture) and much more.
Plus, there are a handful of pay-what-you-wish opportunities at some of Philadelphia’s top museums.
Here’s our guide to more than 50 of the best free things to do in Philadelphia.
Free
One of the most iconic symbols in U.S. history, the 2,080-pound Liberty Bell stands proudly on Independence Mall, the centerpiece of the expansive, light-filled Liberty Bell Center.
It’s completely free to see the nation’s most famous bell up close and explore the facts and myths surrounding the Bell via larger-than-life historic documents and images, but you might have to wait in line. The iconic cracked gong makes for a stellar photo backdrop with Independence Hall in the background behind glass-windowed walls.
Know before you go: You must first pass through a security screening to see the Liberty Bell.
Where: Liberty Bell Center, 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (with $1 advanced ticket purchase during select times)
Step back in time as you step inside Independence Hall, the place where the Founding Fathers signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The UNESCO World Heritage Site opens to the public daily for tours.
While a visit to the site is free, advanced online ticket reservations require a $1 handling fee. The site also offers a daily “open house” with no tickets required, typically from 9 to 9:50 a.m., but check ahead to confirm.
Don’t miss: Perk up your ears and listen to the Centennial Bell ring each hour from the clock tower of Independence Hall.
Where: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
The gateway to all things Philadelphia, the Independence Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin a visit to the region.
Just a stone’s throw from some of Philadelphia’s most popular attractions like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, visitors can get a free comprehensive orientation to the culture, history, shopping and dining options available throughout the region from the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Visitors can also find out the open hours for attractions and even snag some discounted theater tickets.
Don’t miss: The free welcome film in the center’s theater
Where: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
The heart of Old City and Society Hill — also known as Philadelphia’s Historic District — is formed by multiple seminal locations that make up Independence National Historical Park.
After snapping photos in front of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, head into Old City Hall to see the Supreme Court Chambers, which do not require tickets and where entrance is first-come, first-served.
Also free on this block: The President’s House (more on that below), the Franklin Court Printing Office and more.
Don’t miss: See highlights of the park for free with guided Twilight Tours every evening from May through September.
Where: Various locations including Franklin Court Printing Office, 318 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
With over 4 million visitors a year, it’s no wonder the Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art are two of the most essential things to do in Philadelphia.
Bonus: They’re both free. Recreate film history by running up those iconic steps and cherish the spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline, or snap a photo with the iconic statue at the top. (For inexpensive ways to head inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, keep reading.)
Don’t miss: The Parkway Visitor Center & Rocky Shop at the base of the famous staircase
Where: Rocky Statue and Steps, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
The official name might be John F. Kennedy Plaza, but around here we call it LOVE Park due to the large-scale sculpture that millions visit each year to snap the ultimate Philly selfie.
Robert Indiana’s famous Love sculpture — originally installed in 1976 — got a glow-up in 2018, as did the surrounding park, now offering more green space and a high-tech water feature that’s popular in the summer.
Expect to wait in line to snap a photo, but know that it moves quickly.
Don’t miss: The AMOR sculpture — a Spanish-language version of the LOVE sculpture — on display at Sister Cities Park, just a short walk from LOVE Park
Where: LOVE Statue, 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
The free-to-stroll-through Elfreth’s Alley was home to 18th-century artisans and tradespeople who were the backbone of colonial Philadelphia. While a metropolitan city has sprung up around it, the alley now preserves three centuries of evolution.
Philadelphia citizens still occupy these homes, showing off old-fashioned flower boxes, shutters, Flemish bond brickwork and other architectural details. Two adjacent houses, No. 124 and No. 126, built in 1755, are now a museum and open to the public (for a small fee).
Don’t miss: Bladens Court — the alley-within-the-alley named after a biscuit maker — located between two of the street’s homes (No. 115 and No. 117)
Where: Elfreth's Alley, 124-126 Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA
After an extensive restoration, the revitalized and revamped First Bank of the United States reopened to the public for the first time in 50 years on July 1, 2026.
Visitors can expect to see the interior and exterior of the historic bank gussied up and looking finer than ever. Themed exhibitions in the retooled interior space invite visitors to learn all about Alexander Hamilton’s visionary plan to create a central banking system to support our new nation.
Know before you go: Check the attraction’s open hours ahead of a visit on the official website or at the Independence Visitor Center.
Where: First Bank of the United States, 120 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
See where the first American soldiers made their icy winter home way back when at Valley Forge National Historical Park — the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of General George Washington and the Continental Army.
Explore Revolutionary-era historic artifacts and structures (such as soldiers’ huts) across the site’s 3,500 acres by car, by bike or on foot, and enjoy recreational play like biking (rentals are available), picnicking and hiking with the whole family (including pets).
Don’t miss: The park also offers numerous tours for a fee, including an hour-long self-guided audio tour, plus hiking, biking and regularly scheduled trolley tours.
Where: Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA
Free (seasonal)
Learn fascinating details about our nation’s earliest “celebrity” citizens in the places where the history actually happened.
In Philadelphia’s Historic District, professional storytellers tell three-to-five-minute tales around public Once Upon A Nation benches.
Grab a flag at one of the benches, fill it up with stars as you visit other locations and then head to the Independence Visitor Center to get a certificate and a special surprise at nearby Franklin Square (see below).
Know before you go: Check the official site for a list of current bench locations.
Where: Various locations including the Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
The President’s House: From Enslavement to Emancipation (formerly Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation) is an open-air exhibit located next to the Liberty Bell Center.
At the site, visitors can learn more about the nation’s first executive mansion, where Presidents George Washington and John Adams lived during their terms — and where nine enslaved people served the first president.
While the original building was demolished in 1832, the foundation was unearthed in 2000 during construction of the Liberty Bell Center.
Know before you go: The National Park Service removed the interpretive panels at the President’s House on January 22, 2026. Following a series of federal court rulings, the National Park Service completed the replacement of the original interpretive panels with a new exhibit on July 15, 2026.
Where: President's House, 600 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
See the spot where Founding Fathers like George Washington, John Adams and Patrick Henry first began sowing the seeds of freedom years before officially declaring independence from England.
In 1774, delegates from 12 colonies gathered at Carpenters’ Hall for the First Continental Congress to vote in support of a trade embargo against Great Britain — one of the first acts of defiance against the King.
Learn how these meetings led to the birth of a nation, while kids can hunt for answers on a scavenger hunt.
Know before you go: Check the official site for current open hours.
Where: Carpenters' Hall, 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (suggested donation)
Take a journey through 360 years of Jewish history at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History as you peruse thousands of artifacts, documents, images, original films and interactive media displays — all free to visit (with suggested donation).
The experience delivers rich tales that trace the path of the nation’s Jewish diaspora from struggling immigrants to integral citizens. The museum also hosts rotating and permanent ticketed exhibitions, so check the official site ahead of a visit.
Don’t miss: Be sure to snap a selfie with Deborah Kass’ OY/YO sculpture installed outside the museum entrance.
Where: Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
Free (donations appreciated)
Located in the renovated 1902 firehouse of Engine Company Number Eight — a descendant of Benjamin Franklin’s 1736 Union Fire Company — the Fireman’s Hall Museum offers lessons in the history, art and science of firefighting through exhibits featuring historic fire trucks dating back to the 1800s.
Kids can try on firefighting gear like coats and boots, take an interactive when-to-call-911 quiz and learn about the nation’s earliest hand- and horse-drawn firefighting equipment and Philadelphia’s early “Franklin’s Volunteers.
Know before you go: The venue is free to visit, but donations are welcome.
Where: Fireman's Hall Museum, 147 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
The United States Mint, on the edge of Independence National Historical Park, can produce up to 47,250 coins per minute. Fortunately, it costs exactly zero of them to take a self-guided tour (offered each weekday and summer Saturdays) of the production process above the factory floor.
Interactive displays depict the many presidential and honorary commemorative designs made here, as well as early mint and coining equipment and rare and historic coins.
Don’t miss: Peter the Bald Eagle, an actual preserved bald eagle who lived in the mint for six years in the 1830s (and was an inspiration for coin designs)
Where: United States Mint, 151 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
Over five centuries of scientific discovery are packed into the walls of the Science History Institute. The permanent exhibition showcases hundreds of artifacts as well as interactive experiences and activities on themes that include food science, botany, wellness and more.
Also on view are multimedia works ranging from rare books and journals to photos and art. All-ages free programming includes tours of the Othmer Library of Chemical History, Gene-ius Quizzo, Stories of Science, themed “drop-in” tours and more.
Don’t miss: The Whole of Nature and the Mirror of Art exhibition featuring glass-mounted photo reproductions of engravings from 17th-century alchemical books
Where: Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (donations welcome)
From the outside, the Ryerss Museum and Library looks like a charming Victorian mansion in Northeast Philly. But on the inside, guests can find fantastic artifacts and oddities that the Ryerss — a family of traders and art collectors — acquired during their world travels.
On view: statues from Japanese Buddhist temples, European artwork, historic weapons, and a natural history collection of shells, minerals and even sea creatures. Visitors can request a tour or grab one of the site’s scavenger hunts if exploring with children.
Know before you go: Visitors can also pick up their next great read at the site’s independent circulating library.
Where: Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Free (donations suggested)
Benjamin Franklin founded the American Philosophical Society (APS) in 1743 with the mission of “promoting useful knowledge.” Located steps away from Independence Hall, the “oldest learned society” in the U.S. serves as a research library and a free museum with rotating exhibits.
Each year, the American Philosophical Society Museum curates an exhibit drawing from its vast collection of one million rare books, 2.5 miles’ worth of manuscripts and 3,000 historic artifacts such as maps, recordings of Native American language and scientific instruments.
Know before you go: Check the site’s robust calendar of events to see what’s coming up.
Where: American Philosophical Society Museum, 104 S. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA
When wealthy Philadelphia banker Stephen Girard died in 1831, he left the largest philanthropic gift in American history up to that point — equivalent to $120 billion in today’s money — to create a school for poor orphans (today known as Girard College, which welcomes students in grades 1 to 12).
The Founder’s Hall Museum details Girard’s life (including his history as a slave owner), the architectural history of the 43-acre campus and the evolution of the school’s student body.
Know before you go: Each month, the museum hosts a weekend open house. Check the official site for more information.
Where: Founder's Hall Museum at Girard College, 2101 South College Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s only and oldest surviving colonial tavern — established in 1759 — sits a few steps off Dock Street, snug between Old City and Society Hill. This one-of-a-kind bar once served local workers with beers on the first floor and sleeping quarters on the second.
The building has been restored with a first-floor taproom run by SUCCESSION Fermentory and a second-floor museum with prints, signs, maps and paintings reflecting the neighborhood’s history.
Know before you go: Follow along on Instagram for museum hours and public programming.
Where: A Man Full of Trouble, 127 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA
Located in the heart of North Philly’s El Centro de Oro neighborhood, Taller Puertorriqueño has been preserving and promoting Puerto Rican art and culture for more than 50 years as a community center, art gallery and event space for symposia, readings, film screenings, artist workshops and more.
The site regularly hosts rotating artist exhibitions as well as events like community concerts and the beloved annual Feria del Barrio block party during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Don’t miss: Author visits, cultural talks and bilingual books at the on-site Julia de Burgos Bookstore.
Where: Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia was founded in 1814 to provide knowledge through books, before the advent of a public library.
Today, this National Historic Landmark showcases Philly’s architecture, building and design legacy through a first-floor exhibition gallery, which features free rotating special exhibitions, and a stunning second-floor Reading Room. You can schedule a tour to see tons of old books and the library, or pop into free events like book clubs and film screenings.
Don’t miss: The Record of Strangers, the museum’s guest book signed by politicians, diplomats, scientists, and literary figures like Alexis de Tocqueville and the Marquis de La Fayette
Where: Athenaeum of Philadelphia, 219 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (donations encouraged for groups)
North Philadelphia’s Wagner Free Institute of Science — one of the few remaining Victorian-era scientific societies — is an extensive library, natural history museum and educational institution founded in 1855 by “gentleman scientist” William Wagner.
Take a step back in time as you explore the building’s 100,000-item collection that includes mounted birds and mammals, fossils, rocks and minerals, insects, shells, dinosaur bones and the first saber-tooth tiger bone discovered in America.
Know before you go: First-time visitors can ask for a scavenger hunt to guide exploration.
Where: Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Nearly a century old — and home to millions of books, maps, manuscripts and more — the towering Beaux-Arts-style Parkway Central Library is the largest in the 54-library system. Walk-ins are welcome for the site’s two free tours.
The Historic Building Tour covers the site’s architecture, history and resources (10 a.m. Monday/Tuesday and 2 p.m. Wednesday/Thursday), while the Rare Books Tour (11 a.m. Monday through Friday) highlights extraordinary literary artifacts — like the real-life, feathered inspiration behind Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven.
Don’t miss: Parkway Central Library — and other Free Library locations throughout the city — host thousands of free programs and workshops for adults and kids all year round.
Where: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
To find your way to the Comcast Technology Center, just look up and start heading toward the tallest building in the city. There, you’ll find The Universal Sphere, a domed theater offering an accessible, multilingual and free series of rotating films.
The short films run every 15 minutes each Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., including daily sensory-friendly shows. Reserve your complimentary tickets online up to 30 days ahead of your visit.
Know before you go: Check the official site to see what’s showing.
Where: The Universal Sphere at the Comcast Technology Center, 1800 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Located on the University of Pennsylvania’s West Philadelphia campus, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is a free-admission art museum founded in 1963 that’s been instrumental in showcasing the work of underrepresented, emerging and under-recognized artists.
Luminaries on display here over the years include Robert Mapplethorpe and Cy Twombly, museum debuts by Laurie Anderson and Robert Indiana, and Andy Warhol’s first-ever solo exhibit (which nearly caused a small riot).
Know before you go: Presented in kunsthalle style, ICA houses no permanent collection, which means every visit brings a fresh experience.
Where: Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Located in Market East in Center City, The Fabric Workshop & Museum (FWM) is a contemporary nonprofit arts organization with a free museum that celebrates modern art created from, on, and with fabric and other textiles.
The only museum of its kind in the world, FWM displays not only garments and apparel, but also drawings, paintings, sculptures and large installations. The museum’s collection also features more than 5,000 objects reflecting changing trends in contemporary art.
Don’t miss: Browsing the on-site gift shop for home goods, handbags and wearables
Where: The Fabric Workshop & Museum, 1214 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Yes, Fairmount Water Works is one of the most popular wedding venues in the city. But did you know that the architectural wonder once operated as the sole water pumping station for the entire city in the early 1800s?
Today, the attraction operates as an environmental education center teaching all-ages visitors about sustainable uses of land and water through exhibits and events. Highlights include the towering Jonval Turbine and a film about Philly water history.
Don’t miss: The site’s Mussel Hatchery Exhibition, where you can learn about how these small creatures help clean the water
Where: Fairmount Water Works, 640 Waterworks Drive, Philadelphia, PA
Moore College of Art & Design intentionally invites the public into its galleries for free as a way to connect the city’s residents and visitors to contemporary art from international and national artists, as well as active students and alumni.
The galleries host rotating artist and alumni exhibitions in addition to art-centered programming. Don’t miss the Black Lives Matter: Ceramic Mural, first created in 1975 by artist John Costanza and students and teachers at Philadelphia’s University City High School, now permanently housed at Moore.
Know before you go: The site is closed on Sundays.
Where: The Galleries at Moore College of Art and Design, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (with advance registration)
Hear sonorous sounds from some of the best rising musicians in the world as students enrolled at the Curtis Institute of Music perform free recitals multiple times a week. Esteemed faculty members — some of whom have toured the world playing and honing their craft — also hit the stage from time to time.
The elite Institute presents over 100 free performances a year, so be sure to practice your recital applause. Just make sure you reserve your complimentary spot ahead of time.
Don’t miss: Graduation recitals. They’ve been practicing so long for this!
Where: Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA
This premier Philadelphia arts organization offers two series of free film screenings.
The monthly Philly Film Showcase highlights new work by up-and-coming local filmmakers of all ages, levels and backgrounds, while the Monthly Community Screenings increase accessibility to movies that inspire, educate and challenge, as well as entertain.
The nonprofit partners with other area arts and advocacy organizations and local up-and-coming filmmakers to pair thought-provoking works with post-screening activities or talk-backs, digging deeper into themes from the movie or the filmmaking process.
Don’t miss: The chance to connect with the next generation of Philadelphia talent
Where: Philadelphia Film Society, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Quench your thirst and learn about locally made brews at Philadelphia Brewing Company (PBC), which offers free one-hour tours every Saturday at noon and 2 p.m.
The informal tour covers the basics of brewing, the history of the building and up-close views of the beer-making process. PBC’s five year-round hand-crafted ales — the Kenzinger, Newbold IPA, Walt Wit, Pennsylvania Pale Ale and PHL Session IPA — all pay homage to the city and the state.
Know before you go: Walk-ins are welcome, but if you’d like to secure your spot, use the online RSVP form.
Where: Philadelphia Brewing Company, 2440 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
A must-visit pit stop for epic skyline views is the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk from Locust Street to the South Street Bridge. Head to the ever-evolving greenway for year-round waterfront activities, from walking, jogging, skating and cycling to fishing, movie-watching, picnics, yoga and dog-walking.
Part of the Schuylkill River Trail — a growing 70-mile route from Philadelphia to Reading — Schuylkill Banks links the western edge of Center City north to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fairmount Park and Kelly Drive.
Don’t miss: The newest trail bridge extension at Christian Street, which opened in spring 2025. A 650-foot cable-stayed bridge stretches from Christian Street to the northern end of the Grays Ferry Crescent section at 34th Street, connecting visitors to Southwest Philadelphia.
Where: Schuylkill Banks and Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, 2501 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
When William Penn founded Philadelphia, he established five public squares that still welcome visitors centuries later.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (4)
Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Logan Square, 18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Rittenhouse Square, 1800 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Washington Square, 210 W. Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
Stroll through the fragrant flower gardens and riverside meadows at Bartram’s Garden, the nation’s oldest botanical garden and the place where gardening first took root in America.
Highlights include the country’s oldest ginkgo tree; the rare Franklinia tree saved from extinction (and named after our good friend Ben); the Bartram’s Mile segment of the Schuylkill River Trail popular with hikers, runners and bikers; and free boating activities launched from the site’s dock on the Schuylkill River.
Don’t miss: In addition to free entry, visitors can partake in fishing, enjoy free bicycle classes and rentals, movie nights and more.
Where: Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
A quarter-mile stretch of green space situated on the elevated former Reading Railroad tracks offers an urban retreat with rustic plantings, industrial artwork and plenty of benches.
The Rail Park is the first phase of a plan to transform a three-mile section of abandoned elevated and below-street-level rail lines stretching from Northern Liberties to Fairmount Park into green spaces where people can walk, bike, sit and admire the urban views.
Don’t miss: The very cool giant wooden swings that offer great skyline views
Where: The Rail Park, Broad and Noble streets to 11th and Callowhill streets, Philadelphia, PA
Free (donations accepted)
One of the oldest playgrounds in America, the always-free Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is best known for its circa-1905 Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, which — at 60 feet in length and 12 feet in width — can accommodate numerous kids at a time (and made a memorable appearance on Philly’s favorite TV show, Abbott Elementary).
The attraction’s massive outdoor playground also features over 50 pieces of equipment, while indoors, kids love the Stephen Starr Indoor Playground, Play-stallations and more.
Know before you go: The site closes on Mondays and has shorter open hours during the colder months.
Where: Smith Memorial Playground, 3500 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA
Located across the street from the iconic Smith Memorial Playground, The Discovery Center offers free, family-friendly nature programming and exploration centered around a revitalized reservoir in East Fairmount Park.
Visitors can borrow binoculars to go birding, explore indoor exhibits or just enjoy relaxing in the outdoor green space, which the Mid-Atlantic chapter of Audubon uses for research and conservation. On-site programs include activities like nature journaling and evening nighthawk watches.
Don’t miss: The center also serves as the home base for the Philadelphia Outward Bound School, which hosts regular Discovery Days with opportunities to try things like rock climbing.
Where: The Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA
Parks are even cooler when they’re sky-high. Located 12 floors up, this University City park in the sky is open year-round for chill hangs and free events most nights of the week.
While Cira Green opens at sunrise, the real fun happens April through October when Sunset Social launches live music, video gaming sessions, ice cream socials and outdoor Wednesday Movie Nights watched on a 60-foot screen. Concessions are available for a few bucks.
Don’t miss: Dogs and kids are always welcome to join the fun.
Where: Cira Green, 129 S. 30th Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Delaware River Waterfront has no shortage of alfresco chilling destinations with prime views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Cherry Street Pier’s resident artists regularly open their studios for free tours, while the attraction also features rotating photography and art exhibits, artisan markets, food festivals, PECO Multicultural Series concerts and First Friday activations.
Next door is social gathering hotspot Race Street Pier, popular for its amphitheater-style seating that wraps around the end of the pier.
Don’t miss: First Fridays at Cherry Street Pier featuring an artisans market, exhibitions and studio tours
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
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Race Street Pier, N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Free (with pay-as-you-go amenities)
From May to October, the eastern waterfront comes alive with light-strung trees, colorful hammocks, floating gardens, games and rotating food and drink vendors — all part of Spruce Street Harbor Park.
Also in the warmer months, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest boasts a carnival-like atmosphere on Penn’s Landing with pay-as-you-go roller skating, rides, mini-golf, and on-site food and drink, while Winterfest offers holiday lights and a festive atmosphere, plus ticketed ice skating and more.
Don’t miss: Lounging in a hammock at Spruce Street Harbor Park, a quintessential warm-weather Philly experience
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Enjoy prime wildlife watching at this 1,000-acre nature preserve in Southwest Philadelphia, the nation’s first national urban wildlife refuge and a designated Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society.
In addition to conservation work, the park hosts lots of free events and water adventures to choose from, including guided birdwatching and photography walks, hiking and biking across 10 miles of trails, archery lessons and more.
Leashed dogs are also welcome to join visitors on the trail.
Don’t miss: The hundreds of species of birds, animals, plants, trees and insects, including several endangered species, that live or fly through here
Where: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
With separate locations in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, historic garden cemeteries Laurel Hill East and West’s combined 265 acres provide ample opportunity to take in some stunning funerary art — including historic headstones and ornate mausoleums — all surrounded by towering trees.
Laurel Hill East’s peaceful grounds in the city’s East Falls neighborhood offer sweeping vistas of the Schuylkill River, while the tranquil Laurel Hill West in Bala Cynwyd boasts 10 miles of tree-lined, paved walking paths.
Don’t miss: The gravesite of longtime Phillies announcer Harry Kalas at Laurel Hill East. It’s adorned with a microphone monument and seats from Veterans Stadium, home of the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles from 1971 to 2003.
Where: Laurel Hill East, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Laurel Hill West, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Spanning more than 200 acres, the state’s largest cemetery offers a tranquil place to visit with rich history. Once abandoned, the historic cemetery — where Betsy Ross was once buried — has been undergoing restoration, including designation as a Level 1 arboretum.
Check out the list of notable people interred at the site — such as John Whitehead, half of Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now’s McFadden & Whitehead — or just wander through the paths.
Watch for bikers and hikers, as Cobbs Creek Trail passes through here.
Know before you go: The volunteer-run site opens on weekends only.
Where: Mount Moriah Cemetery, 6201 Kingsessing Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Once the estate of William Hamilton — grandson of famous Philadelphia lawyer Andrew Hamilton — The Woodlands now serves as the final resting place for some of Philadelphia’s most notable citizens, including artists Thomas Eakins and Rembrandt Peale, the Drexel and Biddle families, and surgical pioneer Dr. Samuel Gross.
Free and open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the active cemetery is the largest green space in West Philadelphia, perfect for strolling or mindful meandering.
Know before you go: The National Historic Landmark also hosts social events, exercise meet-ups and evening programs.
Where: The Woodlands, 4000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Opened to the public in 1976, this 48-acre Devon property has nearly 5,000 individual plants across 1,500 varieties, showcased throughout natural woodlands and native gardens.
Enjoy always-free access to the tranquil site rich in wildflowers like azaleas and rhododendrons. Walk or hike streamside, or relax on a bench while watching wildlife like turtles and frogs at the site’s peaceful pond.
The site also has a charming gift shop, with a small cafe and a nursery with plants for sale.
Know before you go: Although the site is open daily, the hours change seasonally.
Where: Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA
Philly’s parks and trails are calling — and almost all of them are free to enjoy!
Our guide to running and biking includes route lengths and recommended starting points for more than 20 scenic trails. Find acres of gardens, picnic spots, athletic fields and unbeatable skyline views in our guide to Philly’s top parks, including free entry to more than 15 gardens and arboretums.
Our roundup of spots for outdoor adventures highlights places for kayaking, horseback riding, fishing and more. And if you don’t know where to start, check out our comprehensive guide to Philly’s outdoor activities for a full rundown of what to do and where to go.
Don’t miss: Fairmount Park and Wissahickon Valley Park in Northwest Philadelphia offer family- and dog-friendly day trips accessible by public transit, car and bike.
Sometimes the best way to learn something new — or discover history that’s hidden in plain sight — is to explore on your own. Take advantage of Greater Philadelphia’s self-guided driving and walking tours — many of which are free! — that put you in control of when and how you explore top attractions and important historical sites.
Great for solo excursions or small groups, these self-guided explorations are an excellent way to uncover interesting facts about the region’s anti-slavery history, the encampment at Valley Forge National Historical Park and even the historic barns of Bucks County.
Don’t miss: Mural Arts’ self-guided tour to see some primo public art in the best city in the country for street art
Where: Various locations including Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philly’s vast public art collections transform the city into a giant outdoor art gallery, made free and accessible to all thanks to organizations like the Association for Public Art and Mural Arts Philadelphia, the nation’s largest public art program. Peruse our guide to essential public art in Greater Philadelphia for more on where to see these works.
Marvel over the city’s eclectic and artistic architecture at these free-to-visit historic homes and notable buildings, or steep yourself in art reflecting life at Black, Latino and AAPI cultural sites, monuments and more.
Don’t miss: An art-filled stroll along Philly’s Champs-Élysées, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Where: Various locations including Chinatown Friendship Gate, 10th & Arch streets, Philadelphia, PA
People often call Philadelphia a city of neighborhoods, and there’s no better way to get a taste of the City of Brotherly Love than to explore one of Philly’s many distinct areas.
Each neighborhood has its own personality, culture, attractions and hidden gems, which is why we created a tool with a handy map to help you navigate your way across the city and region, alongside curated neighborhood guides to help you explore.
Center City — the core of downtown Philadelphia — encompasses some of the city’s busiest, most densely packed, and most well-known cultural and historical neighborhoods, including Rittenhouse Square, Old City and Chinatown.
Heading north, south or west from Center City, hip enclaves (Fishtown), delicious corridors (East Passyunk), a veritable museum row (Logan Square/Fairmount) and more await.
Good for: Finding hidden gems and exploring like a local
Pay what you wish
The first Sunday of every month, the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) invites visitors to pay what they wish to explore the entire main building.
The museum’s holdings encompass more than 240,000 works spanning 4,000 years, including pieces from the ancient world, medieval times and the Renaissance, plus iconic impressionist, modern and contemporary works by renowned artists such as Cézanne, Duchamp and Dalí.
Bonus! PMA also offers pay-what-you-wish entry Friday after 5 p.m., typically alongside live music, snacks and drinks.
Don’t miss: Cézanne’s The Large Bathers and Duchamp’s Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even (The Large Glass)
Free (with registration)
On the first Sunday of every month, families can enjoy free admission (registration required) at the Barnes Foundation, along with themed art activities and live performing arts.
One of the world’s most important collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modernist paintings by renowned artists like Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso and Van Gogh joins American paintings and decorative arts, metalwork, African sculptures, and more — all presented in collector Albert C. Barnes’ distinctive arrangements.
Don’t miss: Native American textiles, jewelry and ceramics
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Have a SEPTA Key card? Keycard holders can save money through discounts on museums, shops and even food and drink.
Get $2 off general admission tickets at participating museums when you present your valid SEPTA Key card at each site. Note that the perk does not include special exhibitions and cannot be combined with other offers.
Use the drop-down menu to sort discounts by category, with new perks added regularly.
Don’t miss: A discount on admission to the only-in-Philly Eastern State Penitentiary, which once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone and Willie Sutton.
Where: Various locations including Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
What started in 1991 by a small group of Old City galleries as a collaborative open house has blossomed into a citywide custom.
Here’s how it works: Every first Friday of the month, starting at 5 p.m., art galleries open their doors to the public, with crowds flowing and local artists showing off their latest pieces alongside lectures, live music and typically free-flowing sips and snacks.
Neighborhoods with robust First Friday offerings include Old City, Fishtown, Chestnut Hill and Fairmount. Or, check social media to see what’s coming up.
Don’t miss: Museums are getting in on the First Friday action, too, with special events like Barnes Foundation mixers.
Where: Various locations including Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Head to Philly’s leafy Northwest to discover historic homes, museums and green spaces that tell the story of Historic Germantown, with many sites offering free admission and special programming on the second Saturday of each month from May through October.
Start your visit at the new, always-free-to-visit Germantown Visitor Center, located within the Germantown Historical Society.
Pro-tip: Second Saturday programs pop up frequently at the six-acre estate surrounding Cliveden — the location of the Battle of Germantown — and the 56-acre grounds of Awbury Arboretum.
Know before you go: Check the official Second Saturdays page to see what’s coming up.
Where: Germantown Historical Society, 5501 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Housing the largest collection of works by Auguste Rodin outside of Paris, the Rodin Museum features treasures such as The Gates of Hell and a bronze cast of The Thinker.
The surrounding serene gardens are free to explore and a great place to find artistic inspiration. Gallery admission is always pay what you wish (with a suggested $15 admission for adults), but the outdoor garden is free to enter.
Don’t miss: The Thinker because it’s so instantly recognizable
Where: Rodin Museum, 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Located inside an elegant stone mansion on six acres in Chestnut Hill, Woodmere’s dynamic collection of over 8,000 works highlights the incredible talent of Pennsylvania artists — past and present — both inside and outside of its walls. Check it all out for free every Sunday.
Find paintings, prints and photography by the likes of Violet Oakley, Arthur B. Carles and Pennsylvania impressionists. Works by and for children also frequently grace the museum’s walls.
Don’t miss: Woodmere’s Outdoor Wonder sculpture garden to see pieces by Harry Bertoia, Robinson Fredenthal and many others dot the lush grounds surrounding the museum
Where: Woodmere, 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Any individual who has a Pennsylvania-issued ACCESS/EBT card or identifies as a person with a disability can get access to $2 admission at over 100 museums, gardens and performing arts venues across Greater Philadelphia through the nonprofit Art Reach.
Individuals with a PA (or Delaware) state-issued ACCESS card can show the card to automatically get $2 admission at participating sites. Individuals who self-identify as having a disability — including out-of-state visitors — can purchase an ACCESS card from Art Reach to enjoy the same discount.
Know before you go: Check the official website for more details.
Where: Various locations including Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Contributing Writer
Exploring where to stay in Philly and looking for a hassle-free deal?
Take your Philadelphia trip to the next level with the Visit Philly Overnight Package, offering you free hotel parking for one- or two-night stays at nearly 40 participating hotels.
That can be worth up to $140 in value for a two-night stay in Center City Philadelphia. Why pay more?
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