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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 40 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.
Where: Liberty Bell Center, 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (with $1 advanced ticket purchase during select times)
Imagine sitting in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall, the place where the Founding Fathers signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only where America was born, but it is also the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park. While a visit to the site is free, timed tickets with a $1 handling fee is required for visitors during specific times of day.
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 — Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, etc. — visitors get a free comprehensive orientation to the culture, history, shopping and dining options available throughout the region from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Before you head out, have a little fun with the center’s interactive exhibits or grab Ben Franklin and Rocky-inspired merch to take home at the Independence Gift Shop.
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. Start by snapping photos in front of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, then 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.
Where: Various locations including Old City Hall, 5th and Chestnut streets, 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 see the bronze statue up close at the bottom of the steps — but prepare for long lines. (For inexpensive ways to head inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, keep reading.)
Where: Rocky Statue and Steps, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
The City of Brotherly Love loves to make a statement, and this large-scale sculpture at John F. Kennedy Plaza (or LOVE Park, as it’s known to locals) is no exception. The city’s famous sculpture was restored and repainted in 2018; at the same time, the park was redesigned with more green spaces and a high-tech water feature that’s popular in the summer. The AMOR sculpture — a Spanish-language version of the LOVE sculpture — is on display at Sister Cities Park, 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).
Where: Elfreth's Alley, 124-126 Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA
See where the first American soldiers made their icy winter home way back when. Valley Forge National Historical Park — the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of General George Washington and the Continental Army — offers a glimpse into the Revolutionary War. Visitors can explore Revolutionary-era historic structures and artifacts across 3,500 acres by car, by bike or on foot, with added info available via the park’s cell phone tour. Recreational play with the whole family (including pets) is also encouraged here, with options including biking (rentals are available), picnickinging, kite flying and more.
Where: Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA
Free (seasonal)
Forrest Gump isn’t the only bench-dwelling storyteller. In Philadelphia’s Historic District, professional storytellers hold court around public Once Upon A Nation benches. Learn fascinating details about some of our nation’s earliest “celebrity” citizens in the places where the history actually happened. Find the uniformed storytellers at eight bench locations throughout the city and two locations at Valley Forge in King of Prussia.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Franklin Court, Chestnut Street between 3rd & 4th Streets, Philadelphia, PA
Second Bank of the United States Portrait Gallery, 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Carpenters' Hall, 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Visitor Center At Valley Forge, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA
Washington's Headquarters, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA
The President’s House: 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 explore the paradox of slavery and freedom at 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.
Where: The President's House, 600 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
The argument can be made that America started right here at Carpenters’ Hall. In one of the first acts of defiance against the King, delegates from across the Colonies — including George Washington, John Adams and Patrick Henry — came together in 1774 to vote on an embargo against England, now known as the First Continental Congress. The building’s Georgian architecture deserves recognition, too, carrying on its craftsmen’s legacy. Take in its Flemish bond brick pattern, cupola, windows and scale model that shows 18th-century methods used in the building’s construction.
Where: Carpenters' Hall, 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (suggested donation)
The 100,000-square-foot, five-story Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History brings the story of Jews in the U.S. to life. The museum’s galleries pull from the institution’s expansive collection of over 30,000 artifacts. On display, you can find material glimpses into the lives of everyday and notable Jewish Americans, as well as interactive history exhibits.
Where: Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
Free (donations appreciated)
This circa-1898 fire station-turned-museum offers lessons in the history of firefighting via old trucks, fire or “parade” hats, photographs and a tribute to fallen Philadelphia firefighters. Kids can try on firefighter coats and boots and learn about fire prevention.
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, like the trademark “P” coin indicating its origin in Philadelphia.
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.
Where: Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (donations welcome)
Re-live the Ryerss family’s glory days at The Ryerss Museum, located inside the Northeast Philadelphia mansion that the family owned. Inside, guests can find artifacts that the trading family acquired during their travels, including statues from Japanese Buddhist temples, European art, Native American woven baskets, and the family’s personal collection of shells, rocks and even sea creatures. While admission is free, donations are welcome.
Where: Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Free (donations suggested)
It’s all about science, art and history, so it’s no surprise that the American Philosophical Society (APS) was another of Ben Franklin’s ideas. Exhibitions come from APS’s collection of nearly 13 million early American manuscripts, maps, Native American languages, scientific instruments and more.
Where: American Philosophical Society Museum, 104 S. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA
When wealthy Philadelphia banker and merchant 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 grades 1-12). 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, specifically detailing the first admittance to the school of people of color (1968) and girls (1984).
Where: Founder's Hall Museum at Girard College, 2101 South College Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s only and oldest surviving colonial tavern — established 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. Self-guided tours are offered one or two days a week. (Follow along on Instagram for museum hours.)
Where: A Man Full of Trouble, 127 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA
Taller Puertorriqueño, in El Centro de Oro’s El Corazόn Cultural del Barrio, serves as a community center, art gallery and event space for symposia, readings, film screenings, artist workshops and more.
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.
Where: Athenaeum of Philadelphia, 219 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (donations encouraged for groups)
The three-story, 19th-century exhibit hall at the Wagner Free Institute of Science houses mounted birds and mammals, fossils, rocks and minerals, insects, shells, dinosaur bones, and the first American saber-toothed tiger. You can also browse William Wagner’s mineral collection, which features rose and amethyst stones.
Where: Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the main branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia is just as storied as the books that line its walls. An architectural marvel, the library offers guests a closer look at its grand Beaux-Arts style and many collections throughout the week with its Historic Building Tours. Meanwhile, the library’s Rare Book Tours — offered daily — dive deep into one of those exciting collections, showcasing literary artifacts like the real-life, feathered inspiration behind one of legendary poet Edgar Allen Poe’s spookiest works, The Raven.
Where: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
Located on the Ivy League school’s West Philadelphia campus, the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania (ICA) is an art museum founded in 1963 with a mission of shining a light on underrepresented artists. This is a space that fosters bold experimentation, curiosity and discovery — after all, Andy Warhol’s first-ever solo exhibit took place here (which nearly caused a riot). Instead of permanent collections, ICA brings a fresh experience with commissions, exhibitions, programs, publications and special projects.
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, plus permanent exhibits featuring fabric-related creations from celebrated artists best known for working in other media.
Where: The Fabric Workshop & Museum, 1214 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Yes, Fairmount Water Works is one of the most popular wedding photo shoot locations. But did you know that it was originally the sole water pumping station for the whole city in the early 1800s? Today, it operates as an educational and environmental center, teaching all-ages visitors about sustainable uses of land and water through events, performances and art exhibit tours.
Where: Fairmount Water Works, 640 Waterworks Drive, Philadelphia, PA
See contemporary art from international and national artists and students enrolled at this visual arts school for women.
Where: The Galleries at Moore College of Art and Design, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (with advance registration)
Students enrolled at the Curtis Institute of Music perform free recitals multiple times a week. Faculty members — some of whom have toured the world playing and honing their craft — also hit the stage on occasion. The Institute presents over 100 free performances a year, so be sure to practice your recital applause. Just make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time.
Where: Curtis Institute of Music, 1726 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA
This premier Philadelphia arts organization offers two series of free film screenings — the Philly Film Showcase and Monthly Community Screenings — meant to 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.
Where: Philadelphia Film Society, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Quench your thirst and learn about locally made brews at Philadelphia Brewing Company, which offers free one-hour tours every third Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. They are first-come, first-served — no RSVP needed. Similarly, 2SP Brewing in Delco and Broken Goblet in Bensalem offer free tours on weekends upon request; just call ahead.
Spanning eight miles of an ever-evolving greenway promenade, Schuylkill Banks is where Philadelphians congregate year-round for waterfront activities, from walking, jogging, skating and cycling to fishing, movie-watching, picnics, yoga and dog-walking. Part of the Schuylkill River Trail, the park links the western edge of Center City north to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fairmount Park and Kelly Drive. A must-visit pit stop for epic skyline views is the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk from Locust Street to the South Street Bridge.
Where: Schuylkill Banks and Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, 2501 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free (with pay-as-you-go amenities)
At expansive, delightful Franklin Square — one of William Penn’s original city squares — visitors can learn Tai Chi, swin on the playground and marveling at the Franklin Square Fountain Show, which features water spraying and soaring in the air in sync with music (and colorful lights in the evening) — all 100% fun, free and open year-round. Partaking in the carousel, Philly-themed mini-golf and SquareBurger requires a small fee (as does the annual Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival).
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, 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. In fact, Ann Bartram Carr Garden, John Bartram’s granddaughter, created the property’s first public green space here. Highlights include the country’s oldest ginkgo tree, the rare Franklinia tree, and the Bartram’s Mile segment of the Schuylkill River Trail for hikers, runners and bikers.
Where: Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
A quarter-mile stretch of green space situated on the elevated former Reading Railroad tracks is free and open to the public, boasting rustic plantings, industrial artwork and plenty of benches.
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 — best known for the circa-1899 Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide — offers tots (ages 10 and under) a safe place to play, jump, swing, climb and learn about nature.
Where: Smith Memorial Playground, 3500 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.
Where: Cira Green, 129 S. 30th Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Delaware River Waterfront has no shortage of alfresco chilling destinations, all of which offer more than just excellent views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Cherry Street Pier is home to artists-in-residence who open their studios for free tours. Also on deck are 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, where people picnic and even practice yoga.
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
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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. For seasonal boardwalk games-and-rides vibes, hit up Penn’s Landing. During Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, there’s a roller skating rink and Ferris wheel, and ice skating during Winterfest.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Pack a camera as you won’t want to miss prime wildlife watching at this 1,000-acre nature preserve in Southwest Philadelphia. In addition to conservation work, the park hosts lots of free events and water adventures to choose from, including guided nature photography walks, outdoor photography lessons, hiking and biking (with 10 miles of trails), sound bath sessions, archery, and watercolor painting. Dogs are also welcome to join the family-filled itinerary.
Where: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Historic headstones and ornate mausoleums combine history and eye candy at this historic cemetery, open for free visits and exploration. One of the oldest garden cemeteries in the United States, the attraction offers free self-guided tours via its app, as well as spectacular vistas of the Schuylkill River.
Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Spanning nearly 200 acres, the state’s largest cemetery features an iconic crumbling brownstone gatehouse and is home to some of our city’s finest grave architectures. Paths are clear but take you through the mostly abandoned attraction, giving vibes of exploring an ancient Greek or Roman city. Watch for bikers and hikers, as Cobbs Creek Trail passes through here.
Where: Mount Moriah Cemetery, 6201 Kingsessing Avenue, Philadelphia, 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.
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.
Where: Various locations including Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Speaking of public art, Philadelphia is home to one of the largest collections of it in the country. The city has thousands of artworks thanks to organizations like the Association for Public Art and Mural Arts Philadelphia, the nation’s largest public art program. Philly is a giant outdoor art gallery, made free and accessible to all. Reimagine architecture as art at these free-to-visit historic homes and notable buildings and Black, Latino and AAPI cultural sites like museums, galleries, performance art venues, monuments and more. Peruse our guide to essential public art in Greater Philadelphia for more on where to see these works.
Where: Various locations including Chinatown Friendship Gate, 10th & Arch streets, Philadelphia, PA
Pay what you wish
The first Sunday of every month, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is open to visitors who can pay what they wish to explore the entire main building, featuring works by Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dalí, Himalayan artists and many others.
Free (with registration)
On the first Sunday of every month, visitors can enjoy free admission (with registration) at the Barnes Foundation, home to 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. The museum also showcases American paintings and decorative arts, metalwork, African sculpture and Native American textiles, jewelry and ceramics — all presented in Albert C. Barnes’ distinctive arrangements.
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Have a SEPTA Key card? for additional discounts at more than a dozen museums and attractions across the city. Here’s how SEPTA Perks work: Get $2 off general Admission tickets 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.
Continue to soak in Philadelphia’s affordable arts scene with open house art gallery shows around Old City and Chestnut Hill. 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 snacks.
Where: Various locations including Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 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 caste 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.
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. Exploring the galleries, you 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. Check it all out for free on Sundays.
Where: Woodmere, 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and priceless peace of mind.
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