Free Activities in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a long history and plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. With a population of over 1.6 million people, Philadelphia is the fifth-largest city in the United States. It is home to many historical and cultural attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Eastern State Penitentiary. Philadelphia is also known for its unique cuisine, including the famous Philly cheesesteak.

The city has seen a huge transformation over the past few decades and is now a vibrant and exciting destination for tourists. The city has plenty of free activities to enjoy, from historical attractions and museums to parks and outdoor activities. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best free activities in Philadelphia.

Historical Attractions

Philadelphia is home to some of the most important historical sights in the United States. The Liberty Bell, located in Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park, is perhaps the most iconic symbol of American independence. The bell has stood in its current location since 1753 and continues to be a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy. The bell is free to view and open to visitors everyday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Another important historical site is Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. The Hall is part of Independence National Historical Park and open to visitors from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Visitors can walk through the Hall and learn about the history of the United States.

Museums

Philadelphia is home to some of the best museums in the country. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States and home to an impressive collection of fine art from around the world. The museum is free to visit on the first Sunday of each month and offers free admission to children under 12 every day.

The Franklin Institute is another must-visit museum in Philadelphia. Located in Center City, it is one of the oldest science museums in the country and home to a number of interactive exhibits and activities designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. The museum offers free admission to children under 5 on weekdays, as well as free admission on select days throughout the year.

Outdoor Activities

Philadelphia has some great outdoor activities to enjoy during your stay. The Schuylkill River Trail is a 26-mile urban trail that runs along the banks of the Schuylkill River. The trail has sections with bike lanes, jogging paths, picnic areas and even fishing spots. The trail is free to use and open year-round, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous workout.

The city also has a number of public parks to explore. Fairmount Park is one of Philadelphia’s most popular parks and covers over 8,000 acres of land with plenty of trails for walking or biking. The park also has picnic areas, playgrounds and open spaces for playing sports or throwing a frisbee around.

Popular Tours

In addition to exploring Philadelphia on your own, there are also a number of popular tours available for visitors. One popular tour is the Philadelphia Trolley Works & Hop-on Hop-off Tour which offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the city’s top attractions from an open-air trolley car. The tour includes stops at major landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as other popular attractions such as Penn’s Landing and South Street. The tour lasts approximately two hours and tickets are available for purchase here.

The Philadelphia Night Tour is another popular option for visitors looking to explore the city after dark. This evening tour includes stops at some of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks such as City Hall, Love Park, Rittenhouse Square and more. The tour also includes a stop at Reading Terminal Market for dinner, drinks or a snack before heading back to your hotel. Tickets for this tour are available here.

Finally, for those looking for a more active tour experience, we recommend taking the Philadelphia Running Tour. This 3-hour running tour covers over 6 miles of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks and historical sites such as Rocky Steps, Independence Hall and Boathouse Row. This tour is perfect for those looking to get a unique perspective on the city while getting some exercise at the same time! Tickets for this tour are available here.

Conclusion

Philadelphia has plenty of free activities to keep visitors busy while they explore this vibrant city. From historical attractions such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, to outdoor activities such as biking along the Schuylkill River Trail or exploring Fairmount Park, there’s something for everyone in Philadelphia! And if you’re looking for an even more unique experience, check out one of the popular tours available such as the Philadelphia Trolley Works & Hop-on Hop-off Tour, Philadelphia Night Tour or Philadelphia Running Tour. No matter what your interests are, there’s something for everyone in Philadelphia!