A Guide to Free Things to Do in Philly

Philadelphia, or Philly for short, is a vibrant and historic city on the eastern seaboard of the United States. It is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth most populated city in the country. Legal Philadelphia is a city of firsts – it was the first city in America to have a hospital, a fire department, and an insurance company. It was also the first capital of the United States and the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Today, Philly is a bustling city full of culture, history, and adventure. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, there are plenty of things to do that won’t break the bank. From outdoor activities to art galleries, here is a guide to some of the best free things to do in Philly.

See the Iconic Sites

No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a visit to some of its iconic sites. Start your journey at City Hall, a stunning building that dates back to 1901. The architecture of this building is remarkable, from its gilded statue of William Penn atop the tower to its intricate carvings and sculptures. You can walk around the building and admire it from all angles for free.

Other must-see attractions include the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, and Franklin Square. The Liberty Bell Center allows visitors to view the iconic bell up close and listen to stories about its history. Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed and is a site of great historical significance. Franklin Square is home to a variety of attractions within walking distance, including an 18th-century carousel and miniature golf course.

Explore Local Markets

The markets of Philly are a great place to while away an afternoon. Head to Reading Terminal Market for some of the finest local produce and cuisine in town. This historic market has been around since 1892 and has over 80 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to baked treats. It’s also home to some of Philly’s best restaurants, so if you’re feeling peckish you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Another great market is The Italian Market. This vibrant area is one of the oldest outdoor markets in the United States and offers an array of delicious Italian delicacies such as cheese, cured meats, and sweets. Take some time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere of this bustling neighborhood.

Go on an Art Tour

Philly is home to some incredible art galleries and museums that are free to explore. The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) is one of the oldest art museums in America and has a vast collection of American artworks from different time periods. It also runs free guided tours throughout the year so you can learn more about its collection as you explore.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is another great place to visit if you’re interested in art. This museum houses a massive collection of artwork from various time periods and cultures, making it one of the most comprehensive art museums in the United States. It also offers free guided tours so you can get an in-depth look at some of its most important pieces.

Go Outdoors

If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Philly has plenty to offer. The Schuylkill River Trail runs along both sides of the Schuylkill River and is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or simply relaxing. There are also plenty of other trails throughout the city with beautiful views and interesting wildlife.

Fairmount Park is another great spot for outdoor activities, with plenty of trails and lakes to explore. This park covers over 9,000 acres and is home to several historic sites such as Laurel Hill Mansion and Lemon Hill Mansion. It’s also a great place for picnics or simply taking in the views of the city skyline.

Take a Free Tour

If you’re looking for an insider’s look at Philly then taking a free tour could be the perfect way to explore. The Free Tour of Philadelphia offers daily guided walking tours that explore many of the city’s famous sites such as Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, and City Hall. This tour also includes stories about Philadelphia’s unique history and culture so you can learn about its past as you explore.

The Free Tour of Philadelphia isn’t the only free tour available in Philly. There are plenty of other tours that cover different aspects of the city, from food tours to architectural tours to pub crawls. So if you’re looking for something specific there are plenty of options to choose from.

Book a Free Historical Tour

For those interested in learning more about Philly’s rich history, there are several free historical tours available throughout the city. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania offers free guided tours to various historical sites such as Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, and The President’s House Memorial. These tours will give you an up-close look at some of Philly’s most important sites while giving you insight into their historical importance.

Another great option is the National Constitution Center’s Free Constitutional Walking Tour. This tour takes visitors around some of Philly’s most important sites related to America’s founding documents while providing interesting facts about each location along the way.

Visit Famous Landmarks

No trip to Philly would be complete without a visit to some of its famous landmarks. Start your journey at The Rocky Steps – a set of 72 steps that lead up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and are most famous for being featured in the movie Rocky. Take some time to climb up these iconic steps and take in the views from the top before heading inside to explore all that the museum has to offer.

The Eastern State Penitentiary is another must-see landmark in Philly – this old prison has been standing since 1829 and was once home to criminals such as Al Capone and Willie Sutton. Nowadays it operates as a museum where visitors can take guided tours through its old cellblocks and learn about its fascinating history.

Conclusion

Philadelphia is full of fascinating sights and attractions that won’t break your budget. From iconic landmarks such as City Hall and The Rocky Steps to historic sites like Independence Hall and the Eastern State Penitentiary, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city. And with so many free things to do in Philly, it’s easy to plan an affordable getaway without compromising on fun!

Popular Tours

Old City Historic Tour Old City Historic Tour
This tour will take visitors through some of Philadelphia’s most iconic sights such as Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, City Hall, Franklin Square, and more! Explore over 300 years of history on this unique journey through America’s first capital city as you learn about its past from knowledgeable guides. Along the way you’ll be able to take in amazing views of Philadelphia’s skyline from various vantage points.

Philadelphia Street Art Tour Philadelphia Street Art Tour
Discover Philly’s vibrant street art scene on this guided tour! Learn about Philadelphia’s vibrant art community as your guide takes you through some of its most popular street art spots such as South Street, Northern Liberties, and Fishtown. Explore massive murals by local artists that tell stories about Philadelphia’s culture and history while getting an up-close look at some of its most iconic pieces!

Philly Foodie Tour Philly Foodie Tour
Experience Philadelphia’s culinary culture on this unique foodie tour! Visit some of Philly’s best restaurants as your guide takes you around various neighborhoods sampling delicious dishes from local eateries such as Reading Terminal Market and The Italian Market. Discover hidden gems off the beaten path as well as popular spots where locals go and experience what makes Philadelphia’s food scene so special!