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25 Free Things to Do in Philadelphia

If you’re looking to have a fun time in Philadelphia but don’t want to open up your wallet, no worries. There are plenty of ways to explore the city without spending a cent. Everything from historic places brewery tours, we’ve got you covered. Seasonal and special events are at the bottom.

25 Free Attractions in Philadelphia Pennsylvania - Everything from Historic Sites to Brewery Tours // localadventurer.com

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Last Updated: July 3, 2020

25 Free Things to do in Philadelphia

1. Pizza Brain

2313 Frankford Ave, 19125, map

It’s a museum dedicated to one thing, all things pizza!

2. Bartram's Garden

5400 Lindbergh Blvd, 19143, map

This garden has deep roots! It’s America’s oldest botanical garden.

3. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

532 N. 7th St, 19123, map

Take a free self-guided tour of the unfurnished home where Poe lived and we dare you to go into the basement!

4. Franklin Square

200 N. 6th Street, 19106, map

Hang out in one of the oldest parks in the city. It was sketched into William Penn’s original plan for the city.

5. Institute of Contemporary Art

118 S. 36th St, 19104, map

This is the place to get up close and personal with an original Andy Warhol painting.

6. Independence National Historical Park

2313 Frankford Ave, 19125, map

Independence National Historical Park is a National Park unit, and some notable landmarks within the park are 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 both signed and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entrance to Independence Hall is by timed entry ticket only from March through December. No tickets are necessary for January and February.

Independence Hall tickets are FREE. There is no charge for same day distribution (non-reserved) tickets obtained at the Independence Visitor Center on the day of your visit, but there is a handling fee of $1.50 per ticket if you want advance reservations.

25 Things to Do in Philadelphia for Free - Everything from Historic Sites to Brewery Tours // localadventurer.comPin
Top Free Attractions in Philadelphia Pennsylvania // Local AdventurerPin

7. Yard's Brewing Company

901 N Delaware Ave, 19123, map

Free tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays only from 12 pm to 4 pm.

8. United States Mint

151 N. Independence Mall E, 19106, map

See coins being made! The tour is free and self-guided and takes most people about 45 minutes to do.

9. Schuylkill River Trail

Walk the Schuylkill River Trail. Riverfront path provides easy access to the Schuylkill Banks

10. Yoga on the Race Street Pier

Race St & N. Columbus Blvd, 19106, map

Free, hour-long yoga sessions are here on any given day of the week. They welcome your kids and pets to join you by your side, too! Depending on the day and season, yoga session times vary. Donations are welcome.

11. Spruce Street Harbor Park

301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, 19106, map

Hang out in a hammock at the Spruce Street Harbor Park. A perfect spot to disappear from the heat of the city and hide behind a book or your sunglasses.

12. Reading Terminal Market

51 N 12th St, 19107, map

It’s one of the largest and oldest public markets in the US and has been around since 1893. Open 8 am to 6 pm every day.

Reading Terminal Market - It's one of the largest and oldest public markets in the US and has been around since 1893 + Best Free Attractions in Philadelphia // Local Adventurer

13. Drexel University College of Medicine Bookstore

2900 W Queen Lane, 19129, map

Challenge your nerves at the Drexel University College of Medicine Bookstore. On display is the dissected nervous system of Harriet Cole, the college’s former cleaning lady.

14. The Fabric Workshop and Museum

1214 Arch St, 19107, map

Express yourself with a new medium at The Fabric Workshop and Museum.

15. Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine

148 N. 8th St, 19107, map

Have a shoe fetish? Check out hundreds of pairs of shoes dating back to Ancient Egypt at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Entry is free but you will need to schedule your visit in advance.

16. Science History Institute

315 Chestnut St, 19106, map

Engage your inner scientist at the Science History Institute / Chemical Heritage Foundation.

17. Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial

Kelly Dr at Girard Ave, south of Girard Ave Bridge, 19130, map

Bring a friend or meet a new one at the whispering bench at the Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial.

18. The Rocky Statue

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Center City, 19130, map

Run up the steps and then down again to take a selfie with the Rocky Statue! The Rocky Statue has been moved to an area at the bottom of the steps leading to the PhilaMOCA.

Rocky Statue - Run up the steps and then down again to take a selfie with the Rocky Statue! The Rocky Statue has been moved to an area at the bottom of the steps leading to the PhilaMOCA // localadventurer.com

19. Awbury Arboretum

1 Awbury Road, 19138, map

It has been free and open to the public for nearly a 100 years. See the 55-acre grounds with beautifully manicured gardens once home to a Quaker family.

20. Fireman's Hall Museum

147 N. 2nd Street, 19106, map

Did you share in having a childhood dream of being a fireman? Well, you can continue the dream at the Fireman’s Hall Museum.

21. The Dream Garden

699 Walnut St, 19106, map

It’s made up of 100,000 pieces of Tiffany Glass in the lobby of the Curtis Center.

22. Mount Moriah Cemetery

6310-6312 Cobbs Creek Pkwy, 19142, map

Visit the newly cleaned up Mount Moriah Cemetery where over 80,000 people are buried.

23. John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

8601 Lindbergh Blvd, 19153, map

Explore the trails and over 300 species of birds spread out over 1,000 acres at this nature preserve.

24. Gayborhood

NW corner of the square, S. Broad Street & Chestnut St, 19107, map

Take a stroll thru this quaint neighborhood west of City Center.

Philadelphia Gayborhood - Best Free Places to Go in Philadelphia Pennsylvania - Everything from Historic Sites to Brewery Tours // Local Adventurer

25. Kimmel Center for Performing Arts

300 Broad St, 19102, map
Learn more history through a free tour of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Also, every month they offer a handful of free shows.

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Caroline + Erin

They are freelance web designers and photographers who love finding adventure, both 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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This Post Has One Comment

  1. Emily

    Philadelphia is a really cool city and I can’t wait to go back and see more of it. Thanks for the recs!

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