Philly on a Budget: Six Itineraries for 2022

These two iconic Philadelphia sites — among the most popular attractions in the city and most famous historic sites in the country — are must-visits whether it’s your first or 50th time in the city. (One of) the best parts: They’re both free! (Well, almost: To reserve tickets for Independence Hall, there’s a $1 administrative fee per ticket.) Visit Independence Hall to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution took shape. Across the street, the Liberty Bell still stands as a symbol of freedom known around the world. Check out our guide for the best visitor experience at both attractions.

The ultimate iconic Philly food is — say it with us — the cheesesteak . Invented by Pat Olivieri of Pat’s Steaks in 1930 and imitated by many, a true Philly cheesesteak requires thinly sliced beef and a crusty roll. But the choice of cheese — provolone, American or Cheez Whiz — is a matter of great debate. So is the choice of sandwich shop. From the Liberty Bell, Campo’s Philly’s Cheesesteaks and Sonny’s Famous Steaks — both fine purveyors — are just a seven-minute walk away, and convenient to the PHLASH stop at the intersection of 3rd Street and Market Street.

Hop on the PHLASH bus — or make the 20-minute walk — to one of the nation’s oldest and largest public markets that’s also home to some of Philly’s best food. Roaming the aisles and taking in the historic landmark’s bustling energy is entertaining in its own right, but let’s be honest: You’re here to satisfy your sweet tooth. (You did leave room after that cheesesteak, right?) Affordable desserts worth seeking out include a yeast-raised donut from Beiler’s, a cannoli from Termini Bros., an apple dumpling at Dutch Eating Place or ice cream from Bassetts (which has been at the market since it opened in 1893). Find more great eats in our guide .

Walk off lunch on the five-minute trek to City Hall , the largest municipal building in the United States. Use this free self-guided tour from the Association for Public Art to learn more about the intricate statues on and around the iconic structure, including the 27-ton statue of William Penn (not Ben Franklin!) on the very top. Check out what’s happening in Dilworth Park outside, then cross the street to snap a photo at Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture in LOVE Park .

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway , modeled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, is called Philadelphia’s most artistic mile for good reason. If you’re up for the 25-minute walk from LOVE Park, take in the dozens of sculptures and artworks on your way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Otherwise, the PHLASH bus drops you off right out front of the museum, which is also home to two of the most visited attractions in Philadelphia: t he Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps . Run up the steps and turn around to soak in the spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline. Then head back down to find the bronze statue of Rocky at the bottom that was originally commissioned for Rocky III . If you’re visiting on Friday night or the first Sunday of the month, take advantage of the Philadelphia Museum of Art ’s pay-what-you-wish admission .

Start your day at peaceful, tree-lined Washington Square Park , just a block from Independence Hall. Established by William Penn, the park was once an 18th-century burial ground (see the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier). Pick up coffee and breakfast from Talula’s Daily on the square, known for its excellent pastries and grab-and-go sandwiches.

These two iconic Philadelphia sites — among the most popular attractions in the city and most famous historic sites in the country — are must-visits whether it’s your first or 50th time in the city. (One of) the best parts: They’re both free! (Well, almost: To reserve tickets for Independence Hall, there’s a $1 administrative fee per ticket.) Visit Independence Hall to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution took shape. Across the street, the Liberty Bell still stands as a symbol of freedom known around the world. Check out our guide for the best visitor experience at both attractions.

The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation is a free 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.

Across the street from The President’s House, the recently reopened 100,000-square-foot, five-story Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History brings the story of Jews in the U.S. to life. Among the 1,200 artifacts and documents are Albert Einstein’s pipe, Irving Berlin’s piano and Steven Spielberg’s first camera. On the way in, don’t miss Deborah Kass’s OY/YO sculpture outside, an eye-catching new installation. Admission to the museum is free with a suggested donation.

Next, walk seven minutes northeast to get the scoop on America’s most famous flag maker as she greets guests at her interactive 18th-century upholstery shop , part of a tiny dwelling where visitors learn about Ross’ life and legend, and enjoy programs, storytelling and activities. Tickets for self-guided tours are $6 to $8 as of July 2022.

Just around the corner from the Betsy Ross House, the free-to-stroll-through Elfreth’s Alley was home to the 18th-century artisans and tradespeople who were the backbone of colonial Philadelphia. While a modern city has sprung up around it, the alley now preserves three centuries of evolution. Philadelphians still live in these homes, which feature old-fashioned flower boxes, shutters and Flemish bond brickwork. Two adjacent houses, built in 1755, are now a museum and are open to the public (for a small fee).

End your exploration of American history with a nice cold brew. Philly is known for its craft beer scene, and you can choose from many local favorites at Old City institution Khyber Pass Pub , a seven-minute walk away from Elfreth’s Alley. Pair one of the Khyber’s 22 rotating drafts with a selection from its affordable Southern, Cajun and Creole menu. Filling appetizers like mac and cheese cost as little as $8. Oh, and the bacon grease popcorn ($5) is a must.

Check the calendar. Is it the first Sunday of the month? If so, two of Philadelphia’s most sought-after art museums welcome visitors at little to no cost. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, guests can enjoy full museum access for pay-what-you-wish admission (also available every Friday night). Next, hop on the PHLASH or make the 15-minute walk to the Barnes Foundation , which marks PECO Free First Sunday Family Day with free admission (with registration), full museum access and family-friendly programming. Bonus: The nearby Rodin Museum offers year-round pay-what-you-wish admission (with suggested pricing), and its peaceful garden is always free.

This beloved Downingtown-based brewery opened its first taproom in Philly — a 15-minute walk from the Barnes — in late 2021, complete with a rooftop patio with a view of the Parkway. Victory Brewing Company Philadelphia features a full selection of beers by Victory and its sister brands, as well as elevated, scratch-made pub food. Try a housemade soft pretzel or loaded fries with Victory Prima Pils cheese sauce.

Home to one of the largest collections in the country, Philadelphia is a premier destination for public art. The city has thousands of free-to-view artworks thanks to organizations like the Association for Public Art and Mural Arts Philadelphia, the nation’s largest public art program. From Victory, make your way toward City Hall, stopping to learn more about the various pieces of art on the Parkway and around City Hall . Peruse our guide to essential public art in Greater Philadelphia for more on where to see similar works at no cost.

Next, see how Philadelphia earned its “City of Murals” moniker on a free self-guided Mural Mile tour from Mural Arts Philadelphia . The tour explores “the world’s largest art gallery,” guiding users to 13 Center City murals north of Market Street and 15 murals south of Market Street. Learn more about specific artworks along the way here .

If you’ve followed the Mural Mile tour stops north of Market Street in reverse, you’ll be near the intersection of 6th Street and Market Street. Walk one block west to 7th Street and Market Street, and  hop on  SEPTA’s 47 bus route for a 20-minute ride north . Get off at 5th Street and Huntingdon Street to check out Taller Puertorriqueño . Located in El Centro de Oro’s El Corazόn Cultural Center, the attraction serves as a community center, art gallery and event space for symposia, readings, film screenings, artist workshops and more. Visit the Lorenzo Homar Gallery for free to see compelling exhibitions showcasing the work of Puerto Rican and Latino artists.

Centered at 5th Street and Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia, El Centro de Oro is a major hub of Latino culture in Philadelphia. Peppered with faux palm trees and “golden” details on the sidewalks, the distinctive block is home to residents from almost every Latin American country, and the food is no different. Here, hungry diners can find authentic tastes of Puerto Rico, Dominican baked goods, fresh Mexican dishes and mouthwatering barbecue eats. Walk five minutes north of Taller Puertorriqueño to try Delicias Bakery & Delicatessen or Vivaldi Restaurant. Check out more stops in our guide to some of the best restaurants in the neighborhood .

There are many reasons to love Philadelphia’s most family-oriented square . And while most of the activities (carousel, Philly-themed mini-golf, SquareBurger) require a small fee, hanging out in the delightful square is 100% free. It makes for a nice resting point while walking around Philadelphia’s Historic District .

Lunchtime! The Historic District gained more than a dozen new drinking and dining options when The Bourse Food Hall — a 10-minute walk from Franklin Square — opened in late 2018. The former commodities exchange building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was renovated to house artisanal food vendors serving a variety of cuisines, including Korean tacos, Hawaiian poke bowls, yummy tacos and loads of kid favorites (think pizza, fried chicken and ice cream).

A circa-1898 fire station-turned-museum — just a 10-minute walk from The Bourse — offers lessons in the history of firefighting via old trucks, ladders, helmets, photographs and a tribute to the heroes of September 11, 2001. Kids can try on firefighter coats and boots, play with puzzles and learn how to make emergency calls. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

While the roller skating and ice skating at this waterfront hangout come with a small price tag, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Winterfest — a 10-minute walk from the Fireman’s Hall Museum — is an awesome spot to simply hang out, take a breather and soak up views of the Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge. A boathouse-style lodge, a play area for kids, food and drink options, and special events are all part of its charm.

This riverfront destination , which opened in 2018, took an old indoor-outdoor pier and renewed it with artist and maker spaces (made out of shipping containers) and affordable food and drink options from Philly brands. The spot also features regular pop-up markets and plenty of year-round community programming.

While the roller skating and ice skating at this waterfront hangout come with a small price tag, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Winterfest — a 10-minute walk from the Fireman’s Hall Museum — is an awesome spot to simply hang out, take a breather and soak up views of the Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge. A boathouse-style lodge, a play area for kids, food and drink options, and special events are all part of its charm.

For even more beautiful Delaware views, walk two more minutes south to Philly’s largest outdoor restaurant Liberty Point . The new hot spot — which opened in 2022 — offers live music and entertainment, and its three levels can seat up to 1,400 people. As of August 2022, it offers a good selection of appetizers, beers and draft cocktails for $10 and under.

One more two-minute walk south and you’re at Spruce Street Harbor Park , the ultimate spring-through-fall hangout spot, where residents and visitors can lounge riverside on colorful hammocks and Adirondack chairs at absolutely no cost. Have a few dollars to spare? Score a bite to eat from one of the many food vendors set up on the boardwalk or sip on a refreshing draft beer from the area’s beer garden.

The Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk is a breathtaking, 2,000-foot-long pathway that extends the popular Schuylkill River Trail (named one of the best riverwalks in the U.S. ) from Locust Street to South Street. The scenic path allows pedestrians, runners and bicyclists to literally walk over the river and enjoy some of the best skyline views around — for free. Detailed on-site signage explains the history of nature and industry on the river. Also for free: lounging on the Schuylkill Banks overlooking the Schuylkill River.

If you’re feeling more ambitious and hit the right day, you can even do a free outdoor community yoga class on the river, taught by experienced local teachers. Yoga on the Banks is appropriate for all levels and requires advance sign up.

Parks are even cooler when they’re sky high. From Schuylkill Banks, take one of the bridges over the river and make the short walk south — then go straight up. Located 12 floors above the street, this University City park in the sky is open year-round for chill hangs and wowza skyline views. Hungry? Warm-weather visitors can grab food and/or drinks from on-site Sunset Social .

When it comes to visiting Philadelphia, some of the best things to see and do — both in the city and in the surrounding region — are entirely free . We’re talking iconic spots like Valley Forge National Historical Park , attractions like the Science History Institute and outdoor hangs like Spruce Street Harbor Park. Plus, in the Historic District alone, visitors can enjoy 15 totally free things to do .

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 where you can catch up with friends, including the Schuylkill River Trail, Delaware Canal Towpath and more. Or find acres of gardens, picnic spots, athletic fields and unbeatable skyline views in our guide to Philly’s top parks — a collection of restful spaces in Center City and beyond.