There’s no question that city life can be expensive. Parking costs plenty if you can’t find a spot on the street… and even if you do find a spot on the street, chances are you’re going to find a ticket from the PPA on your windshield. Plus, food prices can be steep, particularly when you’re trying out some of Philadelphia’s world-class establishments. A day in the city doesn’t have to break the bank, though! While it’s fun to treat yourself sometimes, there are plenty of free things to do in Philadelphia; check out the best of the best below:
- Spruce Street Harbor Park
Facebook / Spruce Street Harbor Park The floating gardens, colorful hammocks, bright lights, and oversized board games make Spruce Street Harbor Park the best pop-up in Philly. Open from May through October, you’ve still got plenty of time to enjoy this incredibly entertaining urban paradise.
- First Sundays at the Barnes Foundation
Facebook / The Barnes Foundation The Barnes Foundation (2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia) is home to one of the most impressive collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern paintings in the entire world. Normally, an adult ticket costs $25 - and it’s well worth it to experience the incredible art - but on the first Sunday of every month, you can visit the Barnes for free.
The Barnes Arboretum (pictured above and located at 300 N. Latch’s Lane, Merion, PA) is open on weekends for the summer (through Sept. 3, 2017). Admission is always pay what you wish!
Talk about the best deals in the city!
- Liberty Bell / Independence Hall
Flickr / Jessie Hodge It’s free to tour the building in which the founding fathers drafted the most important documents in our country’s history, and it’s free to see the Liberty Bell, with her crack and mallet damage, right across the courtyard. While these may seem like mundane things to do for Philadelphians, take a step back and think about it: it’s a nice reminder of the history that we often take for granted.
- Catch a free concert at World Cafe Live or the Kimmel Center
K. Magaraci / OIYS Treat yourself to a night of great music with a free concert at the Kimmel Center, or visit XPN at World Cafe Live for their Free at Noon shows. It’s easy to find free live music all throughout Philadelphia, but these two venues are truly unforgettable.
- Tour the famous Yards Brewing Company
Facebook / Yards Brewing Company. Get to Yards early on Saturdays or Sundays to catch a tour - they’re open from 12pm to 4pm, but it does get busy. Sample of the best Philly brews around and learn about how this legendary brewery makes their beer.
- Stroll the hallowed ground at Christ Church.
Facebook / Christ Church, Philadelphia Christ Church is an impressive cathedral that was once the church of Benjamin Franklin. It was founded in 1695, and from 1754 to 1810, the steeple was the tallest structure in America. The graveyard is interesting to explore, as several notable Declaration of Independence authors and Revolutionary War heroes were laid to rest on the grounds.
- First Friday
Facebook / Philadelphia Street Art Gallery The first Friday of every month is the time to get out and explore Old City. Art galleries open up to the public, and you can spend hours enjoying the warm weather and taking in the incredible Philadelphia art scene, first hand.
Next time you’re looking for a cheap date night, choose one of these great locations and plan your day around them! The history, art, and culture of this city never fail to impress.
Facebook / Spruce Street Harbor Park
The floating gardens, colorful hammocks, bright lights, and oversized board games make Spruce Street Harbor Park the best pop-up in Philly. Open from May through October, you’ve still got plenty of time to enjoy this incredibly entertaining urban paradise.
Facebook / The Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation (2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia) is home to one of the most impressive collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern paintings in the entire world. Normally, an adult ticket costs $25 - and it’s well worth it to experience the incredible art - but on the first Sunday of every month, you can visit the Barnes for free.
The Barnes Arboretum (pictured above and located at 300 N. Latch’s Lane, Merion, PA) is open on weekends for the summer (through Sept. 3, 2017). Admission is always pay what you wish!
Talk about the best deals in the city!
Flickr / Jessie Hodge
It’s free to tour the building in which the founding fathers drafted the most important documents in our country’s history, and it’s free to see the Liberty Bell, with her crack and mallet damage, right across the courtyard. While these may seem like mundane things to do for Philadelphians, take a step back and think about it: it’s a nice reminder of the history that we often take for granted.
K. Magaraci / OIYS
Treat yourself to a night of great music with a free concert at the Kimmel Center, or visit XPN at World Cafe Live for their Free at Noon shows. It’s easy to find free live music all throughout Philadelphia, but these two venues are truly unforgettable.
Facebook / Yards Brewing Company.
Get to Yards early on Saturdays or Sundays to catch a tour - they’re open from 12pm to 4pm, but it does get busy. Sample of the best Philly brews around and learn about how this legendary brewery makes their beer.
Facebook / Christ Church, Philadelphia
Christ Church is an impressive cathedral that was once the church of Benjamin Franklin. It was founded in 1695, and from 1754 to 1810, the steeple was the tallest structure in America. The graveyard is interesting to explore, as several notable Declaration of Independence authors and Revolutionary War heroes were laid to rest on the grounds.
Facebook / Philadelphia Street Art Gallery
The first Friday of every month is the time to get out and explore Old City. Art galleries open up to the public, and you can spend hours enjoying the warm weather and taking in the incredible Philadelphia art scene, first hand.
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