Looking for free things to do in Philly? You’re in luck. America’s birthplace could be the best big city in the U.S. for a trip that costs nothing. Most of the famous spots are actually free. Just watch out for a few $1 fees, ID checks, and limited hours—so keep reading.
Here’s the wild part! In just about a 10-minute walk, you can stand next to the Liberty Bell, step into the room where the Declaration was signed, and stroll down America’s oldest lived-in street, all without spending a dime.
This guide is organized in walking order, so you can use it like a map. You’ll also find helpful details to save you time and avoid stress.
Here’s a quick list of the best free things to do in Philly: the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the U.S. Mint, Elfreth’s Alley, the Ben Franklin Bridge walkway, Reading Terminal Market, LOVE Park, the Mural Mile, the Rocky Steps, and the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk.
Why Philly Is a Budget Traveler’s Dream
In most big cities, you have to pay $30 just to see the top sights. That’s not the case in Philly. Many of the city’s main attractions are run by the National Park Service, so you can enjoy the history for free!
Visit Philadelphia lists over 50 free things to do in the area. Here are the 10 I’d recommend to a friend for their first visit.
The Free-ish Fees Nobody Warns You About
Most guides aren’t clear about this part. Here’s what you really need to know:
- Independence Hall: It’s free, but timed tickets booked online cost a $1 fee
- Tip: There’s a daily open house from about 9 to 9:50 a.m. that doesn’t require a ticket.
- U.S. Mint: Admission is free, but adults 18 and older need to show a government photo ID.
- Art museum: Pay What You Wish lets you decide the price—even if it’s just $1.
Top 10 Free Things to Do in Philly
1. Liberty Bell Center
Start your visit here, and try to arrive early. You can see the 2,080-pound bell for free without a ticket! Just be ready for a security check.
- Photo tip: If you stand by the glass wall, you can get both the bell and Independence Hall in one photo.
- Pro tip: Arrive before 10 a.m. to beat the tour buses.
2. Independence Hall
This is the room where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. It’s a powerful place to visit. Ranger-led tours last about 20 minutes.
- Money-saving tip: If you come between 9 and 9:50 a.m. for the open house, you don’t need a ticket.
- Listen for the Centennial Bell—it rings every hour from the clock tower.
- No ticket required: The Supreme Court Chambers in Old City Hall are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. United States Mint
You’ll stand about 40 feet above the factory floor and watch coins being made. The Mint can produce up to 47,250 coins every minute!
- Hours: Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last entry is at 4:15 p.m.
- Just a heads up: You can’t take photos or bring food or drinks inside.
- Hidden gem: Look for Peter, a preserved bald eagle who actually lived at the Mint in the 1830s.
4. Elfreth’s Alley and the First Bank
Walk along uneven cobblestones past flower boxes and brick homes from the 1700s. People still live here today. Walking the alley is free; the museum house charges a small fee, though.
- Secret spot: Find Bladen’s Court, a tiny alley tucked between No. 115 and No. 117.
- New for 2026: The First Bank of the United States reopened on July 1, 2026, after 50 years, and admission is free.
5. Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway
This is a free view that most visitors miss. Walk out over the Delaware River, feel the bridge move slightly as trains pass underneath, and take in the skyline behind you!
- Hours: Open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from October to April, and until 9 p.m. from May to September.
- Fun fact: The bridge celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2026.
- Pair this with Race Street Pier’s step-style seating, which is free and right next door.
6. Reading Terminal Market
Admission is free, and the smells alone make it worth visiting—fresh donuts, sizzling cheesesteaks, and warm pretzels! The market has been open since 1893 and features over 80 vendors.
- Budget tip: You can often get a filling meal here for less than $10.
- My rule: Walk one full lap before you buy anything
7. LOVE Park and Dilworth Park
You have to snap the classic Philly selfie here. Don’t worry, the line moves quickly!
- Bonus: Walk over to Sister Cities Park to see AMOR, the Spanish version of the LOVE statue.
- Dilworth Park is right in front of City Hall, and its fountain turns into an ice rink in winter.
8. The Mural Mile
Philly is known as the “City of Murals” for a reason. Mural Arts offers a free self-guided Mural Mile tour that takes you past about 50 murals in Center City!
I recommend taking the tour during the day; the colors look their best in the afternoon sun!
9. Rocky Steps and the Art Museum
Go ahead and hum the theme song. Running the steps and taking a photo with the Rocky statue are both free!
- Big news: The art museum’s Pay What You Wish Friday nights, after 5 p.m., will continue through June 25, 2027.
- Also, the first Sunday of every month is Pay What You Wish.
10. Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk
This boardwalk runs along the river between Locust Street and the South Street Bridge. It offers some of the best skyline views in the city, and it’s free!
- Keep exploring: The boardwalk is part of the Schuylkill River Trail, which is expanding into a 70-mile route.
- Tip: Visit at sunrise, when the water is calm and only a few joggers are around.
A One-Day $0 Philly Walking Route
If you want to see everything in one day, here’s the order I’d suggest. The times are just rough estimates from the couple of times I’ve gone.
1. Independence Hall open house at 9 a.m.
2. The Liberty Bell, right across the street
3. The U.S. Mint is about five minutes north.
4. Next, visit Elfreth’s Alley and the First Bank.
5. Walk along the Ben Franklin Bridge walkway.
6. Stop for lunch at Reading Terminal Market.
7. After lunch, check out LOVE Park and stroll along the Mural Mile.
8. Head to the Rocky Steps for sunset. If it’s Friday night, enjoy some art afterward.
I wish I knew all this for my first visit; it would have saved our family a lot of time and a lot of walking!
More Free Philly Fun Worth Knowing
Free Things to Do in Philly With Kids
- Smith Memorial Playground features a giant 60-foot wooden slide that dates back to around 1905.
- Franklin Square offers free fountain light shows.
Free Museums in Philadelphia
- The Barnes Foundation is free to visit on the first Sunday of every month.
- The Institute of Contemporary Art, the Science History Institute, and the Wagner Free Institute are all free to visit every day.
Free Things to Do in Philly at Night
- The Curtis Institute hosts more than 100 free student recitals each year. Be sure to sign up in advance.
- Cira Green is a park located 12 floors up, offering free events from April through October.
For Baseball Fans
- At Laurel Hill East, you can visit the grave of Phillies announcer Harry Kalas, which features a microphone monument and seats from Veterans Stadium.
Best Times to Visit Philly for Free Fun
When you visit can really shape your trip. Pick the right month and you’ll find shorter lines, better walks, and lower hotel prices.
Best Months to Go
- Spring (March to May): You’ll see cherry blossoms, enjoy mild weather, and find decent hotel prices. Just know you might run into some school field trips.
- Fall (September to November): This is my favorite time. By early October, the air gets crisp and cool, and it usually stays that way through November.
- Summer (June to August): This is peak season. You’ll find big crowds at Independence Hall, higher hotel prices, and plenty of sticky humidity.
- Winter (January and February): It’s cold but peaceful. You’ll have most of the historic sites nearly to yourself.
Insider Timing Tips
- Mid-September: With kids back in school and field trips not yet started, this is a great time to avoid crowds.
- Early mornings: Arrive at Independence Hall for the 9 a.m. open house and you’ll get in before the tour buses show up.
- Friday nights: Visit the art museum after 5 p.m. for Pay What You Wish Fridays.
- First Sundays: Both the art museum and the Barnes Foundation offer Pay What You Wish on these days.
- Sunset: From October through April, the Ben Franklin Bridge walkway stays open until 8 p.m., so you can catch the sunset in fall and winter.
Top 5 Paid Philly Attractions Worth It
You’ll find plenty of free things to do in Philly, but a few paid spots are really worth it! Here’s where I’d spend a little extra money if you have some to spare:
1. Museum of the American Revolution
If you love history, after visiting Independence Hall, make this your next stop. It’s just around the corner.
- Price: $25 for adults online, or $27 at the door
- Bonus: Your ticket is valid for two consecutive days.
- Kids: Ages 5 and under get in free!
2. Eastern State Penitentiary
Imagine crumbling cellblocks, peeling paint, and an eerie quiet. This old prison is haunting in the best way. Even Al Capone spent time here.
- Daytime price: $21 for adults online, or $23 at the door
- Just a heads up: There’s no heating or air conditioning, so be sure to dress for the weather.
- Extra tip: Halloween Nights runs on select evenings through Nov. 7, with tickets ranging from $49 to $79.
3. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
This spot is covered from top to bottom in mirrors, tiles, and broken bottles. Walking in feels like stepping into a kaleidoscope.
- Price: $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, $8 for kids ages 6 to 12
- Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Tuesdays)
- Tip: Book ahead, because it gets busy!
4. The Franklin Institute
Have kids, or just feel like one? This hands-on science museum is fun for everyone.
- Price: General admission starts at $23
- While you’re there, check out the Rocky Steps—they’re just a short walk down the Parkway.
5. A Real Philly Cheesesteak
It’s not exactly an attraction, but you can’t leave Philly without trying one! Grab a cheesesteak at Reading Terminal Market while you’re there for some free browsing.
- I recommend sharing one with a friend so you’ll still have room for a soft pretzel!
Cheapest Ways to Get Around Philly
One of the best parts about Philly is that its top sights are close together, so walking is your best bet! When you need a break, try these cheap ways to get around.
Walking (Free)
Most of Philly’s top 10 free attractions are within a two-mile stretch. Wear comfortable shoes—the cobblestones can be tough. I really wasn’t expecting the uneven cobblestones to be an issue, but they really do affect your feet and legs. Keep that in mind when walking, biking, or riding a scooter around.
Philly PHLASH Bus (Free to $5)
This purple loop bus stops at all the major sights, so you can hop on and off as much as you like.
- Free riders: SEPTA Key card holders, seniors 65 and up, and kids 4 and under
- Day pass: $5, or $15 for a family pass (two adults and two kids)
- Fall schedule: Runs Fridays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through December 16.
- How often: Buses arrive about every 15 minutes.
SEPTA Bus and Metro ($2.90)
- One ride: $2.90 on buses, trolleys and the Metro
- Day pass: The One Day Convenience Pass costs $7.50
- Key card tip: The card costs $4.95, but you’ll get that back if you register it within 30 days.
- Group hack: One Key card can pay for up to five people riding together
- Bonus: Your Key card also lets you ride the PHLASH for free.
Indego Bike Share
- Classic bike: About $4.50 for a 30-minute ride.
- E-bike: Costs about $13.50 for the same 30 minutes.
- Best route: Take the Schuylkill River Trail for great views and no car traffic.
From the Airport
Skip expensive rideshares. The SEPTA Airport Line takes you to Center City in about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Fare: About $8.75 with a Key card or by tapping your bank card. It costs more if you pay on board.
- Kids: Children under 12 ride free with a paying adult
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Liberty Bell free?
Yes. It’s free, and you don’t need a ticket. You just go through security.
Do you need tickets for Independence Hall?
Usually, yes, but they’re free apart from a $1 online fee. Or skip tickets entirely by coming to the morning open house.
What is free in Philly this weekend?
Parks, trails, murals and outdoor markets are free every weekend. Check Eventbrite for free pop-up events.
Is the Philadelphia Museum of Art ever free?
It’s Pay What You Wish on Friday nights after 5 p.m. and on the first Sunday of every month.
Is Reading Terminal Market free to enter?
Yes. You only pay for the food you buy.
Can you tour the U.S. Mint for free?
Yes. The tour is self-guided, takes about 45 minutes and needs no reservation.
Your Free Philly Adventure Starts Now
You can stand where the country began, watch money being made, and run up the Rocky Steps at sunset, all for free! Honestly, the best free things to do in Philly are better than many paid attractions in other cities.
Choose your top three, check the hours, and get your walking shoes ready. Philly is waiting for you!
