Best Free Activities and Locales in Philly

Our Local Expert Says:

Be prepared to encounter crowds at Philadelphia's most well-known tourist destination. View the Liberty Bell that only rang once, stand where the signers of the Declaration of Independence once stood, and read up on history in the newly built Constitution Center. When you're ready for some peace and quiet, take a horse and buggy ride around the site and through the cobblestone streets of Society Hill.

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Independence Hall, completed in 1753, is known to many as the birthplace of America. This building is where the nation's founders issued the Declaration of Independence; where they drafted and signed the Constitution; and where, oddly enough, the new city's stray dogs were kept (in the basement). Independence Hall is located in the heart of the city's historic district and is an essential stop for anyone visiting the city's historic sites or hoping to learn about the founding of the United States.

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Regarded as the best farmers' market in America (at least by Philadelphians), the Reading Terminal Market is a terrific place to sample all the culinary grandeur Philadelphia has to offer. Experience the traditional cheesesteak, a custom-made deli sandwich, or an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch hearty home cooked breakfast prepared by Amish farmers. Aside from the prepared foods, over 80 food merchants purvey fresh fish and meats as well as an assortment of exotic and local fruits and vegetables.

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Opened with tremendous fanfare in December 2001, Rafael Vinoly's dramatic glass-and-steel vault along the Avenue of the Arts encompasses Verizon Hall, a 2,500-seat cello-shaped concert hall built specifically to house the Philadelphia Orchestra; and Perelman Theater, a 650-seat hall for chamber music, dance, and drama with a turntable stage. Other features at Kimmel include an interactive education center; "black box" theater space; a daytime cafe and gift shop in the plaza along Spruce Street; and parking and restaurant facilities. Above all, there is space, acres and acres of it -- space designed to sparkle and amaze, unlike anything else in the area.

With its comfortable mahogany interior, four levels of seating, and excellent acoustics, Verizon Hall is a pleasure. Perelman's design is also nice, with a metal-clad exterior and light woods and warm fabrics within.

Most of the jewels in Philadelphia's cultural crown -- the city opera, orchestra, and ballet companies -- perform either at Kimmel or at the historic Academy of Music (which is affiliated with Kimmel and located 1 block north). Visiting talent in music and dance and an incredible jazz series presented by the Kimmel Center...

Our Local Expert Says:

This square is one of the best places in the city for people-watching. Grab an outdoor table at one of the upscale bar/restaurants lining the Square, and you'll be set for hours. Jane Jacobs even cited this Square as one of the most successful urban green areas in her classic book, The Death of Life of Great American Cities.

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Rittenhouse Square was one of five squares (only four of which exist) in William Penn's original plan for the city, and it has always been the busiest and most happening square. Jane Jacobs wrote about it in The Death and Life of Great American Cities as an example of a truly successful urban green space. There is hardly a time of day or night when Rittenhouse Square isn't packed with nine-to-fivers taking a lunch break, loungers reading a book or newspaper, people watchers, children, dogs, squirrels, and sometimes a juggler or acrobat. Fashionable restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and high-end hotels surround the Square; a visitor to Philadelphia will have much to look at and explore in and around the Square.

Our Local Expert Says:

Valley Forge National Park is a wonderful place for some Revolutionary War history, a challenging bike ride, or a relaxing picnic.

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Valley Forge, 22 miles northwest of Philadelphia, was the site of George Washington's army's winter camp in 1777-1778. The army camped here as they prepared to fight the British, who were threatening to march on Philadelphia, the colonial capital. Visitors can enter the log cabins that sheltered Washington and his men, imagining the cold and wet winter that the army spent there; bike or walk the trails that wind their way through the Park; or enjoy a picnic in the scenic hills of the Park.

Our Local Expert Says:

While the famous lights of Boathouse Row can only be seen from across the river, the east side of the Boathouses provides an ever-popular path for joggers, bikers, strolling families, picnickers, and others. Half a mile past the boathouses lies a mid-century sculpture garden depicting the history of the U.S. For some exercise (and a view of the lights), follow the Kelly Drive path all the way to the Falls Bridge and head back on West River Drive, completing an 8-mile loop that ends in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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The lights that illuminate the boathouses on Boathouse Row are a classic Philadelphia scene. Numerous painters have painted these lights, which even native Philadelphians stop to marvel at. The only difficulty is getting to a place where you can see the lights; they're on the river side of the boathouses, so they can only be seen from West River Drive or the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), and only at night. If you have access to a car, try driving West River Drive, crossing the Falls Bridge, and coming back to the city on Kelly Drive. Alternately, the boathouses are quite lovely from Kelly Drive, even without the famous lights. Kelly Drive, which begins at the Art Museum and extends four miles northwest, is an ever-popular place for bikers, joggers, and picnickers.

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Students in the vocal arts program at the renowned Curtis Institute of Music regularly show off their talents around town. These 25 singers, ages 18 to 28, present fully staged performances and concert productions at the Prince Music Theater and Kimmel Center, as well as in the beautiful studio and Field Hall of their Rittenhouse Square school.

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The Temple University Boyer College of Music presents a multitude of free concerts, master classes, lectures and special events seven days a week throughout the year. The Rock Hall Distinguished Artist Series is known for its recitals by highly regarded faculty and visiting artists. Temple's Greater Philadelphia Concert Series presents a rich array of programs on campus and in the greater Philadelphia region. All programs subject to change. Call ahead to confirm. Admission to all events is free unless noted otherwise.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fairmount Park is the nation's largest urban park, spreading throughout much of Philadelphia. It's definitely worth a trip to the historic houses or the Japanese Tea House within the Park.

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This large expanse of grasslands, recreational facilities, streams and historical structures borders the northwest side of Philadelphia. The 8,700 acre ground include day camps, playgrounds, sporting fields, basketball courts and hiking trails. Special events include running events, bicycle and antique car races, walk-a-thons, regattas, and small and large picnics, including the Greek Picnic with over 100,000 participants annually from around the country. Tours are available of the historic mansions in the park. Also, the Horticulture Society maintains a Japanese Teahouse, and conducts tea ceremonies on weekends.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a great place to hang out during a hot day, perhaps between museum visits. The Ben Franklin Parkway (in which Logan Circle sits) is modeled on Paris' Champs Elysees, with the Philadelphia Museum of Art at one end and City Hall at the other.

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This area features some of the most exquisite flower beds in Philadelphia. Swann Memorial Fountain is a spectacular feature of this circle. In summer, children play in the fountain while adults take a break on the benches.

Northwest Square was one of Penn's original city squares and was once used as a burial ground. The last public execution was held in this square in 1823 and two years later, it was renamed for James Logan. In the 1840s, it became illegal for livestock or wagons to enter this area. Hillocks were eventually leveled and graves were moved to other locations. When the Parkway was built in 1925, the fountain was added and Logan Square became Logan Circle.