25 of the best free things to do in Philadelphia when you want to explore the city without spending a dime

Get up close to one of America’s most recognizable symbols of freedom at the Liberty Bell Center. Admission is free, and the historic bell is housed alongside exhibits exploring its complicated history and enduring symbolism.

Step inside the building where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Admission is free, though timed tours can require a small reservation free.

You don’t need a museum ticket to recreate one of Philly’s most famous movie moments. Race up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, then take in the sweeping Parkway views from the top.

Head to LOVE Park for one of the easiest free photo ops in the city. The iconic Robert Indiana sculpture makes the perfect backdrop for a Philly day out.

Take a stroll down America’s oldest residential street and admire its colorful row houses and centuries-old architecture. Walking the historic alley is free, while the museum inside is ticketed.

You don’t have to buy anything to wander through one of America’s most beloved public markets. Browse the colorful stalls, watch vendors at work, and soak up the energy of this Center City institution.

Grab a bench, people-watch and enjoy one of Center City’s prettiest green spaces. The historic square is especially lively on sunny days.

If you’re looking for a low-key, breathtaking stop that won’t cost a thing, step inside the historic Curtis Center to see Tiffany’s stunning Dream Garden mosaic. Created by Maxfield Parrish and Louis Comfort Tiffany, it shimmers with over 100,000 pieces of hand-cut Favrile glass — a quiet, glowing oasis that’s best visited on weekdays when it’s less crowded.

Discover dinosaurs, fossils, minerals, and other natural-history treasures inside this wonderfully old-school museum. The Wagner offers free admission and a glimpse into Philadelphia’s scientific history.

Walk through one of Philly’s most creative examples of urban reuse at this elevated green space. The first section of the former Reading Railroad Viaduct offers an unusual perspective of the city.

Trade city streets for river views with a walk along the Schuylkill River Trail. The waterfront path is perfect for walking, running, biking, or catching a sunset.

Explore America’s oldest surviving botanical garden while enjoying riverfront trails, gardens, and sweeping views. It’s a surprisingly peaceful escape within city limits.

Take your picnic to the sky at this elevated public park above University City. The green space offers some seriously good views of the Philadelphia skyline.

This waterfront public space combines art, creative installations, and river views inside a transformed historic pier. Admission is completely free, making it an easy stop while exploring the Delaware River waterfront.

For some of the best free waterfront views in the city, head to this dramatic pair beneath the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Bring a coffee and stay for the skyline views.

Philadelphia’s walls are basically an open-air art gallery. Follow the city’s sprawling network of public murals to find colorful works hiding throughout neighborhoods across the city.

Learn how Philly’s water system helped shape the city at this historic riverside site. The exhibits and surrounding Schuylkill River scenery make this an underrated free stop.

You can feel miles away from the city without actually leaving it. Hike wooded trails, cross historic bridges, and explore the natural beauty of Wissahickon Valley Park.

Swap skyscrapers for wetlands at this expansive wildlife refuge near the Philadelphia International Airport. Bring binoculars and look for birds, turtles, and other wildlife along the trails.

History, architecture, and nature come together at this sprawling historic cemetery overlooking the Schuylkill River. Its winding paths are open to visitors looking for a peaceful—and slightly unexpected—Philly adventure.

Visit the historic meeting place where the First Continental Congress gathered in 1774. The beautifully preserved building offers a fascinating glimpse into Philadelphia’s Revolutionary-era history.

Just steps from Independence Hall, Congress Hall served as the meeting place of the U.S. Congress when Philadelphia was the nation’s temporary capital. Free access makes it an easy addition to an Old City history walk.

When the seasonal waterfront attraction is open, you can stroll beneath the colorful lights, lounge in hammocks, and take in the Delaware River without paying an admission fee. It’s one of Philly’s most vibrant free outdoor hangouts.

Book lovers can get an up-close look at some seriously fascinating treasures during the Free Library of Philadelphia’s free daily Rare Book Tour. The 11 a.m. tour explores the department’s collection spanning thousands of years of history, including ancient tablets, medieval manuscripts, and the raven associated with Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven. No reservations are required.

If you’re looking for a uniquely Philly way to sightsee for free, take the El for a front-row view of 50 rooftop love murals. Hop on the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (The El) westbound to view A Love Letter For You, a sequence of 50 rooftop murals by Steve Powers spanning 45th to 63rd Streets — sit on the right side during the day to follow the story.