Looking for free things to do in Philadelphia in 2026? You’re in the right place.
Philadelphia is one of the best cities in the U.S. for budget-friendly travel because so many of its best experiences are completely free.
From historic landmarks like Independence Hall to world-class public art and riverside parks, you can fill an entire weekend (or longer) without spending much at all — especially if you’re planning a trip during spring in Philadelphia.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for free things to do in Philadelphia this weekend, there’s no shortage of options. This guide breaks down the best free things to do in Philadelphia, including:
- Iconic must-sees
- Hidden gems locals love
- Free museums and pay-what-you-wish days
- Seasonal events and festivals
If you’re planning a trip — or just looking for something to do this weekend — start here.
Table of Contents
Best Free Things to Do in Philadelphia
- Walk through historic Elfreth’s Alley
- See the iconic Liberty Bell
- Run the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Explore colorful murals by Mural Arts Philadelphia
- Relax in leafy Rittenhouse Square
- Walk the scenic Schuylkill River Trail
- Visit bustling Reading Terminal Market
- Explore Spruce Street Harbor Park on the waterfront
Free Historic Attractions
Independence Hall
Independence Hall has played a key role in America’s history. It’s the site where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. Visitors can enjoy the open house daily from 9 am to 10:30 am for free. Following that, free tickets are required but include a nominal $1 handling fee.
Liberty Bell
Another highlight of Philly’s historic offerings is the Liberty Bell. To see perhaps the world’s most famous bell, no tickets are required. Simply walk in and join the queue for the security screening to see the Liberty Bell.
Elfreth’s Alley
If you’re looking for more historic charm, it doesn’t get any more charming than Elfreth’s Alley.
Elfreth’s Alley is considered to be the oldest residential street in the United States, and the current occupants have maintained the neighborhood’s historic feel. That’s right: this isn’t an open-air museum, this is someone’s actual street! Take a stroll back in time along the narrow historic homes of Elfreth’s Alley.
It’s tucked away between 2nd and Front Streets just above Arch Street. Blink and you’ll miss it.
Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site
The oldest church in Pennsylvania and the oldest brick building in the city, Gloria Dei Church is a recognized National Historic Site that dates to the 17th century. Still an active church, it is also the oldest continuous congregation in the county. The church is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Art & Culture (Free + Outdoor)
Take a Self-Guided Mural Arts Tour
Since the mid-1980s, what’s now known as Mural Arts Philadelphia has been helping fight graffiti and keep the city beautiful. Since then, the city’s iconic murals have become an integral part of Philly’s culture and are always so beautifully done. Explore the works with a self-guided tour.
Rodin Museum Garden
Philadelphia’s home to the only museum outside of France dedicated to sculptor Auguste Rodin. But that doesn’t mean you have to go inside the Rodin Museum to enjoy his works! The museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway includes The Garden.
In the springtime, the garden is simply breathtaking with flowering trees and a reflecting pool as just a couple of the highlights. And surrounding the museum in the garden are eight relatively large works by the master himself. Without paying a dime, visitors can enjoy up-close these famous works like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. It’s enough to tempt you into the museum for a look.
Enjoy the Public Art
Philly loves a statue. Whether it’s a golden Joan of Arc or a fictional boxer, you can find art of all kinds and styles across Philadelphia. The city’s Association for Public Art preserves and protects the art the city has, in addition to commissioning new works. In particular, they’ve been bringing in great temporary works that engage the community, such as 2017’s Fireflies pedicabs by Cai Guo-Qiang.
From the organization’s website, you can find some works that interest you and take a self-guided tour. They even have an audio guide, Museum Without Walls, for select works. You can access the audio guide on the go with a phone call, via the mobile app, or by downloading it in advance.
Philadelphia Museum of Art Sculpture Garden
On the eastern side of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, overlooking the Schuylkill River, is the Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden, one of the lesser-known free things to see in Philly. The one-acre garden is small but enjoyable. Among the works on display is Claes Oldenburg’s “Giant Three-Way Plug (Cube Tap).”
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park is the city’s first and largest park that is actually comprised of two parks — East Fairmount Park and West Fairmount Park — on either side of the Schuylkill River.
Fairmount Park is full of so many wonderful things to explore, from public art and monuments to historic homes and museums (such as the Japanese house Shofuso). Take a picnic and enjoy the parks. Keep the park in mind during spring, too. The trees and flowers are in full bloom! It tops the list of free things to do in Philadelphia in spring.
Walk (or Jog) the Schuylkill River Trail
When it is completed, the Schuylkill River Trail will connect roughly 120 miles from Philadelphia to Pottsville, Pennsylvania (the hometown of Yuengling, the country’s oldest brewery that’s still operating).
There are more than 30 miles of trails in Philadelphia, running past spectacular sites like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Fairmount Water Works, and Boathouse Row. Whether you’re looking to sightsee or exercise, the Schuylkill River Trail is the place to be.
Go early in the morning or at sunset: the light along the Schuylkill River is one of the best in the city.
Tip: The stretch near Boathouse Row and the Art Museum offers the best skyline views.
People Watch in Rittenhouse Square Park
It’s hard to think of a spot greener in central Philly than Rittenhouse Square Park. The park is a favorite with locals, whether they’re human, canine, squirrel, or bird. Paths cut across the green lawn of the square between mature trees and benches.
The park dates all the way back to William Penn, when he and his surveyor planned it in the 17th century. Anyone will tell you that Rittenhouse Square is a prime people-watching location. Grab a bench on a nice day and enjoy it.
Tip: Visit on a sunny afternoon when the park is at its liveliest.
Explore Bartram’s Garden
John Bartram created his namesake garden, Bartram’s Garden, in 1728. Today, it is the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America. The 45-acre National Historic Landmark is right along the Schuylkill River, just north of Philadelphia International Airport. In the garden, you can visit three important trees from the 18th century as well as the original garden and greenhouse.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Since 1972, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge has been protecting native plants and wildlife not far from the Philadelphia Airport. The wildlife refuge offers more than 10 miles of trails where you can enjoy the great outdoors, including birdwatching.
Hidden gem: It feels worlds away from the city, despite being just minutes from the airport.
Walkable Neighborhood Experiences
South Street
Once named “hippest street in town,” South Street remains an iconic Philly locale. For decades, the bustling blocks on the eastern portion of South Street have been a hot spot with edgy and unique shops, like punk mecca Zipperhead, plus bars and restaurants, like Jim’s Steaks. Today, Jim’s is still there, as is the popular music venue the Theater of Living Arts (aka the TLA), but many of the shops and bars have changed. Take a stroll on South Street and get a feel for Philly. It’s not quite what it once was, but it’s still worth a quick walk for its energy and history.
Italian Market
South Philly’s Italian Market is America’s oldest outdoor market and another spot you may already know from Rocky or It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
The market dates to the 19th century, when businesses along 9th Street between Wharton and Fitzwater Streets began opening to serve the Italian immigrant community. Today, the Italian Market is a diverse mixture of some of those original businesses as well as new ones offering a different taste. The Italian Market is at its liveliest on weekend mornings.
Reading Terminal Market
In the heart of Center City, Reading Terminal Market has been operating since 1893. It’s one of the oldest, as well as the largest, public markets in the nation. Visitors flock to Reading Terminal for local favorites, like cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches, as well as everyday groceries. Even if you’re not planning to eat, it’s worth walking through to experience the atmosphere and variety.
Tip: Go early or late to avoid the biggest crowds, especially on weekends.
Navy Yard
Right along the Delaware River, the Philadelphia Navy Yard has been revitalized in recent years. Today, the area serves as an urban campus for companies. Take a self-guided tour of the Navy Yard past parks and historic buildings. Highlights include the iconic Broad Street Entrance & Gatehouses from 1926 and Central Green, a large park.
Hidden gem: The Navy Yard is one of the quietest places to walk along the waterfront, far from the crowds in Center City.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Located along the Delaware River, Spruce Street Harbor Park is one of Philly’s most popular seasonal hangouts, known for its hammocks, colorful lights, and waterfront views.
While food and drinks cost extra, entry to the park itself is completely free, making it a great place to relax on a warm evening.
Tip: Visit at sunset when the lights come on. It’s one of the best atmospheres in the city.
Rail Park
Similar to New York City’s Highline, Philadelphia’s Rail Park is a park trail on an elevated stretch of unused rail lines. While currently only a quarter-mile of the trail is completed and open, the final Rail Park is envisioned at three miles. Not only is a walk on the Rail Park a great way to get some exercise, but it’s also a completely new and fresh way to experience Philly!
Delaware Riverfront
The Delaware Riverfront is full of places to explore. Amongst the countless parks along the waterfront you can enjoy for free are Cherry Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor. There’s also a two-mile-long Delaware River Trail.
Free Museums in Philadelphia & Free Admission Days
Some museums are always free, while others offer pay-what-you-wish hours or monthly free days. There are some great free museums in Philadelphia that are lesser-known and you might otherwise miss. It’s important to note that while some of the museums are free, they may encourage donations.
- Science History Institute
- Institute of Contemporary Art
- Shoe Museum at Temple University of Podiatric Medicine
- Polish American Cultural Center Museum Exhibit Hall
- Fabric Workshop and Museum (Free but donations are suggested)
- Fireman’s Hall Museum
- Ryerss Museum & Library
- Wagner Free Institute of Science
Additionally, there are some not-so-free museums in Philadelphia that are free some of the time.
- Barnes Foundation is free on first Sunday of every month
- Philadelphia Museum of Art offers pay what you wish on the first Sunday of the month
- Rodin Museum is pay what you wish
Seasonal Free Events in Philadelphia
Not all of the free things to do in Philadelphia are museums or historic spots. Some are events you can experience. During the winter there are great holiday festivals from Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day to the Christmas Village. And, of course, in the summer, there are 4th of July fireworks and plenty of festivals, concerts, and other free events in Philadelphia to enjoy throughout the year. Some events in Philly do have a cost, but there are plenty you can simply enjoy without spending a dime. Mark your calendars now to enjoy some of these free events in Philadelphia.
FAQs About Free Things to Do in Philadelphia
Is anything free in Philadelphia?
Yes! Many of the city’s top attractions, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, are free to visit.
What can you do in Philadelphia for free this weekend?
Walk the Schuylkill River Trail, explore murals, visit parks, or attend seasonal events.
Are museums free in Philadelphia?
Some are always free, while others offer pay-what-you-wish hours or free days.
Is Philadelphia walkable for free attractions?
Yes! Many of the city’s top free attractions are within walking distance, especially in Center City and Old City.
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All photos and opinions are my own.
I can imagine from this post that Philadelphia is full of street arts, which is something that I really love! I’m gonna go for people-watching at the Rittenhouse Square and visiting the Fairmount Park. Sounds like a great idea to enjoy the day!