Historic Philadelphia-30 Places to Visit for FREE

If you live in Southeastern PA, then you absolutely have no excuse to not take at least one trip to the heart of historic Philadelphia to see the cradle of our nation’s independence.  Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are just two of the most famous icons you will see, but it is my goal to alert you to the many other wonderful spots in Philly’s most historic mile.  The best part is I have crafted this itinerary to be completely FREE (with the possible exception of food and gas), thanks to the fact that many of the sites I mention are considered part of the national park.  I even give you a tip to snag FREE PARKING (if you go on a weekend)!!  In the past few years, I have fallen in love with this section of Philadelphia, referred to as Old City and I know it like the back of my hand, so it is with great pleasure I present to you my insider knowledge of this treasure trove of colonial history.

For practicality sake, this blog post will be in list format.  I will try to present the destinations in geographical order however because tickets to Independence Hall and a few other spots are timed, you may have to mix things up in order to accommodate your time slot.  Another important item of note:  this trip is BEST taken during peak season which is after Memorial Day and before Labor Day.  Outside of peak season, some attractions are closed and/or hours reduced.  In-season, costumed interpreters provide vignettes on story-telling benches labeled “Once upon a Time.”  The hours I list are also based on the summer season, but of course always refer to the web for the latest information.  I highly recommend you download their app called “Independence National Historical Park” which is easy to navigate and contains VERY helpful information for each site within the park.

PARKING:  If you come on a weekend, I have discovered a wonderful, little place to park free of charge and within easy walking distance of Independence Hall.  Go to the north of Race Street (near the entrance of the Ben Franklin Bridge) and there is a neighborhood there with on-street parking that is free on Saturdays and Sundays.  I have always found at least one spot to park, but usually it is parallel parking and a little tight so that may be an issue if you have a large vehicle.  Go between 2^nd and 5^th Streets, running vertically, and Wood and Vine Streets, running horizontally, and any small side streets contained within this rectangle.  ALWAYS carefully read street signs, double checking you are not blocking a garage, loading zone, etc.  The Philadelphia Parking Authority means business and they are not afraid to tow cars that are parked illegally!  It is pretty quiet back there so not too stressful to parallel park, and you may get lucky with angle-in parking on Wood St.  If you cannot find a spot, there are paid lots in various places, especially off Race Street.  They probably run about $15 a day, whereas the parking garages will be more like $25 a day.  If you don’t mind walking 10 blocks or so, there is the fabulous Gateway parking garage off 16^th and Spring St. (closer to center city) that is hassle-free and just $7 a day on weekends! (Although keep in mind you will walk a lot already for the tour, so this probably is not a good option with kids)

1. You must go to the Visitor’s Center (8:30AM-7PM) between 5^th and 6^th Streets first, and the earlier the better. Get in line to receive TIMED, free tickets for Independence Hall and the Bishop White House and possibly the Dolley Todd House (closed until June 2019).
2. Start by seeing the Liberty Bell and President’s House Site (9AM-7PM) in front of the Visitor’s Center. I personally think the Liberty Bell is overrated and is usually quite a long line.  It’s probably only worth it if you can get there right away.  There are interesting things to read as you snake through the queue.  *Insider hint-you can sneak a peek and a photo to the left of the building that houses the Bell through a window.  Usually there is a small line to do this, and that is what I did with my kids most recently.
3. Independence Hall Tour (9-7PM) TIMED tickets required and a bag security check. Attached to the main tour site, don’t forget to tour:
   1. Congress Hall
   2. Old City Hall (now a gift shop inside)
   3. Independence Square (the park behind the building, great photo ops!)
4. Atrium at Curtis Center (10-1PM) located on the corner of Walnut and 6^th Streets, this lobby houses an impressive 49-foot wall of Tiffany-stained glass made into a mosaic. Stop in for a peek!
5. Washington Square Park (always OPEN) is one of the five, green squares William Penn established from the start of Philadelphia. It is a pleasant park and includes the monument marking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

   

6. Athenaeum of Philadelphia (9-5PM on weekdays, but CLOSED on weekends) located on corner of 6^th and St. James Place. Stop inside if you can for a small free exhibition (topic changes periodically) and a peek at the impressive architecture.
7. Walk north up 5^th Street and pass through the Signer’s Garden on Chestnut Street to the 2^nd Bank of the United States (11-5PM) which now houses a large collection of paintings of early famous Americans by Charles Willson Peale, colonial portrait artist.

   

8. Continue East on Chestnut and see Carpenter’s Hall (10-4PM) which hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 and possibly the New Hall Military Museum (12-5PM) if timing works.
9. 18^th Century Garden (9AM-Dusk) located on Walnut Street between the Dolley Todd House and the Bishop White House. A lovely, quiet spot modeled after the English gardens of the 18th century.  The shady gazebo and geometric patterns make this a nice resting spot when you get tired of walking.

   

10. Bishop White House (requires TIMED, free tickets) located on Walnut Street between 3^rd and 4th Streets. Home of the Rev. Dr. William White, beloved rector of Christ Church and St. Peters Church in colonial times.  The home reflects the lifestyle of upper-class Philadelphians in the 18^th century and contains many personal belongings of Bishop White.

    

11. Walk east on Walnut Street to take note of the following:
    1. Merchant Exchange (8:30-4:30PM Weekdays only) noticeable by its unique rounded façade built in 1832 in the Greek Revival style. It currently serves as the National Park Service’s headquarters.  Inside the main entrance on the 1^st floor is a free exhibit.
    2. City Tavern Restaurant (open every day from 11:30 AM) On the corner of Walnut and 2nd Streets.  A reconstructed historical structure with a long and storied past currently gives visitors a chance to dine in a colonial setting, complete with period fare and costumed servers. Consider eating lunch or dinner here!
    3. Welcome Park (always open) across from City Tavern, this small park serves as a memorial to William Penn and is the site of the former “Slate Roof House” owned by Penn, unfortunately demolished.

       

12. Walk north on 2^nd Street and past Market Street to see Christ Church (9-5PM weekdays and Saturdays, open afternoons only on Sundays) One of the finest examples of early Georgian architecture, this active Episcopal church has seen a vast number of famous colonial Americans sit in their pews. Tour guides are available to answer questions or you can just browse on your own.
13. Continue north to Arch Street and turn left. On the right you will pass Betsy Ross House.  I love stopping in the visitor’s area/gift shop because there are bathrooms (also pretty close to the free parking area previously mentioned) and a lovely courtyard with tables and chairs good for putting your feet up for a bit.  Of course, the house has a tour you can take but there is an admission fee as it is not a part of the National Park.

    

14. Continue down Arch Street and once you pass 3rd Street, the Arch Street Meeting House is on the left. Stop in for a quick self-guided tour following the “path” with little stops along the way on the right side of the building.  The left side contains a small museum about Quaker and Penn history.  Tour guides are also available for more in-depth questions.  (Fun fact:  My great 6 times grandfather was buried under this spot when it used to be Quaker burial grounds!)
15. If you cross the street here, there is a little gated pathway called “Loxley’s Court” nestled among the tall buildings you can enter for a delightful meander on cobblestone to check out some 18^th century townhomes. Legend has it that Ben Franklin used the key from House #2-home of Benjamin Loxley, to put on the end of the kite he flew in his famous electricity experiment!  The homes here are all privately owned so do be respectful and quiet.

    

16. Right next door is another small city park called “Girard Fountain Park.” A huge bust of Benjamin Franklin greets you at the entrance beckoning you for a little respite.
17. Cross the street again and continue down Arch Street and take a moment at the corner of 5^th Street to peek into the “window” of the Christ Church Burial Grounds to see the grave of Benjamin and Deborah Franklin. Throw a penny in for good luck!
18. Free Quaker Meeting House (11-5PM) is across the street and is open for tours.
19. Walk south on 5^th Street and turn left on Market Street to Franklin Court, site of Benjamin Franklin’s home, demolished, now marked with a ghost frame. Tour his Printing Office (10-4:30PM) to see how printing was done in colonial times and take a peek in the Fragments room (12-5PM) to examine remains excavated from the property.
20. Walk west on Market Street to 7^th Street to the Declaration House (12-5PM) and visit this reconstruction of the home Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in.

    

21. Another option if time allows is to tour the U.S. Mint (9-4:15PM) which permits visitors to see how money is manufactured along with some history of the process since its inception. I recommend arriving no later than 4PM to give you enough time to finish before they kick you out at 4:30PM.
22. Walk back to the free parking area I highlighted in the beginning by heading east on Arch Street and turning left on 2nd Street. Elfreth’s Alley will be up on your right.  You may walk through this neighborhood, exploring any side alleys and nooks and crannies. This famous street has the distinction of being the oldest, continually inhabited street in America starting in 1702!  Most residences are privately owned but two are a museum open to the public (10-5PM) at #124/126.
23. An extra option you may want to check out just past Elfreth’s Alley is the Fireman’s Hall Museum (10-4:30PM Tues-Sat.) a wonderful, kid-friendly museum showcasing the history of firefighting in the city of Philadelphia.

Although it is unlikely you were able to see everything I covered in this list, I hope it gave you some helpful guidance and an appreciation for all there is to see for FREE in Old City!  I’ve been here many times and still have not done everything on the list.  Perhaps customize your trip with a few ideas here in conjunction with one of the paid admission museums nearby such as the National Constitution Center or Museum of the American Revolution.  Be sure to check over the list before you go and highlight your top priorities, giving you time to plan your own route.  Any planning done ahead of time allows you to maximize your visit in the short amount of time you will have in one day.

Reading a history book is one thing but when you can walk through history, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.  Ben Franklin couldn’t agree more when he said, “Tell me and I forget.  Teach me and I remember.  Involve me and I learn.”