Philadelphia on a Budget - PhillyWired.com

When it comes to visiting Philadelphia, some of the best things to do and see are free – or close to it. Check out the low-cost or no-cost attractions, including historic Independence Hall, the flavorful Italian Market, the world’s oldest A.M.E. church, the hi-tech production line of Herr’s Potato Chip Factory and Fairmount Park’s rustic trails.

* All attractions are free and located in Center City Philadelphia unless otherwise noted. Some of the attractions may request a suggested donation from visitors.

Cultural Attractions

Poe, master of the macabre and inventor of the detective story, spent his most prolific years in Philadelphia, where he wrote “The Raven” and, rumor has it, “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Hours for the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site vary according to season.
7th & Spring Garden Streets, (215) 597-8780, www.nps.gov/edal

On Sundays, the Philadelphia Museum of Art invites budget-conscious art lovers to pay what they wish for the opportunity to explore permanent collections including works by Marcel Duchamp and Salvador Dali, Himalayan artists and local luminaries such as Thomas Eakins. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, www.philamuseum.org

Housing the largest collection of works by Auguste Rodin outside Paris, the Rodin Museum features treasures such as “The Thinker” and “The Gates of Hell.” A $3 donation is requested. 22nd Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, www.rodinmuseum.org

Displayed in a quiet suburban mansion is one of the world’s grandest art collections, including 180 Renoirs, 69 Cezannes, 60 Matisses, plus Modiglianis, Seurats, Rousseaus and Picassos. Tickets to the Barnes Foundation are only $5. Advance reservations are required. In nice weather, don’t miss the Foundation’s Arboretum. 300 N. Latches Lane, Merion, (610) 667-0290, www.barnesfoundation.org

Special Interest Attractions

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is a compact museum that traces the social and political aspects of black culture from Colonial times to the present. While it concentrates on Philadelphia’s African American heritage, it also links local stories to national and international trends. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children.
701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org

Fairmount Park, one of the world’s largest landscaped parks, leads from the Philadelphia Museum of Art into the farthest reaches of the city, and is home to the Philadelphia Zoo, Boathouse Row, Memorial Hall, as well as countless trails for hiking and biking.
(215) 685-0001, www.phila.gov/fairpark/

Fire engines fascinate millions of people, and firefighters inspire awe and gratitude in millions more. Pay homage to both at Fireman’s Hall, a former fire station run by retired fire fighters. See engines of yore, as well as an exhibit dedicated the heroes of September 11.
147 N. 2nd Street, (215) 923-1438.

Collectors beware: Admission to the Franklin Mint Museum, a Brandywine River Valley museum devoted to worldly possessions, is free, but you’ll surely be tempted by the dolls, coins, model cars and myriad Mint collectibles for sale in the gift shop. US Route 1,
Franklin Center, (610) 459-6168, www.franklinmint.com

Popcorn, potato chips, munch, munch, munch – take a tour of the Herr's Factory, and you won’t be craving lunch. Factory visits finish with free samples of warm chips, just out of the oven. Route 272 & Herr Drive, Nottingham, (610) 932-9330, www.herrs.com

A morning stroll through the Italian Market, South Philadelphia’s famous open-air market, is a foodie’s delight. Find exotic meats, Italian loaves and fresh produce and cheeses.
S. 9th Street, between Christian & Washington Streets, (215) 922-5557, www.phillyitalianmarket.com

Tour Linvilla Orchards, a fully functioning, 300-acre farm, complete with a year-round farmer’s market, barnyard animals and fields where you can pick-your-own fruits and veggies in season. 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, (610) 876-7116, www.linvilla.com

Don’t miss the opportunity to sample Amish pastries, ethnic cuisine, Philly cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches at the Reading Terminal Market, an historic market conveniently located across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Open Monday through Saturday. 12th & Arch Streets, (215) 922-2317, www.readingterminalmarket.org

Located on the grounds of beautiful Swarthmore College, Scott Arboretum, an impressive 300-acre arboretum, features 4,000 varieties of regional ornamental plants and offers garden workshops. 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, (610) 328-8025, www.scottarboretum.org

Historical Sites

The Betsy Ross House was the Colonial home of Betsy Ross, who is credited with sewing the first American flag at the request of General George Washington. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for students. 239 Arch Street, (215) 686-1252, www.betsyrosshouse.org

For a bird’s-eye view of Philadelphia, head to City Hall’s observation deck, which sits just below the William Penn statue. Also, get a glimpse at the history of Philadelphia’s city government while exploring this grand building. Broad & Market Streets, (215) 686-2840

Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the U.S., is a quaint cobblestone alley located in Old City. The Elfreth’s Alley Museum is open daily, with a minimal admission cost. 2nd Street, between Arch & Race Streets, (215) 574-0560, www.elfrethsalley.org

Known as the birthplace of our nation, Independence National Historical Park includes the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Independence Hall requires advance reservations for free admission, available at the Independence Visitor Center at 5th & Chestnut Streets. Between 5th & 6th Streets and
Walnut & Market Streets, (215) 597-8974, www.nps.gov/inde

The Johnson House, a Quaker home in Germantown owned by four generations of the abolitionist Johnson family, was once a vital stop on the Underground Railroad. Today, the house displays various slavery artifacts, as well as an array of educational material in rooms that feature history lectures, art shows and other special programs. Admission is $5 adults, $2 children. Reservations required. 6306 Germantown Avenue, Germantown, (215) 438-1768, www.johnsonhouse.org

Just a half hour’s drive from Center City, Valley Forge National Historical Park, the verdant wintertime encampment of the Continental Army, offers a glimpse into the Revolutionary War with log huts, Washington’s headquarters, monuments and statues. Visitors are invited to explore the park by car, bike or on foot. Park admission is free; admission to historic buildings is $3. Route 23 & N. Gulph Road, Valley Forge,
(610) 783-1077, www.valleyforge.org

Religious Sites

Pennsylvania’s heritage is directly tied to the Arch Street Friends Meeting House, a plain meeting house for the Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, one of whom was William Penn. This historic building offers visitors insights into the roots and practices of Friends. 4th & Arch Streets, (215) 627-2667, www.archstreetfriends.org

Majestic and medieval, the Bryn Athyn Cathedral offers exquisite gardens, stunning stained glass, breathtaking architecture and beautifully planted grounds. 600 Tomlinson Road,
Bryn Athyn, (215) 947-6225, www.brynathyncathedral.org

The Christ Church and Burial Ground, an Episcopal church once attended by Ben Franklin, remains one of America’s most beautiful and historic religious structures. The burial ground, which opens to the public in April after a 25-year hiatus, serves as Franklin’s final resting place. 2nd & Market Streets, (215) 922-1695, www.christchurchphila.org

Just a 20-minute drive from downtown, the Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel is home to the crypt and shrine of a Philadelphia woman who devoted her life to the urban poor and Southwestern Native Americans, and was canonized a saint in 2000. 1633 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, (215) 639-7878, www.katharinedrexel.org

Standing across the street from Philadelphia’s City Hall, the Masonic Temple, a massive tribute to freemasonry, includes seven rooms representing Corinthian, Gothic, Egyptian, Ionic, Norman, Oriental and Renaissance architectural styles. $3 suggested donation,
1 N. Broad Street, (215) 988-1917, www.pagrandlodge.org

Mother Bethel A.M.E., the earliest established African Methodist Episcopal church, is also the oldest parcel of land in the country recorded as being owned by African Americans. Mother Bethel also served as a stop along the Underground Railroad. Call in advance for tours. 6th & Lombard Streets, (215) 925-0616, www.motherbethel.org

Visit six Philadelphia attractions for a 50% discount, and avoid ticket lines, by purchasing CityPass, good for admission to the National Constitution Center, Franklin Institute Science Museum, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Independence Seaport Museum and a Philadelphia trolley tour. CityPass is valid for nine consecutive days and costs $36 for adults, $22 for youth ages 3-11. CityPass is available at the Independence Visitor Center, participating attractions or www.citypass.com

For package information, call or visit your AAA travel professional or visit www.aaaphiladelphia.com

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