Historic Philly for Free
Franklin would approve of
your thrifty ways.
Photo: Earlyamerica.com
by Bryan Pirolli
Did you spend all your cash on cheesesteaks and Phillies tickets? I can't blame you, but don't worry: You can easily see the best Philadelphia has to offer without spending another dollar. Here are some of the city's top free sights:
* For a glimpse into historical Philly, the bread and butter of the city's tourism industry, you don't need to buy tickets or wait in line to see some goofy broken bell. (I mean, it's still cracked.) Instead, take a stroll around Independence National Historical Park and check out the bell from outside its pavilion.
* Admission for the National Constitution Center isn't exactly free--it's $8-$12--but drop into the lobby to meet some Revolutionary characters in the . . . flesh? The newly constructed lobby has a wall of fame that will leave you questioning whether the images projected are real or not.
* Not far from the National Constitution Center is Christ Church Burial Ground. You have to pay to enter, but for free you can toss a coin onto Ben Franklin's grave through the fence. Then head over to Christ Church, birthplace of the American Episcopal Church, and see George Washington's personal pew.
* Next you can visit Franklin Court to see where the famous inventor and statesman once lived. An interactive free museum even lets you call up Ben's old acquaintances to see what they really thought of him. John Keats was not a fan, apparently.
* For a glimpse into colonial life, stroll down Elfreth's Alley, one of America's oldest continually inhabited streets. Barely over 16 feet wide, the street dates back to 1702 and is still home to private residents.
* If you're wearing your walking shoes, head northwest past Franklin Park to the Edgar Allen Poe house. Search in the cellar for the inspiration to his popular story "The Black Cat" and listen for any strange ax-like noises.
* Then head back toward City Hall and get your timed ticket to ascend its tower. Only four guests can go up every 15 minutes, so arrive early to guarantee a spot. You get a breathtaking panoramic view of Philadelphia from atop one of the city's most controversial buildings.
* Finally, the U.S. Mint also offers free tours every weekday. And the Museum of Art is pay as you wish (read: free) on Sundays.
Unfortunately, after all of these free sites, you'll have to spring for your own hoagie or a cheesesteak at Pat's or Geno's. But hey, you saved up--have a beer to go along with it.
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and don't forget that if you want to see them all at once, try one of the "cheap" trolley routes like the Historic Philadelphia loop ($2) or the PHLASH ($2) or even the Ride the Ducks tour.
Posted by: ecortes | September 03, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Another great way to save in Historic Philadelphia is to eat at a BYOB restaurant. The fine dining is delicious, and by bringing your own bottle you have zero mark-ups on wine and no corkage fee.
Try Chloe in Historic Philadelphia... it's one of my favorites. Yum.
Posted by: CaroPhila | September 03, 2008 at 09:36 AM