The Top Free Things to do in Philadelphia
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
16. Visit the National Museum of American Jewish History in winter
Explore over 30,000 artifacts and learn the detailed history of how and why Jewish people came to America. The museum offers detailed exhibits on the past 360 years of Jewish life in America. This museum offers free winter admission starting on January 13th. Additionally, if you cannot make it out here in the winter for the free admission, you can always explore the first floor for free. The Only in America gallery features numerous interesting exhibits including Stephen Spielberg’s camera & Einstein’s pipe.
Location: 101 S. Independence Mall
17. See the meeting place of the First Continental Congress
From September 5-October 26, 1774, the First Continental Congress met in Carpenters Hall. This beautiful landmark was also home to The American Philosophical Society, The Franklin Library, and The First and Second Banks of the United States. In 1857, Carpenters Hall became the first private US building opened to the public as a historic monument. Today, you can explore this living piece of history via a self-guided tour.
Location: 320 Chestnut Street
18. Tour a replica of the house where Benjamin Franklin drafted the Declaration
Stop by to see the replica of the house where Benjamin Franklin wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776 (it took him 17 days). Franklin rented 2 rooms upstairs. Unfortunately, touring the inside is currently off limits due to a lack of federal funding. However, you can still stroll past the exterior. While the original house was demolished in 1883, an exact replica was built in 1975. The house is located just a few minutes walk away from Independence Hall.
Location: 700 Market Street
19. See the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Washington Square Park
Not only is Washington Square Park a beautiful place to take a stroll, it also holds much historical significance. William Penn planned 5 public squares, with Washington Square being the most historical of the bunch. Stop by to see the Revolutionary War memorial and the Tomb of the Unnamed Revolutionary war soldier. Beneath the concrete lies the bodies of hundreds of soldiers. Conveniently, the park is located within walking distance of Independence Hall, thus making it a great nature escape after a long day.
Location: 210 W. Washington Square
20. View one of the largest Tiffany pieces in the world
The Tiffany Dream Garden mosaic, an extravagant art piece comprised of 100,000 pieces of hand blown glass, is one of the most beautiful sights in the city. At one point, it was the largest glass mural in the country. This magnificent artwork is free to view and conveniently located just steps from Independence Hall in the lobby of The Curtis Center. Before being declared a “historic object,” the piece was almost sold to a Vegas casino (for a stunning 9 million bucks).
Location: 601 Walnut Street
