As a college student, having fun is key! But on a college budget, that can be a bit hard. So I wanted to find some fun ideas to try and recommend! Here are various attractions to visit for free as well as some that require a small charge!

Things to do that are FREE:

LOVE Park

Address: 1599 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19103

LOVE Park is hands down a classic for any tourist visiting the city of Philadelphia! Providing a great location to snap a picture with your friends and/or family, you also get the opportunity of being in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia!

City Hall

Address: 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd

Not too far away from LOVE Park, City Hall is a great stop in Center City! Allowing full access to the public for free from the outside, all sides and dimensions can be seen on the streets of Philadelphia. For a small fee, visitors too are allowed to climb to the top of the Benjamin Franklin statue for a maximum of 15 minutes. During the spring, summer and fall time, water sprinklers are constantly running for everyone to enjoy and run through to cool off. During the winter time, for a small cost, visitors have the opportunity to ice skate right outside of City Hall!

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Address: 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Another outdoor location, Spruce Street Harbor Park is a waterfront park that overlooks Penn Landing. During the spring, summer and beginning of fall, there are hammocks, string lights, and water sprinklers that are there for the public! Also during the summer time, they have outdoor roller blading with the cost of a small fee. Also at Spruce Street Harbor Park are small concession stands that offer snacks, drinks, and alcohol.

Rittenhouse Square

Address: 18th and Walnut Philadelphia, PA 19195

Rittenhouse Square is another outdoor activity. Located in the middle of the city, Rittenhouse is a large park that includes beautiful trees, gardens, walking trails, benches and tables. It is always a great place to enjoy the outdoors, to read a book or bring a blanket and do some homework. Surrounding the square are stores such as Barnes & Nobles, Starbucks, Urban Outfitters and other high end stores. There is much to do around the location!

Liberty Bell + Constitution

Address: 6th St & Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Representing such a significant time for our country, the Liberty Bell and Constitution Center are must sees for anyone who enjoys our country’s history! Even for those who are not so much into the history (me for example), the attraction does provide a lot of awesome information!

Rocky Statue + Steps

Address: Spring Garden St, Logan Square, PA 19130

If there is one attraction that every tourist should visit, the PMOA steps and the Rocky Statue are it! At the bottom of the museum steps stands the actual statue while at the top of the steps are the footprints of Rocky himself! Such a great place for a picture! The view of the city at the top of the steps towards Center City is incredible.

Franklin Square

Address: 200 N 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Franklin Square is one of the few Philadelphia attractions that provides an urban environment. The main attraction of the square is a beautiful water fountain surrounded by a large area of grass and benches. At a small cost, visitors are able to participate in mini-golf or a carrousel ride. It's a great place to grab a burger!

Edgar Allen Poe

Address: 532 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Home of the famous writer, Edgar Allen Poe’s house is open to the public Friday through Sunday. Included in the tour is a walk through his house, some examples of his original works and display’s of his own props! A must see to any big fans!

Museum at Chemical Heritage Foundation

Adress: 315 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

To anyone with a love of science, I highly suggest this museum! It offers various exhibits that include interactive activities and tons of information on things such as chemistry, medicine and medical technology!

Student Recitals at Curtis Institute of Music

Address: 1726 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Offering numerous shows a years, the Curtis Institute of Music is the most ideal venue to see a show at no cost! The shows that take place at this institute are very high quality and upbeat that take place throughout the year! As seasons change, so does the schedule of the shows.

Things to do with a SMALL FEE:

Magic Gardens

Address: 1914, 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Price: $8 for students & Military ID’s, $10 for adults, $5 for children

This attraction is hands down my favorite find in Philadelphia. Being a one of kind attraction, Magic Gardens is place built out of nothing put broken pieces of glass, recyclables and art. Created by a local man, his art is available to all visitors that come through the area. It is an in-depth and complex attraction that one could spend hours on end embracing all that it has to offer.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Address:

Price: $14 for students, $20 for adults, $14 for youth, FREE for Children

What in my opinion is the best museum Philadelphia has to offer, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a 4 story museum that includes numerous types of art work and exhibits. From m the 1800’s to modern day art, this museum is an attraction no visitor wants to miss.

Franklin Institue

Address: 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Price: $19.95 for adults, $15.95 for children

If you are looking for a more in-depth, hands on science museum, this attraction is for you! Offering great exhibits for all ages, the Franklin Institute offers many options to the ones who hold a strong love for science. During various times of the year, they too feature limited edition exhibits to those interested in their theme!

Philadelphia Zoo

Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Price: $23 for adults, $19 for children

To all the animal lovers, this attraction is calling your name! Offering numerous exhibits, interactive displays, rides and great places to eat, the Philadelphia Zoo offers a little of everything! Why wouldn't one want to visit America’s first zoo?

Reading Terminal Market

Address: 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Price: Varies

Can you imagine having a place that offers fresh produce, coffee, and a sandwich all at once? Reading Terminal Market is an indoor venue that offers numerous stands, restaurants and shops that offer a little bit for everyone. Whether you are looking to just grab a bite to eat or to purchase a week’s worth of fresh fruits and veggies, the Reading Terminal has it all!

Eastern State Penitentiary

Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Price: Tours; $14 for adults, $10 for students and kids- Halloween attraction; $19-$45

Are you into spooky things? If so, Eastern State Penitentiary is for you. Open to anyone interested in learning about the Penitentiary’s past including the in-mates and the structure itself, there are tours and walk-throughs that provide visitors with all the information they need. If you enjoy the haunted attractions, fall months are the best time to experience their halloween attractions!

One Liberty Observation Deck

Address: The Shops at Liberty Place, 1650 Market St #5700, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Price: $19-$59

Have you ever imagined what the city of Philadelphia looked like from a bird’s eye view? If so, travel up the 40-something flights of stairs to see the incredible view of the city of brotherly love! Offering various views of the city, One Liberty Observation Deck is the best place to see the best view of such an amazing city!