The City of Brotherly Love offers tons of fun, entertaining and even educational places to explore and the best part is – a lot of them are FREE! Between the PRSA sessions be sure to check out these hot spots for an exciting experience that won’t cost you! And don’t forget to take photos for the PRSA in Philly photo contest!
Looking for a bit of a history lesson? Head over to 6th and Market Streets where the Independence Visitor Center is located. This gateway to America’s most historic square mile is also the exclusive location to pick up free tickets to tour the birthplace of our nation, Independence Hall. This historic site was originally built as the Pennsylvania State House and is where the Declaration of Independence was first adopted, as well as where the U.S. Constitution was written.
Right around the corner you can head over to the Liberty Bell Center and check out the famously flawed Philadelphia icon. With special rooms for foreign language visitors to hear tapes in dozens of languages and a new film on the Liberty Bell produced for the National Park Service by the History Channel, this site is sure to peak any visitor’s interests. Only steps away from the famous bell sits another must see location, Franklin Square. Located in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, it is one of Philadelphia’s five original squares laid out by William Penn himself in his original plans for the city. This space boasts one of the country’s greatest playgrounds! Brought the kids along? Let them roam this fun, yet historical outdoor space.
Whether you arrive by train, plane or automobile, you’ll find that Philadelphia is an extremely walkable city. One place you should be sure to explore is Elfreth’s Alley, our nation’s oldest residential street. Stroll down this row of quaint houses situated in the heart of Old City between Front and 2nd Streets, home to many artisans and craftsmen in the early nineteenth centuries. Though there may be a small fee to take a tour inside these antique abodes, simply walking down the famed lane is a trip back in time you’ll never forget.
To see more famous and historical homes make your way toward Franklin Court, the site of Benjamin Franklin’s Philadelphia home. Although you can’t see the real thing, this area contains a “ghost structure” made out of steel outlining the spot where Franklin’s house once stood. Additionally, this area contains the Ben Franklin Museum, a complex of exhibits including a printing office, a book bindery, an archaeological exhibit, and an underground, multimedia museum. It’s a great place to learn about one of America’s most influential men and it is also the site of the first Post Office! Just down the block, you can also visit the President’s House Commemorative Site home to the nation’s first White House. The site honors nine enslaved Africans who worked for President George Washington.
The rich history of Philadelphia can be seen and experienced around every corner. Whether you are walking down an ever aging alley or taking a tour of a museum, you can explore all the city has to offer while having fun and most importantly, not breaking the bank!
If you’re looking for more things to do, be sure to check out sample itineraries on discoverPHL.com, or build your own! You can also view the Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide online or download it to your iOS devices by searching “discoverPHL” in the app store.
Finally, don’t forget to pack a few gently used accessories to donate to the PRServing Philly Accessory Donation Drive, which will benefit our Host Chapter Philanthropic Partner, Career Wardrobe.
We will see you in Philly!
– The PHLCVB Team
