What better way to ring in July 4th weekend than the ‘birthplace of America’, known for its iconic bell?
As the bright lights of New York City tend to steal the spotlight from other major cities in the Northeast, we at Travel Off Path recently covered Baltimore as one of the region’s surging spring destinations, but now it’s time to unveil a summertime shocker.
Known more for Rocky Balboa, famous ooey-gooey cheesesteak stands, and ‘brotherly love’, there’s far more to unpack in the historic city of Philadelphia.
With a laundry list of cheap (and even free) attractions, timeless charm, and cultural neighborhoods beyond the towering skyline, Philly is perhaps America’s biggest summer surprise.
Beyond The Cheesesteaks: Dive Into Philadelphia’s Cultural Gems
Sometimes we can become mesmerized by shiny skylines like moths to a flame, but dotting many cities around the globe are cultural neighborhoods that slip through the cracks of curated tours and misinformed guidebooks.
Take Mexico City, for example. Who woulda thunk there’s a vibrant, buzzing Chinatown district there?
But it’s actually one of my favorite elements of the city when you need to pull a switcheroo from the endless taco stands flooding every corner.
The same goes for Philly. Mostly known for cheesesteaks (and rightfully so), there’s far more to discover to delight your palate and immerse yourself in unexpected layers of cultures and traditions speckled throughout the city.
Chinatown
Established in the 1800s, this bustling community offers visitors authentic cuisine and a variety of shops, plus an awesome photo opportunity at the unmissable arching Friendship Gate.
You’ll find trendy boba tea cafes, old-school classics like Sang Kee Peking Duck House, and everything in between, and an annual lively Night Market to enjoy in the fall.
Little Italy (Bella Vista)
Bella Vista (also known by some as “Little Italy”) is anchored by one of Philly’s most underrated attractions, the open-air 9th Street Italian Market.
Definitely not former mobsters playing bocce, and the aromas of every Italian dish imaginable, along with a handful of other intermixed international cuisines.
The neighborhood is very walkable and a great way to start your day with a Bella Vista staple, Persimmon Coffee.
Keep in mind Philly is known as the “City of Brotherly Love” for a reason. Despite having a brash reputation, people are generally welcoming throughout its diverse communities.
Chinatown and Little Italy are just a sample size, as there are numerous vibrant neighborhoods to explore:
- Africatown
- Fairhill
- Little Saigon
- Fishtown
Important: It’s best to avoid Kensington, as it’s widely recognized as an open-air market for illegal activities, presenting a danger to visitors who are unfamiliar with the area.
Surprising Amount Of Affordable (And Free) Attractions
I’m no mathematician, but the folks at Philly Bite Magazine crunched some numbers for us to set the right expectations:
- Budget travelers: expect to get by on $96 per day
- Mid-range travelers: expect to get by on $224 per day
- Big spenders: expect to get by on $451 per day.
Philly offers a variety of attractions that won’t break the bank and go far beyond running up to the famous Rocky Balboa for free while blasting Eye of the Tiger…
Free Attractions
- Independence Hall (free tours)
- Liberty Bell Center (sight of the iconic cracked Liberty Bell)
- The Betsy Ross House (courtyard admission is free; tours are not)
- Philadelphia Mint (free self-guided tours offered weekdays)
- Race Street Pier (free yoga on weekends)
Cheap Attractions
- Eastern State Penitentiary ($17 admission to tour where Al Capone did his time)
- Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens ($15 admission to tour a maze of indoor-outdoor mosaics)
- Stenton House ($10 admission to tour one of Philly’s earliest settlements)
- Mütter Museum ($20 admission to witness America’s finest museum of medical history; no photos allowed)
Getting Around
Single rides on SEPTA buses or subways costs $2.50. A One-Day Convenience Pass costs $6, or a Three-Day Pass for $15 (unlimited rides).
If you plan to hop around all day, check out the Philly PHLASH trolley for just $5, which covers over 20 awesome stops, including the Old City, the scenic Waterfront, and astounding Art Museum.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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