Cheap things to do in Philadelphia
Cheesesteaks, murals, dumplings and cheap pints in America's most underrated city.
This is Philadelphia for people who want the real thing: market sandwiches, riverfront walks, free art, and a bar stool at closing time. The budget stays low without sacrificing anything that matters. You'll cover a lot of ground on foot, which is exactly how this city rewards you.
Day 1: Italian Market and Bella Vista
Coffee in Reading Terminal Market, Isaiah Zagar's mosaics at Magic Gardens, a porchetta sandwich on South 10th, Vietnamese at Gabriella's on Passyunk and a pint at Cartesian Brewing.
- 9:30 AM
Old City Coffee
Local roaster's stand inside Reading Terminal Market: a six-bean espresso to carry round the aisles.
Map - 11:00 AM
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Isaiah Zagar's maze of mosaic, mirror and bottle glass on South Street; book a timed ticket, closed Tuesdays.
Map - 12:30 PM
Esposito's Porchetta
The Esposito butchers' porchetta shop on South 10th, a cheap sandwich a few blocks below the Italian Market.
Map - 7:30 PM
Gabriella’s Vietnam
East Passyunk Vietnamese for crisp bánh xèo, vermicelli bowls and a good-value spread of small plates.
Map - 9:00 PM
Cartesian Brewing
Local brewery with cheap pints, a proper neighbourhood bar to wind down without breaking the budget.
Map
Day 2: Center City, Chinatown and the river
A big brunch leads into a long walk along the Schuylkill, then Chinatown dumplings and a cocktail to close out a day that costs next to nothing.
- 9:30 AM
Sabrina's Cafe - University City
Big brunch plates near Drexel; the stuffed challah French toast will carry you to dinner.
Map - 2:00 PM
Schuylkill River Trail
Walk off lunch on this paved riverfront trail past Boathouse Row, free, flat, and scenic with great skyline views.
Map - 7:30 PM
- 9:00 PM
Day 3: Fishtown, North Philly and the Barnes
Coffee in East Kensington, top-rated pizza in North Philly, an afternoon with Matisse and Cézanne at the Barnes, then a cheesesteak and a nightcap in Fishtown.
- 9:30 AM
- 12:30 PM
Liguria Pizzeria
Old-school neighbourhood pizzeria: a cheap slice or two before heading across town to the Barnes.
Map - 2:30 PM
The Barnes Foundation
Idiosyncratic collection of Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso hung in deliberate ensembles Book a few days ahead.
Map - 7:30 PM
Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop
Fishtown cheesesteak counter with a retro soda fountain: a steak wit' and a black-and-white shake.
Map - 9:00 PM
Murph's Bar
Well-rated Fishtown local bar for a nightcap, close by and a proper neighborhood wind-down.
Map
Where to stay
ROOST East Market
Apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes right in Center City, so you can skip breakfast costs and stay central to all three days.
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Solid mid-range hotel a short walk from Reading Terminal Market, Chinatown and the Schuylkill trailhead, with no frivolous extras to pay for.
Make Philadelphia your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Independence National Historical Park: weeks ahead
- Barnes Foundation: weeks ahead
- Kimmel Center: weeks ahead
- Jeffersonville Golf Club: a few days ahead
- Longwood Gardens: weeks ahead
- The Golf Course at Glen Mills: a few days ahead
Skip these
- Pat's and Geno's as your cheesesteak verdict; locals prefer Angelo's, John's Roast Pork, Jim's or DiNic's.
- The Rocky statue photo as a substitute for the museum behind you.
- Liberty Bell at midday in summer; go at opening or in the last hour.
- Cheesesteak from a Center City tourist counter or food cart, and South Street bar crawling as an adult nightlife plan.
The full Philadelphia travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around