Philadelphia is one of the most historic cities in the United States with so many things to do and places to see. While you will find plenty of cultural attractions in Detroit, New York and Virginia, very few stack up to the history in Philly.

From the Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell, there are major iconic historic sites in the city of brotherly love. However, seeing these sites can be expensive and overly crowded.

Today, we’ll show you how to experience Philadelphia historical sites for free!

**LOCALS AND VISITORS** Take Notice

Experience Center City Philadelphia history in the colder months. Philly is even a great destination for solo travel experiences in the winter months.

You won’t have to invest a dime to visit Independence Hall if you visit in January or February.

Try to arrive on a weekday for smaller crowds.

Seeing Philadelphia’s most famous buildings for free thrilled Grasshopper Greg. If you do not take a guided tour, it’s free.

The rangers in each room are glad to answer any Philadelphia history questions you have.

You can keep the money for local cuisine and entertainment!

Yes, you can look at the galleries and rooms for free in the summer after 5:00 PM., but, the flocks and tourists crowding your viewing space (s) could limit the quality of your experience.

I visited in mid-January. It was neat to get in free. Same with having a conversation with the working rangers.

I got to dictate the time I spent in each building.

And I had the rooms to myself.

Getting to Philadelphia for Under $20 Round-Trip

It is easy and inexpensive traveling to Philadelphia from any Northeast city with Megabus, BoltBus or Greyhound.

On my trip, I arrived in a prime location, across the street from the Liberty Bell on Market and Sixth street. My stop was a two-minute stroll from Liberty Hall.

My plan was experiencing Philadelphia history all day and a sporting event at night. For history travel lovers, be sure to check out this ultimate Montana history and heritage vacation guide as well.

 

A Philadelphia History Guided Tour Is Optional – If you Ask The Rangers Questions, They Will Tell You Details and Info You Will Learn on a Tour,

I felt having the rangers’ individualized attention, and their quality information was better than a guided tour.

They have time to answer questions in the offseason.

Getting “unscripted” answers from passionate professionals from the National Park history fields is golden.

Another amazing thing; it was all free!

 

I gave myself plenty of time to hit multiple buildings. I went to Congress Hall where the U.S. federal congress and senate used to meet.

Philly was the temporary U.S. capital from 1790 to 1800, and George Washington was president most of that time.

In 1796 he left with a thorough and sensitive farewell address in Congress Hall, where he expressed his wish for America to not enter foreign nations‘ conflicts. He added guiding principles for the country and said “national union” meant “collective and individual happiness” for our citizens.In addition, he said each U.S. citizen is an “American.” He stressed the importance of showing patriotism.Washington felt political parties were a threat to the nation‘s health.

Independence Hall National Park

Edmund Woolley built Independence Hall National Park between 1732 and 1756 after designing it with Andrew Hamilton.

It served as the State House of Pennsylvania.

Today, Independence Hall serves as an international symbol of government by the people.

The reasons… the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

Stroll Down Elfreth’s Alley

Before you leave Philly, take a stroll down Elfreth’s Alley. Elfreth’s Alley serves as the oldest continuously inhabited street in the entire nation. Located right in Old City, it is an essential stop on every history-lover’s travel itinerary. With picturesque flower boxes, brickwork, and shutters, this small street preserves three centuries of historic evolution. In fact, many homes are still occupied by local Philadelphians. Certainly, Elfreth’s Alley is a great stop on your historic Philly travel itinerary. If you like experiencing sites like this whenever you travel, check out these awesome West Virginia historical tours.

Liberty Bell, Its Duties, and What It Symbolized

I spent time at the State House Bell, now the Liberty Bell, right across the street. I got to see the Bell’s famous crack up close!

Get your mind out of the gutter!

The expanded crack resulted from attempts to fix a thin crack. The smaller one destroyed the Bell’s tone after the American Revolution.

The repair work dates back to 1846.

A ranger told me the repair failed while the Bell rang for George Washington’s birthday anniversary.

But, the original crack reappeared and lengthened. She added the crack left an upwards zig-zag shape towards the Bell‘s top. Later, it was silenced forever.

The Bell weighs 2080 pounds and can make a noise if struck with a mallet.

The State House Bell called for Pennsylvania Assembly members to meetings and announced key events throughout the city. The Bell called citizens to protest Parliamentary oppression. Because of the Civil War, the Liberty Bell symbolized national reunification.

The icon was a bright spot while race riots, lynchings and Indian wars were happening. I found out marketers used the Bell’s image as an effective marketing tool to sell products, linking political liberty with economic prosperity.

A ranger pointed out:

– The Liberty Bell’s key strength is symbolizing freedom. It represents the long quest for liberty and the need to keep us free.

– The Bell embodies the American Revolution’s legacy, the ongoing struggle for freedom and liberty‘s nature.

Other Reasons to see Philadelphia During the Offseason

Hotel rates are at their lowest during December and January. Tourism is at its lowest from November to March.

The weather is cold, but you will mostly stay indoors.

It’s better to enjoy all you’re seeing in Philadelphia without many tourists.

 

“Today is your day! Your mountain is awaiting! So… get on your way. ” – Dr. Seuss

 

*NEXT*

—–  **Head to Manhattan for $5!** 

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