10 Things to do in Philly for $10 or less
Trying to visit new places often comes with a price. But, if you are in the Philly area or are even a “Philadelphian” yourself, there is plenty of things you could do without breaking the bank. Here are 10 things you could do for $10 or less.
Philadelphia’s Magic Garden is known as one of the tops spots to visit for cheap. It’s located on South Street and costs only $8 for students and $10 for adults. The artist known for this work is Zagar who moved to the area in the 1960s. Zagar and his wife helped create a new look for the area by renovating buildings and adding colorful mosaics on both private and public walls. In 1994, Zagar began working on empty lots and this was where he would start this masterpiece. Zagar built a fence around the property and then spent years making walls and tunnels out of things he found around the city until he reached his final product. In 2002, however, the owner of the lot discovered Zagar’s creation and decided to sell the land. At this point in time, the town knew who was Zagar was and they loved the work he put into the city to transform it to where it is, so the community joined together to support the artist and after a two year legal battle, his new creation was named Philadelphia’s Magic Garden and was opened to the public.
Today, going to the movies isn't as popular as it has been in years past. With the internet rising and the availability to watch movies online for free, it isn't a place many people want to go to anymore. Even today, going to the movies can turn into an expensive trip but on Tuesdays in University City, Cinemark throws it back to the 1990s and only charges $5.50 for tickets. Cinemark is trying to bring people together again to watch old and new creations.
If you’re looking to get some exercise while also being able to explore the city, Indego Bikes are the way to go. Indego Bikes started two years ago in Philly and have had great reviews since. The Indego system has hundreds of bikes available 24/7, 365 days a year. Each station location was based on proximity to community resources, employment centers and transit. The Indego station’s all have a touchscreen kiosk and a map of the surrounding neighborhood. To do this you could purchase a one day pass for $2 per 30 minutes after the first 30 minutes or just $4 for 30 minutes.
On the first Friday evening of every month you can wander the streets of Old City with other art lovers to visit the 40-plus free art galleries. This started in 1991 when a group of galleries all collaboratively had an open house evening with casual drinks and food. This idea took off and is now so popular that it extends to other Philadelphia neighborhoods.
City Halls’s Observation Deck offers a 360 degree breathtaking view of the city- right from the heart of it for only $6 for students and $8 for adults. The Philadelphia City Hall is the largest City Hall in the United States. You can ride up an elevator 548 feet above ground to the top of the historic building to get an unbeatable view. The observation deck is located just below the statue of William Penn, the founder of Philadelphia.
If you’re from Philly you know the heart that this city has for their sports. If you’re not from here its a must to experience the game day environment. Sports are a huge part of the culture of this city and the fans are known for their extreme passion for all their teams. So travel to South Philly at the Wells Fargo Center for a ten dollar ticket, drink some beer and get wild.
For only $4.95 for a game and $4.40 for shoe rentals you can get your game on and show everyone what your made of. North Bowl is known to be one of Philly’s best hang outs and was just completely renovated and transformed into a 21,000-square-foot nightlife heaven. From the retro benches to the ‘50s style bowling alleys, the arcade and the two full size bars that over looks the downstairs lounge, North Bowl definitely is one of a kind.
Here in Old City, you can find a new or used book for as high as $10. The Book Trader is the largest used bookstore in Philadelphia and allows you to leave your old books behind and pick up new ones on your way out.
A Mummer is anyone who is involved in a fantasy song, dance and costume splendor. Mummers date back to ancient Egypt but are best documented during the medieval period. Mummers would parade around the streets, enter random houses and play dice in silence, as time went on they started to beg for food or water from those in the area. Mummers made their way to Philly in the late 17th century when Swedish immigrants came to Philadelphia and South Philly picked up on it quickly. The Mummers Museum opened in 1976 as a part of the Philadelphia’s celebration of the Bicentennial. Inside, there are costumes, oral histories, video and audio archives and even an exhibit so anyone can learn the famous Mummers “strut.” To enter, all you need is $5 and the parking is free, so come on in a learn some history of the Mummers.
Last but certainly not least, if you consider yourself a wine lover, here at Pinot Boutique there is anytime wine testing. The tastings offer a perfect balance between a formal, informative wine class and simply sitting down for a glass of wine. At the bar you will be served five standard tasting servings and a casual guided tour from the staff. Basic wine testing is $8 but if your looking for something else, the new Rose wine testing is only $10.
