Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is notorious for its skyscrapers, plethora of history, and colleges. Just a few weekends ago, I went to Philadelphia to visit one of my best friends from high school – Violet – with one of our other best friends Haley. FUN FACT: Philadelphia is actually one of my favorite cities! Well, on my most recent trip to the city of brotherly love or shall I say sisterly love (!!!) included a visit to 3 affordable AND historic attractions!
1 – Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Address: 532 N Street
Cost: FREE
The Edgar Allan Poe House is one of 5 homes that the American authored lived in. It is one of a few still standing to this day. Currently, the Edgar Allan Poe House is owned by the National Park Service and is a National Historic Site. That all being said, it is FREE to walk in, explore, and absorb ALL the history there that there is to offer. Personally, I did not find touring the house to be all that exciting (it is only usually self-guided) with a map given per party that enters in. There’s no furniture within much of the house, but its current structure and architecture has been preserved and thus remains. At the same time, there is also an exhibit with a film, too. We didn’t stay too long here, but it was cool to see and a gorgeous, colonial-like exterior!
Read more about it here: https://www.nps.gov/edal/index.htm
2 – Independence Hall
Address: 520 Chestnut Street
Cost: $1.00
Independence Hall is currently managed by the National Park Service. It is the home of where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and signed by our Founding Fathers. This fundamental building to big happenings in United States and world history for that matter is also a UNEŞCO site. In order to visit, one must reserve a ticket in advance for a $1.00 fee to tour. Tours last only about 20 minutes and you get to witness where history happened aka where the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution were signed. While brief, it is a super cool experience! This time around, we did not go inside Independence Hall, but last year I happened to book a tour on Constitution Day – I write about my experience here: https://pinkchickadee.com/2021/09/21/a-weekend-in-philadelphia-area-my-favorite-sights-to-see/#/
Read more about it here: https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/independencehall.htm
3 – Elfreth’s Alley
Address: 126 Elfreth’s Alley
Cost: FREE
Elfreth’s Alley is a historical street in Old City Philadelphia. It is JUST a 3 minute walk from the Betsy Ross House. To me, Haley, and Violet, this street is like an untouched part of history amongst Philadelphia’s numerous skyscrapers. The homes at Elfreth’s Alley are residential, which makes it SO unique. While not painted the colors of the rainbow, this alley felt a bit like a cobblestone and more colonial version of Charleston, South Carolina’s Rainbow Raw and Washington, DC’s Georgetown neighborhood. The BEST PART?! ALL residents deck out their gorgeous homes for the season AND photos are always welcome!
Read more about it here: https://www.elfrethsalley.org/
Til next time, Philly!!
XOXO – Katie <3