Best Things to Do in Philly with Your Gal Pals (Even If You’re Broke!)
Looking for a fun girls' day out in Philadelphia without breaking the bank? Whether you’re saving up, in between paychecks, or just love a budget-friendly adventure, Philly has tons of free and affordable activities to enjoy with your besties!
Here’s how to have an amazing day with your gal pals—no big spending required!
Budget-Friendly Fun: Things to Do in Philly for Broke Besties
Being broke doesn’t mean you have to sit at home—Philly has tons of free & cheap activities that are just as fun as the fancy stuff!
1. Pack a Picnic & Chill at a Scenic Park
Skip the pricey brunch and DIY your own picnic at one of Philly’s beautiful parks! Grab some snacks from Trader Joe’s, Aldi, or your fridge and enjoy:
Rittenhouse Square – Great for people-watching in the city
Fairmount Park – Huge green space with scenic views
Bartram’s Garden – A hidden gem with waterfront picnic spots
Penn’s Landing & Spruce Street Harbor Park – Hang by the river & enjoy the hammocks
Pro Tip: Bring a speaker & a card game for extra fun! 🎶🎲
2. Take a Free Walking Tour of Philly’s Historic Sites 🚶♀️
Philly is packed with free historic landmarks—so why not turn your day into a self-guided walking tour?
Must-See Free Landmarks in Philly:
Independence Hall – Free tickets available at the Visitor Center 🇺🇸
Liberty Bell – Snap a photo with Philly’s most famous icon
Elfreth’s Alley – The oldest residential street in the U.S.
Rocky Steps & Statue – Run up the famous steps & take a victory pose!
LOVE Park – The perfect spot for an Insta pic with your girls
Pro Tip: Use the Visit Philly app for self-guided tour maps!
3. Window Shop & Thrift Like a Pro 🛍️
Shopping on a budget? Philly has amazing thrift stores where you can find cute outfits, vintage treasures, and one-of-a-kind pieces—without the hefty price tag.
Best Thrift Stores in Philly:
Buffalo Exchange (Walnut St.) – Trendy second-hand fashion
Philly AIDS Thrift – Affordable & supports a great cause
Greene Street (Chestnut Hill) – High-end brands at thrift prices
Raxx Vintage (South Street) – The best spot for vintage finds
Pro Tip: Bring clothes to sell or trade for extra savings!
4. Get Artsy at Free Museums & Galleries
You don’t need to drop $$ on museum tickets—Philly has free & pay-what-you-wish museums where you can explore amazing art & history.
Free & Cheap Museums in Philly:
Philadelphia Museum of Art – Pay-what-you-wish on Fridays (5–8 PM)
Barnes Foundation – Free the first Sunday of every month
Rosenbach Museum & Library – Free on First Wednesdays
Institute of Contemporary Art – Always free!
Pro Tip: Follow your fave museums on Instagram for special free entry days!
5. Hit Up Philly’s Happy Hour Scene
If you’re on a budget but still want to sip fancy cocktails, Philly’s happy hour deals are your best friend!
Best Cheap Happy Hours in Philly:
Bar Bombón – $5 margaritas & plant-based bites (Rittenhouse)
The Dandelion – Half-price pints & small plates (Rittenhouse)
Frankford Hall – $4 beers & pretzels (Fishtown)
Alma de Cuba – $6 mojitos & empanadas (Center City)
Pro Tip: Check out Philly’s secret speakeasies for a budget-friendly drink adventure! 🍸
6. BYOB Movie Nights & Game Nights at Home 🎬🎲
Sometimes the best girls' night is right at home! Grab a bottle of $6 wine from Trader Joe’s, throw on your comfiest PJs, and do one of these fun at-home activities:
Movie Night: Chick flicks, 90s throwbacks, or spooky horror movies!
Karaoke Night: Sing your heart out to Beyoncé & Taylor Swift!
Game Night: Play Cards Against Humanity, UNO, or board games!
DIY Spa Night: Face masks, mani-pedis, & rom-coms!
Pro Tip: Make it a potluck night so everyone brings a dish or drink
7. Free & Cheap Live Music Nights 🎶
Love live music but don’t want to drop $50 on concert tickets? Philly has tons of bars & venues with FREE live music!
Best Free/Low-Cost Music Spots in Philly:
Time (Midtown Village) – Free live jazz & great cocktails
MilkBoy (Chestnut St.) – Cheap cover & indie bands
The Fire (Fishtown) – Low-cost open mic & local talent
Chris’ Jazz Café – Pay-what-you-wish jazz nights
Pro Tip: Many places have no cover on weekdays—so plan accordingly!
Have an Epic Girls’ Day in Philly—Without Going Broke!
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on fun! Whether you’re:
Exploring the city for free
Grabbing cheap happy hour drinks
Thrifting a new outfit
Hosting a cozy girls' night in
…there’s always something fun (and affordable) to do in Philly!
Thinking about moving closer to the city action? Let’s find you a home in your favorite Philly neighborhood—without breaking the bank!
Schedule a Free Home Search Consultation
Email me at: Shaina@MontCoLiving.com
Philly is packed with amazing things to do—even when you’re on a budget! Grab your girls, pick a few of these activities, and have a blast without spending a fortune!
Tag your broke bestie & start planning your next adventure! 💬
