Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Blue Bell

"This L-shaped park, between 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the history and institutions that formed the foundation of the United States government. Stroll around and you'll see storied buildings in which the seeds for the Revolutionary War were planted and the US government came into bloom. You'll also find beautiful, shaded urban lawns dotted with plenty of squirrels, pigeons and, in warmer months, costumed actors."

"Known as the birthplace of American democracy, Independence National Historical Park (INHP) is located on 55-acres. Keep in mind that this area was part of the American Revolution and the nation’s founding history. In a small area, you have Independence Hall where most of it began, the liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and much more."

"Independence National Historical Park is nicknamed "America's most historic square mile" because the 55-acre park comprises much of Philadelphia's most-visited historic district. It preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation's founding history."

"From South Street, we took another Lyft ride to visit the Philadelphia City Hall, a majestic and beautiful Government building built in the Baroque architectural style. This National Historic Landmark was completed in 1901. Just nearby is the Masonic Temple, which serves as the headquarters for a Philly Masonic fraternity. Built in medieval Europe architectural style, it has been called one of the great “wonders” of the Masonic world."

"If you visit Philadelphia, everyone will tell you about City Hall and Dilworth Park. Located right in the middle of the city, it provides so much more than just the repeated photo on the divider in the middle of Broad Street. People from all walks of life come together here: tourists, doctors, lawyers, you name it."

"The structure sits on 14.5 acres of land and is made up of more than 700 rooms. It took 30 years to construct and was designed by Thomas Utsick and John McArthur, and was officially opened in 1901. Then, it was the tallest building in the world."

"One of the wonderful things about Philadelphia is how colonial and modern day are woven together to make a city that is both historic and vibrant. So much of the historic buildings listed here speak of Philadelphia’s elite – the men who signed the Declaration of Independence and were wealthy enough to be buried within the city gates. But we often don’t get to see how the “common man” lived."

"With its quiet, intimate and romantic feel, the Elfreth's Alley is one the Old City’s highlights. Dating back to 1702, this national historic landmark has become one of the most popular photography locations among the newly engaged couples. And as wedding photographers, we absolutely love this place too!"

"The Liberty Bell once housed in the steeple of Independence Hall is today located in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. In its early years, the bell was used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens about public meetings and proclamations. The bell became famous after an 1847 short story claimed that an aged bellringer rang it on July 4, 1776, upon hearing of the Second Continental Congress' vote for independence."

"Visit the Liberty Bell Center Another must-see landmark of Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell, is located across the road from the Independence Hall. It will take you no more than 1 minute to get there. Admission is free and tickets are not required."

"The Liberty Bell is obviously one of Philadelphia's most famous sites, but did you know it's also one of the most memorable free attractions in the city?"

"If you enjoy a side of morbid curiosity with your picnic spread, this spacious 19th-century cemetery is the spot for you. At 54 acres, the Woodlands offers plenty of areas to explore, and it welcomes picnickers to respectfully nosh among its gravestones (and we do mean respectfully — it is still an active cemetery). No prior reservation is required for a visit, but if your group is larger than 10 people, you must email the facility first to get permission to use the site."

"Dating to 1690, Wyck is known as one of Philadelphia’s oldest houses. Wyck offers a variety of educational programs for school groups, including environmental education, programs that focus on history of Quakerism, Native Americans, Colonial life, and Philadelphia. Wyck’s open season runs from April through November."

"If visiting historical buildings is your thing, then you’ll love a tour of the Philadelphia City Hall Tower and Observation Deck. It’s actually the largest city hall in the entire United States and is one of the most storied. A tour of the interior will emphasize the unique architecture, so it’s fun for art lovers, too."

"Now home to 1,300 animals (some rare and endangered) from all over the globe, the Philadelphia Zoo (America's first!) has come a long way since its inception in 1874. More than 1.2 million visitors take a lap around the zoo's 42 acres annually, making this Philadelphia's most popular attraction. Ooh and aah at gorillas, zebras, orangutans, polar bears, tigers and slithery snakes before making your way over to the KidZooU wildlife academy."

"Philadelphia’s oldest Catholic community was founded in 1733 and has been led continuously by the Jesuit community. During COVID-19 restrictions, the church is open only during regularly scheduled masses. Where:Old St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 321 Willings Alley"

"Based in the historic Camac Food Market building on Spruce St, Mercato is a casual, cash-only eatery that serves Italian-inspired cuisine and modern versions of Italian classics. Using the slow cooking traditions of Old World Italy in an experimental way to introduce a bold, new take on Italian-American cuisine, Mercato places the highest importance on using fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients to produce outstanding dishes. Appetizers range from the Mercato antipasti to whole grilled artichoke, while entrees are constantly changing to reflect the seasons and feature a variety of options from veal Bolognese to lobster and shrimp pasta."

"Villa di Roma is a traditional, family-owned and operated Italian restaurant that has been serving loyal patrons delicious and heart-warming Italian cuisine since 1963. Open for lunch and dinner, Villa di Roma prides itself on preparing and serving Italian fare that is created with only the best locally sourced and imported ingredients, cooked with Old World methods and served in an inviting and jovial atmosphere. The quintessential old-school Italian restaurant has a comfortable dining room with a menu to match that features appetizers and antipasti of meats, cheeses, olives, and grilled vegetables, fresh salads, homemade pasta dishes with their award-winning red sauce, entrees of chicken, veal, pork and beef, served in a variety of ways, hearty sides and, of course, sweet desserts."

"Since 1963, the throwback Villa di Roma has been an Italian Market favorite for hearty pasta dinners. The red sauce is so popular that the restaurant even sells it by the jar. But it’s not just spaghetti here."

"The dilemma at Fiore, a contemporary Italian restaurant on Front Street, is whether to go in the morning for a pistachio cornetti (the Italian equivalent of a croissant) and a breakfast sandwich stuffed with fluffy scrambled egg and ricotta, or wait until dinnertime to fill the table with lasagna bolognese, pear and pecorino ravioli, tilefish with Umbrian lentils and porcini mushrooms, and expertly made amaro cocktails. Diners can also pre-order pints of weekly gelato flavors and takeout-only Sunday supper packages featuring Italian comfort foods like Caesar salad and cavatelli in red sauce for a perfectly lovely dinner at home."

"Quick breakfasts, sit-down dinners, coffee on the run and pastries on the side — Fiore thrives on the friction between authenticity and modernity in a world where people want both, all day long. Queen Village | Italian757 South Front Street, 215-339-0509More about Fiore Fine Foods | Return to ranked list"

"Starting Tuesday, March 24th, Fiore will be making and delivering soup for $16 per quart. For flavors and information on how to order, check out their Instagram."

"Restaurants Bakeries Fishtown. Named after the mother of one of the owners, Ramona Susan’s is at once classic—mastering the art of the perfect brownie and chocolate chip cookie—and irresistibly odd. Case in point: There's a unicorn head greeting customers at the door and RuPaul-themed confections come out of the oven weekly."

"The 55-acre Awbury Arboretum in Germantown is home to the Henry Cope Garden, also known as the "secret garden." It dates back to the earliest days of Awbury, when it was just a small boxwood garden. Today, the secret garden is full of rare trees like "very tall, old persimmons" and Witchhazel. It’s also (as of 2017) home to Adventure Woods, a natural materials playground."

"Awbury Arboretum, roughly 55 acres in size, features a romantic, English ambiance. It has lush, green meadows, rolling hills, scenic ponds, picturesque woods, and many more beautiful aspects."

"It has been free and open to the public for nearly a 100 years. See the 55-acre grounds with beautifully manicured gardens once home to a Quaker family."

"Spruce Street Harbor Park is a pop-up park on Penn's Landing in Philadelphia. Offering fun amenities such as hammocks, lawn games, chairs by the water, food and drink options, music and good times to locals, visitors, friends, family and even strangers. There's so much fun to be had at this venue that all can leave friends when the night is over."

"On summer nights, head down to the Delaware River’s Spruce Street Harbor Parc’s lights and hammocks. Or take a seat on one of net hammocks that are floating over the water!. To find more instagrammable spots in Philadelphia and more cities, make sure to follow us at @mixingpassports on Instagram!"

"There are hammocks to sit in while you enjoy conversation and a view of the Delaware River. There are also lovely floating gardens and beautifully lit trees in the evening. Plus, you can find yourself indulging in local craft beers and food from local Philly restaurants."

"Located on the western side of City Hall, Dilworth Park is an open space featuring stunning fountains, steam vents and dual beautiful glass tunnels providing access to the Broad Street and Market Street subways. It also features some landscaped flower benches and outdoor grill and cafe. The possibilities are endless to create amazing engagement images here."

"Penn’s Centre Square is now mostly taken up by City Hall, but the east apron is now a perfect area. Choose a wide stone bench or umbrella-covered table for your bring-along feast, and watch the kids playing in the fountains as you eat (just don’t drink the water)."

"Dilworth Park is a lovely and small public park that is great for taking photos. There are fountains and historical buildings that look great. View this post on Instagram"