Video Transcript:
Hello, my name is Malia. I am a student living in Philadelphia who loves exploring the city in my free time. In this video, I will be taking you through my favorite and the most affordable parts of Philly that you won’t want to miss.
The first place is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You may not have known, but the art museum has “pay what you wish” entry fee days every Friday night after 5pm! As someone who loves art, this is definitely something I take advantage of. With hundreds of rooms filled with paintings, drawings, and sculptures spanning hundreds of years, the art museum has something for everyone. I could wander the halls for hours gazing at all the beautiful Renaissance paintings or abstract collages.
Another one of my favorite parts of Philadelphia is the Schuylkill River trail. This is a beautiful trail that winds for miles starting near the art museum and running down Kelly Drive along the Schuylkill River. I’ve included this old picture of Kelly Drive from the early 1900’s and it’s interesting to see how little has changed even over a hundred years ago. I often come here to go on a walk or a run during the summer and fall when the sky is blue and the sun is warm. My favorite thing about this trail is how lively it becomes when people are out and about. It’s a place where anyone can escape the bustle of the city and enjoy a beautiful day outside. The Schuylkill River Trail also has many scenic spots to stop and rest, such as Boathouse Row, where you can admire some lovely architecture and maybe get out on the water.
While we’re on this side of the city, if you go across the Schuylkill River, towards 30th street station, there’s an amazing rooftop garden called Cira Green that you won’t want to miss. After a short elevator ride to the 12th floor and a few flights of stairs, you can see the whole city beneath you. It’s completely free to the public and is always a great place to relax. I come here all the time with my friends to watch the sunset or I’ll bring my art supplies and paint. It’s a short subway ride away from city hall so it’s super convenient to get to. I definitely recommend coming here in the summer when the weather is warm because it can get a little bit windy up there.
On the opposite side of Philadelphia is a place called Old City. Old City is a beautiful area to walk around in if you want to see some lovely brownstone architecture and learn a little bit about the history of the United States. If you pass Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, there are several parks that offer a wonderful place to sit with friends. If you go just a little further, however, you’ll find Elfreth’s Alley right on the edge of the Delaware River. Elfreth’s Alley is the nation’s oldest residential street that holds a lot of historical significance to Philadelphia. If you’re interested in history, I would recommend checking out the Elfreth’s Alley museum, but if that’s not your thing, it’s still a really nice neighborhood to walk around in.
All this walking has worked up an appetite. Reading Terminal Market is one of the absolute best places to eat on a budget. Spanning four blocks of the city, it has over one hundred different merchants selling everything from authentic ethnic food to handmade jewelry. Reading Terminal Market is one of my favorite places to go because you can try many different kinds of foods and all of the vendors are incredibly kind and sometimes give free samples. The savory smell greets you once you open the door and draws you into a delicious cultural paradise.
That concludes my tour of some of my favorite places in Philadelphia. Thank you for joining me and I hope you decide to visit Philadelphia or explore the city more for yourself!
