Philadelphia is a fantastic city to visit, but how much does a trip to this city actually cost? I previously wrote an article with tips and fun things to do in Philadelphia. I also wrote an article with practical information for Philadelphia. In this follow-up article, I’ll give you a complete overview of the costs for accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. I’ll also share smart money-saving tips so you can get the most out of your budget. Will you travel with me?
How much does a trip to Philadelphia cost?
Philadelphia is not a cheap destination, but it is significantly more affordable than cities like New York City en Seattle. The costs also depend greatly on your travel style and choices. Below is an indication of the average daily budgets:
- Backpackers budget: $50 – $80 per day
- Average budget: $100 – $200 per day
- Luxury budget: $250+ per day
Package holidays through discount airlines such as TUI en D-Travel are usually the cheapest way to explore the city. They compete with cheap flights and have good deals with hotels in the city, so you usually pay more if you book them separately.
Complete city trips of 4 to 5 days can be booked in the low season from around 700 euros. That is flight + hotel with often a transfer. Realistically, you will rather end up at around 900 to 1200 euros per person.
How much you end up spending depends on a number of choices you make. With a little planning, you can keep Philadelphia affordable, and below I'll give you some tips on how to do that.
Costs for accommodation
Of course, you can choose to book everything yourself. If you plan this smartly, you can do it relatively cheaply. What is good to know: Accommodation in Philadelphia can vary considerably in price, depending on location and level of comfort. In general, the closer to Center City, the more expensive. Also, weekends are often more expensive than weekdays.
Average prices per accommodation type
- Hostels & budget hotels: $30 – $80 per night
- Mid-range hotels: $120 – $250 per night
- Luxury hotels: $250+ per night
Hotels, hostels and AirBnB
Hostels & budget hotels: During the high summer season, a bed in a shared dorm can be found from $40 USD. Off-season, prices are closer to $30 USD. A private room costs around $80 USD per night and doesn’t fluctuate much between seasons. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.
Mid-range hotels: Mid-range hotel rooms start at $120 USD. The price ranges from $120 to $250 per night. Even at mid-range hotels, the price fluctuates less between high and low season. Prices are a bit higher on the weekends, but not shockingly so. Expect basic amenities such as TV, air conditioning, and a coffee maker or kettle.
Luxury hotels – Luxury 5-star hotels in the city center in Philadelphia can easily cost $250 USD on a weekday and $300 USD or more on the weekend. The price per night in these hotels also fluctuates wildly based on supply and demand. These hotels are by definition a lot more expensive during high season and the well-known school holidays. It is therefore wise to plan your city trip to Philadelphia outside these periods, if you can of course.
Recommendations by budget category
Luxury hotels
- Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square – Comfort, luxury and a central location.
- The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia – Classic and elegant, with beautiful views over the city.
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia – Boutique hotel with a trendy look and rooftop bar.
Mid-range hotels
- Loews Philadelphia Hotel – Centrally located with spacious rooms and good service.
- The Windsor Suites – Spacious suites with kitchenette, ideal for longer stays.
- Alexander Inn – Charming hotel with a personal touch.
Budget Hotels
- Apple Hostels of Philadelphia – The best option for backpackers and solo travelers.
- Sleep Inn Center City – Affordable and yet right in the city centre.
- The Notary Hotel, Autograph Collection – Historic hotel with surprisingly affordable prices.
Food and drink costs
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a quick bite, Philadelphia has something for every budget. From iconic Philly cheesesteaks to fine dining at high-end restaurants—the city is full of culinary surprises. But what does it cost to eat and drink in Philly on average? Here’s a handy breakdown:
- Cheap food (fast food, food trucks, delis) – $5 – $12 per meal
- Mid-range restaurants – $15 – $30 per meal
- Luxury restaurants – $50+ per meal
- Drinks in a bar – $5 – $10 per drink
- Coffee – $3 – $7 per cup
Want to eat well without blowing your budget? Then visit the Reading Terminal Market for fresh and affordable meals or the Italian Market for local delicacies. Try a classic Philly cheese steak at Pat's or Geno's. This way you can enjoy the best the city has to offer, without spending a fortune!
Philadelphia Transportation Costs
While Philadelphia has a public transportation system, it is not as extensive as in cities like New York or Washington D.C. The subway and buses SEPTA will take you to the most important places, but many tourists ultimately opt for taxis, Uber or just walking. Fortunately, the city center is compact, making many sights easily accessible on foot.
Philadelphia Transportation Prices
- Subway or bus (SEPTA) – A single ride costs $2.50, but coverage is limited and less convenient outside the city center.
- SEPTA Key Card day pass – For $6.75 you can travel unlimited, but be aware that not all tourist hotspots are easily accessible by public transport.
- Taxi or Uber/Lyft – The most popular way to get around quickly. Within Center City you pay on average $ 10 - $ 20 per trip.
- Rental bike via Indego – For those who like to actively explore the city: $12 per day or $4 per individual ride.
Best option? If you stay mostly in the city center, you can walk a lot and occasionally take a taxi or Uber. If you want to go further outside the city center, such as to the Philadelphia Zoo or the suburbs, an Uber or a (limited) SEPTA ride can be a solution.
Costs for attractions and activities
Many of Philadelphia's top attractions are free, such as the Liberty Bell en Independence hall. But for some iconic places, you have to buy a ticket. Here are the current admission prices for some popular attractions:
- Philadelphia Museum of Art – $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (65+), $14 for students, free for youth 18 and under. (More Info)
- Eastern State Penitentiary – $19 for a day tour including audio guide and exhibitions. (More Info)
- The Franklin Institute – $25 for adults, $21 for children (ages 3-11), includes access to interactive science exhibits and the planetarium. (More Info)
- Mural Arts Philadelphia Tours – Public walking tours for $25 per person. (More Info)
- Note: From One Liberty Observation Deck is currently Closed and not accessible to visitors.
Want to be assured of the best prices or combo deals? Always check the official websites in advance for current rates and availability!
We experienced this tour ourselves and were positively surprised, highly recommended! During this tour you will walk with a local guide along the most beautiful and impressive Street-Art murals of Philadelphia.
In this 2 to 3 hour tour you will walk along impressive works of art that so beautifully decorate the buildings of Philadelphia. The local guide will tell you more about the special stories behind the works of art.
Want to save money? Consider the Philadelphia Sightseeing Pass, which allows you to visit multiple attractions for a fixed price.
Going Out in Philadelphia: How Much Does it Cost and Where to Go?
Philadelphia has a vibrant nightlife and a wide range of entertainment options, whether you're into sports, live music, theater, or just a casual drink at a bar. Luckily, going out doesn't have to be expensive here—there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending a lot of money.
- Movie ticket – Expect to pay $12-$15 per ticket. Popular theaters include the Ritz Five for indie and arthouse films and the Regal UA Riverview for the latest blockbusters.
- Theater or concert – Tickets for shows at the Walnut Street Theatre or concerts at The Fillmore or Franklin Music Hall usually start around $50, depending on the show and venue.
- Sports game (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) – Prices vary widely:
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) – $100 – $500 per ticket depending on opponent and seat location.
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) – $30 – $250 per ticket, with cheaper options for midweek games.
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) – Starting at $20 for a spot at Citizens Bank Park.
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) – $50 – $200 per ticket, especially more expensive on weekends.
Cheap going out tips
Want to enjoy the nightlife without spending a lot of money? Here are some budget-friendly options:
- Happy hours – Many bars offer big discounts on drinks and snacks between 16pm and 00pm. Check out places like Oscar’s Tavern (affordable drinks and a no-nonsense atmosphere) or El Vez (great margaritas during happy hour).
- Free events – Philadelphia regularly hosts free concerts, festivals, and cultural activities. Check Visit Philly or the Spruce Street Harbor Park calendar for the latest updates.
- First Friday in Old City – Every first Friday of the month, art galleries open their doors for free, often with live music and free snacks and drinks.
- Parks on Tap – A traveling pop-up beer garden that travels through various parks in the city during the summer months. Free admission and affordable drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Free comedy nights – Bars like Ortlieb's Lounge and Tattooed Mom regularly host free stand-up comedy shows.
Whether you're a sports fan, enjoy live music or just want to score a cheap drink, Philadelphia has plenty to offer for a successful evening, even on a budget.
How to buy tickets for ice hockey match?
Attending a Philadelphia Flyers game at the Wells Fargo Center is an amazing experience, but where is the best place to buy your tickets as a tourist? In the Netherlands, tickets for sports games are often limited for non-members, but luckily that is not a problem in the US. Here is everything you need to know about buying ice hockey tickets in Philadelphia.
Where do you buy Philadelphia Flyers tickets?
The official ticket seller for the Flyers is Ticketmaster, who handles ticket sales via the NHL website. Here you can buy your tickets safely and reliably:
Philadelphia Flyers Single Game Tickets – Ticketmaster
Once you have purchased your tickets, you can easily store and access them via the Ticketmaster app on your smartphone.
Are there any reliable resellers?
Yes, in the US, secondary marketplaces like SeatGeek, StubHub, and GameTime are popular options for buying tickets, especially for last-minute deals. Sometimes tickets through these platforms are even cheaper than Ticketmaster. These are safe and reliable alternatives if the official sale is sold out or if you are looking for a better price.
Popular ticket resellers for Philadelphia Flyers games:
Tips for buying tickets
- Buy on time – For popular games, such as those against the New York Rangers or Pittsburgh Penguins, tickets go quickly.
- Compare prices – Sometimes resellers offer tickets below the original price. Check multiple platforms before buying.
- Use the Ticketmaster app – This gives you direct access to your tickets at all times, without the hassle of printing them out.
Whether you are a fanatic hockey fan or just want to experience the atmosphere, a Flyers game in Philadelphia is an absolute must. Grab your tickets and enjoy an evening full of action and fanatic supporters.
Savings Tips for Philadelphia
Want to explore Philadelphia without spending a fortune? Here are some handy money-saving tips:
- eSIM: Use a eSIM with data so you can surf the internet on your phone anywhere, for just a few euros. You get your first 3 euros of credit for free.
- Free attractions: Visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Schuylkill River Trail for free.
- Cheap food: Try food trucks and markets like the Reading Terminal Market.
- Free museums: Some museums offer free admission on specific days, such as the Barnes Foundation on the first Sunday of the month.
- Walking or cycling: Save on public transport costs by walking or renting a bike.
- Public transport day pass: Buy a SEPTA Key Card for unlimited travel if you travel a lot by public transport.
Conclusion
Philadelphia is a fantastic city trip destination and doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little planning, you can save big without sacrificing the experience. Whether you’re a budget traveler or looking for a bit more luxury, there are plenty of ways to explore Philadelphia without breaking the bank. Enjoy your time in Philly!
