Philadelphia's Best Free Attraction 2008

Lose yourself in the world’s largest landscaped city park.

Reviews:

• “Worth the time of day (Fairmount Park)”
• “Runners Dream”
• “history buffed”

Tips: Track down the famous, the dead and the loved ones at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Or check the Schuylkill Navy website for information about learning how to row.

Fairmount Park

This majestic brick building was the Colonies’ grandest public edifice when it was built in 1732.

Reviews:

• “Looks Like A War Zone”
• “The first palce for any American to visi”
• “America’s Birthplace”

Tips: Timed tickets for tours are available on the day of visit, or in advance by calling (800) 967-2283 from 10am to 10pm. Tickets can be reserved online.

Independence Hall

The most famous bell in the country is visible, crack and all, 24 hours a day.

Reviews:

• “The cradle of liberty starts here!”
• “let freedom ring!!”

Tips: The 2,000-pound bell is symbolically tapped every Fourth of July in unison with bells across the country.

Liberty Bell Center

Plop down on a bench and just try to imagine a better urban sanctuary.

Reviews:

• “Relax In Rittenhouse”
• “Vibrant”

Tips: Rittenhouse Square is the site of annual flower markets and outdoor art exhibitions.

Rittenhouse Square

Before the Constitution stepped in, the First Bank of the United States had its own monetary monopoly.

First Bank of the United States

Ravens and tell-tale hearts need a place to call home, too.

Tips: While living in Philadelphia, Poe wrote “The Purloined Letter,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Masque of the Red Death” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” among other works.

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

The greener, friendlier, more historic alternative to the expressway.

Reviews:

• “The Worlds Best Drive”
• “Great place to exercise”

Tips: See this winding route past the Schuylkill River during Rocky’s famous run in the Academy Award-winning movie.

Kelly Drive