Last year, David and I celebrated his 24th birthday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. David loves Philly in every single way from its history to its sports teams. The problem is… we spent a little too much during our visit. After having a wedding this year, as well as many doctor’s visits (that are NOT free), I decided to take on Philly again…. but with a very strict budget!
Now, I am going by the assumption that I will be capable of walking at least a half a mile without needing long breaks and a bed to elevate my leg. Of course, if that is not the case come October, we will just have to drive and budget for parking costs. We are only going for one and a half days, so we shouldn’t need to spend TOO much on parking. We can always resort to Uber if parking is too much.
Here are tips from a married woman on a budget when treating your spouse to a short weekend getaway!
- My first suggestion when taking on any city for longer than a day is to use websites such as Airbnb, Home Away, or VRBO. If you aren’t familiar with these types of sites, they allow people around the world to rent, list, and find vacation homes. I found a one bedroom, one bath apartment a few blocks from Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens for $80. One night. (I used a $25 travel credit, too.) Not too bad considering it is a highly rated place with a kitchen, internet, parking, and an easy walk/drive to the hot spots of the city. If you decide to use Airbnb, click here for $30 in travel credit!
- Check local newspapers and Facebook groups to find events around town. Most cities have websites devoted specifically towards listing events throughout the year. Usually, I check out Visitphilly.com to find events that may interest David and me. For us, though, we prefer to take on the city by ourselves and base what we do off of our mood, weather, etc.
- If you don’t have to spend money, why do it, right? Seems obvious, but people tend to get caught up in the idea of feeling obligated to spend money while on vacation. Actually, David and I kind of felt that way last time we were in Philly. We wanted to treat ourselves, but in the end, it really wasn’t worth it. We had a great time, sure, but we realized we could still have an amazing time without emptying our wallets. With that being said, consider FREE museums, local dives that are known for great food at a great price, mix and mingle with locals to see what budget-friendly sites are worth visiting… most people are kind and willing to share their thoughts. If you plan ahead of time, ask friends on social media to send in their suggestions!
- Let’s talk about some places we love to visit in Philly specifically, now.
- David and I LOVE visiting the Liberty Bell/Independence Hall. It is free, it is packed with history, and there is something about visiting such a historical place that makes a trip more worth it to us.
- A MUST DO when visiting Philly is going to see the Rocky Statue/Steps. This option is free, it is fun, it screams Philly, and when you get to the top of the steps… the view of the city is absolutely breathtaking.
- If you are traveling with your spouse, you have to visit Love Park. That is a given! However, if you choose to go soon, keep in mind that Love Park is undergoing renovations. That doesn’t mean you can’t take a photo with the Love Statue, though. Just head over to Dilworth Park and you will feel the love.
- History lovers and architecture lovers have to check out Elfreth’s Alley. This is “the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited street” that boasts centuries of gorgeous and impressive architectural details. I hope David and I have time to stop by here during our visit. If not, we will absolutely be visiting soon.
- Although you have to pay to go inside the Rodin Museum, there are still some amazing sculptures and things to see from the outside. David and I chose to stay outside during our last visit. I am sure going inside is amazing, but we were temporarily content with staying outdoors, haha.
- Here is another you have to pay to visit: The Magic Gardens. However, there are options for student and military discounts. I am excited I will get my student discount when David and I go! This place is stunning. If you love photography, like me, it is a MUST SEE! I am really looking forward to taking some fun photos with David here.
- My last suggestion is to visit the 9th Street Italian Market. Sure, you may end up buying some items (who could resist?) but it is totally optional to spend money. The atmosphere and the fun of visiting a historic market is worth more than any tangible purchase.
Philly has SO much to offer visitors. David and I love visiting local bars in South Philly, sharing breakfast at coffeehouses that are highly rated by locals, and just taking in the city by walking around! We know it is almost impossible not to spend some money when on a weekend getaway… but we can at least make an effort to keep our spending at a minimum.
Remember to research before your trip, ask friends and family for recommendations, and avoid overspending due to booking with big name hotels. If you reach out to me, I am happy to share more tips for couples interested in traveling for a weekend getaway!
Completely unwarranted life lesson from a married woman #21: Be willing to go a little out of your comfort zone when traveling with your spouse. The beauty part of traveling with your best friend is you have someone to bring you the comfort you may need, a person to chat with about your journey, and you can share in the excitement that comes from new experiences!
