As college students, we like to have fun and enjoy ourselves. The location of SJU gives us a variety of locations to visit in Philadelphia. When we go into the city we have to keep track of how much we spend because let’s face it, college students don’t have a lot of money. Old City in Philadelphia is one location for students to visit and save a few bucks here and there. All of the locations listed below are FREE and in walking distance of one another, so you only have to pay for transportation to get to Old City. A grand total of $5 if you take the SEPTA Regional Rail from Overbrook Station (63rd St. & City Ave.) to Jefferson Station (11th & Market Streets).
FRANKLIN SQUARE
Located on Race Street between 6th and 7th Streets, Franklin Square was one of the five original public squares in the original layout for Philadelphia. In the center of square, sits the beautiful and large Franklin Square Fountain, a prime location for an Instagram photo. Enjoy time with friends sitting at one of the many picnic benches or small café tables. Be sure to check out the Monument Lab’s giant boombox. The piece was created by artist Kara Crombie and allows viewers to make their own mix of music from local artists. Franklin Square is open daily from 10am-9pm.
LIBERTY BELL/INDEPENDENCE HALL
Significant symbols of liberty and history in the United States of America, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are essential locations to visit in Old City. Located near 6th and Market Streets, the original Liberty Bell is displayed in the Liberty Bell Center. Independence Hall is located on Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets, right behind the Bell. Admission to both locations is free of charge, and are open 9am-5pm daily. Tickets free of charge, are required for entrance into Independence Hall, March through December.
ELFRETH’S ALLEY
Visit the United States of America’s oldest residential street, Elfreth’s Alley. Located off of 2nd St, residents have lived on the original cobblestone alley since 1713. The houses, adorned with old-fashioned flower boxes, cellars and shutters, still capture the spirit of colonial times. Walk through the alley and imagine what it felt like to walk down these streets over 300 years ago.
OLD SAINT JOSEPH’S CHURCH
Dive into the history of our magnificent university and visit Old Saint Joseph’s Church, the oldest Catholic Church in Philadelphia. Located near 4th and Walnut Streets, the first Catholic mass was held there in 1733. Feel free to look at and admire the historic building, the first location of St. Joseph’s College. The Church is open to the public, and still continues to hold mass daily.
So next time you’re looking for a location in Philly to explore for “Phive” dollars, always remember Old City.
