If you’re planning to visit Philadelphia you’ll find parking is easier to find than in other American cities. The City of Brotherly Love is jam-packed with American history and is a popular destination for travelers. Locals are proud of their city and it’s reflected in its cultural institutions and communities. Whether coming to take a picture with the Liberty Bell, grabbing a Philly cheesesteak, or taking a trip to Independence National Historical Park there are multiple options available for parking your vehicle in and around Philadelphia.
Where to Find On-Street Parking
On-street metered parking is available and ideal if you’re planning to only park for an hour or two. Look for green-colored signs that indicate how long parking is allowed. Like most cities, red signs mean no parking is allowed. Different areas of the city have differing parking regulations, so make sure to read the available signs for reference. If you want to park in a residential area, visitors are allowed to park for up two tours without a permit. Use the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) meterUP app and pay for parking right from your phone wherever you see a meterUP sign.
Where to Find Parking Garages
The PPA offers garages and off-street lots across the city that are located in many tourist-heavy areas. There are also a number of privately owned garages, but PPA garages are usually the least expensive, averaging around $18 to $21 a day. Whether you want to browse its collection or run up the Rocky steps, the Philadelphia Museum of Art offers parking in its main garage building for $12 the first 4 hours. There are also metered spaces on the Parkway between Eakins Oval and Logan Square.
Park at 12th and Filbert for easy access to the Reading Terminal Market, the Convention Center, and Gallery Mall. The garage is open 24 hours. If you’re headed to the Italian Market area for a Philly cheesesteak from Geno’s Steaks or Pat’s King of Steaks park at one of the two official Italian Market parking lots. They’re located at Ellsworth Street between 9th & 10th Streets, and Carpenter St. between 9th & 10th Streets. Parking is reasonably priced at just $5 a day.
Where to Park for Free
During the holiday season, free on-street parking is available after 11 a.m. every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Free parking is also available on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Free overnight parking is also available in metered spots or in residential neighborhoods after and before restricted times. Just be sure to move your car the next morning or be prepared to pay a fine.
Park & Ride Locations
Park at a SEPTA regional rail station and take the train into Philadelphia to avoid driving and parking in the city itself. Most stations have a small fee of $1 on the weekdays. Lots can fill up fast during commuting times so make sure to plan ahead.
