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Alburquerque, New Mexico, can be an exciting destination to explore, whether you’re familiar with the Southwest or a first-timer. There’s the iconic hot air balloon festival, rugged landscapes, top-notch art museums, pueblos, and more to take in.

It’s New Mexico’s biggest city, with a modern downtown, but it also sits in the high desert and has retained elements of its past, making a fascinating town to visit for a weekend away or longer.

Here, you’ll learn some of the not-to-be-missed sights, as well as savvy tips to make your travel more enjoyable and get more for your money.

Best Times to Go to Albuquerque

The best time to go to Albuquerque is during the fall, between September and November. The temperature is warm and pleasant, in the 60s to 80s. October is also when the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta happens.

That said, the nine days of the Balloon Fiesta (the first two weekends in October, and the week between) are by far the most popular times to visit this otherwise quiet city. So expect to pay a premium for flights and hotels during this time.

Bad Times to Go to Albuquerque

June through September is the rainy season in the Southwest, but in between the rain, the city is warm and inviting. However, for some people, it may be too warm: The average daytime temperature in July can rise above 90 degrees. So that might put a damper on your summer travel.

Also keep in mind that the city isn’t all sunbaked and beautiful come winter. The average overnight temperature in January, the coldest month, is in the low 20s. Depending on your tolerance for cold and whether you plan on being outdoors much, that might be a less than ideal time to visit.

Average Cost of an Albuquerque Vacation

The estimated cost of a weeklong stay in Albuquerque for two people is $1,885 or $942 for one person. That doesn’t include transportation to get there and back, and of course prices will vary if you’re a traveler who’s happy at a basic chain hotel or one who prefers a high-end boutique location.

If you are visiting Albuquerque, you may want to look into staying in the Old Town area. Old Town is the site of the original city settlement in 1706, and has Native American and Spanish influences on the architecture and culture.

Prices to stay in Old Town will vary by time of year. For example, hotels in Old Town during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta during the first week of October will cost about $500 a night or more. If you go just two weeks later, the same hotels run $150 to $250 a night, which can be a good tactic for how to save money on hotels. And thankfully, the town’s famous New Mexican food is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to fine dining in larger cities.

In general, Albuquerque is a fairly affordable city. Most attractions cost less than $30, with some costing only a few dollars. You can also find affordable and incredibly delicious food in the city. (Don’t miss the breakfast burritos, which can keep you fueled for hours, or the red chile enchiladas; more on food below.)

When you are booking a trip, you may see a “book now pay later” travel option. Proceed with caution: You could end up paying more in interest if you use this method.

Instead, you should save money ahead of time to use to pay for your trip. Make sure to research where to keep travel fund when saving for a trip. A high-yield savings account might be your best option as your money will be accessible but will also enjoy some growth as you save.

If you are thinking about booking a trip to Albuquerque but are worried that you may have unforeseen circumstances causing you to cancel your trip, look into travel insurance as a safety net. If you pay for your trip with certain credit cards, they may provide travel insurance for certain situations. You should understand how credit card travel insurance works when deciding whether to purchase private travel insurance or use your credit card protections.

10 Fun Must-Dos in Albuquerque

Now, onto the fun part: Figuring out what fun things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This list was culled from people who visit the city often, locals, and those attractions that are top-rated online. The top 10 list includes things like museums, parks and festivals, including free and affordable options. Worth noting: Albuquerque is not a very walkable city, so you may want to look into renting a car in order to see the various attractions.

1. Be Amazed by Those Albuquerque Balloons

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is known as one of the largest and best balloon festivals in the world. The area’s dry climate is ideal for hot air ballooning. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held every year for one week during the first week of October. You can see over 500 colored hot air balloons each morning just before sunrise. It’s a mesmerizing and memorable sight to see those brilliantly colored balloons fill the sky. Plus, there are fireworks, skydiving, and all kinds of other sky-focused attractions, as well as music and more.

General admission is typically $15 for those 13 and up; younger kids are free. You can opt for glamping and shipping container cabanas right at the Fiesta, but these can be pricey. (If you go for it, put it on your card that earns the best credit card rewards.) Hotels will also be expensive and crowded during this week. balloonfiesta.com/

2. Spend Some Time at the International Balloon Museum

Whether you are visiting during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and want to learn more or are visiting without seeing the balloons, the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is a great stop. You’ll learn so much about these incredible flying machines, and there are interactive exhibits to keep kids entertained. There’s even a balloon flight simulator.

The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission usually ranges from $3 to $6; the first Friday of the month is free as are Sundays between 9 am and 1 pm. balloonmuseum.com/

3. Take in an Incredible View

If you want to see the beautiful Albuquerque landscape from above, the Sandia Peak Tramway delivers. You’ll see the city and the Sandia Mountains as you ride three miles on a cable car up the summit of Sandia Peak. These rugged mountains reach a peak of over 10,000 feet and are part of the distinctive landscape you’ll find in this part of New Mexico.

It’s not just the heart-stopping tram ride that you’ll enjoy. At the peak, you can take in the views, hike along the trails, or grab a snack at the restaurant. Sandia Peak Tramway is open Wednesdays through Mondays, from 11 am to 7 pm. Sandia Peak Tramway tickets cost $23 to $33 roundtrip, depending on the guest’s age. sandiapeak.com/

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4. Marvel at Masterpieces

Ready to learn about the art, history, and culture of the Southwest? The Albuquerque Museum, located in Old Town, Albuquerque, has a large collection of historic artifacts from the area, and exhibitions that feature renowned artworks. Depending on when you visit and what is being shown, you might see some canvases by Georgia O’Keeffe or photographs of the Civil Rights Movement by Danny Lyon.

The Albuquerque Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays, from 9 am to 5 pm, and tickets cost $3 – $6. cabq.gov/artsculture/albuquerque-museum

5. Relive the Best “Breaking Bad” Scenes

The TV show “Breaking Bad” took place and was filmed partly in Albuquerque. If you’re a fan, hop aboard the Breaking Bad RV Tour. You can ride on a replica Bounder RV, just like Walter used as a mobile lab on the show, and visit local filming spots. The tour guides all worked as actors or crew on “Breaking Bad” or the sequel “Better Call Saul,” which makes the tour that much more fun. Tours cost $95 and start at 10 am Thursdays through Mondays. breakingbadrvtours.com/

6. Visit a Pueblo

Puebloans, or Pueblo people, are Native Americans who are indigenous to the New Mexico region and have a rich, centuries-old culture, rooted in farming and their distinctive, compactly planned communities. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is owned by the Pueblos of New Mexico, and is an educational facility where Pueblo dancers perform and the Indian Pueblo Kitchen serves traditional dishes, like fry bread and blue corn porridge, as well as Southwestern dishes. The center is located near Old Town and is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm. Tickets cost $8 to $12. indianpueblo.org/

7. Take a Closer Look at Turquoise

Turquoise, the mineral, has been prized for ages as a gemstone, given its brilliant, intense shade of blue. New Mexico is known for its Indigenous turquoise jewelry, and you will undoubtedly have the opportunity to purchase pieces while visiting the city. You can also trek over to the Turquoise Museum and learn the history of mining and crafting turquoise, as well as see plenty of specimens. The museum is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Admission to the museum costs $15 to $20. turquoisemuseum.com/

8. Discover the Flora and Fauna

A great way to spend an afternoon (or longer): Head to the ABQ BioPark, located in Old Town, Albuquerque. There’s much to see here, including a zoo with elephants, flamingos, and all kinds of other animals, an aquarium, a botanic garden, and Tingley Beach, which has free public fishing ponds (a great way to afford to travel as a family). The other attractions can be visited with individual tickets, costing in the range of $5 to $15 each, or with combination tickets, which can cost up to $22. The zoo, aquarium, and botanic gardens are open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Tingley Beach is open from sunrise to sunset. cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark

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9. Get Your Fill at a Food Hall

Of course you’ll have plenty of great food options in New Mexico’s capital, but one fun stop is the Sawmill Market, which is billed as an artisanal food hall in the historic Sawmill district. You’ll have your pick of chicken mole tacos at Flora Taco To-Go, Frito pie at Red & Green, Mexican street food at Churro Y Corn, and Blueberry Mojitos at the Botanic Bar. sawmillmarket.com/

10. Trek along the Paseo del Bosque Trail

Ready to get outdoors and savor being in the Southwest? The Paseo del Bosque Trail can be one of the best things to do in Albuquerque. It’s a 17-mile paved walking and biking trail through central Albuquerque, running from the northern to southern edges of the Rio Grande’s cottonwood bosque, or forest. The trail is uninterrupted by road crossings, making it a great option for strolling when traveling with pets or young children. The trail also features public art, making it a terrific free thing to do in Albuquerque.

The Takeaway

Albuquerque is more than just its famous hot air balloon festival. The city can keep you busy with its array of museums, scenic views, indigenous culture, and great food. Among the top things to do in Albuquerque are getting acquainted with the history of the Puebloans, seeing the work of Southwestern artists, and spending a day in the city’s gardens and zoo. There’s plenty of fun to fill your days and nights.

SoFi Travel is a new service offered exclusively to SoFi members. Earn 2x rewards when booking with your SoFi Mastercard or debit card. Then apply those rewards to your next trip when you book through our travel portal. SoFi makes planning a getaway fast, easy, and convenient — perfect for people on the move.

FAQ

What is Albuquerque famous for?

Albuquerque is most famous for its International Balloon Fiesta, which happens in the beginning of October each year. However, there are a lot of other things to do in Albuquerque throughout the year. It’s also famous for southwestern food, including dishes served “Christmas style,” covered in green or red chile sauce. For breakfast, go to any Wecks for huge portions of New Mexican favorites, but expect lines on the weekends.

How many days do you need to see Albuquerque?

Albuquerque is a small to mid-sized city, so you can probably see most attractions in a few days. Albuquerque is perfect for a long weekend trip.

What are things to do in Albuquerque with kids?

Albuquerque has several family-friendly attractions, like the ABQ BioPark and the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. There’s also the nature and science museum and the Explora kids museum, right next to each other. Most ticketed attractions in Albuquerque cost only a few dollars for kids, or are free.

Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone

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You’ve popped the champagne, called your relatives with the big news, and posted pictures of the engagement ring to Instagram. Now it’s time to make your special day a reality.

A wedding to-do list may seem never-ending, but when you have a clear idea of what steps to take, you can organize the process and make planning the biggest event of your life much easier. Here’s how.

Talking about Your Budget

The median cost of a wedding is $10,000, according to a recent SoFi survey. Because of the expense involved, it’s helpful to decide on the budget before proceeding with anything else. What you can spend will guide the rest of your wedding plans.

Perhaps the most important part of this step is communication. Discuss how much you want to spend with your fiancé. Will the two of you be able to save up money for your dream wedding?

If someone else is paying for or contributing to your wedding costs, talk to them as well. You don’t want to plan a $15,000 wedding that you expect your parents to pay for, only to have them hand you a $5,000 check. Perhaps your parents might even consider the money a family loan that they expect you to pay back.

Maybe your dad is willing to cover the catering, but he expects you to invite 25 members of your extended family in return. Or your parents may assume you’ll be getting married in a church, and when they give you money, there’ll be some major resentment if you end up having the ceremony in a barn.

After pinpointing the budget, decide as a couple how you want to divvy up the funds for each aspect of the wedding. For instance, you might want to choose one or two things you’re willing to spend a lot of money on, then set lower limits for everything else.

What do you and your fiancé consider the most important parts of the wedding? Do you want the perfect dress? Maybe the photographer, venue, or floral arrangements matter most.

Some couples just don’t have enough money to have the wedding they really want. If that’s the case, you may consider taking out a wedding loan.

Deciding Who Will Be in Your Wedding Party

Choosing your wedding party can be stressful. Which family members and friends will walk down the aisle in front of you?

Keep in mind that as your wedding party gets larger, you may end up spending more money. However, it can depend on your approach.

For example, let’s say you want to mail a gift bag to each person you’re asking to be a bridesmaid. The more bridesmaids you have, of course, the more expensive that will be.

Many couples also like to give their wedding party thank you gifts, pay for hair and makeup for the group, and even cover additional expenses, like plane tickets or dresses. It’s a way of acknowledging that the cost of being in someone else’s wedding can add up. If you choose to do some or all of that, you’ll need to factor it into your budget.

Picking a Date and Time

A lot of considerations could go into this decision, such as whether you want a daytime or nighttime wedding, when your wedding party and family are available, and even the weather at your honeymoon location.

The date and time of your wedding day could affect your budget. Some venues offer discounts if you book during the off-season, for instance. Choosing a less busy time of year could be one way to tackle financial stress, or at least some of it, that comes with wedding planning.

When it comes to the time of day, think about how the celebration will play out. If your wedding is at 5 pm, the reception will take place during dinner time, so guests will likely be expecting appetizers, dinner, and alcohol.

You should also ask yourself, “How long does it take to plan a wedding?” You don’t want to book a venue date five months from now if the scale of your wedding will require at least eight months to plan.

Making Your Guest List

The easiest way to make a guest list is usually to decide as a couple on the number of guests, and then stick to it.

There are several ways you could go about making the actual guest list. For instance, each of you could draw up a list of your family, friends, and coworkers. Then you can count them all up to find out where you stand. Or you could divide the list into must-have guests and maybes, and see how close you are to your target number.

Remember that the number of guests will significantly impact how much money you spend. It will determine how many save-the-dates and invitations you have to print and mail, along with the cost of food you order from your caterer, how many chairs to order, the size of your cake, and maybe even which venue you can fit into.

Of course, not everyone will say yes. By some estimates, 60% to 85% of guests respond “yes” to a wedding invitation. If you can only fit 200 people into your venue, don’t stress too hard if you find yourself sending 230 invitations.

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Hiring a Wedding Planner (or Not)

You don’t have to hire a wedding planner, but carefully consider the reality of making every decision and arrangement yourself. If you’re willing to do that, then go for it!

Some people enjoy organizing all details of a wedding. Or you may choose to hire a partial wedding planner, an expert who typically joins you about a month before the big day to handle last-minute details. This could help you maximize your time and money.

You might skip a wedding planner completely but opt for a day-of coordinator. You can hire one or see if anyone you know would be willing to do it for free. You could ask a good friend of your family, for instance. This person could take care of details like sending everyone down the aisle at the right time and helping with logistics throughout the day. Then you can relax and enjoy yourself without worrying so much.

The average cost for a wedding planner is $1,900, according to The Knot’s 2022 Real Weddings Study. Of course, whether you choose a full wedding planner, partial planner, or day-of coordinator will greatly affect how much you pay.

Sending Save-the-Dates and Invitations

Not everyone chooses to send save-the-dates, but if you do, it’s a good idea to send them around six months before your wedding, followed up by invitations about two months before the big day. If you’re throwing a destination wedding, you may want to give guests even more time to plan and save for the event.

You can hire someone to design these for you, or you could design and print them yourself.

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Creating a Gift Registry

There are several ways to handle a registry: You might register at stores, ask for money to help pay for the honeymoon or put a down payment on a house, or even request donations to your favorite charity. No two couples’ registries are the same.

You could mention your registry specifics on the save-the-dates you send out, or direct guests to a registry on your wedding website, if you’ve created one.

Choosing a Venue

When picking a wedding venue, it’s a good idea to tour a few places before deciding. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, like if you want to reserve the church where your parents got married.

To decide what kind of venue you want, think about what’s important to you. Do you want a place that lets you serve alcohol? A venue that will let you set up the night before? A space that can hold 300 guests? You might not know exactly what you want until you’ve toured a few venues, and that’s okay.

The wedding venue can often take the biggest bite out of your wedding budget. You may be able to save money, and potentially avoid some common money fights with your partner-to-be, by choosing a place that can double as a ceremony and reception venue. On the other hand, a place like this might not allow you to have everything you want. For example, if you get married in a public park, you may not be allowed to serve alcohol if you have the reception there as well.

Buying the Wedding Attire

In addition to the wedding gown and tuxedo or suit for the bride and groom, you’ll also need to decide what clothes everyone will wear for the ceremony. If you aren’t picking out dresses and suits for the wedding party, be sure to communicate clearly to them what you expect, including the color, the length of the dress, suit vs. tux, and so on.

And remember your parents and grandparents as well. Give them any guidance they might need. It may be important to you that the mothers of the bride and/or groom not wear the same color as the bridesmaids, for instance. Having everyone on the same page can help prevent headaches down the road.

Contacting an Officiant

Choosing an officiant may be one of the simpler tasks on your to-do list. You could choose someone who knows you well, like a clergy member, friend, or relative.

Most officiants who know the couple personally will conduct the wedding for free, but it’s generally considered polite to pay for their hotel room and airfare if they’re traveling to the venue. You’ll also likely want to give them a small gift, such as a gift card to a favorite restaurant, as a thank you present.

Hiring a Photographer

Hiring a photographer is probably one of the most important wedding decisions you’ll make. Couples cherish wedding photos for the rest of their lives, and you want someone who will capture the day the way you envision.

Answering the following questions may help you find a photographer who’s right for you: How many hours do you want them taking photos? Do you want them to supply you with a book of pictures of your big day? Do you also want a wedding video? (You may have to hire a separate videographer for this.)

The average couple spent $2,600 on a wedding photographer in 2022, according to The Knot. If that’s out of your price range, you may be able to negotiate a wedding photo package for a lower fee. And if some services mean more to you than others, see if a photographer is willing to work with you. For example, if you skip the book of photos, might they work extra hours on your wedding day instead?

To help find the perfect photographer, figure out the style of wedding photos you’d like, look at the portfolios of photographers whose work matches the vibe you’re going for, and ask recently-married friends for recommendations.

Also, keep this in mind: If you hire a photographer who lives far away, you’re usually expected to pay for their transportation costs in addition to the original price.

Thinking about Food and Caterers

Your decisions regarding catering will likely be based on how many guests you have, as well as the season and time of day.

For example, if your wedding is in winter, you might want to serve some hot food. If your reception starts at 6 pm, it may be a good idea to serve dinner. On the other hand, if it runs from 2 pm to 5 pm, you could possibly get away with providing appetizers and snacks.

The average cost of wedding catering runs about $75 per person. This typically covers food, beverages, and servers.

Of course, you don’t have to hire a professional caterer. However, if you’re serving a sit-down meal of elaborate food to a large group of people, using professionals might be your best — and easiest — option.

Deciding What to Do About Alcohol

First things first: What are your venue’s regulations, if any, concerning alcohol? Some venues don’t allow it, while others do as long as you have designated bartenders. Still others require you to use bartenders approved by the venue owners.

Liquor in large quantities is often significantly more expensive than beer and wine, so just serving those last two could be a nice compromise for your budget.

If you do serve alcohol, you’ll likely want to include a selection of non-alcoholic beverages as well.

Figuring Out Flowers and Florists

The average couple spends about $2,400 on flowers, The Knot found, but the cost can vary. Think about what types of flowers you’d like. Roses, carnations, and tulips might be a little more cost effective, while gardenias and orchids could take a hefty toll on your wallet. Generally, using flowers that are in season can help cut down on costs.

Then, consider making a list of where you want flowers at the ceremony and reception — this could help determine how many to buy. Besides wedding bouquets, do you also want floral decorations? Would you like them woven into a wedding arch, on guests’ tables at the reception, or lining the aisle? And are you envisioning corsages and boutonnieres for a number of family members? Think through the various scenarios to decide what makes the most sense for your day and your budget.

Choosing a Band or DJ

It’s the great debate: band or DJ? If you’re having trouble deciding, a few factors could help you make your decision.

How big is your venue? If it’s on the smaller side, a DJ may fit just fine, while a four-member band may make things a little crowded.

What kind of music do you want? If you’d like something people can dance to, a band might be the right choice, while if you crave the variety of Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones, and Miles Davis, a DJ could be a safer bet.

Cost may be the determining factor. A DJ is typically less expensive than a band, so if you’re on a strict budget, this is something to keep in mind. If you’re on a super tight budget, you may want to think about creating a playlist beforehand and having a member of the wedding party hook up their phone to a speaker.

Considering Where People Will Stay

It’s typically the responsibility of the couple to set aside blocks of rooms for guests at local hotels. First of all, you do this to ensure people will have places to stay. Second, if you block off a number of rooms, many places will give guests a group rate discount.

It’s helpful to make a rough estimate of how many people will be coming in from out of town before you set aside rooms. You should also think about guests’ budgets. You could set aside blocks of rooms at two or three hotels to help make sure that there’s a range of accommodations and price points.

Discussing Additional Events

A wedding isn’t just about the wedding. It’s about all the other events, too. Weddings come with a lot of optional supplementary get-togethers, so think about which ones you want and who should be in charge of planning each.

Here are some common wedding events and who (traditionally) plans each:

•   Engagement party for the couple (parents)

•   Bridal showers (close friends, wedding party, or parents)

•   Bachelor and bachelorette parties (maid/man of honor and best man/woman)

•   Bridal luncheon (sometimes the bride puts this on for the bridesmaids/bridesmen, sometimes they put it on for the bride)

•   Rehearsal dinner (parents)

•   Post-wedding brunch (parents)

You may choose to have all or none of these events. And of course, the person or people planning each can vary.

Taking Care of Miscellaneous Details

There are many other details to take care of, such as choosing a color scheme, buying decorations, purchasing wedding bands, and organizing transportation. And, of course, you’ll need to plan the honeymoon along with booking airline tickets and choosing the best hotel you can afford. Keep a list on your phone for miscellaneous tasks so you can add them to the list as soon as they pop into your brain.

Paying For Your Wedding

The longer your wedding to-do list gets, the more money you could potentially spend. The reality is that not everyone has enough money to throw the wedding they’ve been dreaming of, nor does every couple have family members who can contribute financially.

In these cases, you may consider taking out a wedding loan, which is a type of personal loan, for your big day. Personal loans can have lower interest rates than credit cards, so taking out a personal loan could save you money versus using your card.

SoFi can help you find the best loan for your wedding. You can apply quickly online, and find out within minutes how much you could be prequalified for. You can choose a fixed rate, and the funding is fast. You may even get your money the day you’re approved.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Philadelphia is perhaps most known for its historic sites, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It certainly played a role in the birth of our nation, but it has much more to offer as a travel destination. There’s amazing museums, street art, markets, and more to enjoy, plus incredible food, including those Philly cheesesteaks.

If you’re planning on spending time there, whether a weekend or a week, you’ll want to time it right and do some smart planning to make sure you get the most for your money. Here, you’ll learn about some of the fun things to do when visiting Philadelphia, plus ways to have a memorable trip.

Best Times to Go to Philadelphia

The best time to go to Philadelphia is in the spring, from around March to May. The average temperatures during this time are in the 50s to low 70s. The weather is warm without being too hot, and it’s not too crowded with tourists.

Early fall can also be a nice time to visit before it gets too cold, with average temperatures in the same range.

You might also considering visiting when some of the city’s biggest events are happening:

•   The Philadelphia Flower Show in March

•   The Kensington Derby and Arts Festival in May

•   The Odunde Festival in June, the largest African-American street festival in the nation

•   The Philly Bike Ride in October.

Bad Times to Go to Philadelphia

Winter is the least busy time to go to Philadelphia since it can get very cold and snowy.

However, because of this, hotel prices may be lower, so it may be enticing if you’re looking for how to save money on hotels in Philadelphia.

Summer travel is also a less desirable time to go to Philadelphia because of the crowds and hot weather, which can be in the 80s and humid. But if you don’t mind the warm temperatures, you’ll find plenty of tourists soaking up this historic city.

Average Cost of a Philadelphia Vacation

Philadelphia can be pretty affordable for a city destination. It’s possible to visit Philadelphia at nearly any budget. If you want a central location, Center City is a popular place to stay, with hotel prices around $500 to $600 a night during a weekend in May. If you’re looking for a more affordable place to stay, check out hotels near Fairmount Park, which can run between $300 to $400 for the same weekend.

What about a longer trip? In terms of total costs, not including getting to and from Philadelphia, expect to pay $1,319 for one person for one week, and $2,638 for a couple. If you’re budgeting for a trip and ready to start saving, you should think about where to keep travel funds. A high yield savings account can be a good choice as it keeps your money secure and earns interest; online banks often offer the best rates.

You may want to avoid “book now pay later” travel options if possible, and instead try to save money ahead of time so that you don’t pay extra in interest.

If you’re thinking about booking a trip to Philadelphia but are worried that you may have unforeseen circumstances and have to cancel your trip, you can look into travel insurance. If you pay for your trip with certain credit cards, they may provide travel insurance for certain situations. You should understand how credit card travel insurance works when deciding whether to purchase private travel insurance or use your credit card protections.

10 Fun Must-Dos in Philadelphia

There’s a lot to do in this large, historic city. This list of the top 10 must-dos in Philadelphia includes top-rated attractions and ideas from travelers who’ve been there and done that. You’ll find free activities as well as things that are pricier and that you might want to charge and earn credit card rewards.

Depending where you’re staying, you may be able to visit Philadelphia without renting a car. The city is very walkable, and there are buses, trains and above-ground trolleys in some parts of the city. The city also has an inexpensive shuttle service that stops at historic and cultural destinations around Center City, called the Philly PHLASH.

Now, here’s the list of the top 10 fun things to do while visiting Philadelphia.

1. Check out the Liberty Bell

Although the Liberty Bell doesn’t ring, it’s one of the most famous bells and is an iconic symbol of freedom. Its chime summoned people to hear the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776. The Liberty Bell Center is free to visit year-round and does not require tickets. It’s located in front of Independence Hall, the next item on this list.

2. Immerse Yourself in History at Independence Hall

The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence inside of Independence Hall in 1776. The framework for The U.S. Constitution was created there as well, and it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To visit this important site in the founding of our nation, you can tour Independence Hall daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Guided tours are available year-round for a $1 ticket. Also, be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to go through security screening. phlvisitorcenter.com/IndependenceHall

3. Chow Down on a Cheesesteak

A trip to Philadelphia is not complete without a delicious, classic Philly cheesesteak, which is said to have originated in the 1930s. What is it exactly? Chopped meat, onion, and cheese sandwich on an Italian roll. Two of the most popular places to get a Philly cheesesteak include Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks. They are both located at the intersection of South 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia, in South Philadelphia. A cheesesteak will cost you $12 to $15. genosteaks.com/menu/ and patskingofsteaks.com/

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4. Wander Through Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

One of the best things to do in Philadelphia is to take in the Magic Gardens, a unique indoor and outdoor art installation by local Philly artist Isaiah Zagar. The Magic Gardens contain multiple, brightly colored tiled passages over and underground. The installation includes such surprising, creatively repurposed materials like bottles, ceramic shards, cement and even bicycle spokes.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is located on South Street in Philadelphia. The attraction is open year-round between 11 am and 6 pm, but is closed on Tuesdays. Tickets cost between $8 and $15. phillymagicgardens.org/

5. Run up the ‘Rocky’ Steps

If you pass the front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you may see people racing up the stairs and jumping around with their arms up. That’s because the first of the popular boxing films featured the character of Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stalone, running up the steps to a soaring soundtrack. A statue commemorating Rocky is located at the bottom of the stairs.

The movie is almost 50 years old, but still has a dedicated following. This is a fun stop for film buffs, and read on to learn why you’ll want to go inside after you climb those steps.

6. Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art includes more than 240,000 works spanning 2,000 years. It includes many famous works from the Renaissance, and an array of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist canvases. You’ll see masterpieces by such famed artists as van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Klee. Whether your taste in art runs Medieval or modern, you’ll find something to admire.

The museum is open Thursdays to Mondays, and closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and July 4. Hours vary by date, but it’s generally open between 10 am and 5 pm. Tickets cost $25. There’s also a Pay What You Wish day on the first Sunday of every month and every Friday night after 5 pm. philamuseum.org/

7. Visit the Barnes Foundation

If you want to see even more art, the Barnes Foundation is another top thing to do in Philadelphia. Although less well-known than the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation includes a large collection of French impressionist and Post-impressionist paintings. The Barnes Foundation has an impressive 181 Renoirs, which is more than any other collection. It also includes 69 Cezannes, as well as African art.

The Barnes Foundation is located in the Franklintown neighborhood. Is open Thursday through Monday, from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission ranges from $5 to $25 depending on your age. barnesfoundation.org/

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8. Tour Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is 130 years old and located below a former railroad terminal in Center City, Philadelphia. There are many vendors selling flowers, Amish baked goods, spices, Spanish olives, hoagies, books, crafts, and more. Reading Terminal Market is free to enter, and is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. readingterminalmarket.org/

9. Snap Selfies at the Love Sculpture

Philadelphia is known as the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love. And the colorful steel LOVE Statue by artist Robert Indiana certainly says it. You’ll find this Pop Art favorite at John F. Kennedy Plaza, with the four letters of the word “love,” stacked up; it’s a popular place to take photos.

There are actually multiple LOVE statues in the city. There’s also another LOVE statue on the University of Pennsylvania campus and an AMOR statue at Sister Cities Park, a few blocks from Kennedy Plaza. The statues are all free to visit.

10. View the Delaware River Waterfront

The Delaware River separates Pennsylvania from New Jersey, and the waterfront area can be a fun thing to do in Philadelphia. It includes multiple attractions and parks, like Cherry Street Pier, Race Street Pier, Blue Cross RiverRink, and Spruce Street Harbor Park. The waterfront has great views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which connects Philadelphia and New Jersey. If you’re traveling with pets, the Delaware River waterfront can be a perfect place to take a stroll with your dog while you’re visiting Philadelphia.

The Takeaway

Philadelphia is a unique destination that brings history to life, but also has an array of art and other attractions to take in. Plus, there’s great food to sample in this city. A trip to Philadelphia can be both fun and educational, as well as affordable, provided you know a few smart hacks.

SoFi Travel is a new service exclusively for SoFi members. Through a partnership with Expedia, we make it easy to find the lowest rates and book your reservations — for flights, hotel rooms, car rentals, and more — all in one place. Earn 2x rewards when booking with your SoFi Mastercard or debit card. And when you redeem your SoFi rewards for travel, you get a 25% bonus: $100 of reward points are worth $125.

FAQ

What are things to do in Philadelphia for free?

There are many things to do in Philadelphia for free, like visiting sites including the LOVE sculpture, the Rocky steps, or the Liberty Bell. Free activities are one way to hack how families afford to travel.

What is Philadelphia most popular for?

Philadelphia is probably most famous for historic sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. However, other popular and well-known attractions include Love Park, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Reading Terminal Market and the Rocky Steps.

How can I spend a day in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia’s Historic District has several attractions within walking distance of each other and would be a good way to spend a day in Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, and Franklin Square are all located in Philadelphia’s Historic District. Or you might visit some art attractions for a day, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.

Photo credit: iStock/Ultima_Gaina

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Student loans are a significant issue in the United States, where consumers have more than $1.7 trillion in total student loan debt. In 2021, the average federal student loan debt per borrower was just over $37,000. And 20 years after students enter college, half of borrowers still owe $20,000 in student loans.

Broken down by degree levels, the debt increases. Graduate students who receive a degree leave school with an average of nearly $70,000 in debt. Law students are saddled with an average of $180,000; and medical students owe $250,000 on average for total student loan debt.

With so many borrowers and so much debt, it begs the question, “Should all student loan debt be forgiven?”

Who’s in Favor?

By a 2-to-1 margin, voters do support at least some student loans being forgiven, according to a poll from Politico and Morning Consult. And 53% of voters from the same poll support Biden’s extension of student loan payments through August.

Proponents of canceling student loan debt point out that the government is partially responsible for this debt crisis. Because many states slashed higher education funding after the 2008 recession, tuition at both public and private colleges has gone up steeply, and many students have been forced to take out even more in loans.

Unfortunately, the increase in student loan balances hasn’t gone hand in hand with a bump in post-college salary. The result is a national situation where borrowers owe increasingly more in student loans but don’t have the paycheck to aggressively tackle their balances.

Although the government has created income-driven repayment options that seek to keep monthly student loan payments affordable, signing up isn’t without its downsides.

Since these income-driven plans often lengthen loan terms, borrowers may pay significantly more interest on their loans over time. Also, any forgiven balance at the end of their loan term is typically treated as taxable income.

Why Forgiving Student Loan Debt a Isn’t a Slam-Dunk

There are several reasons why forgiving student loan debt may not be a straightforward positive. The first is that, according to U.S. tax laws, debt that’s forgiven is a taxable event. Under income-driven student loan repayment plans, for instance, if you make consistent, on-time payments for the life of the loan (20 or 25 years, depending on when you borrowed), any balance remaining at the end of your loan term is forgiven — but whatever’s forgiven is considered taxable income.

The second issue pundits raise with this plan is that it’s being sold as a stimulus: If the government forgives people’s student loan debt, they’ll put money back into the economy, the thinking goes. But forgiving debt isn’t the same as handing people a check.

And finally, the federal government so far isn’t planning to forgive student loans that borrowers hold with private lenders, which average over $54,000 per borrower.

Alternative Options to Canceling Student Loan Debt

Instead of targeting only student loan borrowers who qualify for relief, the government could provide a stimulus check to all Americans, and Americans could decide for themselves how to use it.

If someone has $10,000 in outstanding student loans, for example, they might prefer to use a check to put a down payment on a house or pay off high-interest credit card debt.

Then there’s the higher education system itself. Canceling or forgiving student loan debt may provide only temporary relief as long as tuition levels continue to rise. As it stands, future generations will be saddled with just as much, if not more, student debt than Americans currently have today.

Tackling Your Student Loan Debt

There’s no telling when or if some form of more long-term relief might appear for student loan borrowers. If you’re struggling under the weight of your student debt, there are strategies that might help:

•   Alternative payment plans: Federal student loans come with a variety of repayment options, one of which might suit your situation.

•   Direction of overpayments: If you make extra payments on your student loans, you may instruct your servicer to apply them to your principal, rather than the next month’s payment plus interest. This will help pay off your loans faster.

•   “Found” money: If you receive a work bonus or tax refund, applying it to your student loans can help reduce your balance faster.

•   Refinancing: Refinancing student loans (private and/or federal) into one new loan with a private lender could lower your monthly payment and interest rate, and make it easier to manage payments. Just know that refinancing federal student loans with a private lender means losing access to federal repayment and forgiveness programs.

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The Takeaway

There is no quick fix for student loan debt, which will take further discussion from stakeholders on all sides.

If you are struggling with your own student loan debt, there are options to consider. You can apply for an income-driven repayment plan, apply for student loan deferment or forbearance on your federal student loans, or refinance your loans with a private lender. Keep in mind, though, that refinancing disqualifies you from federal benefits you may otherwise be eligible for.

If you do decide to refinance, consider SoFi. SoFi has a quick online application process, competitive rates, and no origination fees or prepayment penalties.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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