Under $100: Philadelphia, Pa.

Philadelphia, named using the Greek words phileo and adelphos for love and brother, is often referred to by its enduring nickname, City of Brotherly Love. While the city lives up to its expectations, it may also seem a little too friendly with your wallet — or is it?

Believe it or not, there is plenty to do in Philly completely free or inexpensive.

Start your day at Sabrina’s Café in the Art Museum district where you’ll find breakfast served all day. Start off with the Stuffed Challah French Toast topped with bananas and vanilla bean syrup for $11.29, or the Barking Chihuahua, a flour tortilla with scrambled eggs, black beans, red peppers and pepper jack cheese topped with sour cream and marinara for $10.29.

Philadelphia Art Museum © Gary Whitton | Dreamstime

Since you’re in the area, tour the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for students with valid ID. If you happen to visit on the first Sunday of the month from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., or any Wednesday from 5 p.m.–8:45 p.m., you pay what you wish. Technically speaking, it’s free, but the museum asks your payment starts with a penny.

Continue on with a visit to the Liberty Bell — the city’s most famous attraction. Be sure to add Independence Hall and Congress Hall to the list, too. Timed entry tickets are required to enter Independence Hall from March through December, but there is no charge for those tickets.

Eat lunch at Center City’s Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest farmers markets in the country. You’ll find virtually every type of cuisine from sublime soul food and exquisite Middle Eastern dishes to donuts and authentic Philly cheesesteaks.

Tommy DiNic’s © Stephen Kelly | Flickr

Spend the afternoon at Spruce Street Harbor. In the summertime, enjoy live music, oversize games, floating gardens, beautiful lights, refreshing craft beer, food and more than 50 comfy hammocks. The park is open May–September.

Grab a bite to eat for dinner at Tinto, a cozy, delicious Spanish/Basque tapas wine bar in Rittenhouse Square. The restaurant serves small plates like crostini, finger sandwiches and skewers, complemented by northeastern Spain’s ciders, sangrias and plenty of wine. Tinto showcases the flavors of the mountainous coastal region blurring the line between Spain and France. Order the Kobe beef for $12, the lamb for $14 or the wild mushrooms for $14. If you come for happy hour, some tapas are offered for $5.