Center City has more than its fair share of historical attractions. Whether it’s the Old City or Museum District, every hallowed street here is rich in heritage. Don’t let the hassle of finding parking ruin the ambience! Here’s all you need to know about finding Center City parking in Philadelphia.
Steeped in history and renowned for its architecture, Center City in Philadelphia is a history buff’s paradise. Spending a lazy day walking between historical buildings, dropping into some nice eateries, and generally soaking in the culture and atmosphere of yore – what more could one want? Well, there is one thing you may want to avoid – the stress of finding parking in such a popular Philadelphia neighborhood. Given the number of visitors it attracts, Center City Parking may be found wanting on more occasions than one!
However, it’s not as hard to find parking here as in other cities (like New York, for example). There is a bevy of options to choose from – like official parking at different venues, street parking, or even affordable off-site garages. However, how can you decide which one will give you the most value for money? We’re here to clear all your doubts – here’s everything you wanted to know about parking in Center City, Philadelphia.
Top places to visit in Center City
Center City includes the Central Business District of Philadelphia, along with the historical portion that makes up Independence National Historic Park. Within its boundaries, you can find many places of interest to visit and spend an entire day exploring.
- Penn’s Landing
- Old City
- Museum District
- Avenue of the Arts
- Liberty Bell Center
- Independence Hall
- Rittenhouse Square
Also read: Where to find parking when visiting the Liberty Bell Center
How to reach Center City
Center City is easily accessible by all forms of transportation in Philadelphia. Whether you’re a resident or an out-of-towner, you can reach Center City via bus, train, or car over the Ben Franklin Bridge. You can also use the Market Street or Broad Street lines of SEPTA to reach Center City easily. Get more information on how to get here, places to visit, and things to do nearby here.
Location Map
Is it easy to find street parking in Center City, Philadelphia?
Though there are street parking spots spread across Center City, they are not uniformly distributed. Some streets may have plentiful parking spots, while others may require permits. Most visitors to Center City come to view the attractions at Independence National Historic Park. You can find street parking on nearby streets like Chestnut Street, Market Street, Walnut Street, and more. On-street parking will cost you $3 per hour. The parking timings and maximum time limits also vary depending on the day of the week. For example, from Monday to Friday, you can park for a maximum of 2 hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and for 3 hours between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, the meters run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a three-hour time limit.
How much is parking in Center City, Philadelphia?
The rates for on-site parking vary depending on where you visit. For example, official parking at the Independence National Historical Park in Center City will cost you $18 per visit (which may last a few hours). Street parking will cost you $3 per hour but is subject to availability. There are other affordable off-site parking garages in Center City that offer convenient hourly parking rates for secure parking. However, use a trusted parking provider like Way.com to find a top-rated garage – otherwise, you may be charged extra!
How common is free parking in Center City?
There is limited free parking on certain streets in Center City. For example, you can find free parking near Rittenhouse Square on Locust Street and Spruce Street. There are comparatively lesser free parking spots near Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, but you can still find spots on Chestnut Street. Keep an eye on the parking signboards to ensure you don’t violate parking time limits and regulations.
How can you find affordable off-site parking lots in Center City?
Any visit to Center City is likely to be a touristy affair. It would be awful if you had to stress out over finding the perfect parking spot. Thankfully, you can find convenient off-site parking garages nearby using a parking app like Way.com. Pre-book a spot at a top-rated garage in Center City even before you leave home. That way, you can zoom in and zoom out with ease whenever you want without the hassle of driving around! Besides, off-site parking also helps you save as much as 25% on drive-up rates. You also choose from flexible parking options like hourly and daily parking.
Best parking lots in Center City
iParkit Jefferson Garage parking
This convenient garage with contactless parking and 24-hour security is a top-rated option in Center City. It is located at 107 S 10th Street and is within walking distance of City Hall, Liberty Bell Center, and Independence Hall. Park here for as low as $28 for an entire day, or choose hourly parking for even lower rates.
1111 Sansom Street parking
This outdoor, self-park lot on Sansom Street is another great option for visitors to Independence National Historic Park and Washington Square. It offers convenient parking for just $25 per day or even less for hourly parking.
Traveling to other locations in Philadelphia? Read our handy explainers on Tips to find parking in Philly or at specific locations like Chinatown, Philadelphia Zoo, and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Read more blogs on affordable airport parking, the best insurance for your car, and top-rated car washes near you.
