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Where to Find the Best Views of Philly for Free

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When it comes to Philly, people tend to zero in on the city's rich history. The food. The beer. But one thing that always seems to surprise tourists and locals alike is the city's great skyline (Hint: it looks especially stunning at sunset). Even better: There are tons of places to scope out the skyline that don't cost a penny. So when you can't make it up to the One Liberty Observation Deck, here are 11 places to go instead.

These spots are not listed in any particular order. Got another great spot you want to share with us? Leave your suggestion in the comments.

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South Street Bridge

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A photo posted by devinblair (@devinblair) on

Race Street Pier

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A photo posted by Alexander Pierce (@apierce610) on

Benjamin Franklin Bridge

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A photo posted by Dan Moller (@dmoller13) on

Cira Green

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Philadelphia Museum of Art

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A photo posted by @justinjeong_ on

Penn Park

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A photo posted by TMF (@fleming.philly.photog) on

Drexel Park

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Located on the edge of Drexel University, Drexel Park is a small but impressive grassy hill in the middle of a residential neighborhood. There's a nice view of the skyline, and you're a short walk from Spring Garden Street bridge. This park is expected to double in size as part of the 30th St. District Plan.

In the foreground is a courtyard in Drexel Park. In the distance is the Philadelphia skyline. Flickr user vkx462

Camden Waterfront

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Maybe you decided to walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge, or perhaps you took the ferry over from Penns Landing to check out the Camden Aquarium. Either way, take a stroll along the Camden Waterfront and you'll see one of the best views of the Philly skyline across the Delaware River. Enjoy the simple waterfront while you can—officials just approved the waterfront's $830 million master plan.

A waterfront in Camden, New Jersey. Along the waterfront is a skyline with many tall buildings. Flickr user Cherelle Claywell

Spring Garden Street Bridge

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Penn Treaty Park

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A photo posted by Chuck Bonfig (@chuckseye) on

Belmont Plateau

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South Street Bridge

A photo posted by devinblair (@devinblair) on

Race Street Pier

A photo posted by Alexander Pierce (@apierce610) on

Benjamin Franklin Bridge

A photo posted by Dan Moller (@dmoller13) on

Cira Green

Philadelphia Museum of Art

A photo posted by @justinjeong_ on

Penn Park

A photo posted by TMF (@fleming.philly.photog) on

Drexel Park

Located on the edge of Drexel University, Drexel Park is a small but impressive grassy hill in the middle of a residential neighborhood. There's a nice view of the skyline, and you're a short walk from Spring Garden Street bridge. This park is expected to double in size as part of the 30th St. District Plan.

In the foreground is a courtyard in Drexel Park. In the distance is the Philadelphia skyline. Flickr user vkx462

Camden Waterfront

Maybe you decided to walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge, or perhaps you took the ferry over from Penns Landing to check out the Camden Aquarium. Either way, take a stroll along the Camden Waterfront and you'll see one of the best views of the Philly skyline across the Delaware River. Enjoy the simple waterfront while you can—officials just approved the waterfront's $830 million master plan.

A waterfront in Camden, New Jersey. Along the waterfront is a skyline with many tall buildings. Flickr user Cherelle Claywell

Spring Garden Street Bridge

Penn Treaty Park

A photo posted by Chuck Bonfig (@chuckseye) on

Belmont Plateau