Having a great time in Philadelphia doesn’t have to break the bank! There are plenty of ways to spend a fun morning, afternoon, or evening out and about while sticking to a budget. Next time you find yourself in the Manayunk neighborhood, try out some of our favorite things to do in Manayunk that will run you less than $20.
Traversing the Canal Towpath is one of our favorite things to do in Manayunk. It’s a fantastic way to get some heart-healthy exercise and fresh air and take in gorgeous views, all without spending a dime. The Towpath, a two-mile section of the larger Schuylkill River Trail, runs behind Main Street and comes to an end in the Shawmont area. Be prepared to encounter a mix of boardwalk areas and packed gravel. Along the way, you’ll discover signage detailing Manayunk’s rich industrial history.
Hours & Location
Monday–Sunday | 6:00am–9:30pm
? 5000 East Flat Rock Road, Philadelphia, PA 19127
There’s never a shortage of things to do in Manayunk! From February through December, the Manayunk Development Corporation and the Manayunk Special Services District put on fantastic events that are free and open to the public. On November 18, 2021, the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place at Canal View Park. On November 27, 2021, over 50 small businesses will offer promotions in honor of Small Business Saturday. Every Thursday evening in December, you can enjoy free trolley rides, live entertainment, and more as part of a new event called Holiday Night Lights. Check out Manayunk’s events page to learn more about free and low-cost entertainment options all year long!
Hours & Location
Throughout the year | See Events page for details
? Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA 19127
? @insomniacookies
If you have a sweet tooth (like us), grabbing dessert at Insomnia Cookies should be at the top of your list of things to do in Manayunk. For well under $20, you can lift your spirits with a warm, delicious, fresh-baked cookie, cookie’wich filled with ice cream, or brownie. They’re open from the early afternoon until well past midnight, so it should be easy enough to fit a stop at Insomnia Cookies into your itinerary next time you’re in the neighborhood.
Hours & Location
Monday–Wednesday | 11:00am–1:00am
Thursday–Friday | 11:00am–3:00am
Saturday | 12:00pm–3:00am
Sunday | 12:00pm–1:00am
? 4319 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19127
Even though YouTube, Spotify, and other streaming services have made accessing your favorite music easier than ever, there’s something to be said for the old-school charm of browsing at a music store. Looking through the diverse selection of new and used CDs and record albums at Main Street Music is one of our favorite things to do in Manayunk. The selections are reasonably priced, so it should be easy enough to find something to take home that’s under $20. Even if you don’t decide to purchase, seeing what the store has to offer is fun on its own. Who knows—you could discover a new favorite artist or band!
Hours & Location
Monday–Tuesday | Closed
Wednesday–Saturday | 11:00am–7:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–6:00pm
?4444 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Going out for drinks is one of the best things to do in Manayunk. If you’ve already sampled the menu at Manayunk Brewing Company and other neighborhood bars, we recommend giving The Goat’s Beard a try. They have a fantastic list of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails: no matter what you choose, you really can’t go wrong. Get the biggest bang for your buck by keeping an eye on their social media and stopping by during happy hour.
Hours & Location
Monday–Thursday | 4:00pm–11:00pm
Friday–Saturday | 12:00pm–12:00am
Sunday | 11:00am–10:00pm
? 4201 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
It’s easy to enjoy a day or night out in Manayunk, even if you’re constrained to a tight budget. Since so many of our favorite things to do in Manayunk are either free or low-cost, we guarantee that you and your family or friends will be able to find a way to enjoy the area at any time of year. Go ahead and plan your next outing!
Julia is a content writer who uses storytelling strategies and SEO best practices to craft compelling copy for email campaigns, websites, social media, and more. She has lent her talents to small nonprofits and large companies alike, including QVC. Julia graduated summa cum laude from Lafayette College in Easton, PA with majors in English and Spanish. When she's not writing, Julia enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, baking, and playing the piano and flute.

