Philadelphia Pass: 30+ Things To Do including Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Pass offers a flexible way to experience the city’s highlights, whether you’re here for a day or planning a longer stay. For $59 per person, you get unlimited access to over 30 top attractions, including a hop-on hop-off bus tour, the Philadelphia Zoo, and historic sites like the Betsy Ross House. The pass is available for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days—so you can tailor your visit to your schedule—plus, it’s a digital pass that you can easily download to your phone, removing the hassle of paper vouchers.

What we love most about this experience is its convenience and value. You can see a wide variety of sights at your own pace, with many attractions included in the price, and the hop-on hop-off bus helps you quickly get your bearings while listening to guided commentary. The second highlight is the diversity of attractions—from fascinating museums and historic landmarks to engaging family activities—so there’s something for all, whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or traveling with kids.

One possible downside is that some reviews mention discrepancies between the app information and actual opening days, or issues with the bus schedules. Also, not everything might be accessible as planned, especially during busy or unexpected closures. It’s wise to check ahead for any specific site closures or reservation requirements.

This pass is best suited for first-time visitors eager to see the highlights without paying multiple entrance fees, and for families or groups wanting to maximize their sightseeing time economically. If you’re organized and can plan around the included activities, you’ll find it a great way to explore Philadelphia’s treasures with minimal hassle.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Choose between 1, 2, 3, or 5 days of unlimited sightseeing.
• Convenience: Digital pass saves time and avoids vouchers.
• Variety: Over 30 attractions, including museums, historic sites, and family activities.
• Value: Cost-effective way to see many sights for $59.
• Guided Tours: Includes a hop-on hop-off bus with guided narration.
• Some Limitations: Potential discrepancies with app info and attraction closures; check ahead.

A Deep Dive into the Philadelphia Pass Experience

Exploring Philadelphia becomes notably easier—and more fun—with the Philadelphia Pass. For $59, you unlock access to over 30 attractions, which are either included directly or offer discounted entry. This makes it an attractive option for travelers wanting a comprehensive city experience without the hassle of buying individual tickets.

The Itinerary: What’s on Offer?

The pass gives you an impressive lineup of landmarks and activities, each offering a unique glimpse of Philadelphia’s history, culture, and family-friendly fun. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll find:

Big Bus Tours Philadelphia

Starting with the hop-on hop-off bus, operated by Philadelphia Trolley Works, this double-decker provides a comprehensive Blue route loop around the city. With live narration from friendly guides, you’ll learn about famous landmarks, local shopping, and the best spots for Philly cheesesteaks. The open-air second level offers fantastic street views—perfect for photo ops. Reviewers like Rebecca_V appreciated the convenience—”Go City Pass was super convenient and such a good value. We were able to go to 10 different places over two days that would have cost us way more to purchase individually.”

However, some found the bus schedule less than perfect. One noted that the waiting times can be longer than advertised, with about 50 minutes between buses, so planning ahead is wise.

Eastern State Penitentiary

A National Historic Landmark, this former prison is as architecturally stunning as it is historically significant. The original cell blocks radiate like spokes of a wheel, many with running water and central heat—features that were revolutionary. The guided tour (lasting about 1 hour 30 minutes) explores the evolution of the justice system and the influence of reform movements. Visitors like Jeannette_B stressed its importance in understanding American correctional history.

Family Fun at Adventure Aquarium

Over 8,500 sea animals await at this lively attraction, famous for hippos, sharks, and interactive exhibits. You’ll get close to stingrays and sharks at the touch exhibits, and kids will love the Treetop Walkways. The aquarium’s commitment to hands-on discovery means every visit can be different. One reviewer called it “the most popular attraction in Philadelphia,” highlighting the diverse marine life and engaging displays.

The Franklin Institute

This science museum is a hit for all ages. Kids and adults alike can experience interactive exhibits such as climbing into a fighter jet or exploring the science behind sports. The museum’s dedication to making science accessible and fun shines through, and the temporary exhibits keep the experience fresh. Reviewers like Geri_T called it “awesome and very educational.”

Historical landmarks

The Betsy Ross House, Museum of the American Revolution, and Christ Church Burial Ground give you a hands-on look at Philadelphia’s role in American history. At the Betsy Ross House, you can self-guide yourself through her household and hear the story of the first American flag. The Museum of the American Revolution organizes exhibits chronologically, covering everything from early unrest to pivotal battles. Visitors appreciate these sites for their authenticity and interactive elements.

Cultural and Art Highlights

For art lovers, the Philadelphia Museum of Art offers a treasure trove of more than 240,000 objects, including Impressionist works and historic rooms from Paris and London. The Rodin Museum hosts the largest collection of Rodin outside Paris, perfect for sculpture enthusiasts. The Barnes Foundation features masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Matisse, along with African art and American furniture.

Unique and Offbeat Experiences

The Ghost Tour offers a creepy candlelit walk through historic neighborhoods, revealing Philadelphia’s haunted past, while the Longwood Gardens, spanning over 1,000 acres, is a must for garden lovers. The Independence Seaport Museum and Penn Museum provide insights into maritime history and archaeology, appealing to curiosity about the world around us.

Transportation and Scheduling

One of the biggest benefits of the pass is the inclusion of the one-day hop-on hop-off bus tour, offering a convenient way to see city landmarks without walking long distances. The guided narration enhances your understanding of each sight, and the flexibility to hop off and on allows you to explore at your own pace.

Yet, some reviews reveal scheduling frustrations. For instance, a review noted that the bus schedule may not match the app’s posted times, leading to some disappointment. Also, some attractions like ferries or certain bus routes may not operate daily or as advertised, so always double-check schedules before your visit.

Value for Money

At $59, the pass seems a steal—especially if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions. The admissions alone to places like the Franklin Institute, Zoo, or Museum of the American Revolution** could easily total over $100 for separate tickets, making the pass a smart investment.

Several reviewers highlighted the ease of use and cost savings: “We did all the tours we could in one day—Day before Thanksgiving—and it was great.” Others mentioned that although some attractions, like the Zoo, require additional fees, overall, the combined value makes it worthwhile.

Drawbacks and Practical Considerations

No tour package is perfect, and some reviews point out disappointments. The app information may sometimes be out of date, with attractions marked as open when they are closed or vice versa. Also, travelers have experienced issues with the bus schedule, waiting longer than expected, which can eat into your sightseeing time.

A few reviews also mention misleading expectations—such as attractions listed as included that turned out not to be part of the pass anymore, or difficulty with the QR code at some sites. It’s wise to check the schedule and attraction status in advance and arrive early to avoid missing out.

Who Should Consider This Pass?

This Philadelphia Pass is ideal for first-time visitors eager to hit the highlights without the hassle of buying individual tickets. Families with kids will appreciate the variety of kid-friendly attractions like the zoo and Discovery Center. It’s also perfect for history buffs and art lovers who want a comprehensive taste of Philadelphia’s cultural offerings.

However, if you prefer more spontaneous or tailored visits—or have specific sites in mind that aren’t included—you might find better value booking tickets individually. Plus, travelers who like to plan carefully and check schedules will benefit most from this flexible, all-in-one approach.

Final Verdict

The Philadelphia Pass offers a well-rounded way to explore one of America’s most historic cities. Its main strength lies in convenience and savings—allowing you to see more for less—and the variety of attractions ensures that everyone finds something to enjoy.

While some scheduling and informational hiccups exist, overall, the pass provides a cost-effective, flexible way to experience Philly’s rich history, vibrant arts, and family fun. If you enjoy organized sightseeing that lets you focus on enjoying your trip rather than fussing over tickets, this pass is likely to serve you well.

Just remember to double-check attraction hours and reserve in advance where possible, to maximize your experience.

FAQ

Does the pass include transportation?
Yes. It includes a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour with guided narration, giving you easy access to many key sights.

Can I use the pass over multiple days?
Absolutely. You can choose between 1, 2, 3, or 5 days of unlimited access, with the pass activating on your first visit.

Are all attractions included in the price?
Most attractions are included, but some may require additional fees or reservations. Always check ahead.

Is the pass only valid for one city?
Yes. It’s designed specifically for Philadelphia, but the pass is valid for one year from purchase, so you can plan accordingly.

Are there any attractions that are not open daily?
Yes, some sites may close on certain days, like Tuesdays or during holidays. Check schedules beforehand.

Is the digital pass easy to use?
Very much so. It’s downloaded to your phone or printed, and most attractions recognize the QR code or confirmation number.

What if an attraction is closed or the schedule changes?
The app or digital guidebook will provide the most up-to-date info, but it’s always good to verify opening hours directly with sites before your visit.

To sum it up, the Philadelphia Pass stands out as a smart, convenient way to get the most out of your trip without breaking the bank. It suits organized travelers who want to see the highlights efficiently, and families or groups who value saving time and money. With careful planning, it can turn a visit to Philly into a seamless, memorable adventure.