Philadelphia Pass: 30+ Things To Do including Philadelphia Zoo

Planning a trip to Philadelphia? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Philly veteran, the Philadelphia Pass promises a flexible and cost-effective way to explore the city’s top sights. For $59 per person, you gain access to more than 30 attractions, including a hop-on hop-off bus tour, the Philadelphia Zoo, and historic landmarks—all on a digital, mobile-friendly ticket.

What we like about this pass is how it offers unlimited sightseeing over 1, 2, 3, or 5 days, allowing you to tailor your adventure to your schedule. The easy-to-use app makes planning simple, and the bundled attractions provide excellent value—especially if you want a broad overview of Philly’s history, science, and culture.

However, some reviews highlight issues such as attraction availability or scheduling hiccups, so it’s good to stay flexible.

This pass suits travelers who want to see many highlights without the hassle of buying individual tickets. It’s especially handy if you enjoy self-guided exploration combined with guided tours, and you’re comfortable with a bit of spontaneity—since some attractions may be weather-dependent or have limited availability.

If you’re an efficient traveler eager to maximize sightseeing in a short time, the Philadelphia Pass could be your ticket to an enriching experience.

Key Points

• Great value for access to over 30 attractions within a few days.
• Flexible options from 1 to 5 days of unlimited sightseeing.
• Includes a hop-on hop-off bus with live narration, ideal for quick orientation.
• Digital pass simplifies entry and planning.
• Some attractions may be unavailable or require reservations—check the app.
• Mixed reviews reveal some logistical issues, so plan to stay adaptable.

Exploring the Itinerary: What Will You Experience?

The Philadelphia Pass is packed with diverse activities, giving you a comprehensive taste of what this historic city has to offer. Let’s walk through some of the key highlights, what they entail, and why they might matter to you.

Big Bus Tours Philadelphia

Starting with the hop-on hop-off bus, operated by Philadelphia Trolley Works, we found this to be one of the most appreciated features. The double-decker buses offer flexible city exploration with live narration by knowledgeable guides. According to reviews, the guides are generally friendly and informative, bringing Philadelphia’s streets and stories to life.

The Blue route provides a full loop of the city’s top sights, and the ability to hop on and off at your leisure is a significant advantage. Some reviewers, like Geri T, found this to be “great” for covering all the sights in one day, noting “the ride was great and showed off the best of Philly.” The open-air seating on the second level provides wonderful views of the bustling streets below, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the city’s vibe.

Eastern State Penitentiary

This iconic National Historic Landmark has been praised for its historic significance and stunning architecture. Designed to promote penitence through solitude, it’s a fascinating look at the evolution of the American criminal justice system. Visitors get a chance to walk through original cell blocks and learn about the reform efforts that influenced the US legal system.

One review highlights its architectural marvel status, noting the original seven cell blocks that spread like spokes of a wheel. The self-guided tour offers insights into the prison’s history, and the atmosphere is eerie but compelling. Expect to spend about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and be aware that some visitors have expressed disappointment when certain parts of the tour or ferry visits were missed due to scheduling or operational issues.

Adventure Aquarium

If marine life appeals to you, the Adventure Aquarium is a highlight. It’s the only aquarium in the world where you can see hippos, and it boasts the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast, including a great hammerhead. With over 8,500 sea animals and 14 interactive exhibits, the aquarium offers plenty of opportunities for up-close encounters.

Visitors appreciate the touch exhibits, where you can interact with sharks and stingrays, and the immersive displays that make every visit different. One review mentions that it’s “a fun, hands-on experience,” perfect for families or any curious explorer. Expect about 2 hours here, and note that additional ticket upgrades are available if you want to enhance your experience.

The Franklin Institute

A favorite for science lovers, this interactive museum celebrates Benjamin Franklin’s legacy. Its hands-on exhibits inspire curiosity and creativity, from climbing into a fighter jet to exploring the science of sports. Designed to excite both kids and adults, the Franklin Institute is a lively spot to learn about science with explosive demonstrations and immersive experiences.

Through reviews, we learn that visitors find it engaging and fun—one even called it “a great way to experience science firsthand.” You’ll spend roughly 2 hours exploring the exhibits, and the generous inclusion in the pass makes it a smart choice for families or science buffs.

Historic and Cultural Stops

Other stops include the Betsy Ross House, where you learn about the legend of the American flag-maker, and the Museum of the American Revolution, which walks you through the entire story of the fight for independence. Both are about 1 to 1.5 hours and give you a tangible connection to the nation’s founding.

The National Constitution Center offers an interactive way to understand the U.S. Constitution, with multimedia exhibits and debates that make history approachable. The Rodin Museum showcases a large collection of the artist’s works, and the African American Museum in Philadelphia provides insight into African American heritage through engaging galleries.

Art, Science, and Nature

For art lovers, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation display impressive collections, from European paintings to Native American artifacts. Expect a 3-hour visit at the art museum, which is among the largest in the country, while the Barnes offers a more intimate experience with masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and others.

Nature enthusiasts can find tranquility at Longwood Gardens, sprawling over 1,077 acres of lush horticultural displays and fountains. Though only about 1 hour 30 minutes is allocated, it’s enough to get a sense of the gardens’ grandeur.

Unique Experiences and Hidden Gems

The RiverLink Ferry provides a scenic ride across the Delaware River, connecting you to Camden’s attractions like the Battleship New Jersey and Adventure Aquarium. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes and adds a charming maritime element to your trip.

Other engaging activities include ghost tours, which bring history alive through stories of hauntings and midnight mysteries, and walking tours of historic neighborhoods, perfect for those wanting a deeper, more personal connection to Philadelphia’s past.

What Do the Reviews Tell Us?

Many visitors praise the convenience and value of the pass, with some calling it “good value and easy to use.” Several reviewers, like Rebecca V, appreciated being able to visit 10 sites in two days for a fraction of the cost of individual tickets.

However, some reviews mention disappointments—such as attractions being not open or not included as advertised. For instance, the Mutter Museum was listed as part of the pass but had been removed since September 2020, leading to extra costs. Others encountered logistical issues like missed buses or difficulty with codes.

A few travelers were frustrated with poor communication or long waits—not uncommon in busy cities—and suggested that checking schedules and reservations beforehand helps maximize the experience. Still, even critics agree that the breadth of attractions and cost savings generally outweigh these hiccups.

Transportation and Practical Tips

The pass includes the Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour, which is a solid way to get an overview of the city. The live narration adds context, and the open-air second level offers fantastic views—just be prepared for potential wait times, as some reviews noted longer-than-expected intervals.

The RiverLink Ferry is a wonderful addition to transport around the waterfronts, but always check the schedule—ferries may run on extended hours during concerts or special events. For parking, keep in mind that Philadelphia’s parking decks can be tricky, especially for larger vehicles like trucks, which some visitors found frustrating.

Most attractions are within walking distance or served by public transit, making it easy to navigate without a car. The app provides up-to-date information, but it’s wise to confirm opening hours and whether reservations are needed, especially during busy seasons.

Is This Pass Worth It?

The value of the Philadelphia Pass depends heavily on your travel style and interests. For history buffs and museum lovers, the cost savings are significant—many individual attractions are pricey, and the pass offers access to a broad spectrum. The unlimited days let you spread out your sightseeing comfortably.

If you’re an organized traveler willing to plan ahead, you’ll appreciate how the digital pass and app streamline your visits. However, some reviews indicate that attractions can be unavailable or confusing, so flexibility is key.

For families, the zoo and kids-friendly museums make the pass a compelling choice, especially when combined with the interactive exhibits at the Franklin Institute or LEGOLAND. For solo explorers or history aficionados, the historic sites and ghost tours provide plenty of engaging content.

Final verdict:

This pass offers good value if you plan to visit multiple attractions and are comfortable managing some logistical uncertainties. It’s best suited for travelers who want a broad, flexible experience and don’t mind a bit of planning and adaptability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the pass include transportation?
Yes, the pass includes a one-day hop-on hop-off bus tour with live narration, and the RiverLink Ferry is also included for cross-river travel.

Can I visit attractions multiple times?
No, each attraction can only be visited once with the pass, but you can choose how to spread your visits over your selected days.

Are the attractions accessible with the pass?
Most attractions are included, but some may require reservations or have limited availability—it’s best to check the Go City app for updates and specific requirements.

What if an attraction is closed or unavailable?
Some reviews mention closures or cancellations. The pass is generally valid for 1 year from purchase, but check the app for current status before planning your day.

Is the pass suitable for families?
Absolutely, especially since it covers kid-friendly spots like the zoo and science museums. The cost savings can be significant for groups.

How do I get the pass?
It’s a digital pass that you download to your phone or print at home. Once purchased, it activates upon your first visit.

What should I keep in mind about timing?
Some attractions or tours might have longer wait times or specific schedules. The reviews recommend checking the schedule and making reservations where needed to optimize your experience.

Final thoughts

The Philadelphia Pass provides a comprehensive, flexible way to explore the city’s most iconic sights and lesser-known gems. With over 30 attractions included, you’re essentially buying a ticket to a cultural, historical, and family-friendly smorgasbord. While some reviews warn of logistical hiccups or attractions being unavailable, most find that the value outweighs these issues—especially when you plan ahead.

This pass best suits active, curious travelers who want to make the most of their time in Philadelphia without the hassle of buying tickets separately. It’s ideal for families, history enthusiasts, and museum lovers, as well as those wanting a balanced mix of guided and self-guided experiences.

In short, if you’re aiming for an immersive and budget-friendly visit, the Philadelphia Pass could be just what you need to unlock the city’s many stories and sights. Just remember to check schedules, reserve where necessary, and leave some room for spontaneous discoveries.

References

• https://www.viator.com/tours/Philadelphia/The-Philadelphia-All-Inclusive-Pass/d906-3958P32