How to Plan Your Philadelphia Hop On Hop Off City Tour

If you’re looking to explore Philadelphia’s top attractions at your own pace, the Hop On Hop Off City Tour is an excellent choice. With a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass available, you can board at any of the stops and see the best that Philadelphia has to offer. Here’s how to plan your perfect Philadelphia Hop On Hop Off City Tour.

Step 1: Choose Your Pass

Before you book the tour, you’ll need to decide on the duration of your adventure. The Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour offers 1-, 2-, or 3-day passes, so consider how much time you have to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions.

Step 2: Plan Your Route

Once you’ve chosen your pass duration, you’ll want to plan your route. The Hop On Hop Off City Tour covers over 20 stops and allows you to see top attractions like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market, and many more. You can start at any of the stops and follow the route map to explore the city’s history and culture.

Step 3: Board the Double-Decker Bus

Now that you’ve planned your route, it’s time to board the open-top double-decker bus. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views from the upper deck as you see Philadelphia’s famous landmarks.

Step 4: Enjoy Onboard Live Narration

As you traverse the city, you’ll hear live onboard narration (in English only) that will offer cultural, historical and informative perspectives on the landmarks and places you will see. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Philadelphia’s rich history and vibrant city culture.

Step 5: Customize Your Tour

The beauty of the Hop On Hop Off City Tour is that you can customize your itinerary by getting off the bus at any of the stops to explore a landmark more intimately. You can hop back on when you’re ready to continue your tour.

Step 6: Use the Courtesy Shuttle From Center City Hotels

If you’re staying in Center City, you can take advantage of the courtesy shuttle service to reach the nearest Hop On Hop Off City Tour stop.

Step 7: Book Your Tour

Booking your Philadelphia Hop On Hop Off City Tour is simple. Use this link to book the tour here and select your preferred pass duration. After you have made your purchase, Viator will email you the confirmation and the information needed to join the tour.

Book Your Tour Now

The Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour is a fantastic way to explore the city’s landmarks and attractions at your own pace. With flexible pass options, live onboard narration, and the freedom to customize your tour, you’ll have a fantastic experience exploring the city’s vibrant history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia

1. Where is Philadelphia located?

Philadelphia is located in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is about 100 miles (~160 km) southwest of New York City and about 140 miles (~225 km) northwest of Washington D.C.

2. What is Philadelphia famous for?

Philadelphia is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, museums, and food. Some of the most famous landmarks include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Philadelphia is also known for its famous cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and Tastykakes.

3. How can I get around in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a variety of transportation options, including buses, trains, subways, trolleys, and taxis. The city also has a bike-sharing program called Indego, which allows visitors to rent a bike and explore the city on their own. Walking is also a great way to see the city, as many of the major landmarks and attractions are within walking distance of each other.

4. What are the best museums to visit in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is home to a number of world-class museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Museum of American Jewish History, the Franklin Institute, and the Barnes Foundation. Other popular museums include the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Please Touch Museum, and the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

5. What are some of the best places to eat in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is known for its famous cheesesteaks, but there are also plenty of other great places to eat in the city, including Zahav (Middle Eastern), Vernick Food & Drink (American), Vedge (vegetarian), and Amada (Spanish). For a more casual meal, visitors can try one of the many food trucks or local diners in the city.

6. What is the best time of year to visit Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a great city to visit year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. Summer is a popular time to visit, as the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor festivals and events. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the leaves change colors and there are many fall-themed events. Winter can be cold, but visitors can enjoy ice skating at outdoor rinks and the holiday spirit in the city. Spring is also a popular time to visit, as the cherry blossoms bloom and the city comes alive with outdoor activities.

7. What are some free things to do in Philadelphia?

There are plenty of free things to do in Philadelphia, including visiting the Liberty Bell, walking around Independence National Historical Park, exploring the city’s many murals, and hiking or biking along the Schuylkill River Trail. Other free attractions include the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Wednesday nights, the United States Mint, and the Reading Terminal Market.

8. What is the best way to see Philadelphia’s historic landmarks?

The best way to see Philadelphia’s historic landmarks is by taking a guided walking or trolley tour. Visitors can also explore the landmarks on their own by walking along the Freedom Trail or renting a bike and following the city’s bike trails. Horse-drawn carriage tours are also available for a more leisurely and romantic tour of the city.

9. What are some family-friendly activities in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a great city for families, with plenty of activities for all ages. Some popular family-friendly attractions include the Philadelphia Zoo, Adventure Aquarium, Please Touch Museum, and the Franklin Institute. Families can also take a trip to Sesame Place, a theme park based on the beloved Sesame Street characters.

10. What sports teams are based in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is home to several professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles (football), Philadelphia Phillies (baseball), Philadelphia Flyers (hockey), Philadelphia 76ers (basketball), and Philadelphia Union (soccer). Visitors can catch a game at one of the city’s many sports venues, including Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, and Wells Fargo Center.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city known for its rich history, delicious food, and exciting attractions. It can be overwhelming to plan your trip to this city, as there are so many things to see and do. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the must-see sites and hidden gems of Philadelphia, ensuring that you get the most out of your visit.

1. Visit the Liberty Bell

No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to the Liberty Bell. Located in Independence National Historical Park, this iconic symbol of American independence is a must-see. Be prepared for crowds, as this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Don’t forget to take a picture with the bell as a souvenir.

2. Explore Independence Hall

Also located in Independence National Historical Park is Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. Take a tour of the hall and learn about the history of these pivotal documents. Tickets are required and often sell out quickly, so be sure to book ahead of time.

3. Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Art lovers won’t want to miss the Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to works by world-renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. Don’t forget to run up the museum’s iconic steps, made famous by the movie Rocky. The view from the top is worth the workout.

4. Grab a Cheesesteak at Pat’s or Geno’s

No visit to Philadelphia would be complete without indulging in the city’s most famous dish – the cheesesteak. Head over to Pat’s or Geno’s, both institutions in their own right, and indulge in this savory sandwich. Be prepared for a long line and a bit of friendly rivalry between the two spots.

5. Experience Reading Terminal Market

Foodies will love exploring the historic Reading Terminal Market, which has over 80 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and meats to artisanal cheeses and baked goods. Don’t miss out on the famous Beiler’s Donuts – the line might be long, but the donuts are worth the wait.

6. Take a Walk through Fairmount Park

Get some fresh air and take a stroll through the picturesque Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Located just a few miles from the city center, this park has over 2,000 acres of green space and miles of hiking trails, perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

7. Visit the Please Touch Museum

Families with young children won’t want to miss the Please Touch Museum, a hands-on museum designed for children under the age of seven. Kids will love exploring the various interactive exhibits, and parents will appreciate the educational aspect of the museum.

8. Take a Tour of Eastern State Penitentiary

History buffs will enjoy touring Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison that once housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone. Learn about the history of the prison and what life was like for inmates in the 19th century. The prison is known for its haunting beauty and is a unique site not to be missed.

9. Attend a Sporting Event

Sports fans won’t want to miss catching a game while in Philadelphia. The city is home to several professional sports teams, including the Eagles (football), Phillies (baseball), and 76ers (basketball). Plan ahead and buy tickets in advance to ensure that you get a spot.

10. Visit the Betsy Ross House

Learn about the iconic American flag and the woman who sewed it at the Betsy Ross House, a historic home located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood. Take a guided tour of the house and learn about the life of Betsy Ross, a woman who played a pivotal role in American history.

Book Your Tour Now

Philadelphia is a city rich in history and culture, with something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun weekend getaway, there’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant city. With this guide, you’ll be able to make the most out of your time in Philadelphia and have a trip to remember.