Philadelphia CityPASS » Plan Your Visit
Address & Hours
|
222 North 20th Street On 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City (215) 448-1200 fi.edu |
Open daily, 9:30am‑5pm Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and April 25, 2013. Please note: Closing times are subject to change; please check website for updated listings. |
|
5th & Market St Tours depart from the Independence Visitor Center located at 5th & Market streets. (215) 389-TOUR (8687) phillytour.com |
Summer (May‑Nov): daily, 9:30am‑4:30pm; tours depart every 30 min. Winter (Dec‑Apr): daily, 10am‑4pm, tours depart hourly (weather permitting). Additional tours offered during peak summer season. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. |
|
1 Riverside Drive On the Camden Waterfront (856) 365-3300 adventureaquarium.com |
Open daily, 10am‑5pm |
|
3400 West Girard Avenue Fairmount Park, at 34th Street and Girard Avenue. On I-76, exit 342. In Philadelphia's historic Centennial District (215) 243-1100 philadelphiazoo.org |
Open daily, 9:30am‑5pm Winter (Nov-Feb): Open daily, 9:30am‑4pm Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day |
|
Independence Mall (215) 409-6700 constitutioncenter.org |
Mon‑Fri, 9:30am‑5pm Sat, 9:30am‑6pm Sun, 12pm‑5pm Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. |
|
2027 Fairmount Avenue 22nd St. and Fairmont Ave., 5 blocks from Philadelphia Museum of Art (215) 236-3300 easternstate.org |
Open daily, 10am‑5pm Last entry at 4pm Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. |
|
Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park Formerly North Concourse Drive. (GPS: 4231 N. Concourse Drive) (215) 581-3181 pleasetouchmuseum.org |
Oct-Mar: Apr-Sep: Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, 9am-4pm. New Year's Day, 11am-4pm. |
CityPASS Admission
General admission to this vibrant museum dedicated to science and technology. Includes one show at the awe-inspiring Fels Planetarium 4-story-tall dome.
Unlimited on/off privileges aboard trolleys and double-decker busses that access 21-stops, including all of the CityPASS attractions except the aquarium. You get on/off privileges for 24-hours from time of validation during normal operating hours.
General admission to all of the habitats and animal houses at America’s first zoo, including the PECO Primate Reserve and Big Cat Falls.
General admission to America’s only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution and the story of 'We the People'. Includes theatrical performance Freedom Rising and 42 life-size statues in the Signers’ Hall.
General admission to this historical prison that dates back to 1829 and housed infamous criminals such as Al Capone; not recommended for children under seven.
Admission to all museum exhibits, special features, and daily music, literacy and arts programs. Includes theatrical performances in the Please Touch Playhouse (limited seating available).
Highlights
- Explore three floors of internationally-recognized interactive exhibitions and programs.
- KidScience takes children ages 5-8 through a fictional story where they uncover the foundations of science pertaining to Light, Water, Earth and Air.
- Franklin Airshow special effects bring you the sights and sounds of a real air show.
- The Fels Planetarium 4 story tall dome digital projection screen is included with CityPASS.
- Enjoy the freedom of unlimited on-and-off privileges at 21 stops throughout the day.
- Start your 24-hour tour onboard any trolley or double decker bus.
- Highly-trained staff will enlighten and entertain you with historical tales, cultural highlights and entertaining stories of the city's past, present and future.
- London-style open top double decker buses offer spectacular city views.
- Two million gallons of water host 8,500 animals, including adorable hippos Button & Genny.
- Penguins, sea turtles, hundreds of colorful fish, and even hammerhead sharks are among the fascinating marine life visitors see here.
- At KidZone, kids connect with animals and nature through hands-on play.
- Touch sea stars, anemones, shrimp, jellies, stingrays and sharks at the nation's most touchable aquarium.
- America’s first zoo is home to more than 1,300 rare and endangered animals from around the world.
- At this 43-acre Victorian garden packed with diverse award-winning animal habitats, visitors will see primates, reptiles, 100 spectacular birds species, bears, animals of the African plains and more.
- The lush landscape of First Niagara Big Cat Falls is home to leopards, pumas, lions, tigers and a jaguar.
- Carnivore Kingdom, a 1.5 acre habitat of rocky outcroppings and winding trails, includes diverse animals such as Canada Lynx, dwarf mongoose, black-throated monitor, red panda and one of just a few pairs of endangered giant otters in North American zoos.
- Hands-on, cutting-edge exhibitions, live performances, multimedia experiences, films, sculptures and rare artifacts bring the Constitution to life.
- Walk among 42 life-size bronze statues in the Signers’ Hall.
- Fun, hands-on daily museum programs are presented by education staff to enrich your NCC experience and are included with CityPASS.
- Enjoy the award winning theatrical presentation of Freedom Rising, included with CityPASS.
- From April-November, The Voices of Eastern State audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi guides you; from December-March, live expert tour guides lead your experience.
- See Al Capone’s cell, restored to its appearance during Capone’s stay
- Tour cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Death Row, and the newly restored Alfred W. Fleisher Memorial Synagogue.
- TowerCam! gives you the vivid perspective of the view from the central tower.
- One of the nation’s top 10 children’s museums, Please Touch Museum brings to life its mission of enriching the lives of children by creating learning opportunities through play.
- Two floors of interactive exhibit zones encourage learning through play.
- Let a Playhouse Theater 25 min. performance ignite your child's imagination.
- Take part in art, music and movement, story time and more.
CityPASS Entry
Present CityPASS booklet at the main box office. During busy times in summer and on weekends, the membership desk may be used to skip the main ticket line.
Present CityPASS booklet onboard any trolley or double decker bus to exchange for a 24-hour pass. Redeem voucher at Independence Visitor Center kiosk. Note that buses may not be boarded with vouchers.
Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at Will Call window to skip the main ticket line.
Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at box office to redeem for a timed entry ticket.
Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the main ticket office. Advanced reservations are recommended December-March for Winter Adventure Tour by calling (215) 236-3300.
Special Exhibits Included with CityPASS
Emancipation and Its Legacies
Through June 19, 2013
Emancipation and Its Legacies examines the story of Emancipation from 1850 to 1964, focusing on how the Civil War became an "abolition war" due to the efforts of African-Americans, abolitionists, and politicians, and exploring how the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments transformed the U.S. Constitution.
Upgrades for CityPASS Holders
SPY: The Secret World of Espionage: May 4-October 6, 2013.
IMAX Theater: Cost for CityPASS holders: $6
Adventure Flight 4-D & Max Flight Simulators: Cost for CityPASS holders: $5/ride
Sky Bike: Cost for CityPASS holders: $3/ride
Franklin Theater (3-D): Cost for CityPASS holders: $4 (full-length feature presentation prices vary)
8-day Pass, Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company: Cost for CityPASS holders (see coupon in booklet): $20 adult, $10 child.
4D Theater presentations: Cost for CityPASS holders: $3. (Must be 36-inches tall – no babies in arms.)
Channel 6 Zooballoon: Soar 400 ft above the zoo to see stunning views of Fairmount Park. Cost for CityPASS holders: ages 2+, $10 weekdays/$15 weekends.
Amazon Rainforest Carousel: Cost for CityPASS holders: ages 2+, $3.
PZ Express Train: Cost for CityPASS holders: ages 2+, $3
Camel, draft horse and pony rides: Cost for CityPASS holders: ages 2+, $6
Swan Boats: Cost for CityPASS holders: ages 2+, $6
Self-guided Audio Tour: Features narration by former presidents, famous authors, and voices from history. Cost for CityPASS holders: $5
The 1968 Exhibit: June 14-September 2, 2013. Bringing one of America’s most colorful, chaotic, culture-shifting years vividly to life, The 1968 Exhibit illuminates the power of "We the People" to exercise and expand our freedoms. Visitors will travel through 12 exhibition areas corresponding to the months of the year—as well as three lounge spaces (bean bag chairs included) inviting playful interaction with 1968’s most enduring and influential music, movies, fashions, and more. Cost for CityPASS holders: $3.
Advice for Visitors
During high travel seasons such as holidays and summer, entry lines can be longer than usual. Please keep this in mind when planning your visits to the attractions.
- Arrive early on weekends and holidays when it's less crowded. Also, CityPASS holders can check in at the Franklin Membership Desk to skip the main ticket line.
- Tuttleman IMAX movies frequently sell out; purchase your tickets in advance; (215) 448-1254 or see details.
- Enhance your visit with live science shows and demonstrations; see details.
- Get 10% off a purchase of $25 or more at the Sci-Store. See booklet for details.
- Phila Trolley Works Tour accesses all CityPASS attractions except the Adventure Aquarium.
- Start your Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company tour in the morning for the best experience.
- Free courtesy shuttle pick-up from 9am-4pm from all center city locations.
- For route info, see the printable Phila Trolley route map.
- Visit after 2pm when it's less crowded and the hippos are most active.
- Get 20% off at the Adventure Pier gift shop. See booklet for details.
- Some exhibits available April through October only.
- Arrive before 2pm to see the widest variety of animals.
- Don't miss free zookeeper talks and training demonstrations; meeting times and locations found on the zoo map; see details.
- Throughout the year, the zoo hosts special public events, included with CityPASS admission; see details.
- Weekdays after 12:30pm are least crowded.
- Find out about programs and events for the whole family on NCC’s Calendar of Events; see details.
- Don't miss regularly scheduled fun, free activities to complement your museum experience. Ask a box office representative for Visitor Guide, which provides a map and a list of daily programs.
- Receive a free museum guide book with a purchase of $25 or more at the museum store. See booklet for details.
- ESP is not recommended for children under age seven; see details.
- CityPASS holders join the next available tour; reservations are not necessary in summer but are strongly recommended for Winter Adventure Tour (December-March) by calling (215) 236-3300.
- Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes - it’s essentially an outdoor tour.
- The Fairmount Neighborhood (Center City Philadelphia), is only a few blocks from City Hall and is accessible by Phila Trolly Works and Big Bus. There's an abundant array of corner cafes, neighborhood pubs and some of Philadelphia’s finest restaurants.
- Bring a camera - ESP may be the most photogenic place you see in years.
- Schedule visit on a fair weather day to avoid rainy-day crowds.
- Mornings may be busy with visiting school groups. Mondays and afternoons are the least-crowded.
- Don't miss a Playhouse Theater live performance see details & showtimes.
- Receive a 25% discount when you spend at least $25 in the Kids Store. See booklet for details.
On-site Services
Parking: Garage (entrance at 21st and Winter streets): 1-5 hrs, $12; 5-12 hrs, $15; up to 24 hours, $25. Metered street parking nearby.
Dining: FRANKLIN Foodworks, FRANKLIN Foodworks Express
Accessibility: Assistive listening devices and wheelchairs available at no charge.
Gift Shop: Sci-Store
Coat Check: Available seasonally.
Parking: Ample and close; $10 per car.
Dining: Feeding Frenzy Café
Accessibility: Aquarium and exhibits are handicap accessible.
Gift Shop: Adventure Pier Gift Shop
Strollers: Permitted, but not recommended in some areas like Stingray Beach Club; available for rent at information desk upon entry.
Parking: Zoo lot, $12. Additional parking along Girard Ave. and 34th St.
Dining: Indoor and outdoor food concessions. Guest allowed to bring own food and drink. Outdoor picnic areas. No alcohol allowed.
Accessibility: First-come, first-served manual wheelchairs (main entrance). Some buildings and exhibit areas are not accessible.
Self-Guide: Maps and guides available. Docent tour reservations, (215) 243-5235 (two-week advance notice required).
Gift Shops: multiple
Strollers: First-come, first-served strollers at main entrance. Some buildings and exhibit areas are not stroller accessible.
Parking: On-site garage: enter on Race Street between 5th and 6th Streets. Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm, Sun, 11am-6pm; call (215) 409-6700 for daily rates. See details.
Dining: Delegates' Cafe
Accessibility: NCC is completely wheelchair accessible. Please indicate any special needs upon arrival or in advance when making a reservation.
Self-Guide: Self-guided audio tour featuring narration by former president, famous authors, and voices from history; $5 per person.
Gift Shop: National Constitution Center Museum Store
Coat Check: Available seasonally at no charge.
Parking: Adjacent lot, $3-10; call (215) 569-8400 x4037 for information. On-street parking also available.
Dining: Bring a picnic lunch; outdoor seating on penitentiary baseball diamond.
Accessibility: Tour route with ADA-compliant ramps; meets most ADA guidelines. Guide dogs and service animals are welcome. Museum gift shop accessible only by set of 3 steps; See details.
Self-Guide: April-November, The Voices of Eastern State audio tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi is included with CityPASS admission.
Gift Shop: Penitentiary Store
Parking: Adjacent lot, $8 per car (prices subject to change). On-street parking.
Dining: Please Taste Cafe
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible.
Gift Shop: PTM Kids Store
Strollers: Various areas for stroller parking.
Getting There
Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 7, 32, 33 and 48, and by Regional Rail (Suburban Station); for SEPTA schedules and info, call (215) 580-7800.
Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 14 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS).
Public Transportation: Walking distance from SEPTA Market/Frankford Elevated Line and Patco High Speed Line.
RiverLink Ferry: Connects the Camden Waterfront to Philadelphia’s Penn Landing May-September. For schedules, fares or more information, call (215) 925-LINK, or see details.
NJ Transit: Provides year-round train, bus and light rail options; call (800) 772-2287 or see details.
Driving: For driving directions visit adventureaquarium.com or call (856) 365-3300.
Public Transportation: SEPTA via trolley 15 and the nearby bus; for SEPTA schedules and info, (215) 580-7800.
Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 11 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS).
Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 38, 44, 48; Market/Frankford Blue Line at 5th Street Station. For SEPTA schedules and info, call (215) 580-7800.
Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 3 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS).
Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 48, 43, 33, 32 and 7; for SEPTA schedules and info, (215) 580-7800.
Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 9 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS).
Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 38, 40, 43 and 64 stop within walking distance of Memorial Hall; for SEPTA schedules and info, (215) 580-7800.
Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 12 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS).
Group Requirements
Unscheduled group visits may create a delay in entry. For your convenience, here is list of attractions with specific group requirements. We strongly recommend that you contact them prior to your visit based on the group sizes indicated below. Please feel welcome to also contact attractions not listed here to ensure a smooth entry.
Map
Transportation
Phila Trolley Works Tour & The Big Bus Company
Philadelphia CityPASS includes unlimited on/off privileges to 21 stops aboard trolleys and double-decker buses for 24 hours from the time of validation (during operating hours). Start your 24 hour tour on board any trolley or double decker bus. Upgrade to an 8-day pass for $20 ($10 for kids) using the coupon in your Philadelphia CityPASS booklet. Click for a printable map.
CityPASS Attraction Tour Stops:
- The National Constitution Center: Stop 3
- Eastern State Penitentiary: Stop 9
- Philadelphia Zoo: Stop 11
- Please Touch Museum: Stop 12
- The Franklin Institute: Stop 14
- The Academy of Natural Sciences: Stop 14
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
SEPTA offers a vast option of transit services, including buses, trolleys, trackless trolleys, subways and Regional Rail. A variety of tickets and passes are available, included 1-day individual and family passes; find fare and purchase information here. Hop aboard and experience the treasures Philadelphia has to share.
RiverLink Ferry
RiverLink Ferry offers seasonal point-to-point roundtrip ferry service between Camden, NJ and Philadelphia, PA. This service is generally offered daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on weekends only in May and September. Please be sure to check the schedule here as it is subject to change.
Blog
Forums
Photos
Buy Now
or at any CityPASS attraction| Adult ages 13+ | Enter Qty |
|
| Child ages 2–12 | Enter Qty |
|
Philadelphia CityPASS is a ticket booklet that saves 44% on admission to the 5 best attractions in Philadelphia.
CityPASS Reviews
4.8/5
Decided to buy this pass after seeing the prices to visit some of the places offered. This is definitely a steal! WAs able to visit 3 places in a day and still go off on my own to see the city. You won't be disappointed.
by B-Rad
on 2/14/2013




