Philadelphia holds a special place in American history, and there's no better way to experience its landmarks than aboard a Philadelphia hop-on, hop-off bus. These tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace while learning about the city's rich past through engaging commentary. Whether you're visiting Independence Hall, the Rocky Steps, or the cobblestone streets of Old City, the hop-on hop-off experience combines convenience with discovery.
How the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Works
The Philadelphia Big Bus Tour operates London-style open-top double-decker buses that connect 27 stops throughout the city's most significant neighborhoods and landmarks. When you book a Philadelphia hop-on hop-off bus tour, you'll receive a 1-day pass that allows unlimited boarding throughout the operating day. Tours depart from the southwest corner of 6th and Market streets, though you can board at any of the designated stops along the route.
Highly-trained staff serve as your guides, sharing historical tales, cultural highlights, and entertaining stories about each location. If you prefer to follow along in your native language, audio tours are available in Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin. The Philadelphia hop-on hop-off bus map covers major attractions, including Independence Hall, City Hall, the Rocky Steps, and many CityPASS® participating venues.
Riding the bus eliminates the hassle of figuring out unfamiliar streets or searching for parking near popular sites. Tours run rain or shine, and free courtesy shuttle pick-up is available from all center city locations during normal operating hours — simply call ahead to arrange your pickup. This combination of convenience and comprehensive coverage makes it an ideal choice when you want to experience Philadelphia's essential attractions efficiently.
Why It's One of the Easiest Ways To Explore Philly
For first-time visitors, the hop-on hop-off bus provides an efficient overview of Philadelphia's layout and highlights. You'll quickly understand which neighborhoods appeal to you most and which attractions deserve extended visits. The comfort of climate-controlled buses makes sightseeing pleasant year-round, whether you're escaping summer heat or winter chill.
The commentary weaves together the personalities, events, and turning points that shaped Philadelphia. You'll hear about Benjamin Franklin's innovations, the drafting of the Constitution, and the city's role in American independence. This narrative thread helps you appreciate the significance of each landmark before you even step off the bus.
Time-conscious travelers appreciate the tour's flexibility. If you only have a weekend in Philadelphia, the hop-on hop-off bus ensures you hit the major sights without wasting time figuring out directions. You can dedicate more time to attractions that interest you most and ride past others that don't.
Sights You'll See on the Tour
The route covers an impressive range of historical and cultural destinations. At the National Constitution Center, you can explore interactive exhibits that bring the founding documents to life. This museum encourages you to consider the Constitution's ongoing relevance through multimedia displays and theatrical presentations.
The Museum of the American Revolution offers another compelling stop. Here, you'll encounter immersive galleries that chronicle the Revolutionary War through personal stories, artifacts, and a stunning 360-degree theater experience. The museum's location near Independence Hall makes it easy to combine multiple historical sites in one visit.
Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Barnes Foundation, which houses one of the world's finest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Early Modern paintings. The collection's unique arrangement, which groups works by composition and color rather than chronology, creates an intimate viewing experience you won't find elsewhere.
Families traveling with children will enjoy stops near the Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo. With rare animals, immersive habitats, and educational programs, it's an engaging destination for all ages.
The tour also passes landmarks like the Liberty Bell, City Hall with its William Penn statue, and the iconic Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison turned museum, offers a fascinating look at the history of criminal justice through crumbling cell blocks and innovative audio tours.
Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
Old City remains the heart of Philadelphia's historic district. Narrow streets lined with 18th-century architecture lead you past the sites where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed. The neighborhood's blend of history and contemporary galleries creates an appealing atmosphere for wandering.
The Museum District along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway showcases world-class institutions in a boulevard setting inspired by Paris's Champs-Élysées. Beyond art museums, you'll find The Franklin Institute science museum and the naturalist exhibits at the Academy of Natural Sciences.
South Street pulses with eclectic energy. This corridor of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues has served as a gathering place for Philadelphia's creative community for decades. You'll discover everything from vintage clothing stores to innovative eateries representing diverse cuisines.
Fairmount borders some of the city's most beautiful green spaces. The neighborhood surrounding the Philadelphia Museum of Art offers tree-lined streets, historic rowhouses, and easy access to the Schuylkill River Trail for those who want to experience Philadelphia's outdoor recreation options.
Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features
Most hop-on hop-off buses in Philadelphia feature wheelchair-accessible boarding, ensuring all visitors can participate in the tour. However, you should confirm accessibility features when booking, as some older trolley-style vehicles may have limitations.
Families traveling with young children will appreciate the flexibility to take breaks when needed. If your toddler needs a snack or your teenager wants to explore a museum shop, you can catch the next bus when you're ready. The multilingual audio guides help international families enjoy the experience together, with each member listening in their preferred language.
Many stops feature family-friendly amenities like restrooms, dining options, and shaded areas. The Philadelphia Zoo, for instance, provides stroller-friendly paths and designated nursing areas for parents with infants.
How Philadelphia CityPASS® Tickets Make It Even Better
Pairing your bus tour with Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets streamlines your sightseeing experience while delivering substantial savings. CityPASS® tickets grant you admission to Philadelphia's premier attractions at a fraction of the combined regular price. Instead of purchasing separate tickets at each venue, you'll have everything you need in one convenient package.
Get your Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets and start planning an efficient, memorable journey through the City of Brotherly Love.