Is It Price It for Your Journey?
This text could include references to a few of our promoting companions. Do you have to click on on these hyperlinks, we could also be compensated. For extra about our promoting insurance policies, learn our full disclosure assertion right here.
On this Philadelphia CityPASS assessment, we break down how the go works, what it prices, and whether or not it’s the correct alternative for you.
Philadelphia might not be the primary U.S. journey vacation spot that involves thoughts, however the metropolis has a shocking quantity to supply vacationers.
As the location of many necessary occasions associated to the American Revolution, Philadelphia has a very wealthy historical past and innumerable tales to inform. It’s residence to among the nation’s finest museums, together with what some take into account to be the world’s first penitentiary.
Though Philly is a comparatively low-cost place to journey, most of its world-class museums and historic websites cost an entrance charge. Fortunately, the Philadelphia CityPASS can assist you reduce on sightseeing prices.
Let’s have a look and see if it’s a sensible purchase on your journey.
Philadelphia CityPASS: How It Works
The Philadelphia CityPASS is a choose-as-you-go sightseeing go that may prevent as much as 49% on admission to Philadelphia’s prime sights.
The go contains single entry to three, 4, or 5 sights from a lineup of 10. These passes are referred to as C3, C4, and C5, respectively. You don’t select your sights prematurely, although, simply the quantity you need entry to.
So, how does it work? In the event you’re accustomed to the Seattle CityPass or the Atlanta CityPass, you already know the reply.
Simply purchase the Philadelphia CityPass on-line and print a paper copy of the go or hold a digital copy in your smartphone. From that time on, you don’t want to purchase any extra tickets or pay any additional charges. Once you’re able to hit your first attraction (which will be any of the ten out there choices), merely go to the ticket counter, current your go to be scanned, and head on in.
Your Philadelphia CityPASS is activated when it’s scanned for the primary time. After that, it’s legitimate for 9 consecutive days, supplying you with loads of time to get your sightseeing in.
That’s super-convenient, however how do you get monetary savings with the Philadelphia CityPASS? It’s easy: You pay one set charge for the go. The secret is to decide on your sights strategically so their whole common admission value is larger than the value of the go. Any distinction is cash in your pocket!
Points of interest on the Philadelphia CityPASS
The Philadelphia CityPASS contains entry to 10 of the town’s hottest sights. We’ve listed them beneath with their common grownup admission costs:
- Large Bus Firm and Philadelphia Trolley Works – $36
- Journey Aquarium – $43
- Museum of the American Revolution – $24
- Barnes Basis – $25
- Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial – $25
- The Franklin Institute – $25
- Academy of Pure Sciences of Drexel College – $27
- Philadelphia Zoo – $25
- Japanese State Penitentiary – $23
- Nationwide Structure Heart – $14.50
*Present as of July 06, 2023
Editor’s Be aware: Some sights require reservations to enter. Moreover, some sights could also be unavailable, have restricted hours, and/or have restricted capability presently. Please test with every attraction for tips previous to arrival.
How A lot Does the Philadelphia CityPASS Price?
Earlier than you may determine if the Philadelphia CityPASS is an efficient deal, it’s worthwhile to understand how a lot it prices. Right here you go:
| Passes | Grownup (ages 13+) | Youngster (ages 3-12) |
|---|---|---|
| C3 | $54 | $42 |
| C4 | $72 | $52 |
| C5 | $82 | $62 |
| *Present as of July 06, 2023 | ||
Okay, so let’s crunch some numbers and see what sort of deal you’re getting.
The C3 gives one of the best share of financial savings (as much as 49%) whereas the C5 go is one of the best worth on a per attraction foundation ($16.40/attraction). With that mentioned, all of the passes provide financial savings of as much as 45% or higher.
With that mentioned, you’ll want to go to the most costly sights to get essentially the most financial savings. For instance, in the event you purchase the C5 go for $82, you’ll rise up to 47% off by selecting the 5 costliest sights.
In the event you visited these sights with no go and paid the gate admission, it could value $156.00 Which means the Philadelphia CityPASS would prevent $74 per grownup, which is a little bit bit greater than 47%. Not too shabby in any respect.
Have in mind, you solely save this a lot in the event you selected the 5 costliest sights. In the event you deviate from that, your financial savings shall be decrease. For instance, in the event you select the 5 least costly sights, you’ll solely save $29.50 per grownup. That’s higher than nothing, nevertheless it’s not fairly as thrilling!
It’s particularly necessary to maintain this in thoughts with the C3 and C4 passes – in the event you select the least costly sights, you’ll mainly find yourself a little bit higher than even with the go in comparison with paying on the gate. So, make sure to decide what number of websites (and which of them) you’ll go to to see if the go is smart for you.
Save As much as 49% in Philly – Save huge on journey bills with the Philadelphia CityPASS! Go to the town’s prime sights and save as much as 49% off your sightseeing! Get yours right here.
Prime Causes to Get the Philadelphia CityPASS
Save Cash on Admission
Sightseeing passes have a number of advantages, however just like the finest journey rewards bank cards, an important profit is the cash they enable you save. The Philadelphia CityPASS can prevent as much as 49% on admission to the town’s prime sights (47% in the event you select the C5 choice).
In the event you’re assured you’ll go to 5 sights throughout your journey, you don’t have anything to lose by shopping for the corresponding go. With the three and 4 day passes you just about have to go to the costlier websites to get any actual worth.
Large Bus Firm and Philadelphia Trolley Works
The Philadelphia CityPASS contains 1-day limitless entry to daytime double-decker bus excursions. Excursions have 27 stops across the metropolis, together with a bunch of sights on the go plus different key landmarks. It’s a hop-on, hop-off state of affairs, and you’ll hop as usually as you want.
The buses and trolleys offer you a elevate from one journey to the following, however there’s a tour element that shouldn’t be ignored. Seize a seat on an open-top double-decker bus and absorb Philadelphia’s websites whereas a tour information illuminates the town’s wealthy historical past. These sorts of bus excursions are all the time a enjoyable method to see the websites and study a brand new metropolis whereas getting to take a seat again and calm down.
Not for nothing, the bus and trolley tour is without doubt one of the costliest choices on the Philadelphia CityPASS, so selecting it’s a sensible transfer in the event you’re seeking to maximize your financial savings.
Japanese State Penitentiary
Each American sightseeing go appears to have a bus tour, an aquarium, and at the very least just a few museums. These issues are superior, and it is best to completely test them out. However the Philadelphia CityPASS has one thing distinctive.
Eastern State Penitentiary, touted as America’s most historic jail, is a haunting (haunted?) relic that shouldn’t be missed. Closed since 1971, the now-abandoned cells as soon as housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. Journey again in time and catch a glimpse into life as a prisoner with a self-guided audio tour (voiced by Steve Buscemi) that additionally contains some hands-on experiences.
Anybody excited about true crime, historical past, or creepy buildings will love this attraction. There’s a scavenger hunt for youths, too. Ask for the free Japanese State Problem booklet for particulars.
Comfort
The Philadelphia CityPASS is extra handy than shopping for admission tickets individually for 2 causes.
For one factor, it’s simply simpler. You may have one merchandise to maintain monitor of, and in the event you go digital, all you actually need to have is your smartphone. And let’s face it, most individuals have that with them always.
The opposite good function is fast-track entry. In most locations, you may skip the primary ticketing line and get in sooner. This protects valuable time and permits you to match extra enjoyable into your day.
Different Advantages of the Philadelphia CityPASS
- Legitimate for 9 Days – The Philadelphia CityPASS is legitimate for 9 consecutive days, that means you will have tons of time to go to your sights of alternative. Not like an all-inclusive sightseeing go, there’s no stress to suit a sure variety of actions right into a day. This implies you will be versatile together with your plans and alter them in line with the climate or your whimsy.
- Cellular Move – People who find themselves attempting to go inexperienced or just need fewer issues to hold will love the comfort of getting a cellular go on their smartphones. Simply seize your cellphone and go. However don’t fear in the event you’re not a smartphone person – you may nonetheless print a duplicate if that’s your desire.
Save Time and Cash in Philly – Don’t get caught spending greater than it’s a must to in Philadelphia. Seize the Philadelphia CityPASS and save as much as 49% on the realm’s finest sights! Get your go at present.
The place the Move Falls Brief
The Philadelphia CityPASS has fairly a bit going for it. Nonetheless, the go isn’t good, and there are a few drawbacks value mentioning.
To begin with, it’s a bit restricted. There are solely ten sights to select from and essentially the most you may select is 5. So, it’s removed from being complete. It gives a superb cross-section of what’s out there in Philly, however as a consequence of its small dimension, it leaves out just a few biggies. Notable omissions embrace The Philadelphia Museum of Art and Metropolis Corridor.
There additionally aren’t many excursions included on the go, because it’s principally museums. The bus and trolley excursions are wonderful, however I’d wish to see an extra tour – maybe of Metropolis Corridor. Including just a few additional choices to the go and providing a alternative of 15 as an alternative of 10 might actually spherical issues out.
The opposite factor value noting is that the potential financial savings aren’t as strong as what you get with an all-inclusive sightseeing go just like the New York Move. As I demonstrated above, essentially the most it can save you is as much as 49% – and that’s solely while you purchase the C3 go and select the three costliest sights. Wit that mentioned, you can save as much as $150 per grownup – or 47% – while you purchase the C5 and go to the 5 costliest choices…and that’s fairly spectacular.
Who Ought to Think about the Philadelphia CityPASS?
First-time Guests – If it’s your first time visiting Philly, you’ll wish to take a look at among the foremost sights. The Battleship New Jersey, the bus and trolley tour, and Japanese State Penitentiary are in all probability in your checklist, together with some nice museums. It’ll be straightforward to get worth from the Philadelphia CityPASS – selecting simply 5 issues to see may be a problem, although!
Museum Lovers – Philadelphia is residence to some world-class museums, and the go features a few of them. In reality, museums make up many of the choices on the go. I ought to point out once more, although, that the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork will not be included. That’s unlucky contemplating admission is expensive at $30.
Households – The price of sightseeing is multiplied while you’re touring as a household, however so are the financial savings you may notice with the Philadelphia CityPASS. The zoo, aquarium, bus tour, and most the museums are kid-friendly, so it’s straightforward to seek out actions the entire household will get pleasure from.
Sightseers Involved in a Few Points of interest – In the event you’re solely excited about testing three to 5 sights, as a result of that’s your type or since you’re on a short journey, the Philadelphia CityPASS matches the invoice in the event you’re within the costly choices.
Vacationers Who Prefer to Take Their Time – As a result of the Philadelphia CityPASS is legitimate for 9 days, vacationers who get pleasure from a relaxed tempo can unfold out their sightseeing with no repercussions.
Who Ought to Skip the Philadelphia CityPASS?
Vacationers Looking for Free Actions – When discussing who ought to skip a go, I all the time point out vacationers on very tight budgets as a result of it all the time applies. Passes can prevent a big sum of money, however sticking to free actions can prevent much more. Whereas I take into account among the choices on the Philadelphia CityPASS must-see, I’d be remiss if I didn’t level out that Philadelphia has many improbable issues to see and do at no cost. Touring Independence Corridor, perusing Studying Terminal Market, scouting Boathouse Rowe, and getting a pic with the Liberty Bell ought to all be in your checklist…they usually don’t value a cent.
Energy Sightseers – Individuals who wish to do as a lot sightseeing as attainable received’t love the Philadelphia CityPASS. It’s higher suited to somebody who desires to see among the highlights however isn’t on a sightseeing mission. In the event you’re embarking upon such a mission, you want an all-inclusive go just like the Go Metropolis’s Philadelphia All-Inclusive Move as an alternative.
These within the Lowest Priced Points of interest – If the bottom priced sights on this checklist are your prime picks and also you’re solely contemplating the three or 4 attraction passes, you may wish to skip this go. By visiting the bottom priced sights, you’ll barely break even.
Suggestions for Utilizing the Philadelphia CityPASS
- Use Up All Your Points of interest – The primary rule for getting worth from the Philadelphia CityPASS is to be sure you use the sights you purchase. In the event you don’t, you would lose cash in your buy.
- Select the Most Costly Points of interest – Particularly for the C3 and C4 passes, you’ll have to incorporate the most costly sights to economize. It’s simpler with the C5 go however provided that you’ll go to at the very least 5 of the sights included. To save lots of 47%, it’s worthwhile to purchase the C5 go and select the 5 costliest sights. If a few of these 5 don’t enchantment to you, run the numbers to see if the go is smart on your plans.
- Purchase the Move on Sale – This tip applies to any sightseeing go however particularly for this one: Hold your eyes open for on-line gross sales. Once you purchase the go for much less, you save much more.
Methods to Purchase the Philadelphia CityPASS
There’s only one manner to purchase the Philadelphia CityPASS – on-line.
Not like another passes, you may’t purchase this one at any of the sights. That doesn’t matter, although, as a result of you should purchase it on-line in a couple of minutes from wherever.
In the event you’re prepared to purchase now, you may purchase the Philadelphia CityPASS right here.
As quickly as you full your on-line buy, you’ll get an electronic mail with two choices – a printable ticket or a cellular ticket. Whichever one you select, that ticket is your go. Once you head to an attraction, present them your printed paper go or your digital go in your smartphone. That’s all there’s to it. Simply make sure to not lose it.
The Philadelphia CityPASS expires one 12 months after buy, so be at liberty to purchase it advance so long as you activate it inside a 12 months.
Backside Line: Is the Philadelphia CityPASS a Good Deal?
The Philadelphia CityPASS is an efficient deal so long as you employ all of the sights bought and intention for the most costly choices.
As I discussed, in the event you select the least costly sights, you break a little bit higher than even with the C3 and C4 passes. Even with the C5 go, you’ll solely save just a few {dollars} by selecting the least costly choices. Hey, cash is cash, nevertheless it’s not precisely thrilling.
What it’s worthwhile to take into account is whether or not the Philadelphia CityPASS the proper purchase on your sightseeing wants. It’s best-suited to individuals who wish to see just a few of the primary websites and the most costly sights on the go. Individuals who wish to jam as many websites as attainable into their go to received’t be glad by the restricted choices and are higher off in search of an all-inclusive go.
Save As much as 49% in Philly – See Philly for much less! Go to the town’s finest sights and save as much as 49% off the value of normal admission with the Philadelphia CityPASS! Study extra right here.