Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia, a city brimming with history, culture, and world-class attractions, can be surprisingly affordable to explore with the Philadelphia CityPASS. This convenient pass offers significant savings on admission to some of the city's most popular destinations, making it an ideal choice for visitors looking to maximize their sightseeing experience without breaking the bank. This article breaks down what the Philadelphia CityPASS offers, how it works, and why it's a smart choice for your next trip to the City of Brotherly Love.
What is the Philadelphia CityPASS?
The Philadelphia CityPASS is a prepaid ticket booklet (or mobile pass) that provides discounted admission to a selection of Philadelphia's top attractions. Unlike passes that cover every attraction in a city, CityPASS focuses on a curated list of the most popular and highly-rated destinations, offering a streamlined and cost-effective way to experience the best of Philadelphia.
Key Benefits of the Philadelphia CityPASS:
- Significant Savings: The CityPASS can save you up to 50% on combined admission prices compared to buying individual tickets at each attraction. This makes it a particularly attractive option for families and budget-conscious travelers.
- Flexibility and Choice: You can choose a pass that includes admission to three, four, or five attractions, allowing you to customize your itinerary based on your interests and the length of your stay.
- Nine-Day Validity: Once activated, the CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days, giving you ample time to explore the attractions at your own pace. This is much more flexible than single-day tickets.
- Simplified Entry: The CityPASS can streamline your entry to attractions, especially those that require timed tickets. This can save you valuable time waiting in line, allowing you to make the most of your sightseeing schedule.
- Curated Selection: The pass includes some of the city's top attractions.
Included Attractions (Choose 3, 4, or 5):
The Philadelphia CityPASS offers a choice from the following ten attractions:
- Adventure Aquarium: Explore marine life from around the world.
- The Franklin Institute: A renowned science museum with interactive exhibits.
- Philadelphia Zoo: America's first zoo, home to a diverse collection of animals.
- Big Bus Company and Philadelphia Trolley Works: A hop-on, hop-off bus tour covering major city sights.
- Eastern State Penitentiary: Explore the historic (and reportedly haunted) former prison.
- Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial: Tour a historic battleship.
- Museum of the American Revolution: Discover the story of the American Revolution through immersive exhibits.
- Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University: Explore natural history exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons.
- National Constitution Center: Learn about the U.S. Constitution through interactive exhibits.
- Barnes Foundation: View a world-renowned collection of post-impressionist and early modern paintings.
How to Use the Philadelphia CityPASS:
- Purchase Online: The easiest way to purchase the CityPASS is online through the official CityPASS website.
- Choose Your Attractions: Select the number of attractions (3, 4, or 5) you want to visit.
- Activate Your Pass: Your pass is activated the first time you use it at an attraction.
- Visit Attractions: Present your pass (either a printed voucher or a mobile pass) at each attraction you choose to visit.
- Nine-Day Window: You have nine consecutive days to use your pass, starting from the first day of use.
Is the Philadelphia CityPASS Worth It?
The Philadelphia CityPASS is a good deal if you plan to visit at least three of the included attractions. The savings can be substantial, especially for families. It's also a great way to discover attractions you might not have otherwise considered. However, if you're only interested in one or two specific attractions, or if you prefer to explore more off-the-beaten-path destinations, buying individual tickets might be a better option.
The Philadelphia CityPASS offers a convenient, flexible, and cost-effective way to experience some of Philadelphia's top attractions. By pre-purchasing admission to a selection of museums, historical sites, and tours, visitors can save money and time, allowing them to focus on enjoying all that the city has to offer. If you're planning a trip to Philadelphia and want to see the highlights, the CityPASS is definitely worth considering.
