On a recent visit to the City of Brotherly Love, we did many things in Philadelphia and managed to save a little so we could indulge a little. Often overlooked by Canadians, Philadelphia should be on your bucket list of American cities to visit. There are many reasons to visit a destination, but there is no reason to pay more than you really have to because entrance fees can be expensive. Most cities have options for a reduced rate or even a ‘free’ night, but those likely have some restrictions or are available once per month. So, if you don’t plan accordingly, you’ll miss out on those saving options. I have a solution for you, and it is the Philadelphia CityPASS®.

Touring the City of Brotherly Love

If you love visiting museums, aquariums, zoos and even a penitentiary, I highly recommend taking advantage of the Philadelphia CityPASS®. Use the easy and convenient mobile tickets on the CityPASS® app. You will save up to 50% on admission to your choice of 3, 4, or 5 of Philadelphia’s top attractions. Enjoy easy entry with convenient mobile tickets (also printable). Philadelphia CityPASS® ticket choices include C3, C4 and C5 tickets; attractions do not have to be selected in advance.

Compare the Regular Price of Admission

When you want to visit any city on a budget, you want to have a better idea of what the costs are. If you start adding up the admission fee for each location, you know it will add up quickly. The best value is in the C5 attractions option as you will benefit from the free transportation (HOHF/Trolley) and do a few attractions a day or space them out over nine days.

Reservations are required at some attractions. Visit my.citypass.com for up-to-date attraction information, including reservations, entry instructions, hours of operation and helpful tips to plan your visit.

Full Program Details: 

Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets include prepaid admission to your choice of 3, 4 or 5 must-see attractions. Save up to 50% off the price of the same tickets purchased separately. CityPASS tickets are valid for nine consecutive days, including the first day of use. Attractions do not have to be selected in advance and can be visited in any order. Enjoy easy entry with convenient mobile tickets (also printable).

Adventure Aquarium

Adventure Aquarium boasts over 15,000 aquatic creatures in two million gallons of water. It offers unique experiences like close encounters with animals, housing the Northeast’s largest shark collection and the world’s longest shark bridge. Among its exclusive inhabitants are Anchor, the great hammerhead shark, endangered African penguins, and the only hippos displayed in an aquarium worldwide.

The Franklin Institute

Explore the wonders of science at The Franklin Institute. Kids and parents embark on an educational journey with engaging exhibitions. Climb into a fighter jet, delve into the science of sports, and venture through a colossal two-story human heart. From tectonic plates to celestial skies, ignite your curiosity and imagination while having a blast in this smart, fun-filled destination.

Philadelphia Zoo

Indulge in the extraordinary at the Philadelphia Zoo, where innovation meets nature. Experience Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of see-through mesh trails passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, giving animals opportunities to travel and explore. Visit award-winning exhibits like Big Cat Falls, KidZooU, PECO Primate Reserve and so many more.

Big Bus Company and Philadelphia Trolley Works

With Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets granting access to numerous attractions, navigating the city becomes effortless through the Big Bus 1-Day Hop-on Hop-Off Double Decker Sightseeing Tour. Spanning 25 stops and running every 90 minutes, this tour offers unlimited hop-on-hop-off privileges throughout the day. For an optimal experience, I suggest boarding the first bus to acquaint yourself with the city’s layout, allowing you to plan your visits strategically.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Uncover Eastern State Penitentiary, a pioneering American prison. Built to prompt genuine remorse in inmates, it once housed notorious individuals such as “Scarface” Al Capone and “Slick Willie” Sutton. Now in ruins, its empty cells and silent watchtowers evoke a haunting glimpse into its storied past.

Museum of the American Revolution

At the Museum of the American Revolution, witness the vivid portrayal of our nation’s birth – its events, figures, and ideals. Engage with Revolutionary-era relics, immersive settings, live theatre, and reconstructed historical scenes. Delve into the dynamic narrative of the American Revolution, from its inception to triumph, discovering its enduring significance in today’s world.

Battleship New Jersey

The Battleship New Jersey admission includes a Fire Power Tour and a free guided tour of the 16-inch gun turret and/or Engine Room. Learn how the crew lived aboard this floating city!

Academy of Natural Sciences

Philadelphia CityPASS® permits all access admission, including special exhibits. Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a leading natural history museum dedicated to advancing research, education, and public engagement in biodiversity and environmental science. Museum visitors can get face-to-face with towering dinosaurs, explore a tropical garden filled with live butterflies, meet live animals, and see three continents of wildlife in their natural habitats.

National Constitution Center

As the Museum of We the People, America’s Town Hall, and a center for Civic Education, the National Constitution Center brings the U.S. Constitution to life for visitors of all ages. Experience America’s founding documents up close, immerse yourself in interactive exhibits such as The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote, and be inspired by the live theatrical production of Freedom Rising.

Barnes Foundation

Reservations (and a timed entry) are required for the Barnes Foundation, but general admission includes access to special exhibitions. Discover the Barnes Foundation, a museum dear to my heart! It houses an exceptional collection of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modern paintings by celebrated artists like Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. Moreover, it showcases diverse artworks, including African sculptures, Native American art, and Pennsylvania German furnishings.

Why Buy a Philadelphia CityPASS®:

Philadelphia CityPASS® is a lifesaver for exploring Philly! I love how it slashes costs by up to 47% on entry to the city’s hottest attractions. For us, the starting price of $54 for adults and $42 for kids (aged 2-12) is a steal. It’s like having a golden key to Philadelphia’s top spots at a fraction of the regular price. It’s a smart way to dive into the city’s best experiences without breaking the bank!

More Attractions in Philadelphia

The flexibility offered by the Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets lets us bridge our visit. We were in Philly for one day, left for three, then returned for three full days in Philadelphia. Since the ticket is valid for nine consecutive days, it allowed us to see the Eastern State Penitentiary and Museum of the American Revolution one day and The Franklin Institute, the National Constitution Center and the Adventure Aquarium or Philadelphia Zoo on the other days. We can explore the city at our own pace in a few days or over nine days.

Great Museums to Visit in Philadelphia

There are plenty of other attractions in Philadelphia that you might not want to miss. One of my favourites is the Rodin Museum, next to the Barnes Foundation. You may also want to check out the African American Museum. Thanks to the Philadelphia CVB and CitiPASS for access to these amazing attractions in Philadelphia. I am a fan and highly recommend it!

This article was published by Downshifting Pro and was syndicated by Our Woven Journey.