Philly By Night Double Decker Bus Tour

If you’re visiting Philadelphia and looking to see the city’s most iconic sights lit up after dark, the Philly By Night Double Decker Bus Tour offers a relaxed, engaging way to do so. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, plenty of travelers have shared their experiences, and the general vibe is that it’s a solid choice for those wanting an overview of Philadelphia’s highlights with a scenic twist.

What we genuinely like about this tour is its affordable price point—just $39 per person—and the fact that it combines a famous sightseeing format with some memorable stops, like the steps from Rocky and skyline photo ops. The expert narration seems to make the stories come alive, offering insights you might not get just wandering on your own. However, a small drawback is that, since it’s not a hop-on-hop-off experience, you’re on a tight schedule, and photos might be a bit tricky if the bus is moving quickly.

This tour works best for first-time visitors wanting a quick, scenic overview of Philly’s key landmarks, especially in the evening when the city’s lights add a special glow. If you enjoy guided commentary, city views, and compact tours that maximize sightseeing, this could be just right. Keep in mind, it’s about 90 minutes long, so it’s an easy addition to your evening plans without a huge time commitment.

Key Points

• Great value for money at $39 per ticket, offering a quick but comprehensive city overview.
• Iconic stops include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Rocky Steps.
• Scenic night views of Philadelphia’s skyline and lit-up landmarks make it a memorable experience.
• Live narration provides engaging stories and local insights, elevating the sightseeing.
• Not a hop-on-hop-off tour—you’re on a set schedule, which means no spontaneous stops or extended photo sessions.
• Limited comfort considerations—some reviews mention noisy bus systems and unpredictable weather affecting visibility and comfort.

What to Expect on the Philly By Night Tour

This 90-minute journey on a double-decker bus promises an exciting perspective of Philadelphia when the city is glowing at night. Starting from the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown near Reading Terminal Market around 8 pm (boarding begins at 7:30 pm), the tour heads through the city’s most renowned landmarks. It’s designed as a guided experience—not a flexible hop-on-hop-off—meaning you’ll stay on the bus for the full loop, soaking in the sights and stories.

The tour features a live commentary from a knowledgeable guide who shares interesting facts about Philadelphia’s history, architecture, and culture. This storytelling aspect is consistently praised, with reviews highlighting guides who are approachable, full of local knowledge, and engaging. For example, one reviewer noted that the guide “made a point of speaking with everyone before we started,” setting a friendly tone from the beginning.

The Stops and Sights

While the main focus is the city’s illuminated skyline and landmarks, the tour includes several notable stops:

• Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps: Perhaps the most famous photo opportunity—climbing the “Rocky” steps and snapping pictures of the cityscape. Keep in mind, this is a brief stop (about 15 minutes), and tickets to the museum itself are not included.
• Liberty Bell & Independence Hall: As the bus passes by these iconic symbols of American independence, you’ll get a good view and hear some interesting tidbits from the guide.
• Betsy Ross House, U.S. Mint, and Constitution Center: These historic sites are highlighted along the route, giving you a sense of Philadelphia’s role in American history.
• City Hall & the Skyline: Perfect moments to snap photos of the city’s night lights and towering buildings.
• America’s First Zoo: The Philadelphia Zoo is also included among the sights, adding a dash of the city’s family-friendly appeal.

The tour also includes stops to take photos of the skyline and the chance to run up the Rocky Steps—an iconic Hollywood-inspired moment that most guests seem to love.

The Experience As Described by Travelers

Many reviewers have appreciated the informative narration, with some saying the guides “know Philadelphia inside and out” and are quite approachable. One reviewer shared, “Had an amazing time and would do it again,” praising the guide’s knowledge, approachability, and the overall experience.

A recurring theme is the stunning night views. One reviewer called it “an awesome trip around the city at night,” noting how different and beautiful the city looks under the lights. The opportunity to see Philadelphia’s famous landmarks glowing makes this tour a memorable way to wrap up your day.

But not everyone found it perfect. A few pointed out issues like the bus’s sound system being subpar—making it hard to hear the guide clearly—and the challenge of taking good photos since the bus is constantly moving. One review suggested that the tour could benefit from some added protection from the weather, hinting at the possibility of a glass enclosure to keep out rain or cold during colder months.

The Practical Details

Transport: The bus departs from the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, making it accessible if you’re staying nearby. The ride is on a double-decker bus, which provides excellent views if the weather cooperates.

Timing: Starting at 8 pm with boarding at 7:30, this tour fits nicely into an evening outing. It lasts about 90 minutes, so it won’t overextend your evening plans.

Group Size: With a cap at around 45 travelers, it’s socially manageable, and reviews suggest most groups are friendly and lively.

Price & Value: At $39 per person, the tour offers a lot of value, especially considering the number of sights covered and the quality commentary. As some reviewers pointed out, it’s a great way to get a sense of the city without spending a fortune or spending hours wandering alone.

Weather & Accessibility: The tour is weather-dependent; if rain or cold are forecasted, your experience might be affected. Since it’s an outdoor tour on a double-decker bus, no mention of special accessibility features is made, but most travelers find it manageable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour really suits first-time visitors who want a quick, scenic overview of Philly’s most famous landmarks with the bonus of seeing the city when it’s beautifully lit up at night. It’s also good for anyone who appreciates guided storytelling and wants to learn a bit about the city’s history without committing to a full-day tour.

If you’re traveling with kids or groups looking for a relaxed, photo-friendly experience, be aware that the bus is moving, and stops are limited. It’s not a hop-on-hop-off experience, so those wanting flexibility might prefer other options.

For those interested in capturing the city’s night views and iconic sites without much walking, this tour hits the mark. It’s also perfect as a romantic evening activity or a fun group outing, especially if you enjoy good commentary and scenic vistas.

Final Thoughts

The Philly By Night Double Decker Bus Tour offers a solid way to see Philadelphia’s highlights after dark. With its affordable price, lively narration, and stunning views, it’s a good choice for anyone wanting a laid-back, informative introduction to the city’s most photogenic landmarks. The few minor downsides—like weather sensitivity and the bus’s noise level—won’t ruin your experience but are worth considering if you’re planning for an evening in colder months or want perfect photos.

For travelers seeking an engaging, scenic, and straightforward way to end their day in Philadelphia, this tour combines entertainment and education in a way that most will find enjoyable. Whether it’s your first visit or a quick revisit, it’s a bright way to see the city shine.

FAQs

Is this a hop-on-hop-off tour?
No, it’s a set 90-minute loop, so you’ll stay on the bus for the entire ride and won’t be able to hop off at individual sites.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 8 pm, with boarding beginning at 7:30 pm, making it an ideal evening activity.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
The tour includes pickup at a central location—the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. It does not include hotel drop-off.

Is there a chance to take photos?
Yes, there are stops for photos, particularly at the Rocky Steps and skyline viewpoints. However, since the bus is moving during much of the ride, spontaneous photo opportunities on the go are limited.

What should I bring?
Bring layers if it’s cooler, and perhaps a camera or phone for photos. Be prepared for possible weather changes since the tour is outdoors.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 90 minutes, making it a manageable addition to your evening plans.

Is it suitable for families?
While most reviews highlight the guide’s engaging narration and scenic views, the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-oriented. It’s generally suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the bus is moving, and small children might need extra supervision.

What landmarks will I see?
Notable sites include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Rocky Steps, and the Philadelphia skyline, among others.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to rain or poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

All in all, the Philly By Night Double Decker Bus Tour is a straightforward, engaging way to get to know the City of Brotherly Love after sunset. If you enjoy scenic views, local stories, and a relaxed pace, it’s a solid pick that’s both fun and reasonably priced.