City Sightseeing Philadelphia HOHO Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

If you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is often suggested as a great way to see the city’s highlights without the hassle of constant navigation or public transit. We haven’t personally taken this tour but have pieced together plenty of honest insights from reviews, details, and what the experience promises. This helps you decide if it suits your style and how best to make it work for you.

One thing we love about this tour is its flexibility—you can hop off at major sights like the Liberty Bell or Betsy Ross House and explore at your own pace. The guided narration in multiple languages adds a layer of context, making the sightseeing more engaging. Another plus is the two-route system, ensuring you cover a wide swath of the city’s standout attractions.

A potential drawback? Some reviews mention that the bus frequency isn’t always reliable, and at times, stops can be closed, which could mean some disappointment if your plans are tightly scheduled. Also, the tour doesn’t include entry to attractions, so you’ll need to budget extra for tickets if you want to go inside.

This tour suits first-time visitors or travelers who prefer an overview of the city’s key sights with the freedom to explore independently. If you’d rather have a guided, relaxed way to see Philly, this could be a good fit—just keep an eye on the timing and attraction statuses.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Hop on and off at numerous stops to tailor your day.
• Guided narration: Live commentary helps you understand the significance of each landmark.
• Multiple routes: Cover more ground with two different sightseeing paths.
• Variety of attractions: Stops include historic sites, museums, parks, and vibrant neighborhoods.
• Timing & reliability: Buses run every 15 minutes, but some reviews mention inconsistency.
• Cost & value: The $39 ticket offers decent value, especially with multi-day passes, but extras like entry are additional.

What to Expect from the Tour Itinerary

This tour offers a well-rounded look at Philadelphia’s major sights through a series of 26 stops across two routes. The true charm lies in its flexibility—you decide when to hop off and what to see up close, making it perfect for those who want to blend sightseeing with personal exploration.

Starting Point & Main Stops

Your tour begins at Publicis Health Media / The Bourse Building, a central spot ideal for connecting with public transit or walking into the city’s core. From here, it’s a series of stops near iconic landmarks. For example, Betsy Ross House at Stop 2 is a great starting point for history lovers eager to learn about America’s founding stories.

Next, the National Constitution Center (Stop 3) is right around the corner, where you can get a deep dive into the nation’s founding documents. The Chinatown stop (Stop 4) offers a chance to explore a bustling neighborhood filled with eateries and shops. For food lovers, the Reading Terminal Market (Stop 5) is a highlight, packed with local delicacies and fresh produce.

Other notable stops include Love Park (Stop 6), with its iconic LOVE sculpture, the Rodin Museum (Stop 9), and the Eastern State Penitentiary (Stop 10), a fascinating historic prison. For art and culture, the Avenue of the Arts (Stop 17) offers a glimpse into Philadelphia’s creative scene.

What You’ll Experience on the Bus

Riders consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the entertaining commentary, which makes the city’s stories come alive. Multiple reviews mention guides like Ruth, who adds social histories and colorful tales, making the ride more engaging. One reviewer even called her ‘marvelous with great humor.’

The open-top double-decker offers spectacular views, especially on clear days. You’ll enjoy seeing the city’s architecture, parks, and landmarks from above, making it easier to plan your next stop or photo shoot. The buses run every 15 minutes, which tends to keep the flow smooth, but some reviews report inconsistent service—sometimes buses are late or stops are closed.

Stops & Landmarks in Detail

• Liberty Bell (Stop 26): An essential visit for history buffs, this symbol of American independence is easily accessible from the bus.
• Franklin Institute (Stop 13): Perfect for science lovers and families, with interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages.
• Rocky Steps & Statue (Stop 12): An iconic spot for photo ops and fans of the beloved film series.
• Mother Bethel A.M.E Church (Stop 19): A historic church with ties to African American history.
• Penn’s Landing (Stop 22): A lively waterfront area, often hosting events and festivals, ideal for relaxing after a busy day.

Additional Considerations

The ticket options allow you to choose from 1, 2, or 3-day passes. For $39 per person, a one-day pass might seem reasonable, but the value increases with multi-day options if you want to maximize sightseeing. The tour doesn’t include entry fees for attractions, which is worth noting—so plan for additional costs if you want to go inside places like the Mutter Museum or Eastern State Penitentiary.

The audio guide is available in 12 languages, and everyone gets headphones. This is handy for clear narration, especially when city noise gets loud or to help non-English speakers.

Real Experiences & Honest Feedback

Looking at reviews, the experience appears to be hit or miss depending on the day and the staff. Many visitors raved about guides like Ruth, who made the tour memorable with stories and humor. Others loved the spectacular views from the top deck and how the flexibility allowed them to explore favorite sights at their pace.

However, some travelers encountered issues like long waits, stop closures, or rudeness from drivers. One review explicitly mentioned that the buses didn’t always come every 20 minutes as promised, which could be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule. Another pointed out that some stops, such as in construction zones, were less interesting because of closures or limited access.

It’s also worth noting that several reviews highlighted the value for money—many felt that the tour covered the main sights well, particularly when combined with their own explorations. The guide’s humor and knowledge stood out as major positives, turning what could be a simple bus ride into an enjoyable experience.

The Practicalities: Pricing, Duration, & Booking

At $39 per person, this tour is fairly priced for the convenience it offers. Merging it with a 2- or 3-day pass makes sense if you want to spread out your sightseeing or visit places that require more time. Keep in mind, you’ll need to budget separate entrance fees for attractions.

The duration is approximately 90 minutes per loop, with buses running every 15 minutes. This frequency generally minimizes waiting time, but some reviews suggest that during busy periods or due to operational issues, delays do happen.

The booking process is straightforward. You can use a mobile ticket, and all vouchers are valid for up to 12 months from the purchase date, offering some flexibility if your plans change. Redeem your voucher at 21 South 5th Street, and it’s best to arrive early to catch the first ride or avoid missing out.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour?

This tour is especially suited for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Philadelphia’s most famous sights. If you enjoy guided commentary and prefer to control your sightseeing pace, you’ll find this a practical choice. Those on tight schedules or with specific attractions in mind should be prepared for some unpredictability regarding stop closures or bus reliability.

It’s a solid option for independent travelers who enjoy a bit of storytelling and scenic views without the constraints of fixed schedules. If you’re traveling with a companion or small group, the open-top bus offers a fun communal experience. However, if you’re seeking deep dives into specific areas or insider tours, consider supplementing this with targeted visits.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, children usually enjoy the open-top bus ride and the opportunity to see many sights quickly. Keep in mind, entry to attractions isn’t included, so plan for extra tickets if your kids want to go inside places.

How long is each loop?
Each loop takes approximately 90 minutes, giving you a good overview of Philly’s main landmarks without feeling rushed.

Can I hop on and off at any stop?
Yes, with a valid ticket, you can hop on and off at any of the designated stops along the route, creating a personalized sightseeing schedule.

What happens if the bus doesn’t arrive on time?
Buses run every 15 minutes, but some reviews mention delays or stops being closed. It’s wise to check the real-time bus status via the app or plan for some flexibility.

Are there audio guides in different languages?
Yes, commentary is available in 12 languages, and headphones are provided to ensure clear listening even in noisy areas.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup isn’t included. You’ll need to make your way to the first stop or a designated pickup point.

What if I want to visit attractions inside?
Entry fees are not included, so you should budget separately for tickets to places like the Mutter Museum, Rodin Museum, or Liberty Bell.

Is there a night tour option?
Yes, there’s a 1.5-hour panoramic Night Tour, departing at 6:30 pm and 8 pm, but it’s a separate ticket and not part of the hop-on hop-off service.

Final Thoughts

The City Sightseeing Philadelphia HOHO bus tour offers an easy, flexible way to get a lay of the land in Philly, especially if you’re new to the city or short on time. The combination of live guides, spectacular views from the open top, and the ability to craft your own itinerary make it a popular choice, even if it’s not perfect. Be prepared for occasional delays or stop closures, and supplement your experience with some on-the-ground exploration.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, informative way to see the city’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail, this tour can serve as a helpful backbone for your trip. Just remember to verify opening hours of key attractions and plan your day accordingly.

Whether you’re a history buff, a casual sightseer, or someone who loves snapping photos from a moving bus, this tour offers enough charm and convenience to make your Philadelphia visit memorable.

Enjoy discovering Philly at your own pace—happy touring!