Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Philadelphia (1, 2, or 3-Day)

If you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia and want a stress-free way to see the city’s highlights, a hop-on hop-off bus might be just what you need. We haven’t done this specific tour ourselves, but based on the reviews and details, it’s a popular choice for many travelers who want an easy, flexible way to get a good overview of Philadelphia’s iconic sights. Whether you opt for one, two, or three days, this service promises to make your visit more manageable—and more fun.

Two things that really stand out about this tour are its live onboard narration and the ability to hop on or off at 27 different stops. This means you can explore at your own pace, taking breaks at spots like Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell, then rejoining the tour when you’re ready. Also, the price point—$39 per person—is quite reasonable considering the number of stops and the flexibility it offers.

One potential downside? The tickets are only valid on the specific calendar days you purchase, and you might run into some logistical hiccups if you don’t check in at the start point—something several reviewers pointed out. This service is best suited for travelers who want a broad, convenient overview of Philadelphia without the hassle of navigating public transit or parking downtown.

If you value informative guides, flexible sightseeing, and a comfortable ride through the historic streets, this tour could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors, those with limited time, or anyone who prefers the convenience of a guided bus experience over wandering on foot.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Hop on and off at 27 stops across the city, choosing 1, 2, or 3 days to explore at your own pace.
• Live Narration: Guides provide engaging commentary, making city highlights both entertaining and educational.
• Cost-Effective: At $39 per person, it offers a good bang for your buck, especially when compared to individual attraction tickets.
• Comprehensive Route: Covers key sites like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and more, plus scenic views of Penn’s Landing and Rocky Steps.
• Weather Consideration: As an open-top bus, weather can impact your experience—be prepared for rain or sun.
• Ticket Check: Make sure to check in at the designated starting point or your QR code might not be accepted on the bus.

How the Tour Works and What to Expect

The tour kicks off at 9:30am from the Philadelphia Bourse, a central spot that’s easy to find and close to other public transit options. From there, the 90-minute loop passes through 26 stops, including some of the city’s most beloved sites like Betsy Ross House, the National Constitution Center, the Reading Terminal Market, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

You can hop on at any stop, which is a huge plus if you’re exploring on your own and want to tailor the day to your interests. The buses are London-style double-decker vehicles, giving you an unobstructed view of the city as you cruise by its historic neighborhoods and vibrant districts.

The onboard live guides are praised for their knowledge and humor—something several reviews highlight as making the tour more engaging. The narration is available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin, making it accessible for international visitors.

While the admission tickets to attractions are not included, the stops are close to many museums and historic sites you might want to explore further on your own, such as the Rodin Museum or the Please Touch Museum for those traveling with children.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

The Starting Point: Philadelphia Bourse

Your tour begins here—an accessible, central location that’s easy to find. This is also where you’ll need to check in if you’re using printed tickets, as some reviews have noted. Once on board, the bus heads out on a scenic loop through the city.

Betsy Ross House and the National Constitution Center

These are two of Philly’s most iconic landmarks. The Betsy Ross House offers a glimpse into the life of the woman credited with sewing the first American flag, while the Constitution Center provides a modern, engaging space to learn about the nation’s founding documents.

Chinatown and Reading Terminal Market

You’ll pass through vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown, perfect if you want a quick bite or just to soak in diverse city life. The Reading Terminal Market is a foodie paradise and a good place to hop off if you want to grab some local treats or lunch.

JFK Plaza (Love Park) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Love Park is a classic photo stop, famous for Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture. The nearby museum, with its famous Rocky Steps, is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who love art and history.

Eastern State Penitentiary and Other Cultural Stops

While admission isn’t included, the Eastern State Penitentiary is a fascinating historic prison. The tour also passes by the Please Touch Museum, Franklin Institute, and the Mütter Museum—a mix of family-friendly and educational spots.

Scenic Views and Scenic Stops

From Penn’s Landing to the One Liberty Observation Deck, you’ll get great views of the city’s waterfront and skyline. The Avenue of the Arts highlights Philly’s vibrant creative scene, and the tour wraps up or pauses at various points for you to explore further.

How the Reviews Reflect the Experience

Many reviews are very positive, describing the tour as a great way to see the city without the hassle. One reviewer shared, “You learn the history of the people and sights of Philadelphia. Very knowledgeable tour guides and fantastic tour bus drivers.” That kind of feedback underscores the value of having live narration—making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Another reviewer loved that they could see the city at their own pace, riding twice and hopping off when they wanted. “We went through the tour twice,” they said, “the first time we got off at a few stops, the second we stayed on and learned more about the sites.” This flexibility is a big selling point.

However, some travelers noted that getting started at the right stop is important, especially since printed tickets are required at the beginning. One person said, “Be sure to check in at stop #1 first for printed tickets. The QR code on the Viator ticket said to hop on anywhere, but the bus drivers need the physical tickets.” So, it’s worth arriving early and being prepared.

The buses are generally comfortable, though one review mentioned that the downstairs can get hot or be hard to see out of. Weather can influence your comfort, especially since the buses are open-air.

Pricing and Value

At $39 per person, this tour is reasonably priced considering the scope of the route and the number of stops. When you compare it to the cost of individual attraction tickets or taxi/ride-share costs, it’s a good deal. Plus, the multi-day options give you even more flexibility, allowing you to spread out sightseeing over multiple days without worrying about transportation.

Most travelers seem to agree that the guides’ knowledge and friendliness add a lot of value. The combination of live narration, scenic routes, and flexibility makes this a compelling option, especially for first-time visitors or those who want an overview without the hassle of planning every detail.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This hop-on hop-off experience works well for those who want to maximize their sightseeing with minimal stress. It’s suited for first-timers, solo travelers, or groups that prefer guided commentary. If you enjoy learning about a city’s history and culture as you go, you’ll likely find this tour engaging.

It’s also a good choice for families or visitors with limited time, as the stops are close to many of the city’s main attractions. However, keep in mind that weather can affect the open-top bus experience, so on rainy days, it might be less comfortable.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a convenient, informative way to see Philadelphia, this hop-on hop-off tour delivers. The live guides make the experience lively and approachable, and the ability to hop on or off at 27 stops means you can customize your day. It’s particularly good for those who want a broad overview and don’t mind a little bus ride in between sites.

The main advantage is the flexibility—spending a day or more exploring at your own pace, without the worry of public transit or parking. On the downside, weather and checking in at the start point are factors to consider, but overall, most travelers find it well worth the price.

For history buffs, first-time visitors, or anyone seeking a relaxed way to get oriented in Philadelphia, this tour offer hits the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to print my tickets?
Yes, some reviews mention that printed tickets are required at the start point, so it’s best to check in there with your printed ticket rather than just a QR code.

Can I hop on the bus at any stop?
Yes, once you have your ticket, you can hop on at any of the 27 stops along the route, giving you flexibility throughout the day.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the bus is open-air, rain or strong sun can affect your comfort. If the weather is poor, the tour might be less enjoyable, but your ticket is valid on the scheduled day unless canceled due to weather.

Are attraction tickets included?
No, admission tickets to specific sites like museums or historic spots are not included, but stops are strategically placed for easy access afterward.

How long is the tour?
The main loop takes about 90 minutes, but with the hop-on hop-off feature, you can spend as much time as you like at each stop.

What languages are available for the narration?
Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin, making it accessible for many travelers.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, it’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor, open-top buses, and it may be less ideal for very young children during bad weather.

What is the starting point?
The tour begins at the Philadelphia Bourse, which is centrally located and easy to reach via public transportation.