Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Bus Tour of Philadelphia

If you’re thinking about how best to see Philadelphia without feeling overwhelmed, a hop-on hop-off bus tour might be just the ticket. We haven’t done this specific tour ourselves, but based on reviews and the details offered, it sounds like a practical and flexible way to get a taste of the City of Brotherly Love. Whether you’re a first-timer or a return visitor looking to catch sights you missed before, this kind of tour offers a mix of convenience and insight.

What really stands out are the live guides who keep things lively and educational, and the extensive route with 27 stops covering everything from historical landmarks to cultural hotspots. The price point of $39 is reasonable considering the flexibility, especially if you’re planning to explore multiple sites on your own afterward. One thing to keep in mind is that, like any hop-on hop-off, the experience relies heavily on the quality of guides and timing—so you might find some stops more engaging than others.

If you’re someone who appreciates a guided overview with the option to explore on foot, this tour could be a great fit. However, if you’re after a deep dive into Philadelphia’s history or looking for a more curated experience, you might want to supplement this with other activities. It’s best suited for travelers who want a broad overview and easy transportation around the city.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: Hop on and off at 27 stops, including major landmarks like Independence Hall and the Rocky Statue.
• Guided commentary: Live guides provide educational and entertaining insights along the route.
• Ideal for quick orientation: Perfect for first-time visitors wanting to get a feel for the city.
• Comfortable transportation: Double-decker buses are open-air, offering great views and photo opportunities.
• Cost-effective: At $39, it offers a good balance of value and convenience.
• Potential variability: Guide quality and stop timing may influence your experience.

The Experience and What You Can Expect

The tour lasts about an hour and a half, which is a solid amount of time to get an overview of Philadelphia. Starting at the Independence Visitor Center, the route covers many key sights that are vital for understanding the city’s history and culture.

The route and stops are thoughtfully spread out across the city, including popular spots like the Betsy Ross House, the United States Mint, and the National Constitution Center. You also get to see more laid-back areas like South Street and Rittenhouse Square. The stops are quite comprehensive, covering everything from museums and historic sites to lively neighborhoods and shopping districts.

The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and humor—that’s a big plus. Multiple reviews mention how the guides make the experience engaging and educational. For example, reviewers like Susan and Ruth highlight how much they learned and appreciated the friendly, helpful attitude of the guides and drivers. One reviewer even notes that the tour exposed them to parts of Philadelphia they’d missed on previous visits, making it a worthwhile way to deepen your understanding of the city.

The buses themselves are described as comfortable, with many travelers enjoying the open-air top deck for the best views. Some reviews, however, mention that the tour length is just right, indicating that the format keeps things light without feeling rushed or overly long.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting at the Independence Visitor Center, you’ll be right in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district. This is a prime starting point, giving you immediate access to key landmarks and a good orientation.

Next, the Betsy Ross House offers a glimpse into the city’s revolutionary past. The guide might share stories about Betsy’s role in sewing the first American flag, making this stop both fun and informative.

The United States Mint and Ben Franklin’s Grave give insight into Philadelphia’s historic significance in early American history. While these stops are mainly about visual and historical interest, the guide’s commentary can add context that brings the sites to life.

The National Constitution Center is a highlight for many, offering a deeper dive into American democracy. If you’re interested in U.S. history, this spot is a must-see.

Walking into Chinatown and the Fashion District, you can soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city. This stop offers a chance to grab a bite or browse some unique shops before continuing on.

Reading Terminal Market is often a favorite, highly praised by visitors for its variety of local foods and lively atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, take photos, and maybe grab a snack.

The City Hall and Love Park are iconic Philadelphia sights, and from the top deck, you’ll get a great view of the city’s skyline. For many, this is a quintessential stop, especially with the famous LOVE sculpture nearby.

Other stops like the Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, and Eastern State Penitentiary appeal to art lovers and history buffs alike. You can decide whether to explore these sites on foot after your bus tour.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art‘s steps—famously known as the “Rocky Steps”—are a must-see for many visitors. The tour includes both east and west entrances, making it convenient to plan your visit.

Perelman Building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other cultural sites like the Franklin Institute and The Logan Circle are integrated into the route, offering varied cultural experiences.

For those interested in the city’s more relaxed, scenic areas, stops at Rittenhouse Square and the Waterfront provide a calmer, more modern vibe. These are great spots to explore on foot after the bus ride.

Finally, the route culminates near Old City and Christ Church, where you get a feel for historic Philadelphia’s charming streets, before ending at the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center.

What the Reviews Say

Many travelers sing the praises of the guides, calling them “terrific,” “knowledgeable,” and “entertaining.” Ruth mentions how helpful guides are in pointing out stops and making the trip enjoyable, confirming that the guide’s role is crucial. One reviewer, Beth, highlights how much fun they had learning during the tour, describing it as “interesting and educational.”

However, not all feedback is glowing. Some reviewers felt the commentary could be more balanced or comprehensive, with one pointing out a perceived “one-sided view of Philly” and a focus that felt overly Afrocentric. Others mention minor issues like mic volume, which could be a nuisance if you’re hard of hearing or in a noisy environment.

A few reviews touch on the driver’s attitude, with one mentioning rudeness, but overall, the drivers and guides seem to be well-rated. The comfort of the buses and the ability to hop on and off at your own pace are consistently appreciated.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Given the moderate price point, this tour offers a cost-effective way to familiarize yourself with Philadelphia, especially if you’re tight on time or prefer not to navigate public transit or multiple entry tickets. The live commentary makes the experience more engaging than just riding around on your own, and the flexibility to hop off at places you want to explore further is invaluable.

On the flip side, since the tour is about 90 minutes long, it’s not an exhaustive deep dive. If you’re passionate about American history or art, you might want to plan additional visits to some of the museums and landmarks.

The group size maxing out at 65 travelers helps keep the atmosphere friendly but still lively enough to keep things moving efficiently. And the cancellation policy offers some peace of mind, with full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This bus tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of the city’s most famous sights. It’s also a smart choice if you’re pressed for time and want to maximize your sightseeing with minimal effort.

Travelers who enjoy guided narration and prefer a relaxed way to get around will find this appealing. If you’re traveling with kids, the stops at parks and museums could add some fun, but keep in mind the tour itself is about sightseeing rather than kid-specific activities.

For those interested in art, history, and vibrant neighborhoods, this tour offers a taste of everything with the flexibility to explore more on your own.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing a quick but rundown of Philadelphia’s key sights.

Can I hop on and off at any stop?
Yes, you can get on or off at any of the 27 stops along the route, giving you the flexibility to explore sites more closely or continue your tour.

Are there guided commentary?
Yes, the tour features live commentary from guides who are described as knowledgeable and entertaining, making the ride more engaging.

Is transportation comfortable?
The buses are double-decker and comfortable, with many enjoying the open-air top deck for better views and photo ops.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket includes the hop-on hop-off bus service, a local guide, live commentary, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are there any additional costs?
Gratuities are not included, so consider tipping guides and drivers if you enjoy the experience. Also, individual site admissions are separate if you choose to explore further.

To sum it up, this hop-on hop-off double-decker tour provides a practical, accessible way to get a broad sense of Philadelphia’s top spots. It’s especially suitable for those who value guided insights and the freedom to explore at their own pace. While it might not satisfy those seeking an in-depth historical or culture, it’s a reliable and enjoyable way to orient yourself in the city, especially for a first visit or a quick overview.

If you’re looking for a flexible, well-organized introduction to Philadelphia’s most iconic sights, this tour could be just what you need to kickstart your adventure.