Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

When it comes to exploring a city as history-rich and lively as Philadelphia, a flexible, comfortable way to see the sights can make all the difference. This double-decker hop-on hop-off tour by Philadelphia City Sightseeing offers just that—an easy, engaging way to absorb the city’s highlights without the hassle of navigating on your own.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its versatility: you can choose between 1, 2, or 3-day tickets, giving you ample time to soak in the atmosphere at your own pace. The 24 stops along a scenic 16-mile route cover everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and engaging audio commentary help bring the city’s stories to life, whether you’re on the bus or exploring a particular site.

That said, a potential consideration is the timing and traffic—reviews point out that buses can sometimes run a few minutes late, especially during busy hours. It’s not a huge deal but worth keeping in mind if you’re on a tight schedule.

This tour is well-suited for first-time visitors, history enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a comfortable overview of Philadelphia without feeling overwhelmed. If you like the idea of hopping on and off to explore independently, this might be just the way to go.

Key Points

• Flexible Duration: 1, 2, or 3 days to fit your schedule and interests.
• Extensive Route: 26 stops over 16 miles, covering major landmarks and local neighborhoods.
• Expert Guides & Audio: Live narration in English and multilingual audio guides enrich the experience.
• Cost & Value: At $39 per person, it offers a good way to see many sights affordably.
• Comfort & Convenience: Open-top buses allow for great views and easy photo opportunities.
• Reviews Highlight: Friendly staff, knowledgeable guides, and good pace, with some noting minor delays due to traffic.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What This Tour Offers

Imagine climbing aboard a bright red double-decker bus, the wind in your hair, as Philadelphia’s skyline unfolds around you. You start at the historic Bourse Building, literally steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell—two of the city’s most recognizable symbols. The open-air deck means you get unobstructed views of the city’s architecture, bustling streets, and scenic riverbanks.

From the get-go, the tour strives to be informative and relaxed. The multilingual audio commentary means you can listen in your preferred language, helping you understand the significance of each stop without the need to follow a guide closely. If you prefer, you can hop off at any of the 26 stops, spending more time at sites like the Betsy Ross House or the Museum of the American Revolution.

The Route in Detail

Starting from the Bourse Building, the bus heads through Chinatown, where you can spot the Friendship Gate, and then onto Reading Terminal Market, a food lover’s haven. The tour also passes by Love Park, one of the city’s most photographed spots, and the grand City Hall with its statue of the William Penn statue atop.

One of the tour highlights is stopping at the Rocky Steps—yes, the ones made famous by Sylvester Stallone—where many visitors pose for photos. You can also see the Rodin Museum, the Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with plenty of opportunities for quick visits or just admiring the exteriors.

Throughout the route, there’s a good mix of historic sites, museums, and neighborhoods like Society Hill and Antique Row. The drive along the Delaware River at the end offers a calming view of the waterfront, perfect for a reflective moment or some last-minute photos.

What You Can Expect from the Experience

The tour generally departs every 30 minutes, with some reviews noting that delays of around 5-10 minutes happen due to traffic, especially during busy days. The 90-minute full circuit makes it manageable to do in a single sitting or to break up with hop-on, hop-off stops.

You’ll find that the guides and staff are consistently praised for their helpfulness and knowledge. Several reviews mention guides with a great sense of humor and willingness to answer questions, making the experience not just educational but also engaging. One reviewer shared that the driver handled tricky traffic well, ensuring the tour kept moving.

The cost of $39 per person might seem modest, but considering the number of sites covered and the ease of transportation, many see it as a value-packed option—especially if you’re short on time or prefer not to walk long distances.

The Pros

• The open-top design provides excellent photo opportunities and a feeling of freedom.
• The multi-language audio guides cater to diverse visitors.
• The ability to hop off at 26 stops allows for personalized exploration of specific sites.
• The friendly, knowledgeable guides make a big difference in making the tour enjoyable.

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The Cons

• The timing can sometimes be off due to traffic, leading to longer waits between buses.
• The microphone quality on some guides could be better, which has been a minor point of frustration for a few.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users, which might limit accessibility for some travelers.

Navigating the Stops: Highlights and Considerations

Independently exploring some of the stops can add depth to your visit. For example, while the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are iconic, just a short walk from the bus stop, the Betsy Ross House is a charming glimpse into early American craftsmanship and history.

Museum lovers will appreciate the stop at the Franklin Institute or the Rodin Museum, both offering impressive collections. The Eastern State Penitentiary is another popular destination, with some reviews indicating that adding it to your itinerary is well worth the extra time.

Foodies might want to hop off at the Reading Terminal Market, an absolute treasure trove for local eats and international cuisines. Many reviewers have enjoyed sampling foods and shopping for souvenirs here.

Walking along the riverfront at Penns Landing provides a relaxing end to the tour, especially if you’re looking to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

The Experience of the Guides and the Journey

One thing consistently praised in reviews is the guides’ depth of knowledge. They seem to strike a balance between storytelling, humor, and professionalism. Several reviewers mention guides going above and beyond—answering questions, sharing anecdotes, and making the tour lively.

Some reviews note that live guides are preferable to recorded commentary, adding a personal touch to the experience. Others appreciate the frequency of departures, meaning you rarely have to wait long for the next bus.

However, a few mentions of inconsistent microphone volume or guides speaking too quickly were noted, which can sometimes detract from the overall enjoyment. Still, most travelers agree that the guides make the experience memorable and worth the price.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering everything, the value for money stands out. For just $39, you get access to a comfortable, open-air bus that covers a broad swath of Philadelphia’s most important and interesting sites. The flexibility to hop on and off allows you to tailor your visit, whether you’re in town for a day or a few.

It’s particularly good for first-timers or those with limited time. If you’re someone who prefers the ease of guided transportation combined with the freedom to explore on your own, this tour hits the sweet spot.

The reviews’ high ratings, especially for the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, reinforce that this experience generally meets or exceeds expectations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for an efficient way to see many of Philadelphia’s highlights in a short amount of time. It’s also suitable for those who prefer not to navigate the city on foot or worry about public transport logistics.

If you value expert commentary and enjoy engaging storytelling, the guides will add a lot of value. For travelers with mobility challenges, however, this might not be the best option due to accessibility limitations.

Plus, if you’re a history buff eager to get contextual stories while enjoying scenic views, this tour provides a good balance. It’s also great for food lovers wanting to explore local flavors at Reading Terminal Market, or for selfie-hunters aiming to capture iconic sites like the Rocky Steps.

FAQs about the Philadelphia Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Is the tour suitable for a full day?
Yes, you can choose a 2- or 3-day ticket, which allows you to explore at a more relaxed pace or revisit your favorite spots.

How often do the buses run?
Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes, though some reviews note that traffic sometimes causes minor delays.

Are audio guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, the audio commentary is available in several languages including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, and Hindi.

Can I hop on and off at any stop?
Absolutely, you can get on and off at any of the 26 stops along the route as many times as you like during your ticket’s validity.

What is the starting point?
The meeting point varies depending on the option booked, but it’s typically near the Bourse Building, across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly advertised as family-focused, the open-top buses and engaging guides can make for an enjoyable experience for children interested in history and sights.

Are entrance fees to attractions included?
No, the tour covers transportation and commentary. Entrance fees to sites like museums or historic buildings are paid separately.

How long is the full circuit?
The full route takes about 90 minutes, making it easy to do in a single trip or break up with hop-off stops.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users, so consider that if mobility is a concern.

Final Thoughts

For anyone wanting to tick off Philadelphia’s biggest sights without the stress of planning every detail, this double-decker hop-on hop-off tour offers a practical, enjoyable solution. With friendly guides, scenic routes, and flexible options, it’s a reliable way to soak in the city’s character.

While minor delays and some mic issues have been noted, the overall experience is highly rated, often by travelers who appreciate the combination of comfort, education, and fun. Whether you’re a history buff, a first-time visitor, or someone who just wants an easy overview, this tour will likely serve you well.

If you’re after a laid-back, informative way to see Philly, and don’t mind a little traffic or a short wait here and there, this tour could be just what you need for a memorable city adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: