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City Sightseeing Philadelphia Bus Tours

City Sightseeing Philadelphia Hop-on Hop-off Tours

Ready to head out and discover the 'City of Brotherly Love'? City Sightseeing Philadelphia's Hop-on Hop-off tours are your golden ticket to exploring Philadelphia at your own pace. Climb aboard our bright red, iconic London-style double-decker buses and soak in 360-degree panoramic views of all the city's must-see attractions, from the historic Independence Hall to the world-class Philadelphia Museum of Art. With 26 stops along the Red Route and flexible 1, 2, or 3-day passes, you'll get easy access to everything that makes Philadelphia legendary, without the planning stress. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or foodie, our buses stop near all the major sights, letting you create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace.

Why choose City Sightseeing Philadelphia Tours

big bus Philadelphia convenience

Skip the stress, maximize your time

Forget overwhelm! City Sightseeing Philadelphia's Hop-on Hop-off service means zero route-planning headaches. With 26 strategically placed stops covering all of Philadelphia's top attractions, you'll hit the highlights without getting lost or wasting time figuring out the best path.

Big Bus Philadelphia views

Get the views that make you gasp

The open-top, double-decker City Sightseeing Philadelphia buses aren't just transport, they're the best seat in the house. From 360-degree panoramic views as you cruise through the city streets to prime sightseeing from both decks, you'll capture Philadelphia's magic from every angle. 

Big Bus Philadelphia Tours

Explore like a local (with expert help)

The audio guide in 12 languages means you're never short on context or stories, and expert local guide commentaries are there to answer your questions and share insider knowledge about everything from Ben Franklin's Philadelphia to the latest neighborhood hotspots. 

Big Bus Philadelphia Tours

Deals, discounts & flexibility built in

Your ticket comes with a booklet packed with deals and discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions along the way. Flexible 12-month vouchers mean you're never rushed. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, mobile vouchers accepted, and paper tickets available. That's the kind of flexibility that lets you actually enjoy your holiday, not stress about it.

City Sightseeing Philadelphia routes, stops, and maps

Big Bus Philadelphia Tours

Red route

Explore Philadelphia on the Red Route, seeing all 26 stops and experiencing everything from America's founding to cutting-edge art collections. This single, comprehensive Philadelphia bus route takes you on a journey through Philadelphia's most iconic neighborhoods, historic landmarks, world-class museums, and vibrant cultural hotspots. Whether you're a first-time visitor wanting to tick off the classics or a returning explorer seeking hidden gems, the Red Route delivers.

  • First stop: The Bourse Building
  • Timings: 9:30am - 4pm
  • Frequency: Every 15 minutes
  • No. of stops: 26
  • Full loop duration: 90 minutes

Suggested City Sightseeing Philadelphia itineraries

Philadelphia in 1 day/24 hours
Philadelphia in 2 days/48 hours
Philadelphia in 3 days/72 hours
Big Bus

If you're short on time and have just one day in Philadelphia, make the most of it by hopping on the Red Route first thing and focusing on Philadelphia's must-see attractions.

  • Start your morning at the Independence Visitor Center, your jumping-off point to America's founding story. You're just steps away from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the birthplace of American democracy. 
  • From there, make your way to Reading Terminal Market late morning. It's a foodie's paradise, and you absolutely need to try a Philly cheesesteak.
  • After lunch, head to Love Park to get that classic Philly photo with the famous LOVE sculpture. 
  • Late afternoon, make your way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Run up the famous "Rocky Steps" (yes, thousands of people do this daily, and it never gets old), strike your best Rocky pose, and then explore the world-class art collection inside. 
  • Wrap up your evening with a stroll through Old City. Wander the cobbled streets lined with galleries and boutiques, grab dinner at one of the trendy restaurants, and soak up Philadelphia's vibrant creative energy.

Day 1

With two days in Philadelphia, you can actually experience Philadelphia at a slower and relaxed pace, covering more ground.

  • Start your day at the Independence Visitor Center, the perfect gateway to the nation’s early history. You’ll be just moments from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, two of America’s most iconic historic sites.
  • By late morning, head over to Reading Terminal Market. It’s a dream for anyone who loves food, and a classic Philly cheesesteak is practically mandatory.
  • After grabbing a bite, continue to Love Park for that must-have snapshot with the well-known LOVE sculpture.
  • Later in the afternoon, make your way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Join the steady stream of visitors sprinting up the “Rocky Steps,” channel your inner Rocky for a photo, and then wander through the museum’s exceptional galleries.
  • Finish the evening exploring Old City. Stroll its charming, cobblestone streets filled with indie shops and art spaces, enjoy dinner at a stylish local spot, and take in the neighborhood’s lively creative vibe.

Day 2

  • Start fresh with the Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag. Walk down Elfreth's Alley, the oldest residential street in the United States. 
  • From there, head to Chinatown to snap photos with the stunning Friendship Gate and explore the quirky shops. Grab authentic dim sum or Sichuan noodles; the food here is incredible and authentic.
  • Make your way to the Barnes Foundation. It's an extraordinary private art collection that feels like stepping into a collector's personal museum.
  • Head to the Franklin Institute, a hands-on science museum that's genuinely beloved. Whether you're into planetariums, interactive exhibits, or just exploring how things work, there's something here for you.
  • Wind down with a walk along Penn's Landing, the Delaware River waterfront. The views of the city skyline are spectacular, especially as the sun sets. Pop aboard one of the historic ships like the Cruiser Olympia if you're feeling adventurous, or just stroll and reflect on two incredible days exploring the City of Brotherly Love.

Day 1

Three days in Philadelphia gives you the dream scenario: enough time to actually explore, not just see attractions.

  • Jumpstart your Philadelphia adventure in Old City. Wander its cobblestone streets, peek into indie galleries and boutiques, and settle into a cozy restaurant for a relaxed beginning to the day. 
  • From here, it’s an easy walk to the Betsy Ross House, where you can explore the story behind the first American flag.
  • Late morning, head over to Chinatown. The vibrant Friendship Gate makes a great photo stop, and the area is packed with spots serving incredible dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and classic dim sum.
  • After lunch, make your way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Run up the legendary Rocky Steps (everyone does it, and yes, it’s still fun), grab a triumphant picture, and then fit in some time inside the museum’s stellar galleries.
  • End your evening by the Delaware River at Penn’s Landing, where the views of the city skyline glow beautifully at dusk. Relax along the waterfront or step aboard one of the historic ships if you’re feeling adventurous.

Day 2

  • Begin the morning at the Independence Visitor Center, your launch point for the city’s Revolutionary landmarks. It’s only a few steps from places like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, making it a perfect first stop.
  • From here, walk over to Elfreth’s Alley, the country’s oldest continuously lived-in residential street, for a quick but charming visit.
  • Next, dive into the lively atmosphere of Reading Terminal Market. The variety is enormous, and sampling a Philly cheesesteak here is practically a non-negotiable experience.
  • Spend the afternoon at the Barnes Foundation, where one of the world’s most remarkable private art collections is arranged in a uniquely intimate setting.
  • Round out your day at the Franklin Institute. Whether you’re curious about space, physics, or hands-on experiments, this iconic science museum is an engaging way to cap off your second day in the city.

Day 3

  • Visit Eastern State Penitentiary, the historic prison that once held Al Capone. The guided tours are phenomenal and offer real insight into American criminal history. It's slightly haunting but absolutely fascinating.
  • From there, head to the National Museum of American Jewish History, right opposite Independence Mall. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and tell deeply human stories about the Jewish experience in America.
  • Make your way to Logan Circle and pause by the beautiful Swann Memorial Fountain. It's the heart of the city's museum district and a perfect spot to ground yourself.
  • Visit the Rodin Museum, home to the largest collection of Rodin's sculptures outside Paris.
  • Head to the Academy of Natural Sciences to marvel at towering dinosaur skeletons and engaging natural history exhibits. Families with kids love this, but honestly, dinosaurs are cool at any age.
  • Explore South Street / Headhouse Square, Philly's quirkier, more creative side. Eclectic shops, tattoo parlours, lively restaurants, this is where Philadelphians come to express themselves.

Tips to make the best of your City Sightseeing Philadelphia tour

  • Start early at Stop 1 or Stop 5 to beat the crowds. Get there early in the morning, around the first departure, and you'll redeem your voucher or purchase tickets, receive your validated paper ticket, and then you can hop on and off freely for the rest of the day. 
  • Plan your route around lunch at Reading Terminal Market. It’s a must when in Philly, and the cheesesteaks and local food are genuinely world-class. Hit this stop around lunch time when the vendors are in full swing, and the energy is electric. Grab a cheesesteak, explore the market's history.
  • Use your booklet of deals and discounts; it actually saves money. Your ticket comes with a booklet packed with deals and discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions along the way. These discounts add up and can genuinely save you £20-30+ over the course of your trip.
  • City Sightseeing Philadelphia's buses are wheelchair accessible, so visitors with limited mobility can absolutely enjoy the tour. Just note that some stops might be more accessible than others. The team at Stop 1 or Stop 5 can give you specific details about accessibility at each stop.
  • If you're traveling with a furry friend, dogs in carriers are absolutely welcome aboard City Sightseeing buses. It's a great way to include your pup in the Philadelphia adventure without worrying about long walks.
  • If you're a photographer or just appreciate beautiful light, try to hit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and run the Rocky Steps around late afternoon or early evening. The golden hour light is absolutely stunning, and you'll get phenomenal photos. Plus, there are fewer tourists at that time (okay, still plenty, but fewer).
  • If you're deeply into American history, the Museum of the American Revolution isn't just good, it's exceptional. The exhibits are immersive, the artefacts are genuine, and the storytelling is personal and moving. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours here if history is your thing.

Frequently asked questions about City Sightseeing Philadelphia

Is a 1-day City Sightseeing Philadelphia ticket enough to see the highlights, or do I need a 2-day ticket?

A 1-day ticket gets you access to all 26 stops on the Red Route with unlimited Hop-on Hop-off throughout the day. If you're ruthless with your time and focus on just the absolute must-sees, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Love Park, Rocky Steps, and Reading Terminal Market, one day works. But with 2 days, you can cover more ground at a relaxed pace. You'll feel less rushed, actually enjoy the museum district, and have time for meals and spontaneous discoveries. 

What's included in my City Sightseeing Philadelphia ticket?

Tickets include unlimited hop-on hop-off access for 24 or 48 hours, live guided commentary in English, and access to various attractions along the route.

What's included in my City Sightseeing Philadelphia ticket?

Your ticket includes unlimited Hop-on Hop-off access to all 26 stops on the Red Route, audio guide commentary in 12 languages, expert local guide commentaries to answer your questions, 360-degree panoramic views from the open-top double-decker buses, a booklet with deals and discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions along the way, and access to do as many full loops as you wish.

What time does the bus run, and how often does it come?

Buses run from 9:30am to 4pm. The frequency is every 15 minutes, so you won't wait endlessly at any stop.

Is the tour accessible for people with disabilities or limited mobility?

Yes! City Sightseeing Philadelphia's buses are wheelchair accessible. If you have specific questions about accessibility at particular stops, the team at Stop 1 or Stop 5 can give you detailed information about which stops are most accessible for your needs.

How long is the full loop, and how do I plan my time?

The Red Route covers all 26 stops across Philadelphia's major attractions. The full loop takes approximately 90 minutes but may vary depending on the traffic.

What happens if I miss a City Sightseeing Philadelphia bus or want to get off at a stop not listed on the map?

Once you have your validated paper ticket, you can hop on and off freely at the official stops. If you miss a bus, just wait for the next one. Remember, the buses run regularly throughout the day from 9:30am to 4pm.

What's the City Sightseeing Philadelphia cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your chosen travel date. So if your plans change, you've got flexibility. The ticket itself is valid for 12 months, so you can use it whenever it works for you, book now, travel later.

Is the City Sightseeing Philadelphia tour affected by bad weather?

City Sightseeing Philadelphia operates in most weather conditions. However, during extreme weather (heavy rain, storms), service might be affected or modified. The buses are open-top, so if you're worried about rain, bring an umbrella or plan your tour for a sunnier day. 

From happy customers

Danny Roth

Danny

Oct, 2025
Very convenient. I enjoyed everyone of the guides they were intuitive and very entertaining. If I ever travel back to Philadelphia I will be buying another pass. Thank you for a awesome experience.
City Sightseeing: Philadelphia Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
Susan Schreiner
US

Susan

United States
Sep, 2025
I loved the narration as we drove from stop to stop. All of the people we encountered that work for your company were helpful and pleasant. I would do this again in another city.
City Sightseeing: Philadelphia Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
Carman Cole
US

Carman

United States
Sep, 2025
Our tour guide was very informative. He gave us tidbits of information about each stop. He gave us recommendations about other things to do in the area. I would highly recommend this tour!
City Sightseeing: Philadelphia Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
Aaron Payton

Aaron

Jul, 2025
The tour was great, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and added humor. Saw all the places I wanted to see and leavened a lot. Great job.
City Sightseeing: Philadelphia Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour