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Colleen & Chris

October 8, 2017 • Bensalem, PA

Colleen & Chris

October 8, 2017 • Bensalem, PA

Eastern State Penitentiary Admission & Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Pass

Picture of Eastern State Penitentiary Admission & Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Pass
5th & Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Cruise between Philly landmarks in a comfortable double-decker sightseeing bus, and ride out to the Eastern State Penitentiary for a chilling look at this historic former prison. This imposing, wheel-shaped fortress, now in ruin, housed some of the country's most notorious criminals—including Pep the Cat-Murdering Dog.

Kick off your day of exploration by jumping aboard a double-decker sightseeing bus in the heart of the Old City. Make your way around town, listening to engaging commentary and entertaining tales from a knowledgeable onboard guide, and hop off the bus at any of the museums or landmarks that interest you, whether you want to walk in Rocky's footsteps at the Philadelphia Art Museum or get an up-close look at the famous crack in the Liberty Bell.

Take advantage of the convenient bus and ride out to the Eastern State Penitentiary, a castle-like Neo-Gothic ruin that once housed criminals like Al Capone. Walk down crumbling, sky-lit halls and peek into the vaulted concrete cells for an inside look at this former prison, designed specifically to strike fear into the hearts of would-be criminals, and hear how its unique shape and religiously inspired design were a model for hundreds of penitentiaries worldwide.

Hop-on hop-off route stops include:

  • Independence Visitor Center
  • Betsy Ross House
  • United States Mint
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • National Constitution Center
  • LOVE Park
  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • Philadelphia Zoo
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • South Street

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Picture of Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Discover at the world-class collection of one of the largest and most renowned museums in the country, home to more than 227,000 works of art. The striking neoclassical Philadelphia Museum of Art contains more than 200 galleries and architectural structures including a Japanese Teahouse and an Indian Temple Hall.

Explore the Impressionist galleries—home to Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet’s Japanese Footbridge. Meander through the Modern and Contemporary galleries to discover Picasso’s masterpiece Three Musicians, and stroll through architectural structures including a medieval cloister, a Japanese teahouse, a Chinese palace hall, and a 16th-century Indian temple hall.

A major dining and shopping destination, the museum’s main building has 4 shops featuring art-inspired and one-of-a-kind items like books, prints, jewelry, clothing, crafts and toys, plus cafes and a fine-dining restaurant. Just steps down the parkway, see the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris. This tranquil oasis is one of the world's greatest places to experience the work of celebrated French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

Philadelphia Pass

Picture of Philadelphia Pass
1 N Independence Mall 6th and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Whether you’re improvising or know exactly where you want to visit, the Philadelphia Pass offers something for every traveler with admission to more than 40 tours, museums, and attractions.

Delight your taste buds with a tour offered by Chew Philly Food Tours, which includes carefully selected and unique tastings. You can tour the cell blocks and solitary punishment cells of Eastern State Penitentiary—which once housed infamous criminals like "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone—or retrace the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin and his fellow patriots during the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Your Philadelphia adventure is easier and more affordable with the tourist card that offers access to so many things to do, including but not limited to these top attractions, tours, and museums:

  • One Liberty Observation Deck
  • Academy of Natural Sciences
  • The Barnes Foundation Museum
  • Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
  • Betsy Ross House (with audio tour)
  • Big Bus Double Decker Bus
  • Chew Philly Food Tours
  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • Franklin Footsteps Walking Tour
  • Franklin Institute Science Museum
  • Ghost Tours of Philadelphia
  • Philadelphia Trolley Works
  • Philadelphia Zoo
  • National Constitution Center
  • Independence Seaport Museum

There's no way to fit every sight into one visit to historic Philadelphia, but you have a fighting chance with the Philadelphia Pass.

Small-Group Philly on Tap Walking Tour

Picture of Small-Group Philly on Tap Walking Tour
City Hall, Philadelphia, PA

There are few better ways to get to know a great American city than sampling its suds with a local. Tap into selections from a few of Philadelphia's best, like Victory, Yards, Sly Fox, Philadelphia Brewing Co., and Dock Street, on this guided tasting tour of The City of Brotherly Love.

Begin your beer tour in the heart of modern Philadelphia—City Hall. Meet your local guide and step into the streets just as Philadelphians are finishing up their work days and heading out to happy hour. Explore some of their favorite brewpubs and taphouses, sampling snacks and beers while discussing area history and comparing brews.

As for selection, this tour runs the gamut—from hidden favorites to the most popular drinking establishments in town. You even have the option to visit the oldest operating bar in the city, McGillin's Olde Ale House, an Irish brewpub that dates back to 1860. Taste some of the finest beers Philly has to offer—from breweries like Victory, Yards, Troegs, Sly Fox, Dogfish Head, Nodding Head, Dock Street, and Philadelphia Brewing Co.

When happy hour is through, make your way to central Philly's Rittenhouse Square. This is the perfect place for you to try one of many recommended dinner locales or even head straight back out to one of your new, favorite Philadelphia haunts.

South Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Picture of South Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States
South Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

South Street is a popular tourist attraction and fun place for locals as well. There are many shops and restaurants on South Street to fill hours and create many memories, including the famous Magic Garden.