If you want to see several attractions during your visit to Philadelphia, have you considered a CityPASS? With a Philadelphia CityPASS you can visit many top attractions while saving up to 51% off the regular price of admissions. What’s more, you can choose from three different packages to fit any length of a visit to the City of Brotherly Love. So pack your bags and get ready to see what Philadelphia has to offer with your CityPASS!
About the Philadelphia CityPASS
The Philadelphia CityPASS is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city’s top attractions. With the CityPASS, you can save up to 50% on admission to some of Philadelphia’s most popular sites. The pass offers flexibility, allowing you to choose three, four, or five attractions from a list of ten. Once you purchase the CityPASS, you have nine consecutive days to visit your selected attractions, making it perfect for both short and extended stays.
How to Use the Philadelphia CityPASS
Purchase Your CityPASS: You can buy the Philadelphia CityPASS online through the CityPASS website or via the My CityPASS® app. Once purchased, you will receive a mobile ticket that you can access on your smartphone.
Select Your Attractions: The Philadelphia CityPASS allows you to choose three, four, or five attractions from a list of ten. You can decide which attractions to visit based on your interests and schedule.
Visit the Attractions: With your CityPASS, you can visit the selected attractions within nine consecutive days. Simply present your mobile ticket at each attraction for entry. Some attractions may require advance reservations, so it’s a good idea to check the reservation requirements for each site.
Related: Chicago CityPASS: Save on Top Chicago Attractions
Making Reservations via the Web or the CityPASS App
Download the My CityPASS® App: The My CityPASS® app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. The app provides detailed instructions on how to make reservations at the attractions. You can also access your tickets, see attraction details, maps, and more.
Access Your Tickets: Once you have downloaded the app, log in to access your CityPASS tickets. You can view your tickets and see which attractions require reservations.
Make Reservations: For attractions that require reservations, you can conveniently make them online through the My CityPASS® app. The app includes detailed instructions on how to make reservations at each attraction. It is recommended to make reservations as soon as possible to ensure you secure your desired time of your visit.
Visit the CityPASS Website: If you prefer to use the web, you can visit the CityPASS website and log in to your account. From there, you can access your tickets and make reservations for the attractions that require them.
By following these steps, you can easily use your Philadelphia CityPASS and make reservations for the attractions you wish to visit. Enjoy your adventure in Philadelphia!
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Step into a world where dinosaurs once roamed, and natural wonders await around every corner. Towering fossil skeletons greet you as you explore exhibits filled with ancient creatures, live animals, and hands-on displays. Moreover, curious minds will love the butterfly garden, where vibrant wings flutter in a lush, tropical setting. Kids and adults alike can dig for fossils or examine insects up close under microscopes. The Academy offers a perfect balance of learning and fun, sparking your imagination at every turn. Whether you’re passionate about science or just looking for a family-friendly adventure, this museum delivers.
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Adventure Aquarium
Marine life bursts into view as you enter tanks filled with dazzling fish and mysterious sea creatures. Watch sharks swim overhead in a transparent tunnel, giving you a surreal, up-close experience. What’s more, at the touch tanks, feel the smooth skin of stingrays or the gentle texture of starfish as they glide beneath your fingers. Penguins, hippos, and jellyfish add to the wonder, creating a lively mix of the familiar and the unusual. Kids light up with excitement, and even adults find themselves captivated by the underwater world. This aquarium makes learning about marine life a thrilling, interactive experience. However, you should please note that Adventure Aquarium is across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey.
Barnes Foundation
Few places combine intimacy and artistry like the Barnes Foundation. Instead of sterile museum walls, you encounter paintings displayed in a warm, salon-style setting that feels like a private home. Works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso line the walls, arranged in a way that invites close study and quiet reflection. The museum encourages you to draw your own connections between colors, shapes, and cultural influences. Educational programs and guided tours deepen your appreciation without overwhelming you. Every visit leaves you feeling both enlightened and artistically inspired.
Related: 2025 Guide to the Academy Museum
Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
Climbing aboard the Battleship New Jersey transports you into the life of a sailor. Narrow corridors and towering decks reveal the ship’s engineering marvels and the challenges of life at sea. The sheer size of the gun turrets and engine rooms amazes you, while exhibits offer powerful stories of service and sacrifice. Take the self-guided tour or join a guided one to explore areas like the captain’s bridge and crew quarters. Veterans and history buffs find a meaningful connection to the past here. This floating museum offers a vivid, hands-on journey through American naval history. Like Adventure Aquarium, the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is in Camden, New Jersey.
Big Bus Company & Philadelphia Trolley Works
Touring the city becomes easy and enjoyable aboard a classic double-decker bus or vintage trolley. With live guides sharing rich stories and historical tidbits, you learn as you ride. The hop-on, hop-off style lets you explore landmarks like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art at your own pace. From the upper deck, enjoy great photo opportunities and a fresh perspective on the city. It’s not just transportation—it’s an experience that ties all of Philly’s history together. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city, this tour adds color to your journey.
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
History echoes through the crumbling halls of this once-groundbreaking prison. As you walk through long, quiet corridors, audio guides share stories of infamous inmates and early prison reform. Al Capone’s surprisingly plush cell stands in contrast to the stark conditions around it. The architecture itself, with its vaulted ceilings and radial design, tells a story of hope and discipline turned haunting. Exhibits explore criminal justice and mass incarceration, prompting reflection and conversation. A visit here reveals not just the prison’s past, but its ongoing relevance to today’s world.
Museum of the American Revolution
History comes alive in vivid detail as you explore the dramatic events that sparked a new nation. View George Washington’s original war tent and marvel at personal items used by revolutionaries. Interactive displays and immersive exhibits draw you into the intensity of battle and the passion of those fighting for freedom. You’ll hear the voices of ordinary people alongside well-known figures, giving depth to the struggle for independence. The museum offers a fresh perspective on America’s founding, rich with emotional and educational impact. This is a must-stop for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of the Revolution.
National Constitution Center
At the National Constitution Center, the story of American democracy unfolds before your eyes. Step inside Signers’ Hall and walk among life-size statues of the Founding Fathers. Interactive exhibits allow you to explore the Constitution’s creation, its amendments, and its impact on daily life. Multimedia presentations break down legal concepts into clear, engaging experiences. You can even take the oath of office or argue a case before a virtual Supreme Court. The center blends education with entertainment, making constitutional history feel personal and powerful.
Philadelphia Zoo
A walk through the Philadelphia Zoo feels like a global animal adventure. Giraffes stretch toward treetops, monkeys swing across enclosures, and big cats prowl with regal confidence. The zoo’s innovative overhead animal trails let creatures roam above you, offering a unique viewing experience. Hands-on encounters, like feeding birds or petting goats, add a playful element to your visit. Each exhibit is carefully designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitat while providing educational insight. Families love the mix of entertainment and environmental awareness that makes every visit memorable.
The Franklin Institute
Science leaps off the page and into your hands at The Franklin Institute. Walk through a giant beating heart, power a train with your own energy, or explore outer space in the planetarium. Every gallery invites curiosity, using real experiments and engaging displays to make complex ideas accessible. The exhibits cover a range of topics—from physics and biology to engineering and astronomy. Special rotating exhibits and live shows keep the experience fresh with every visit. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, you’ll leave inspired and a little more in awe of how the world works.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
