Philly Tickets & Passes: Top 5 Picks for Tourists & Locals
So, you’re heading to Philadelphia, very nice! maybe to soak in the history, check out the amazing food scene, or perhaps even just wander around, drinking it all in. Now, when it comes to experiencing everything Philly has to offer, passes and tickets can really simplify stuff and save you a bit of cash. Actually, whether you are a first-timer or you have lived around here, getting the right ticket option can really change your whole visit, is that not right? Well, let’s check out the top five choices that can help make your Philadelphia adventure completely unforgettable. Read our full review: Philadelphia Tickets and Passes Full Review and Details
1. The Philadelphia CityPASS: See More, Spend Less
Basically, the Philadelphia CityPASS is quite a big deal if you’re aiming to hit quite a few big-name attractions without, that is, completely emptying your bank account. You know, the idea is straightforward: you are paying one lump sum for tickets to some of the most famed spots in the city. What kind of spots? For instance, The Franklin Institute, the Adventure Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are right there. Oh, and there’s the option between the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Isn’t that a great deal! Very popular, especially with families and first-time visitors. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (CityPASS)
Typically, here is how it works: You are buying a CityPASS, then you are getting access to a group of attractions. So, you usually get a period to use these tickets, giving you time to space out your visits, is that correct? More or less, a real attraction of the CityPASS is arguably the savings it provides, usually around 50% off what you might pay if you were getting tickets separately, in a way. Plus, so you get to completely bypass some ticket lines. A thing, if you ask me!
Is the CityPASS Right for You?
Anyway, ask yourself this, “Am I aiming to visit all these hot attractions?” If the answer is “Yes,” or maybe even “Heck yes!” then the CityPASS could be, in a way, quite a steal. First, think about how much you want to see during your time here. Should you only be thinking about maybe one or two spots, this pass might actually not be all that worth it, actually. But very seriously, if you want a crash course in Philly’s best spots? That is it! I can really see you whizzing from sharks to masterpieces!
2. The Philadelphia Pass: All-Inclusive Sightseeing
Very differently from the CityPASS, the Philadelphia Pass gives you access to, well, a ton of attractions for a certain amount of days, isn’t it kind of cool? More or less, this pass actually works like a charm for people who plan to squeeze, squeeze as much as possible into their time in Philly, kind of a whirlwind trip, very similar to those all-you-can-eat buffets. Typically, you purchase a pass that’s valid for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days and bam! Is that an easy way to visit Philadelphia? Absolutely!
Anyway, so here’s a cool peek at the fun stuff covered: spots like the Big Bus Company and Philadelphia Trolley Works, or maybe The Eastern State Penitentiary (super spine-tingling). Very many tours! A bit, if you think that a ride across the Delaware River on the RiverLink Ferry could also be an option, not really bad. And also cool museums that tell you the stories behind this awesome city, or maybe I am really gushing too much! Actually, a huge benefit might be the amount you are able to see and learn. All included under a pass!
Maximize the Value of Your Pass
Well, the golden key here is probably a little bit of planning. Is that not obvious? That is, think about sketching out a day-to-day schedule, thinking about distances between sites, or something, so that you are never wasting transport time and missing chances. Basically, early starts could be your great friend. As a matter of fact, you can actually get through a fair amount by lunchtime, and that leaves you more open for those evening spots, maybe with drinks later, too! Sounds pretty intense but awesome.
3. Go Philadelphia Explorer Pass: Customize Your Adventure
A little similar to selecting things from a menu, so, the Go Philadelphia Explorer Pass lets you choose some specific attractions you want to see, basically. To be honest, it might be just the right pick if the big all-inclusive pass option appears rather much or is overwhelming. You are buying a pass that is useful for, actually, say 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions, you name it. Actually, take your choice!
As I was saying, here’s a tiny preview of some awesome experiences which you may select: hands-on history experiences in places like the Museum of the American Revolution, or even some spooky encounters with Philly Ghost Tours, perhaps. Also cool: architectural masterpieces as they’re shown on the City Hall tour, yet that could just be the nerdy guy inside me speaking. But still a real choice for tourists is arguably the way that you might create your ultimate experience around stuff, or activities you or family enjoy. Could be perfect for keeping all onside!
Crafting Your Perfect Itinerary
More or less, with an Explorer Pass, it can all turn into sketching the thing. In fact, what should you like most, then? It could be hitting historical sites, or maybe diving deeper to see a few art things, but definitely planning that little list can then become essential to really maximizing your own trip’s happiness! What’s super awesome here is that you are, maybe, avoiding what’s just okay in your views, but then concentrating more deeply on those experiences. Or maybe I like it that way. That’s up to you!
4. The PATCO Freedom Card: Getting Around with Ease
Well, perhaps slightly from sights passes, but still greatly critical, that is, should you think you’re going to cross over from Philadelphia into Camden, New Jersey? Should you plan on making several commutes there and back, as a matter of fact the PATCO Freedom Card gets very critical. That said, this reloadable transit card simplifies your travel via the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) rail line. Pretty simple!
You know, this card actually lets you load fare values which you might use in going to and from different places such as, I believe, Lindenwold or Center City Philly, so you do not have to always mess about getting individual tickets. A reloadable thing offers really very fluid trip experiences plus speeds along the whole entrance/exit procedure that does prevent bottlenecks as people are fumbling around when stations happen to be crowded or busy, do you understand? In this sense a true game changer!
Why Choose a Freedom Card?
Anyway, so, if your plans do bring you through Camden often, so obtaining a Freedom Card will save quite some time plus help make your trips better streamlined and also very without that additional waiting at vending spots at each individual turn, which, as a matter of fact, makes it perfect, particularly for everyone staying in Camden to tour attractions, but probably, for visiting jobs right into Philly every single work day. Quite smooth!
5. SEPTA Day Pass: Your Ticket to Ride Within Philadelphia
In other words, should you think you are going to move mostly within Philadelphia proper utilizing local transit such as buses, subways, and perhaps also trolleys, then really look closer at just what a SEPTA Day Pass offers, so very much. This provides boundless rides using everything that that transit offers. Easy! It’s useful right through early early morning of tomorrow morning from any time it goes into place!
First, what might be awesome regarding any SEPTA Pass, I think, is its straightforwardness plus usefulness which does allow that any travelers do dive deeply to experience some numerous sections during only single days, really exploring different local spots such as markets within South Philly and galleries into Old City or going on and up directly through several areas while staying totally untethered for individual ticket costs, might be good for visitors searching to travel further!
Making the Most of Your SEPTA Day Pass
In short, take the City Hall Station! Is there anywhere further inside City Hall with several train lines which can take travelers somewhere and very elsewhere into area with ease of trip making. Yet again; schedule trips that help riders gain by a long trips into neighborhoods during that one working pass which usually enhances savings and the degree of neighborhood trips as anything, if you truly love local scenes that usually only transportation such like usually brings!
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