Philly By Night Double Decker Bus Tour

Imagine cruising through the streets of Philadelphia as the city lights begin to sparkle, revealing a different side of this historic city. That’s exactly what the Philly By Night Double Decker Bus Tour promises—a 90-minute journey that offers a fresh perspective on the City of Brotherly Love. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, reviews suggest it’s a well-regarded way to see the sights illuminated after sunset, blending sightseeing with local storytelling and a touch of fun.

What really appeals about this tour are its affordability—at just $39 per person—and its focus on nighttime views, which add a special magic to iconic landmarks. We also love the opportunity to climb the famous Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a fun photo op and a symbolic nod to Philly’s movie fame. On the flip side, it’s not a hop-on hop-off experience, meaning you’re on a fixed route without the flexibility to linger at each stop. Still, it suits travelers who want a quick, engaging overview in the evening, especially those eager for a photo-worthy experience and engaging narration.

Who will find this tour most appealing? It’s perfect for visitors with a limited amount of time, families, or anyone wanting to see Philadelphia’s highlights without the daytime crowds. It’s also a good choice for those who enjoy storytelling and scenic evening views. If your schedule matches the 8 pm departure and you’re prepared for a 90-minute ride, this might just be a memorable way to wrap up your day.

Key Points

• It’s an affordable, 90-minute guided bus tour focused on Philly’s illuminated landmarks.
• The tour offers a chance to enjoy the city skyline and popular sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell from the comfort of a double-decker bus.
• It includes a unique stop at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Rocky Steps for photos.
• The commentary is live and local, providing insightful stories and tips.
• It’s not a hop-on hop-off, so plan your timing accordingly.
• The tour has received a high rating of 4.5 based on over 170 reviews.

The Experience in Detail

Getting There and Starting Point
The tour begins at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, close to Reading Terminal Market—a lively hub full of food vendors and local atmosphere. Arriving early (around 7:30 pm) ensures you get a good seat on the double-decker, which is mostly open-air but may have a cover for weather. The meeting point is straightforward, and most travelers report no trouble finding it.

Timing and Duration
Spanning approximately 90 minutes, the tour departs at 8 pm. This timing allows you to enjoy Philadelphia as it transitions into night, with city lights casting a warm glow over the historic architecture. Remember, since this isn’t a hop-on hop-off tour, you’re on a fixed route, so be sure to arrive early enough to settle in and enjoy the full experience.

The Route and Stops
While the tour doesn’t include multiple stops for disembarking, it features several key landmarks visible from the bus, such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Penn’s Landing, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The highlight for many is the opportunity to climb the Rocky Steps, a beloved Philadelphia tradition—and a chance for some memorable photos with the skyline in the background. No admission fee is required for this stop, but it’s a quick 15-minute visit.

What You’ll See
As you wind through downtown Philly, you’ll pass by its most recognizable attractions, all lit up after dark. The skyline views are often praised—many reviewers mention that the city looks stunning with its illuminated buildings and bridges. The live narration adds context, with guides sharing local tips, brief histories, and fun facts. One reviewer notes, “The tour was very informative and educational. The guide was very knowledgeable and gave tips on where to eat and explore further.”

The Guide and Commentary
The value of a good guide can’t be overstated. The reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. It’s clear that local guides who know the city well can make even a quick tour feel personal and insightful. Several reviews mention that the commentary strikes a good balance between historical facts and lively anecdotes, making the ride enjoyable for all ages.

The Practicalities

Transportation and Comfort
The bus is a double-decker with an open top, offering unblocked views of the skyline. Given the short duration, most travelers find the ride comfortable, with plenty of space. Group size is limited to 45, which keeps the experience intimate enough to hear the guide clearly but lively enough to feel social.

Cost and Value
At $39 per person, the tour is a reasonable investment for an evening sightseeing experience—especially considering the stunning night views and the included Rocky Steps stop. While it doesn’t include food or drinks, your ticket covers all transportation and narration, making it a straightforward way to see many highlights without the hassle of navigating alone.

Weather Considerations
Since the tour relies heavily on outdoor viewing, bad weather could affect your experience. The tour’s policy states that if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. The open-air nature also means you might want to dress warmly or bring a rain jacket.

Booking and Cancellation
Most travelers book about a week in advance, which helps secure a good seat and ensures availability. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One reviewer appreciated the local expertise of the guide, saying, “The speaker was very knowledgeable and had lived in Philly all his life.” Others enjoyed the scenic views, with one saying, “The city looks beautiful lit up at night, and the skyline views are stunning.” There are mixed opinions about the pacing—some mention that the bus doesn’t slow down for photos, which could be a downside if you’re hoping to snap pictures at every landmark. However, the overall consensus is that it’s a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.

A notable critique was about the one-stop stop at the Rocky Steps—it’s quick, and you might want to plan your own photos afterward if you wish to linger. Still, many find this stop a fun highlight and a must-see symbol of the city.

The Final Word

The Philly By Night Double Decker Bus Tour offers a quick, visually stunning way to see Philadelphia’s most famous sites illuminated after dark. It’s a great choice for those who want a guided overview without the hassle of figuring out transportation or navigating busy streets on their own. The live narration, combined with the striking nighttime views, makes for a memorable, photo-worthy experience.

While it’s not a full, in-depth exploration of every landmark, it strikes a good balance between sightseeing and storytelling—perfect for a relaxed evening outing, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with family. The price point is fair considering the views and guided commentary, and the fixed route ensures you’ll cover the highlights efficiently.

In essence, this tour is best suited for travelers seeking an enjoyable, scenic introduction to Philadelphia’s most iconic sights in the evening. It’s particularly appealing if you appreciate storytelling, panoramic views, and a touch of local charm. Just remember to dress warmly and arrive early for the best seat—and get ready for a charming night ride through one of America’s historic cities.

FAQ

• What time does the tour start? The tour departs at 8 pm, so plan to arrive by 7:30 pm at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.
• How long does the tour last? It lasts about 90 minutes, providing a relaxed pace to enjoy the city lights.
• Is this a hop-on hop-off tour? No, it’s a fixed-route tour, so you stay on the bus for the entire ride.
• Can I get off at any stop? Since it’s not hop-on hop-off, you cannot disembark and reboard at will during the tour.
• Are there any stops? Yes, a key stop is at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Rocky Steps for photos and quick sightseeing.
• What’s included in the price? Your ticket includes transportation, live narration by a local guide, and the Rocky Steps stop.
• Is this suitable for children? Yes, most travelers find it appropriate for families, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

This tour provides a lively, scenic overview of Philadelphia at night, perfect for those wanting a taste of the city’s illuminated charms without a long or complicated outing.