Philly Select Pass with Bus Tour, Penitentiary, Betsy Ross House

If you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia and want a flexible way to see the city’s key attractions, the Philly Select Pass offers a combination of hop-on hop-off sightseeing, historic landmarks, and a taste of the city’s revolutionary past. Priced at $59, it promises access to over 100 sites with a flexible one-day to week-long window, making it appealing for various travel styles.

One of the standout features is the City Sightseeing Philadelphia Hop-on, Hop-off Tour, which allows you to explore at your own pace aboard an open-top double-decker bus with 28 stops, giving you a solid overview of the city. You also get admission to iconic sites like the Betsy Ross House and Eastern State Penitentiary, both of which are rich in history and visually compelling.

However, the experience hasn’t been without its hiccups. Some reviews mention difficulties with ticket validation and boarding, especially during rainy weather, which can dampen the experience. This makes it important to plan your timing and confirm bookings ahead of time. This pass is best suited for travelers who want a flexible, sightseeing-heavy day with a mix of history and cultural sites.

Key Points

• Flexible duration: Valid for 1 to 7 days, giving you control over your visit.
• Includes major attractions: Betsy Ross House, Eastern State Penitentiary, and a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• Potential logistical issues: Reports of trouble with bus boarding and ticket validation.
• Great for overview: The open-top bus provides a broad look at the city’s highlights.
• Self-guided options: The Betsy Ross House allows for a personal, immersive experience.
• Best suited for: First-time visitors wanting a quick, comprehensive city intro, and those comfortable with potential booking hiccups.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The Betsy Ross House: A Stitch in History

The first stop on this tour is the Betsy Ross House, often regarded as one of the must-see landmarks for history buffs. Here, you can walk through the home of the woman who is famously credited with sewing the first American flag. The house is kept alive with self-guided or audio tours, allowing you to absorb the Revolutionary era at your own pace.

The highlight, as many visitors note, is meeting Betsy herself—portrayed by staff in period costume—who demonstrates her upholstery work and answers questions about her life and the creation of the flag. This makes it more than just a static museum; it’s a small window into the personal stories behind American symbols.

The location is conveniently close to other historic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, making it easy to include in a broader sightseeing plan. Expect to spend around 90 minutes here, and note that the ticket is included, saving you some money on what can otherwise be an individual admission fee.

Eastern State Penitentiary: A Haunting Look into Criminal Justice

Next up is the Eastern State Penitentiary, once hailed as the most expensive and grand prison in the world. Today, it’s a sprawling, crumbling ruin that captures the imagination. The prison’s vaulted, sky-lit cells housed some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone. The architecture and atmosphere make it a compelling stop for those interested in law enforcement, justice reform, or just eerie history.

Visitors can walk through the long, echoing corridors and see the abandoned cells that evoke a sense of decay and history. The site interprets the evolution of American criminal justice and is described as a “haunting world,” which is both educational and, admittedly, a little spooky. Expect around 2 hours here, which allows for a thorough exploration and reflection on the site’s significance.

A review from a visitor indicates that the guided commentary and the authentic ruins make this stop worthwhile. However, some mention logistical issues, such as the staff at the site claiming they weren’t familiar with Viator bookings, which caused delays. This highlights the importance of confirming your reservations and being prepared for possible wait times.

The Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour: A City-Wide Overview

The core of the pass is the City Sightseeing Philadelphia bus tour. You get unlimited access for 1 day, which means you can hop on and off at any of the 28 stops over the course of a day. This is perfect for travelers who want to see a lot without rushing—whether that’s the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, or the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The open-top buses are a classic way to get your bearings—many visitors appreciate the guided commentary and the chance to see the city’s neighborhoods without walking miles. The buses run on a loop, so you can sit back and enjoy the views or disembark at a stop that catches your interest.

However, reviews mention that during poor weather, like rain, boarding can be problematic. One traveler described waiting in the pouring rain with buses leaving as they watched, which was frustrating. This underscores the importance of checking weather conditions and possibly planning for alternative indoor activities if needed.

Practical Considerations: What You Should Know

This pass is activated at first use, and then you have 7 days to utilize your included attractions and tours. It’s essential to confirm timings and operating hours for each site, as they can vary, especially around holidays.

One downside mentioned in reviews is the difficulty with ticket validation, especially during busy or rainy days. The staff at the attractions, notably at Eastern State Penitentiary, seemed unfamiliar with Viator bookings, leading to delays and some frustration. To avoid disappointment, travelers should have their booking details ready and plan for potential wait times.

Lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan meal stops around your sightseeing schedule. Given the flexibility of the bus tour and the historic sites, you can tailor your day to suit your pace.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This combo pass is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad, yet manageable, overview of Philadelphia. It offers value for money with entry to two iconic historic sites plus the convenience of a hop-on hop-off bus. If you enjoy self-guided exploration with guided commentary, you’ll find this format suitable.

However, those expecting seamless logistics might want to stay flexible. The reported issues with boarding and ticket validation suggest that you should be prepared to show your booking details and possibly wait in lines. It’s also best suited for travelers comfortable with some unpredictability and rain, as outdoor bus tours can be affected by weather.

If your goal is to see the key sights without fuss and with some historical context, this tour makes a solid choice—just keep your expectations realistic regarding logistical hiccups.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For travelers eager to get a comprehensive snapshot of Philadelphia without the hassle of planning every detail, this pass offers a convenient bundle. The combination of guided bus tours and historic landmarks like Betsy Ross House and Eastern State Penitentiary allows for a varied experience, blending culture, history, and sightseeing.

The value for the price is decent, especially if you plan your day carefully and arrive prepared. The flexibility to hop on and off the bus means you can customize your exploration, though the reported issues with ticket validation highlight the importance of planning ahead and arriving early.

This tour suits visitors who are first-timers, history enthusiasts, or those wanting to maximize their time in Philadelphia without booking individual tickets. If you’re comfortable with minor logistical delays and enjoy guided commentary, it’s a practical way to see many of the city’s highlights in one go.

FAQ

Does the pass include transportation?
Yes, it grants unlimited access to the City Sightseeing Philadelphia Hop-on, Hop-off bus for one day, providing a flexible way to see over 100 sites.

Are all attractions included in the ticket price?
Yes, your pass includes admission to the Betsy Ross House and Eastern State Penitentiary.

Can I use the pass for multiple days?
You can activate the pass on your first use, and then have 7 days to enjoy the included attractions and bus tour.

Is there a guided tour at each site?
The Betsy Ross House offers self-guided or audio tours. Eastern State Penitentiary features interpretive displays and guided commentary, but some staff at the site have been reported as unfamiliar with booking details.

What should I do if I have trouble boarding the bus?
Be prepared with your booking confirmation, and arrive early. Rainy weather can cause delays, so plan accordingly.

Is lunch included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or dine nearby.

How long do each of the stops take?
Betsy Ross House takes about 90 minutes, Eastern State Penitentiary roughly 2 hours, and the bus tour can be as short or long as you like within a day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the attractions are generally family-friendly, and the open-top bus can be enjoyable for kids who like sightseeing from a higher vantage point.

In summary, this combo pass offers a cost-effective and flexible way to experience Philadelphia’s most iconic attractions, provided you’re prepared for some logistical quirks. It’s perfect for those wanting an overview, with enough time to explore at their own pace—just keep an eye on the weather and arrive early to avoid delays.