Philadelphia CityPASS Review: Is It Worth the Price?

If you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia and want to explore its rich history and top attractions, the Philadelphia CityPASS might be a great option to help save on admission fees. But is it worth it? Let’s break down how the pass works, what it includes, and whether it’s a good deal for your trip.

How Does the Philadelphia CityPASS Work?

The Philadelphia CityPASS is a flexible sightseeing pass that lets you visit some of the city’s top attractions at a discounted price. The pass comes in three options: the C3, C4, and C5, which allow you to visit 3, 4, or 5 attractions, respectively. You don’t have to decide which attractions you’ll visit upfront—you just pick the number of attractions, and you can choose which ones as you go.

Once you purchase the pass, you’ll get access to a digital or printable pass, which can be used at participating attractions. The CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days, starting from the first use. It’s an easy and convenient way to get around without the hassle of buying individual tickets at each site.

What Attractions Are Included in the CityPASS?

The Philadelphia CityPASS covers admission to some of the city’s most popular attractions. Here’s a list of what’s included and their regular adult admission prices:

  • Big Bus Company and Philadelphia Trolley Works – $36
  • Adventure Aquarium – $43
  • Museum of the American Revolution – $24
  • Barnes Foundation – $25
  • Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial – $25
  • The Franklin Institute – $25
  • Academy of Natural Sciences – $27
  • Philadelphia Zoo – $25
  • Eastern State Penitentiary – $23
  • National Constitution Center – $14.50

Please note that some attractions may require reservations or have limited capacity, so be sure to check the details before visiting.

How Much Does the CityPASS Cost?

The CityPASS is available at different price points, depending on how many attractions you want to visit:

  • C3 (3 attractions): $54 for adults, $42 for children
  • C4 (4 attractions): $72 for adults, $52 for children
  • C5 (5 attractions): $82 for adults, $62 for children

The cost varies based on the number of attractions you choose, but the more attractions you visit, the better value you get. For example, with the C5 pass (5 attractions), you can save up to 47% off regular admission prices if you select the more expensive options.

If you opt for the least expensive attractions, the savings will be more modest. So, it’s important to plan ahead and pick the higher-value attractions if you want to maximize your savings.

Is the Philadelphia CityPASS a Good Value?

The CityPASS offers decent savings, especially if you visit several of the more expensive attractions. For example, if you use the C5 pass and visit the five highest-priced attractions, you’ll save about $74 per adult, which is a significant discount compared to paying full price for individual tickets.

However, if you prefer to visit lower-cost attractions, the savings will be less impressive. For the C3 and C4 passes, choosing the less expensive attractions might leave you with just small savings, so be sure to plan your itinerary carefully.

Top Reasons to Buy the Philadelphia CityPASS

Here are some key reasons why the CityPASS could be a great choice for your trip:

  1. Save Money: The main benefit of the CityPASS is the savings. If you plan to visit several of the pricier attractions, you’ll save a significant amount compared to buying individual tickets.
  2. Convenience: With the CityPASS, you only need one ticket for all the attractions, making it easy to move around the city. Plus, you can skip the ticket lines at most attractions, which means more time enjoying the sights.
  3. Flexible Itinerary: Since the pass is valid for 9 consecutive days, you can spread your sightseeing out over several days, giving you more flexibility to explore the city at your own pace.
  4. Family-Friendly: The pass is perfect for families, as many of the attractions are kid-friendly. Plus, children under 18 can travel for free on some tours included in the CityPASS.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the CityPASS offers great value for certain travelers, it does have some limitations. For example, it only covers 10 attractions, and some of the more iconic sites, like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, aren’t included. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive pass with a wider variety of attractions, you might want to consider an all-inclusive pass, like the Go City Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass.

Also, if you’re planning to visit only a few attractions, you might not get the best value from the CityPASS. In that case, paying for individual tickets might make more sense.

Who Should Get the Philadelphia CityPASS?

  • First-Time Visitors: If this is your first time in Philadelphia, the CityPASS offers an easy way to see many of the must-see attractions without spending too much on tickets.
  • Museum Enthusiasts: Philadelphia has some fantastic museums, and the CityPASS includes many of them. Just note that the Philadelphia Museum of Art isn’t included, so you might want to budget for that separately if it’s on your list.
  • Families: With kid-friendly attractions like the zoo, aquarium, and Franklin Institute, the CityPASS is a great way for families to explore the city without breaking the bank.
  • Leisurely Sightseers: If you prefer to take your time and enjoy a few key attractions over the course of several days, the 9-day validity of the CityPASS makes it ideal for a relaxed pace.

Who Should Skip the Philadelphia CityPASS?

  • Budget Travelers: If you’re sticking to a tight budget and planning to visit mostly free attractions in the city, you may not get enough value from the CityPASS.
  • Power Sightseers: If you’re planning to visit as many attractions as possible, an all-inclusive pass might be a better option since the CityPASS only includes 10 attractions.
  • Low-Cost Attraction Seekers: If you’re mostly interested in visiting lower-cost attractions, the CityPASS may not save you much money.

Final Thoughts

The Philadelphia CityPASS is a solid option for those looking to explore the city’s top attractions at a discounted price. It’s especially worthwhile for first-time visitors, families, and anyone who plans to visit the pricier museums and sites. However, if you’re planning a more extensive sightseeing trip or prefer to visit mostly free attractions, it may not be the best choice.

Make sure to consider how many attractions you plan to visit and whether the CityPASS includes the ones you really want to see. If it does, you’re in for a great deal!

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