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

Exploring Philadelphia with the Philadelphia Select Pass can seem like a smart way to tick off some of the city’s most iconic attractions. This combo ticket offers a hop-on hop-off bus tour, visits to the Betsy Ross House, and Eastern State Penitentiary, all for around $59. We’ve looked into the details, the pros, the cons, and what you can really expect so you can decide if this is the right fit for your visit.

What stands out early on? The flexibility of the hop-on hop-off bus, the chance to wander through historic landmarks, and the opportunity to learn about America’s criminal justice history. However, there are some notable downsides—most especially the logistical issues some travelers reported with booking and boarding, which may cause frustration if not prepared.

This package works best for travelers who want a broad overview of Philadelphia without overcommitting or spending a fortune. If you enjoy guided sightseeing, historic landmarks, and a bit of self-guided exploration, this could serve you well—just keep an eye on potential booking hiccups.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration: The hop-on hop-off bus allows unlimited access for a day, perfect for pacing your visit.
• Historical depth: Visits to Betsy Ross House and Eastern State Penitentiary provide insight into America’s past, especially Revolutionary and criminal justice history.
• Cost-effective: At $59, it combines multiple attractions, but some travelers question whether the experience matches the price.
• Ticket validation concerns: Some reviews mention difficulties with boarding due to booking issues, so be prepared and confirm all details beforehand.
• Knowledgeable guides: When you do get on the bus, the guides are noted to be well-informed and engaging.
• Limited inclusions: Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly for meals.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Betsy Ross House: A Revolutionary Welcome

Your journey begins with a visit to the Betsy Ross House, where the birthplace of the American flag is brought to life through self-guided or audio tours. Located just a few blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, this site offers an immersive peek into the Revolutionary era. You’ll meet Betsy herself—depicted in her upholstery shop—who shares stories about sewing the Stars and Stripes, her personal life, and her role in history.

What makes this stop special? The chance to walk through a preserved historic site and see Betsy Ross in her element adds a personal touch to your understanding of early American patriotism. Reviewers, like AnnMarie, appreciated the chance to step back in time, although she did mention that navigating the booking process was a challenge (“we had huge problems getting on… finally, after watching buses leave, they let us on”). Expect about 1.5 hours here, including the time to explore at your own pace.

Eastern State Penitentiary: The Haunted Past

Next, you visit Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison that once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. Its grand architecture and long-abandoned cellblocks tell stories of criminal justice reform and the evolution of detention facilities. Known for its strict discipline and revolutionary design, the penitentiary’s ruins inspire a haunting atmosphere that many visitors find fascinating.

What you’ll love: The lofty vaulted cells, the history of the penitentiary’s role in American law enforcement, and the chance to see the remnants of a once-expensive, highly secure prison. The guided or self-guided tour allows for a 2-hour exploration, with some reviews highlighting the guides’ knowledgeability and engaging storytelling.

However, the same review from AnnMarie indicates that there were booking confusion at this stop as well, with staff unfamiliar with Viator reservations, leading to delays and frustration. It’s worth arriving early or confirming your tickets to avoid missing parts of your visit.

The Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour: The Big Canvas

The City Sightseeing Philadelphia bus is the backbone of this experience. Spanning a full day, it offers 28 stops across the city, giving you the flexibility to hop off at sites that catch your interest. The open-top double-decker bus is the classic way to get a broad overview of Philly’s neighborhoods, history, and culture.

What to expect: The guided commentary is generally informative, with guides often praised for their knowledge. The unlimited access means you can ride the entire route at your own pace, ideal if you want to see the city without rushing. The buses run frequently, and the ticket remains valid for 7 days, giving room for a more relaxed exploration.

A word of caution: Some travelers have experienced delays or difficulties with boarding, especially in bad weather or when their booking isn’t recognized. Be sure to confirm your booking and arrive early to avoid missing the bus. Also, remember that this is a free part of the package, so it’s a cost-effective way to get an overview but not a guided tour per se.

What’s the Value?

At $59, this combo offers a practical way to cover diverse attractions without breaking the bank. The tickets include admission to Betsy Ross House and Eastern State Penitentiary, which alone could cost more if purchased separately. The hop-on hop-off bus gives you control over your day, allowing you to tailor your sightseeing.

However, critics like AnnMarie point out that booking issues can spoil the experience. If you’re prepared for potential delays and confirm your tickets in advance, this pass can be a good deal. Still, if smooth logistics matter to you, consider whether the costs of potential waiting times are worth the savings.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This pass suits history buffs, first-time visitors, and those who enjoy flexible sightseeing. If you’re comfortable navigating some booking quirks, the value for money is tangible. It’s particularly suitable if you want a broad overview of Philadelphia’s key sites without the hassle of booking individual tickets.

On the flip side, the experience might not be ideal for travelers who prefer private guided tours or prefer guaranteed smooth logistics. If you’re traveling in bad weather or have limited time, confirm all arrangements beforehand to avoid surprises.

The Sum Up

The Philadelphia Select Pass with Bus Tour, Penitentiary, and Betsy Ross House delivers a solid, if occasionally imperfect, way to see some of the city’s most memorable landmarks. The hop-on hop-off bus offers great flexibility and access to numerous attractions, while the historic sites provide meaningful insights into American history.

While booking issues and delays have been reported, many visitors still find value in the combination of affordability and variety. Guides tend to be knowledgeable, adding depth to the experience when you manage to get on board.

Ultimately, this pass is best suited for history enthusiasts, budget-conscious travelers, and those wanting a slow-paced, self-directed tour. Prepare for possible logistical hiccups, confirm your bookings in advance, and enjoy one of America’s most historic cities at your own pace.

FAQ

Does this pass include a guided tour of Philadelphia? No, it offers a hop-on hop-off bus service with guides providing commentary, but no private guided tour.

Can I use the bus ticket for more than one day? No, the ticket is valid for 7 days from first use, but unlimited rides are only for that single day.

Is lunch included in the tour package? No, meals are not included, so you will need to plan for lunch separately.

Are pets allowed on the bus? The data doesn’t specify, but service animals are permitted.

What should I do if I have trouble boarding the bus? Contact the support team or arrive early to confirm your booking. Some reviews mention difficulties with ticket validation.

How long is each attraction visit? Betsy Ross House takes about 1.5 hours, Eastern State Penitentiary allows for about 2 hours, and the bus tour is a full day.

Are there any age restrictions? The tour is suitable for most travelers; most can participate unless mobility or health issues interfere.

Can I cancel the pass if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Do I need to print my tickets? The tickets are mobile, so you can show them on your device.

Is this experience suitable for large groups? It’s designed for individual or small group bookings; large groups should contact the provider ahead of time.

In summary, the Philadelphia Select Pass offers a practical, flexible way to explore the city’s highlights but requires some patience and preparation. If you’re looking for guided storytelling, historic sites, and city views at a reasonable price, it might just be the ticket for your Philadelphia adventure—just be ready for some logistical surprises along the way.