Philadelphia Pass: 30+ Things To Do including Philadelphia Zoo

The Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour, operated by Philadelphia Trolley Works, is one of the best ways to get to know Philadelphia and see all the top sights. Each double-decker bus has live narration by a fully-trained, friendly Philly guide, so you’ll learn all about the city’s history, culture, popular shopping and dining spots (like where to get the best, authentic Philly cheesesteak), and more while the guide directs your attention to famous landmarks along the way – making sure you see it all. Choose to sit in covered seats on the first level, or venture to the second level for open-air seating and a bird’s-eye-view of the streets below. Your ticket lets you ride one comprehensive loop, the Blue route, to see the best of Philadelphia in one tour. You’ll have the flexibility to hop-on or off at any of the 25+ included stops along the route so you can explore an area by foot or visit popular attractions. The full length of the tour is 90-minutes if you stay on the bus for the full tour loop. Or, take your time and enjoy the flexibility to hop on and off to explore the stops as many times as you want—buses run frequently with departures from 5th and Market streets, near East Corner every 15-20 minutes, so you’ll never have to wait long at the stops when you want to hop back on and continue your tour.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Explore the American criminal justice system, from some of its darker days to present, at the Eastern State Penitentiary – an official National Historic Landmark and one of the most historic and most visited buildings in Pennsylvania. Designed to inspire penitence and regret in the hearts of criminals through “confinement in solitude with labor,” Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the most important historic institutions in Pennsylvania. It’s often credited with helping to pave the way for reform of the judicial system in the US using methods of isolation and reflection rather than capital punishment and physical abuse. The building is regarded as an architectural marvel. The original seven cell blocks, spread like spokes of a wheel, had running water and central heat before even the White House. Its beautifully designed vaulted ceilings, sky-lit cells, and castle-like walls stand in stark contrast to the purpose of many of its elements, including cell blocks, solitary punishment cells, and Death Row. Now, no longer an active penitentiary, the prison stands in haunting ruin with crumbling cell blocks, empty guard towers, and various states of neglect.

Adventure Aquarium

Visit the only aquarium in the world where you can see hippos, the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast, the only aquarium in the US where you can see a great hammerhead shark, and one of the most popular attractions in Philadelphia, the Adventure Aquarium. With over 8,500 sea animals and innovative displays, this aquarium is known for always featuring new hands-on activities, animals, and exhibits, so every visit is a new opportunity to explore, discover and play. You’ll get to explore seven unique touch exhibits where you can get up close and personal with sharks, stingrays, and take your time exploring the aquarium’s 14 interactive and immersive exhibits. Every day the aquarium provides enriching experiences for visitors, like the African Penguin Feedings, Hippo Bedtime, Hippo Feeding, Meet the Divers, Up Close Animal Experiences, and more. Check the daily schedule to see when things are happening during your visit. Be sure to check out what’s playing at the Adventure Aquarium’s 3D Theater to explore deep-sea topics even more in a fully immersive, thrilling experience for the whole family.