Philadelphia Things To Do: Ways to save on Things to Do in Philadelphia - Philadelphia CityPass
Travel is part of life for me. While W.C. Fields liked to make jokes about Philadelphia, it has a great deal to offer. In ways you may not have thought of. For example, if you are crossing to or from the Atlantic Ocean PHL airport has some of the best customs system I've moved through.
Philadelphia also has a great way to get a mini-vacation in with something called Philadelphia CityPass.
CityPass is available in other cities, and we will look at those shortly. At this moment, I want to look at Philadelphia CityPass (and a few free stops).
Tcat has been going to The Franklin Institute since he was a single digit midget.
The Gate price for this site is currently $14.75. The speedy CityPass moves you through and includes an IMAX show in the Fels Planetarium show. (Kids really love the Fels). So tack on $5.50 USD not spent for going.
Next up from Tcat's childhood is the Philadelphia Zoo ($18. USD). America's First Zoo is 42-acres in a Victorian garden setting. Many of the 1,300+ animals are rare and endangered. The zoo is part of a massive conservation effort. Joining the 1,000,000+ visitors a year helps this great effort.
The Adventure Aquarium admission is $21.35 USD, without CityPass. In this case they do not include 4-D movie, however it is only $5. USD additional With Your CityPass.
Running around (the very large and flat) downtown is easy with your CityPass because the Phila Trolley and The Big Bus Company combine to offer unlimited on and off privileges with 20 stops scattered about the city. That's worth $27.00 USD!
A newer attraction is the Philadelphia National Constitution Center. Turn over your ticket (not $12. USD) for entry at a scheduled time to see over 100 exhibits.
The 6th up is a choice in CityPass. I don't see much of a tough call. Between going to Eastern State Penitentiary and The Academy of Natural Sciences, the 2nd option is the hands down winner. Again, Tcat has deep memories going back to being 5 years old and seeing the giant dinosaur. You save the $12. USD admission fee.
At the end of the day, you have several steps in saving time. We got our CityPass on line. At our first stop, we picked up our booklets by handing over our printed receipt. You can purchase online and the dates for redeeming your pre-paid tickets does not begin until you actually take possession of your CityPass.
Once in your hands and used at first at any of the 6 Attractions, CityPass is valid for 9 days. No matter how you slice it, that covers you for 2 full weekends.
Having grown up in Philadelphia, the largest challenge I see in this deal is telling you how you may best allocate your time.
Besides the CityPass stuff, you may want to go to the Liberty Bell and hear the excellent guides discuss what the life and times of the founding fathers was like while hammering out the Declaration of Independence. (Glad I wasn't in that human zoo).
In Philadelphia, CityPass has an additional feature. Everything is pretty easy to get to via its public transportation system known as SEPTA. Cabs are rather low rates compared to other cities, and Tcat has no complaint about the local trains.
The city does have a specific train to deal with the move between the airport proper and downtown (including 30th Street Station).
Other CityPass cites also appear to be public transportation friendly. I can say for certain that forgoing driving in:
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Toronto, Canada are all viable options.
My last tip on CityPass is to look at the few ads in the booklet. I cannot promise any specific ad will suit your fancy. For example you may enjoy going to the Reading Terminal Market. It is one of the nation's oldest farmers markets, and has a 10% coupon.
As an experienced traveler, I feel a little dumb not knowing about CityPass before. I hope you learn from my mistake and take advantage of this. If you're taking kids, be sure to check for that option in the link I've given you. Enjoy the savings of time and money. Philadelphia City Pass is $58. USD adult (105.10 without CityPass), $39. (not $72.07 ages 4-12).
A final thought is CityPass is a Great way to see your own backyard! As I said, no lines, and a great discount! Now where did I put that link so you can squeeze the bucks and still keep your promise to the kids?
TIP: Buy a Philadelphia Sightseeing City Pass E-ticket today in a few clicks and you're done -- no shipping costs. Prefer a booklet in your hand? Buy now and you could have it tomorrow.
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