Philadelphia Explorer Pass: How to See the City’s Top Museums, Tours & Attractions
Trade stiff itineraries for a phone-sized key to Philadelphia’s best museums, tours and waterfront highlights. The Explorer Pass bundles timed-entry attractions, hop-on hop-off narration, and flexible sightseeing—here’s how to use it efficiently.
The Experience
Before You Go
Activate at your first attraction
Your pass activates on first use and is valid for 30 days—start with a timed-entry site to lock in dates and avoid wasting validity days.
Reserve in advance
Popular attractions require reservations through the Go City app—book early for Eastern State, the Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Pack comfortable shoes
Historic districts and museum campuses are best explored on foot—expect several short walks (0.2–1 mile) between nearby stops.
Carry a portable charger
Your mobile pass, QR codes, and reservation confirmations live on your phone—keep power for entry and transit apps.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the Delaware River waterfront at Penn’s Landing for informal public art and river views
- •Stroll the South 9th Street Italian Market for lunch counters, bakeries, and neighborhood character
Wildlife
- •Urban peregrine falcons at high ledges near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- •Tidal birds—herons and gulls—along the Delaware River waterfront
Conservation Note
Museums and gardens on the pass participate in local conservation and education programs—follow venue rules, use provided waste bins, and favor public transit to reduce your footprint.
Philadelphia was the political heart of the American Revolution and an early industrial hub; many sites on the pass trace civic, scientific, and maritime chapters of that story.
Photographer's Notes
- • Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art looking back at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- • Penn’s Landing boardwalk for river and skyline shots
- • Independence Mall green for historic building compositions
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Flat streets and museum floors reward supportive shoes for full days of walking.
Smartphone with Go City appEssential
The digital pass, reservations, and guide live on the app—required for QR-code entry.
Refillable water bottleEssential
Stay hydrated between indoor stops and while waiting for outdoor tours or buses.
Light weather layers
Philadelphia weather changes quickly—pack a rain layer or a warm shell for cool evenings.
Common Questions
How long is the Explorer Pass valid after activation?
The pass activates the first time you use an included attraction and then remains valid for 30 calendar days.
Can I visit the same attraction more than once?
Each attraction included with the pass can typically be visited once—check the Go City app for exceptions and reserve accordingly.
Do I need to make reservations?
Some attractions require reservations or timed entry; the Go City app lists which ones and lets you book directly.
Is the pass refundable?
Sales are final—Go City’s policy for this product states no refunds after purchase.
Can children use the pass?
Child passes are available for ages 3–12; infants under 3 may still require separate fees at certain attractions—check each site’s policy.
How do I use the pass at an attraction?
Show the QR code from your Go City pass on your phone at entry; for some venues you’ll also need a reservation confirmation.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1–30 days
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; expect several hours of walking on museum days and short transit legs between neighborhoods.
Ready to Explore Philadelphia?
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