Philadelphia: Night Bus Tour with Rocky Steps Stop & Skyline Views

Summary

Night lights, city stories and a dash up the Rocky Steps in Philly

You’ll ride an open-top bus through Philadelphia’s glowing streets after dark, pass landmarks like Independence Hall and Penn’s Landing, climb (or jog) up the Rocky Steps for city views, and hear local stories from your guide. Expect laughter, city lights, and maybe a craving for soft pretzels—this is Philly by night at its most real.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed up to the open top deck just as the last bit of sunlight was fading behind Philadelphia’s buildings. The double-decker bus felt like a moving balcony — you could smell soft pretzels from somewhere down on Market Street, and there was this low hum of people heading home or out for the night. Our guide, Marcus, started off with a joke about Philly sports (I didn’t get it, but everyone else laughed), then pointed out Independence Hall as we rolled past. It looked different at night — softer somehow, all lit up against the dark. I kept thinking how weirdly peaceful the Liberty Bell Center seemed after hours, just sitting there while we drifted by.

We turned onto Ben Franklin Parkway and suddenly you could see City Hall glowing at one end and the Art Museum way off at the other. Marcus told us about Penn’s Landing and Betsy Ross House, slipping in these little stories about old neighborhoods and who used to live where — not textbook stuff, more like things his uncle might say over dinner. When we stopped at the Rocky Steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, half of us tried to do that run from the movie (I made it halfway before pretending I needed to tie my shoe). The view back down the Parkway was wild — headlights streaming in both directions, everything kind of buzzing but also strangely calm up there.

I liked that this wasn’t a hop-on hop-off thing; you just sit back for 90 minutes and let Philly roll by under neon signs and streetlights. Chinatown smelled like ginger and fried dough as we passed through (made me hungry), and Society Hill had these brick houses that looked even older in the lamplight. At one point Marcus waved at someone on South Street who shouted something back — no idea what he said but it made everyone laugh. By the time we circled back to Reading Terminal Market near our hotel pickup spot, I felt like I’d seen a side of Philadelphia I wouldn’t have found walking around alone. Still think about that skyline view sometimes when I hear “Gonna Fly Now” on my playlist.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening city tour by double-decker bus

• Board bus at Marriott Downtown
• Depart at 8pm for city tour
• Pass by Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
• Travel through Society Hill and Penn's Landing
• Stop at Philadelphia Art Museum Rocky Steps
• Take photos and enjoy skyline views
• Hear live narration about Philadelphia
• Return to Marriott Downtown around 9:30pm

Top questions

What time does the Philly By Night double-decker bus tour start?

The tour departs at 8pm from Philadelphia Marriott Downtown near Reading Terminal Market.

Is hotel pickup included for this Philadelphia night tour?

Yes, center city hotel pickup is included with your booking.

Do you get to stop at any attractions during the tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s “Rocky Steps” where you can take photos or run up for skyline views.

How long does the Philly By Night bus tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Is this a hop-on hop-off bus tour?

No, this is not a hop-on hop-off tour; it’s a continuous loop with one main stop at the Rocky Steps.

What landmarks will I see on this Philadelphia night bus tour?

You’ll pass by Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Penn’s Landing, Chinatown, Avenue of the Arts, Society Hill, Betsy Ross House, United States Mint and more.

Is there live narration during the Philly By Night tour?

Yes, a local professional guide provides live narration throughout the tour.

Are children allowed on this night bus tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your evening includes center city hotel pickup before boarding your double-decker bus with live narration from a local guide; you’ll pass historic sites like Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center under city lights; enjoy one main stop at the famous Rocky Steps for photos or that classic run; then return to your original departure point downtown—all transport included.