Philadelphia, PA
Welcome to Philadelphia, the birthplace of America and a city steeped in revolutionary history. As a port of call on itineraries from lines like American Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line, Philadelphia offers a unique blend of historical gravitas and modern energy.
Cruise passengers are drawn to the unparalleled access to foundational American landmarks, all within a compact and walkable city center.
From the iconic Liberty Bell Center to its vibrant culinary scene, Philadelphia provides an enriching and unforgettable stop on any East Coast voyage.
Most of Philadelphia's top attractions are concentrated in the city center, a short ride from the cruise terminal. A must-do is a visit to Independence National Historical Park, the heart of colonial history, where you can see the famous Liberty Bell Center and tour Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Art lovers should head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to view its world-class collection and run up the famous 'Rocky Steps' for a photo with the Rocky Statue.
For a taste of local life and delicious food, spend some time exploring the bustling aisles of the Reading Terminal Market, one of the country's oldest and largest public markets.
Last updated on March 5, 2026
For those with a full day and pre-arranged transportation, several fascinating destinations are within reach. About an hour's drive away is Valley Forge National Historical Park, the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army, offering a deep dive into Revolutionary War history.
Further afield, a 90-minute to two-hour drive west takes you to Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania's Amish Country. Here you can experience a completely different way of life, with horse-drawn buggies, traditional farms, and handmade crafts.
Last updated on March 5, 2026
Cruise ships dock at the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at Pier 1, located within The Navy Yard complex at the southern tip of the city. This location is approximately 5-6 miles from the main historic downtown area, known as Center City.
Due to the distance, walking to the primary attractions is not feasible. Passengers will need to take a taxi, use a ride-sharing service, or utilize cruise line-provided shuttles to reach the historic district. The terminal area itself has limited amenities, as it is situated in a business and industrial park.
Last updated on March 5, 2026
The official currency in Philadelphia is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Other currencies, such as the Euro or Canadian Dollar, are not accepted in shops or restaurants.
ATMs are widely available throughout the city, including at the airport and in major tourist areas, providing the easiest way to get cash. Credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are accepted almost everywhere, from large department stores to small cafes. It is always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for minor purchases or tips.
Last updated on March 5, 2026
Philadelphia is a major U.S. city and is generally safe for tourists, especially in the well-patrolled historic and commercial districts like Old City, Rittenhouse Square, and the Museum District. As in any large urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Stick to well-lit, populated streets after dark and keep your valuables secure and out of sight to prevent pickpocketing. Exploring the main tourist sites independently during the day is considered very safe.
Last updated on March 5, 2026
Philadelphia experiences four distinct seasons. The main cruise season in the summer and fall offers varied weather. Summers (June-August) are typically hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s°F (29-32°C) and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms.
Autumn (September-November) is often considered the best time to visit, with pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and beautiful fall foliage. Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat for summer visits, and bring layers and a jacket for the cooler fall months. A small umbrella is advisable year-round.
Last updated on March 5, 2026
Transportation is necessary to get from the cruise terminal at The Navy Yard to the city's main attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at the terminal and offer the most direct route to Center City.
For a more economical option, the public transit system, SEPTA, is efficient. A shuttle runs from The Navy Yard to the NRG Station on the Broad Street subway line, which takes you directly into the heart of the city.
Once downtown, many historical sites are walkable. To cover more ground, consider the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop, a seasonal tourist bus service that connects key attractions.
Last updated on March 5, 2026
Philadelphia offers diverse shopping experiences for cruise visitors. For high-end and mainstream retail, the shops along Walnut and Chestnut Streets in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood are a premier destination.
For a unique local experience, the Reading Terminal Market is a must-visit, offering everything from local produce and Amish specialties to crafts and souvenirs.
The Old City neighborhood is known for its independent boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. Look for souvenirs like miniature Liberty Bells, items with the iconic 'LOVE' sculpture design, or local foods like Tastykakes and soft pretzels.
Last updated on March 5, 2026
Get the inside scoop on the Italian Market from a chef who grew up in South Philly. On this tour, you will savor legendary local foods, including an Italian roast pork sandwich from a chef who beat Bobby Flay and artisan cheeses at Di Bruno Bros. Wander past generational produce stands and specialty shops, with opportunities to meet the makers and shop for foodie-worthy gifts. This experience was voted the 2025 Best of Philly Day Trip.
See the classic city sites of Philadelphia on this comprehensive 3.5-hour bike tour. Your ride will take you to popular attractions like the Rocky Steps, Liberty Bell, Magic Gardens, and along the scenic Schuylkill River Trail. Along the way, you'll also discover some of the city's hidden gems. Please note that this tour requires a minimum of four participants to operate.
Leave the driving to us on this half-day excursion through historic Valley Forge National Historical Park in a comfortable tour van. During the ride, your expert guide will discuss the early years of the Revolutionary War and the events that led to the pivotal encampment. Once there, you'll explore the Visitor Center, immerse yourself in history inside recreated soldiers' huts, and view the National Memorial Arch and General Washington's Headquarters.
This is not your typical history lesson; it's a 2-hour and 15-minute pub crawl through Philadelphia's iconic bars. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll uncover the history that was left out of your social studies class. Discover the unknown tales of the City of Brotherly Love, from Revolutionary War spies and a devious Ben Franklin to an influential Founding Mother.
Explore one of Philly's most vibrant and delicious neighborhoods on this Italian Market food tour. Your expert local guide will share stories of the market's past as you enjoy five delectable bites that showcase the area's diversity, from Italian cannolis to Mexican tacos and Vietnamese banh mi. In addition to the amazing food, this relaxing stroll immerses you in the sights of the iconic market and reveals dazzling pieces of public art.
Experience a one-of-a-kind walking tour that is also an interactive magic show peppered with bits of city history. Created by an award-winning, native Philadelphia magician, this tour is unlike any other on the East Coast. All presentations are completely original, featuring tricks developed specifically for the tour over a two-year period. Your guide is a winner of the Philadelphia Houdini Award and a recipient of multiple magic awards.
See more of historic Philadelphia in less time on this 90-minute walking tour that covers 21 significant sites, the most of any tour in the city. Your guide, who holds a degree in History, will bring the past to life at landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Learn how the Liberty Bell cracked and envision the founders debating the nation's future inside these historic buildings.
Experience a premium, one-of-a-kind adventure at The Escape Game, conveniently located at the King of Prussia Mall. Choose from one of three immersive escape rooms, where you will follow clues and solve puzzles together to complete your mission in time. Each themed adventure, like Prison Break or The Heist, can hold up to eight players, with one room accommodating up to twelve.
Founded by a local food journalist, this tour offers a personal, behind-the-scenes view of South Philadelphia through stories gathered directly from chefs and owners. The 2.5-hour walking tour covers less than two miles and includes six diverse bites, from Vietnamese sandwiches to tacos and sweet treats. You'll learn about multigenerational family businesses and receive a curated list of recommendations for other city spots. Vegetarians and pescatarians can be easily accommodated with advance notice.
Delve deeper into Philadelphia's history on this fresh take on an Old City tour. You will walk by all the main sites in historic Old City and Independence Park, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Elfreth’s Alley. The tour tells the city's story from perspectives often minimized by mainstream tourism, uncovering the incredible contributions of women, indigenous people, people of color, and LGBTQ folks.
See exactly what you want to see on this customizable tour of Philadelphia's historic sites, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Rocky steps. Your personal guide specializes in senior travel and can lead a walking tour or a driving tour for groups of four or less. For repeat visitors or those with special interests, the itinerary can be adjusted to explore different neighborhoods. This flexible tour is designed to be your perfect day in Philly.
This adult-only night tour, developed by a local university professor, is not for the faint of heart. While the tour covers all the major sightseeing of the Revolutionary War period, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, it focuses on the R-rated stories not suitable for children. Follow your guide under the moonlight to learn about the city's history of vampires, sex, ghosts, and more.
Experience Philadelphia with a guide who brings a unique blend of humor and historical knowledge as a former stand-up comedian and history teacher. Take a captivating 1.5-hour stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old City, retracing the steps of the Founding Fathers. This tour ensures you visit every significant landmark in the historic district, leaving you with great memories and a profound understanding of the city's past.
Join this unconventional 2.5-hour walking tour for sightseeing that goes off the beaten path. You will experience historic sites like the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, and Benjamin Franklin's Grave while also hearing tales of serial slayings and psychopathic killers. Led by knowledgeable college professors or history teachers, this is not your typical Liberty Bell tour.
Journey into the idyllic countryside of Lancaster County to learn about the fascinating lifestyle of the Amish community. This van tour offers full immersion with a visit to the Amish Village Museum, a preserved homestead, and a meal of homemade Amish cooking at a local restaurant. You will also have time to savor sweet treats like whoopie pies and support the community by shopping for locally-made goods like quilts.
Discover the artistic side of Philadelphia on this dazzling stroll through the South Philly neighborhoods of Queen Village and Bella Vista. Your expert guide will lead you past breathtaking murals and mind-bending mosaics, sharing stories about the art and its creators. The tour concludes with a visit to the incredible Magic Gardens, with admission included in your ticket. A portion of your ticket also includes a donation to a local organization supporting artists in the city.
Discover the sweet side of Philadelphia on this delicious walking adventure through the city’s most iconic donut shops. The tour begins at the local favorite Federal Donuts, continues to a vibrant mochi donut shop for a chewy twist on a classic, and finishes at the legendary Beiler's Donuts in Reading Terminal Market. To balance out the sweetness, you'll also enjoy a Philadelphia staple: a hot and fresh soft pretzel.
Perfect for those short on time, this one-hour express tour zips you through Philadelphia's top sights in a five-person cart. Starting near Reading Terminal Market, you’ll breeze past City Hall, then hop out to scale the famous Rocky Steps for a breathtaking evening view. Your tour continues past Eastern State Penitentiary and through historic Old City to view iconic sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Experience Philadelphia's sights on a relaxing and memorable full-day driving tour in a private, comfortable minivan for up to six people. The comprehensive route covers everything from historic Old City and the Italian Market to the famous Rocky Steps on the Franklin Parkway. This tour can be customized to your specific interests and includes a special visit to the Museum of the American Revolution to view the tent George Washington used during the war.
Explore the vibrant culinary landscape of Philadelphia’s Africatown community on this guided two-hour walking tour. You will sample four delectable bites, featuring diverse flavors from West African, Jamaican, and Southern American cuisines. Limited to just 12 guests for an intimate experience, this tour allows you to meet local chefs and shop owners while supporting their businesses.
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Last updated on June 13, 2025
Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) and taxis offer the most direct transportation from the cruise terminal at the Navy Yard to Center City attractions. Public transit (SEPTA) is available but may require a bus to subway connection.
Must-see attractions like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Reading Terminal Market are a short ride from the port. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, with its famous "Rocky Steps," is also easily accessible.
Try an authentic Philly cheesesteak from renowned local spots or explore diverse options at Reading Terminal Market. While dining is limited at the Navy Yard terminal, Center City offers numerous restaurants.
The local currency is United States Dollar (1 USD = 1.00 USD). ATMs dispensing USD are widely available throughout Philadelphia at banks, convenience stores, and near tourist sites. Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments.
Cruises typically visit Philadelphia from spring through fall; expect warm to hot, humid summers and milder spring/autumn temperatures. Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light rain jacket.
Philadelphia is not a coastal city; the nearest ocean beaches are in New Jersey (e.g., Atlantic City, Ocean City), about a 1-2 hour drive away. Access usually requires a rental car or pre-arranged transport.
Both cruise line tours, often focusing on historical landmarks, and independent excursions, allowing for tailored experiences like food or art tours, are good options. Consider your interests and preferred pace when choosing.
Center City Philadelphia, particularly Walnut and Chestnut Streets, and The Shops at Liberty Place, offer diverse retail options. Popular local souvenirs include Liberty Bell replicas, items with the "LOVE" sculpture, and goods from Reading Terminal Market.
Valley Forge National Historical Park, a key Revolutionary War site, is about a 45-minute drive from Philadelphia. Lancaster County, known for its Amish heritage, is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive for a day trip.
Philadelphia is home to Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, dating back to 1703.
On average cruises from Philadelphia are extremely inexpensive compared to other ports. Sailings scheduled from Philadelphia during the the peak season of summer are significantly more expensive than the the low season of winter. Check the diagram below for the monthly average cost per day.
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