Exploring Philadelphia
Ally Charter Bus has provided quality transportation service to numerous groups across the Northeast. We’ve provided minibuses and full-sized motorcoaches to accommodate large groups for events ranging from school field trips to weddings, corporate events, and more. Whatever your reason may be to make a first trip to Philly, we’ve compiled a sample itinerary filled with top visitor spots. Whether you’re visiting the area for the first time with a large or small group, Ally Charter Bus has a suitable transportation option.
Spend a weekend in the birthplace of the United States and enjoy the many attractions. Ally Charter Bus is here to provide safe and reliable transportation to groups of all sizes during trips to Philly. Each charter bus comes with a professional driver to get your group around Philly’s top destinations with ease.
Day 1
Groups arriving into Philadelphia by plane can arrange to have their driver shuttle everyone from Philadelphia International Airport. Travelers coming from nearby cities can book a Newark charter bus, a New York City bus rental or a Baltimore charter bus rental for easy transportation. Groups can board their bus and travel to a booked Philly hotel or directly to attractions. Grab breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack while exploring the many merchants in the historic Reading Terminal Market. This indoor farmers market has become a famous walking and shopping area for tourists and locals alike.
After hitting the market and fueling up on food and coffee, get ready for a packed afternoon at Independence National Historical Park. Home to Independence Hall, the famous Liberty Bell, and multiple other historic sites. The national park has hours worth of material for guests to explore and it is a definite must-see location for first timers. While in the area, it’s also recommended to check out Elfreth’s Alley in Old City. Spend the remainder of the afternoon or early evening in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a unique museum filled with work by local, national and international artists.
Round out your afternoon with an event in historic Rittenhouse Square or pop over to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and The Oval along the Schuylkill River to admire the scenery. The parkway houses various museums for groups that would like to add The Franklin Institute or Rodin Museum to their personal itinerary. Even if you don’t want to spend time in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, your group can take a photo on the steps made famous by Rocky.
Before having your group shuttled back to the hotel in your private charter bus, stop by one of many eateries for an authentic Philly cheesesteak. There’s been a never-ending debate about where one can buy the truly best cheesesteak in Philly. Although everyone has a different pallet, checking out Jim’s Steaks and Sonny’s Famous Steaks are two good contenders.
Morning
Reading Terminal Market
Address: 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 922-2317
This farmer’s market is apart of Philadelphia's long and rich history. Having opened in 1892, the market has offered Philly locals and visitors with goods for well over a century.
Independence National Historical Park
Address: 1 N. Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Phone: (215) 965-2305
As a part of American history, this historic park houses acres upon acres of important sites to the American Revolution.
Afternoon
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Address: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 733-0390
Founded by artist and Philly-native Isaiah Zagar, the Magic Gardens include indoor and outdoor art space, showcasing work from various artists.
Evening
Rittenhouse Square
Address: 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (267) 586-5675
Dating back to the mid-1600s, this public park and neighborhood hosts events throughout the year. Philly visitors may also want to check out the other four parks planned out by William Penn.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The Ben Franklin Parkway was modeled after the Champs Elysees in Paris and is lined with beautiful trees and a multitude of cultural institutions for visitors. On Wednesdays, through Sundays, the lawns around the parkways, called The Oval+, host community events for all audiences.
Day 2
After resting up from a busy first day, get ready for another day filled with top Philadelphia tourist destinations. Fuel up on a delicious breakfast at Sabrina’s Cafe, a local chain with 5 locations across Philadelphia. Large groups may want to call ahead and verify table availability before hopping on the bus and heading over to Sabrina’s closest location. Once breakfast is wrapped up, everyone can load onto the charter bus or minibus and ride into Center City Philadelphia to view the beautiful City Hall and surrounding buildings. While exploring in downtown, be sure to take a photo with the famous LOVE statue in JFK Plaza and to visit the One Liberty Observation Deck for an amazing view of the city.
Later in the afternoon take a visit up to the Morris Arboretum, just northwest of the city. Groups with children or those looking for an afternoon filled with more adventure may enjoy a day at the Philadelphia Zoo instead. The arboretum is about 35 minutes out of town but is well worth the ride. With your own private bus, you can easily get to and from different locations across Pennsylvania. As the official arboretum of the state, there are over 150 acres of beautiful trees and gardens.
Once everyone has finished enjoying a nature-filled afternoon, head back into the city to visit Spruce Street Harbor Park. Located on the Delaware River. The park regularly hosts events and vendors over the weekend. Enjoy the evening with your group and when everyone is ready, your private charter bus driver can shuttle everyone back to the hotel.
Morning
Sabrina’s Cafe (Italian Market location)
Address: 910 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 574-1599
Famous for their breakfast and brunch, Sabrina’s Cafe is a morning and early afternoon staple in Philly.
Philadelphia City Hall
Address: 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107
The iconic municipal building was once the tallest structure in the world with 700 rooms and nine stories.
One Liberty Observation Deck
Address: 1650 Market St #5700, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 561-3325
Located at the top One Liberty Place in Center City, the observation deck gives visitors an immaculate view of the city.
Afternoon
Morris Arboretum
Address: 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Phone: (215)247-5777
The Morris Arboretum is a part of the University of Pennsylvania and is the official arboretum for the state. Visitors can enjoy acres of flora and education about forests and landscapes.
Evening
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Address: 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Spruce Street Harbor Park is the perfect place to relax in a hammock, grab a drink and food, or even just to enjoy the view off of the Delaware River.
Book Your Bus Today
Groups traveling to Philadelphia will have the best travel experience with Ally Charter Bus. We’re here to help you find the best charter bus to meet your group’s specific needs and itinerary. Whether you’re coming into town for a special event like a wedding, business conference, church outing, school field trip, or even just a group vacation, Ally Charter Bus will provide efficient transportation services. Give us a call today to at 215-392-4606 to speak with a rental expert today. We’ll find you the perfect bus and professional driver to make your Philly travels as smooth as possible.
215-392-4606