Independence Seaport Museum Admission
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Independence Seaport Museum Admission worth booking?
Independence Seaport Museum Admission is a 1-hour experience in Philadelphia, United States, from $23 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (35)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $23 per person
Climb aboard the oldest floating steel warship in the world, Cruiser OLYMPIA, and explore award-winning exhibits in the Museum's building, as well as the Seaport Boat Shop where you can watch a traditional maritime craft take place!
What you get
About this experience
Climb aboard the oldest floating steel warship in the world, Cruiser OLYMPIA, and explore award-winning exhibits in the Museum's building, as well as the Seaport Boat Shop where you can watch a traditional maritime craft take place!
What's included
Included
- Admission to the Museum's Building and Cruiser OLYMPIA
Not included
- The listed price does not include parking fees. There are several public parking lots in the area as well as metered spots on the streets. Museum does not own a parking facility.
- Guided tours of Submarine BECUNA are a ticket add-on and must be purchased on-site.
What you'll see and do
Independence Seaport Museum
Visit two National Historic Landmark ships, the 1892 Cruiser Olympia and the WWII and Cold War Submarine Becuna. Olympia is known for being Admiral Dewey's flagship during the Spanish American War and also receiving the honor of bringing the soldier for internment for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. Becuna is a more modern day example of the technology and bravery of submariners in WWII and the Cold War. These ships will have ladders, hatches & gangways to navigate. The historic ships are not ADA accessible. Explore two floors of the museum with exhibits that cover various maritime topics. Galleries include: Disasters on the Delaware: Historic Disasters and Modern Day Heroes, Tides of Freedom: African Presence on the Delaware River, Tattoo Lounge, Titanic Philadelphians, Boat Gallery, Underwater Gallery, and more. Observe working wooden boats builders in action, in the Workshop on the Water and as they build the schooner Diligence. This gunboat was built in 1797 in Philadelphia to defend this young country from pirates. This new exhibit and ship is inside the museum, making it all the more impressive.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19106, United States
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Independence Seaport Museum · 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19106, United States
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Independence Seaport Museum
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible within the museum
- Not wheelchair accessible on two historic ships
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Ships will close if extreme weather such as snow, ice or high temperatures.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
35 verified traveler reviews for Independence Seaport Museum Admission. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great museum for Revolution Era maritime history buffs
Great museum for revolution era maritime history buffs. I really enjoyed seeing letters, artifacts, and models from the late 1700s. The self guided tour of the ship the Olympia was very cool, especially that you could walk around and check out much of the ship on your own. However, what I was really looking forward to was the tour of the WWII era submarine Becuna, which is why I went to the museum in the first place. Seeing the submarine itself was really cool but the guided tour had much to be desired. The tour guide pretty much memorized all her lines and had limited knowledge outside of her memorization. She avoided questions but when trapped with one, she would make up answers. Unlike most tour guides, it was clear that there was no passion for the subject rather, it was purely a job for a paycheck.
via Tripadvisor
Independence seaport museum and The Olympia
Great experience overall. It was very interesting reading all about history. We did not bring children but I did notice others with smaller children and they tended to be bored. There is an area for kids to enjoy also though. I like how they spread it out on two different levels of history. We also went to the Olympia and toured that which was also very interesting. The tickets we bought off Travelocity did not include the submarine tour but they gave an option of adding that on for additional money once we were there. All in all great adventure for my husband and I and it took us probably about 2.5 hours once done.
via Tripadvisor
I'ts so old I'm surprised it's still floating!
We did the self guided tour of the museum and USS Olympia. There were many displays in the museum. There was much to see on the USS Olympia. No handsets or details about the way to go thru the ship , just arrows occasionally pointing you in the right direction.
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour of 19th Century U.S. Cruiser
The museum is pretty small and has a number of interesting exhibits. It provides a good historical overview of the origins of the U.S. Navy to combat pirate ships and its emergence as a global force in the late 19th century during the Spanish-American War. The real star of the Independence Seaport Museum is the U.S.S. Olympia---a Cruiser that was built in the 1890's and served as the flagship of the U.S. Navy under Admiral Dewey during the Spanish-American War and the War in the Philippines. A tour of the Cruiser provides incredible access to guns, officer and crew cabins, galleys, recreation areas, engine rooms and more. It was ships of this kind---steel-sided ships with heavy guns---that were the prototypes for Roosevelt's "Great White Fleet" of the early 20th century that cemented the U.S. as a naval power. A tour of the Olympia provides fascinating insight into how sailors lived, worked and fought over a century ago. If you are interested in naval history, this is a must-see attraction.
via Tripadvisor
Wedding Venue
I had the honor of officiating a wedding at this venue. Terry the manager was thorough, attentive, knowledgeable and flexible. Flexibility was important due to the outdoors venue and the rain and wind forecasted. The venue with the water views were amazing. Terry had alternative plans if necessary but the weather cooperated. Highly recommend for a wedding or other party or corporate function.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Independence Seaport Museum Admission: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Philadelphia.
How much does Independence Seaport Museum Admission cost?
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Prices start at $23 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Philadelphia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Independence Seaport Museum Admission take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Philadelphia is not rushed.
Is Independence Seaport Museum Admission worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 35 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Philadelphia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Independence Seaport Museum Admission?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Independence Seaport Museum Admission suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Independence Seaport Museum Admission?
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Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Philadelphia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Philadelphia and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Independence Seaport Museum Admission start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Philadelphia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Philadelphia?
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Philadelphia's core is walkable: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell need timed entry, the mural arts programme runs the largest public art collection in the country, and the Reading Terminal and Italian Market food walks fill the middle of the day. Outty Ranking favours operators who secure Independence Hall tickets rather than sending you to the visitor centre queue. On Outty we rank every Philadelphia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia, Dark Philly Adult Night Tour, Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Philadelphia?
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April to June and September to October, mild weather and open patios. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Philadelphia?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Independence Seaport Museum Admission?
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Included: Admission to the Museum's Building and Cruiser OLYMPIA. Not included: The listed price does not include parking fees. There are several public parking lots in t; and Guided tours of Submarine BECUNA are a ticket add-on and must be purchased on-site. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Independence Seaport Museum Admission?
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The experience starts at Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19106, United States. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Independence Seaport Museum Admission?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Independence Seaport Museum Admission wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible within the museum; and Not wheelchair accessible on two historic ships. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Independence Seaport Museum Admission if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Philadelphia. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Independence Seaport Museum Admission?
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Across 35 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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