Fantastic living history portion of the Seaport Museum embodied in two historic museum ships moored at Spruce St Harbor a short walk from the main museum building. Both ships are open for visitors to explore. Being old vessels, many areas are of course only accessible via somewhat perilous ladders and gangways, so a certain level of agility is required.Olympia has a main deck that is mostly explorable on a single level, with only some stepping between bulkhead doors necessary. As for the submarine, be prepared to cast your claustrophobia aside if planning a visit. Although once down below (using an aforementioned ladder), the Becuna is a fascinating look at how truly remarkable submarine warfare was for its time.Plan at least an hour to tour both ships; allow more time if you’d like a guided tour or more time to explore (and get photos!) Fantastic experience for curious children, or really any history buff.ALSO: Remember that as historic vessels, *there are no modern HVAC systems*, so plan accordingly with the weather.

One has to visit a lot of museum ships in the United States and know a bit about American naval history to realize just how special Cruiser Olympia is. Shes the only vessel of her class preserved from her period in history, which represents an interesting transition, from some traditional components found on ships before her, like her auxiliary sail rig to more modern features like her rapid-fire guns. Looking at some of her staterooms and the abundance of wood still aboard, things you will see far little of aboard Word War 2 ships or the modernized World War 1 ships still left like USS Texas. And you see a lot more brass and bronze here too. Even her paint job is that of the Great White Fleet pre-World War 1. It is astounding to have her to tour. These photos date to a trip in 2006.

I purchased tickets to the the ship and sub from the museum on the waterfront. I feel it was a great value for the price. The tickets included the museum and both vessels. I would recommend to those interested in Maritime history and ships in general. There is also a ship right next to the submarine that turned into a floating restaurant/bar for those looking for a unique dining experience on the water.

This is my best touristic site in philly. The submarine itself is a great piece of architecture making use of each inch in the cabins. The boat and the submarine have lots of history behind them. The boat becomes a hangout place at night where drinks are served.Tickets to the submarine and boat include entry to the seaport museum nearby.

Nice experience. Little bit more restricted then other naval museums I been too. In decent condition. Not too many staff people around.

Olympia is an amazing ship to visit, the contrast from the New Jersey is quite interesting. Could have spent hours more here if I had the time. The Becuna is also an interesting ship, much better shape than the one in Charleston!

I must see. Step back in time and walk through ship and submarine with the family. Go up on deck and take in the views and sunshine. Luved it!

Outstanding people and a lot to see, a good man was working on the sub, and we could hear his interactions inside!! Clean, well maintained, an awesome couple of pieces of history.

Fun and intresting museum. Moderately priced. I spent a little over an hour walking around the two ships. Didnt have time for the maritime museum. The ship and submarine were very intresting.

Ive seen this place for years and finally had a chance to go a before the shutdown and im glad we finally checked it out. Great park right around it and you can really make it a day or half a day trip lounging by the river with some beers in hand.

So cool! A must see in Philly if youre any type of history fan!

The USS Becuna and USS Olympia are museum ships preserved at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. A single ticket gives you access to both ships and the museum.The Becuna is a WW2 era submarine which saw service in the Pacific towards the end of the war. The Olympia is a turn of the century cruiser which saw service in the Spanish-American War of 1898 and the Great War. It is perhaps best remembered for being the ship which carried the American Unknown Warrior from France to Washington in 1921.Historically, the Olympia is the more interesting of the two ships, but whilst the visit to both is fascinating, the Becuna is perhaps the more interesting of the two, simply because it is a submarine. Highly recommended.

Fun and educational. Worth the admission for me.

Very accessible and really wonderful young man at the tickets booth.

S#$t was lit

Such a cool spot included in tickets for seaport museum. Not for the claustrophobic

Its fun to go if youre really into the Navy. I know for a one thing I got really claustrophobic when we went into the submarine. So I couldnt really exploring there. The ship was pretty cool though.

A fun trip. It was self guided and I loved that about it

This was an amazing tour!! Lots of hands-on history here!!

We really enjoyed the self-guided tour of these two historic navy ships, which have been well maintained by the museum staff. I have a lot of respect for the crew that used to call these vessels their home.

Went a native to the area brother n law, his first visit and we shared a grand time. The Becuna visit is a midship to bow tour and, we were lucky to listen in on a couple of Old Salt Sub-mariners recounting their experiences and, the land hugger volunteers and guests were all but wide eyed. The Olympia tour is self guided with story boards along the way. You take in the deck level areas of the ship and, from a peek our two, the old wagon is in need of a dry dock.... The oldest iron ship of martial configuration afloat it is.... The price of admission is well worth the experience, tour, conversation and education. The weather was great and the views along the river were grand..... Have I a go I say and, weigh anchor.....

Very cool tour. If you have an access card its only $2 per person for 4 people.

This is an inexpensive way to learn about history and you get to board 2 vessels instead of one. Please note that there is no air conditioning so if its a really hot day u might want to go on a less hot day.

Fascinating look into early steel hull sea going (USS Olympia) and mid century submarines (USS Becuna). Self guided tour begins with Becuna, walking into the forward torpedo room, through the crew compartments, bridge, and engine room. Hatches inside the ship are narrow and low. The tour progresses to Olympia. The ship is very large compared to Becuna. Despite the size, its notable that virtually every area does double duty with armament and coal handling. In fair weather you can walk on the upper deck. Placards are a bit dated in appearance but the content is good. Well with the admission ($17 for adults as of December 2018). The ships are not accessible for individuals using wheel chairs and may be difficult for individuals with limited mobility.

Great place with a long history! Worth the cisit and the prics

Awesome self guided tour. Beautiful historical ship.

Great place to visit! Historic and fun!

It felt like we snuck on board! We loved it!

Went with 5th grade field trip. Kids had a great time. The Olympia and Submarine are very cool. Great History.

We did the hard hat tour and it was amazing! I highly recommend it.

Is soo interesring and fun,specially the submarine.The museum is great too.Children will love it

Going down in the sub is amazing and the history of the Olympia is fascinating.

I so want to return there. I only wish I could have gotten to walk around the bow and stern main turrets .

A step back in time showing you the life of a sailor and the price they paid for freedom.

Great time and very well kept. I have been visiting this place for over 40 years.

If youre a history buff its a great place to visit and learn some American history

First time inside a submarine and it was fantastic, although claustrophobia kicked in after just 10 minutes inside. I cant even begin to imagine what the experience was like for the sailors who were working and living in that cramped space for extended periods of time.The Olympia warship was nice too but if youve been to mightier ships like the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor, you might find the experience a bit underwhelming. There is a bar at the upper deck of the ship if youd like to end your visit with a drink (and some great views of the river).Tickets can be purchased online or at the Independence Seaport Museum just meters away. The museum is small and unremarkable so if dont have much time, I suggest skipping it.

Great place to go for a little history. Part of Seaport museum.

The museum layout is disorganized. Insufficient information and lack of authenticity on Cruiser Olympia, but it is well maintained.

The oldest steel warship in America thats still afloat.

We were there for about 40 minutes because we arrived late but still were able to see the whole ship without anybody else in the way! Great experience.

Cool little submarine...the inside of the museum building is very educational and perfect for kids.

Very cool. Worth visiting

Great Naval History Exhibit.

Amazing gems of naval history hidden in Philadelphia

Nice museum. Loved touring the ship and sub.

There history is wonderful, great experience to be hands on! Very inexpensive, kids loved it!!

Fun thing to do with kids!

This was a wonderful piece of history that should be preserved forever.

Enjoy a glass of wine and look over the Deleware River to NJ. Launched in 1892, Cruiser Olympia is the oldest steel warship afloat in the world. In 1921, the ship carried the remains of World War Is Unknown Soldier from France to Washington, D.C., where his body was interred in Arlington National Cemetery. Beautiful Cruiser with so much history!

Great historic location. Fantastic to see the old Navy submarine & cruiser.

Being a war buff, it hit the right spot and had enough detail while still not getting to the point of being boring.Quite a different scale from the big battleships like the New Jersey across the river. But still enjoyable in its own right.

Amazing history and decently maintained ships. I just wish they allowed more access to some of the rooms in the Olympia

The Olympia was a very cool tour. Crazy to imagine this ship was in service in 1893

Great time and very good experience, learning and insightful

Very interesting tour but the man staffing the ticket counter was rude

If youre into the history of ships and the sea, dont skip this one or the museum

Great fun for the kids and family. Neat to climb aboard a real submarine and see what life on board a sub is like.

Amazing!!!

Very neat to see. Kids loved it too.

The Olympia really needs to be saved. She is the oldest steel warship in the world and the last survivor of the Spanish-American War. This is the epitome of history and needs to be a national landmark.

Always great to be able to walk through a piece of history.

Interesting but no staff around to answer questions.

Super cool!

Went to the Admirals Tavern Beer Garden! Fun!

Allsome its was great to explore

Nice view!

Interesting Place!

Humid day. Cool experience

Great place to visit

Absolutely worth a tour through!

Cool, but a little pricey

Historical ship and sub marine in WW1.

Impressive

Beautiful free sightseeing

Fun family place

Awesome

Outstanding

Loved it!

Especially the Olympia is worth a look.