Philadelphia Architecture: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

4.7 (3 reviews) Philadelphia, USA
Duration1h 30m - 2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Join me on a self-guided GPS audio tour that’ll open your eyes to the full range of Philadelphia’s architecture, spanning every American style from the 1850s to the present. One of the richest periods artistically, it was also one of the wealthiest. Mark Twain called these years the “Gilded Age” because America’s economy boomed and vast fortunes were rapidly made.

Gilded Age styles like Second Empire Baroque, High Victorian Gothic and Romanesque all compete for your attention on this tour. The styles they gave way to as we entered the 20th century are eye catching too, like Beaux Arts, Art Deco, and International Style. Then from the 1970s we enter the Postmodern era, where almost anything goes architecturally – and that’s where we still find ourselves today.

Along the way, I’ll tell you plenty of interesting but not strictly architectural stories about Philadelphia and its buildings too.

What's included

  • VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Food and drink
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Transportation

What to expect

  1. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
    Pass by
    The tour starts outside the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
  2. Masonic Temple Library & Museum
    Pass by
    The tour passes by the Masonic Temple.
  3. City Hall Visitor Center
    Pass by
    The tour passes by City Hall.
  4. Pass by
    The tour passes by The Union League of Philadelphia.
  5. Academy of Music
    Pass by
    The tour passes by the Academy of Music.
  6. One Liberty Observation Deck
    Pass by
    The tour passes by One Liberty Observation Deck.
  7. Penn Center/Suburban Station
    Pass by
    The tour passes by the Penn Center/Suburban Station.
  8. Love Park
    Pass by
    The tour ends at Love Park.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends at Love Park.

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wheelchair accessible

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.7 (3)
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