Philly Urban History and Architecture Tour

Philadelphia, USA
  1. Home
  2. Activities
  3. Philadelphia
Duration2h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

Explore Philadelphia’s history on this walking tour led by a Philly native and trained urban planner.

This tour delves into the urban history of the city, its streets, parks, architecture, and transit systems, through the lens of its many historical nicknames.

How did a map make Philadelphia the largest city in early America? Why does Michelin call it the Frenchest America City? Did a skyscraper really anger the spirit of the city’s founder, causing a decades-long curse? You'll learn it all!

The tour includes:
- A guided walk along one of the country's most beautiful streets, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Insight into Philadelphia's unique historical, cultural, and architectural significance.
- A history of the city's urban transformation from 1683 to modern times.

What's included

  • Walking tour
  • Guide

What to expect

  1. Philadelphia City Hall
    15m
    Philadelphia City Hall is the seat of government for the City of Philadelphia, located at 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Completed in 1901, it is the largest municipal building in the United States and a masterpiece of Second Empire architecture.
  2. Love Park
    15m
    JFK Plaza (Love Park) (officially named John F. Kennedy Plaza) is a vibrant and iconic public square located in Center City Philadelphia, right at the intersection of John F. Kennedy Boulevard and North 15th Street.
  3. Rodin Museum
    15m
    The museum features nearly 150 bronze, marble, and plaster sculptures by the renowned French artist, including iconic works such as The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais.
  4. The Franklin Institute
    15m
    The Franklin Institute is a renowned science museum and center of science education located at 222 N 20th Street on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Named in honor of the American scientist and statesman Benjamin Franklin, it is one of the oldest and most prominent museums of its kind in the United States.
  5. Philadelphia Museum of Art
    15m
    Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the United States, majestically situated at the terminus of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy in Philadelphia.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour will begin at Philadelphia City Hall.

End point

Tour ends at PMA’s "Rocky Steps". SEPTA transit options to return to City Hall include:
- 38 bus (pick up at Art Museum Dr south of the Armenian Heritage Walk)
- 32 bus (pick up at Pennsylvania Ave & 25th St just north of Joan of Arc Statue)
- 48 bus (pick up on the NW corner of 23rd St & Green St)

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$27.00 $25.65 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Mid-Atlantic Locals · Booked through Viator
More activities in Philadelphia
From
$25.65 per person
Check availability