Philadelphia Architecture Small-Group Walking Tour
Discover many of Center City’s best-known architectural highlights and historic landmarks—and learn insider stories about the city’s buildings—on this small-group walking tour. Meet your guide in the morning at Reading Terminal Market, and set off on foot: you’ll see Philly icons like City Hall, the Ritz-Carlton, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and Love Park, all while your guide brings the stories behind the sights to life.
Overview
Discover many of Center City’s best-known architectural highlights and historic landmarks—and learn insider stories about the city’s buildings—on this small-group walking tour. Meet your guide in the morning at Reading Terminal Market, and set off on foot: you’ll see Philly icons like City Hall, the Ritz-Carlton, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and Love Park, all while your guide brings the stories behind the sights to life.
Itinerary
Reading Terminal Market
One of the last old time food halls in the US. Created in the 1890's, Reading Terminal Market has undergone many changes over the years but remains a remarkable example of shopping from an earlier era.
5 minutesFirst International Style Building in the U.S., PSFS was created during the depression as a collaborative design between a local architect and a Swiss one using principles developed by the Bauhaus and European architects.
5 minutesPennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
The oldest art school in the US and a magnificent example of Frank Furness' architecture, this is one of his remaining High Victorian Gothic masterpieces. It opened just in time for the Centennial Exposition of 1876.
10 minutesMasonic Temple
View the exterior of this magnificent structure created just after the end of the Civil War in Romanesque or Norman Castle style. If you have time, reserve a tour of the interior rooms which are spectacular.
5 minutesCity Hall Visitor Center
Walk around this great 2nd Empire Baroque Building, the largest municipal building in the U.S. It is the tallest masonry bearing wall building in the world, and the statue of William Penn on the tower is the tallest on any building in the world.
10 minutesMacy's Philadelphia
View the Market Street National Bank's Art Deco facade across the Street and then enter the John Wanamaker Building. We will see the Grand Court and its grand organ.
15 minutesSee the former Girard Bank Building then the Land Title Building across Chestnut Street. The Bank was originally designed by Frank Furness in his High Victorian Gothic style, but that was rejected. The Land Title building is the first in the city by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham who said:"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men`s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work..."
5 minutesGreat early example of 2nd empire baroque style and one of the only structures built in Philadelphia during the Civil War. The club was created to support the Union troops.
5 minutesOnce the grandest hotel in America designed by George Hewitt, once a partner with Frank Furness. It is Beaux Arts stylistically with a French chateau look at the top.
5 minutesAcademy of Music
Original home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Academy of Music is based on La Scala in Milan and was originally an opera house. The Italianate façade was to be in marble, but brick and brownstone were substituted to save on the cost.
5 minutesGreat copy of the Strozzi Palace in Florence. Designed originally for Anthony Drexel's financial company, the exterior retains all the trimmings of Renaissance palazzos.
5 minutesShops at Liberty Place
Two towers that broke the 548' height barrier. There had been a gentleman's agreement to build no higher than the City Hall statue of William Penn, but that changed in the 1980's with these two buildings, opening the way for a more modern skyline.
5 minutesComcast Center
1st and 2nd tallest buildings in Philadelphia. Comcast Center is a sleek combination of mirror and clear glass rising in a tapered form while the Comcast Innovation Center has 3 story groupings with a zig-zag pattern on the outside and a 10 story hotel at the top.
10 minutesPenn Center/Suburban Station
Art Deco headquarters of the Pennsylvania Railroad, this building was created in the 1930's to replace Frank Furness' High Victorian Gothic terminal across from City Hall. The style was intended to represent the sleekness and speed of modern trains.
5 minutesLove Park
Tour ends at the Love sculpture in what is referred to as Love Park. This park has now been redesigned several times and offers a variety of activities depending on the time of year, as well as a grand view up the Ben Franklin Parkway to the Art Museum.
5 minutes
Location
Address
1200 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Live guided tour
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Minimum age is 16 years
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Related Attractions
Explore similar attractions that other travelers have enjoyed. Discover more options to enhance your travel experience

From NYC: Day Trip to Philadelphia and Amish CountryFrom NYC: Day Trip to Philadelphia and Amish Country
Enjoy a unique day in historic Philadelphia and Lancaster County, home to Pennsylvania’s Amish community. You’ll travel from New York through New Jersey on your way to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. On your guided tour of Philadelphia you...
$131
per adult

From NYC: Private Washington & Philadelphia Tour in 1 DayFrom NYC: Private Washington & Philadelphia Tour in 1 Day
Begin your day with early morning pickup at a location of your choice between Lower Manhattan and 125th St. Be greeted by your professional, bilingual tour guide, then travel for around 4–5 hours to Washington, DC, the current capital of the United S...
$2238
per adult
Hop-on Hop-off Bus PhiladelphiaHop-on Hop-off Bus Philadelphia
Discover the birthplace of America through a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of the history-filled streets of Philadelphia. Thanks to a route encompassing the city's top landmarks, exploring is a breeze – thus ensuring your mood is always su...
$36
per adult
Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour)Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour)
Get to know the city through the eyes of a local guide. With no set itinerary, you can customize the tour or leave it to the local for an enlightening introduction to the city. With our private walking tours, you'll skip the mundane historica...
$383
per adult
Nighttime Open-Top Double-Decker Bus TourNighttime Open-Top Double-Decker Bus Tour
With its shimmering skyline, Philadelphia is a magical sight after dark. For some of the best views possible, swap the car for the heights of an open-top double-decker bus. As you travel past such landmarks as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, ...
$39
per adult
Halloween Trolley Tour "Terror Beyond the Walls"Halloween Trolley Tour "Terror Beyond the Walls"
Join City Sightseeing this spooky season and experience Philadelphia’s darker side of history. We will take you on an interactive trolley tour. Our tour guide will take you on a 90-minute journey through Old City in a decorated trolley ready ...
$50
per adult
Italian Market Small-Group Tour with LunchItalian Market Small-Group Tour with Lunch
Located on 9th Street in South Philadelphia, the century-old Italian Market is home to dozens of Italian restaurants and delis, as well as newer eateries that serve its Mexican and Vietnamese communities. Taste the best of the area, learn its...
$61
per adult
Philadelphia Old City Tour with Comedy Magician GuidePhiladelphia Old City Tour with Comedy Magician Guide
Discover the historical highlights of Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood—and enjoy a totally new way to see the sights—on this comedy- and magic-themed sightseeing tour. Pick from a range of convenient start times, meet your comedy magician...
$35
per adult
Philadelphia Badass Women's History Walking TourPhiladelphia Badass Women's History Walking Tour
Discover a different side of Philadelphia and learn about its notable female history-makers on this guided walking tour. Stroll through historic Philadelphia and landmarks such as Independence Hall, the President's House, and more, and learn ...
$59
per adult
Philadelphia Historical Walking TourPhiladelphia Historical Walking Tour
Step back in time and learn about Philadelphia’s rich history as you walk through the Old City and Independence Park. Walk along the cobblestone streets and see several points of interest including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the...
$59
per adult
South Philadelphia Food Market & Beyond Tasting TourSouth Philadelphia Food Market & Beyond Tasting Tour
Explore the Philadelphia food scene with a guide to show you some of the best spots and introduce you to local businesses. Let a foodie tour leader share stories taken from interviews with business owners and chefs, and learn more about South...
$95
per adult
Italian Market Chef-Led Small-Group Tasting TourItalian Market Chef-Led Small-Group Tasting Tour
Few Philadelphia neighborhoods can rival the Italian Market when it comes to culinary heritage—and on this small-group tour, visit a number of the area’s most delicious highlights. In the company of your chef guide, venture to a beloved local...
$80
per adult
Classic Philadelphia City Bike TourClassic Philadelphia City Bike Tour
Explore Philadelphia on a bicycle with a 3.5-hour tour of the city’s most beloved sites. Pedal alongside your guide as you loop through the city, and pause to take in the Philadelphia Museum of Art before riding a scenic river trail to Ritten...
$79
per adult
Yo! A Private Rocky Balboa Driving Tour of PhiladelphiaYo! A Private Rocky Balboa Driving Tour of Philadelphia
Fans of the movie ‘Rocky’ will love this private driving tour to the filming locations from the mega-popular series of flicks. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure time, then visit places like Mighty Mick's Boxing gym, Adrian’s pet sh...
$595
per adult
Museum of the American Revolution: Entry TicketMuseum of the American Revolution: Entry Ticket
Without the revolutionaries, the Philly cheesesteak would be plain-old English scones. The _Land of the Free_ owes its existence to the American Revolution of 1765–1783. The Museum of the American Revolution adds to Philadelphia's rich...
$25
per adult

Museum of the American Revolution: Entry TicketMuseum of the American Revolution: Entry Ticket
Without the revolutionaries, the Philly cheesesteak would be plain-old English scones. The _Land of the Free_ owes its existence to the American Revolution of 1765–1783. The Museum of the American Revolution adds to Philadelphia's rich historical ...
$25
per adult
Philadelphia Museum of the American Revolution AdmissionPhiladelphia Museum of the American Revolution Admission
Explore Philadelphia’s deep historic roots and the birth of the United States at the Museum of the American Revolution. Nestled among the other important colonial sites in Philadelphia’s Historic District, the museum offers a vivid account of...
$25
per adult
Penn Museum Admission TicketsPenn Museum Admission Tickets
Beat the rush with pre-booked admission tickets to the Penn Museum and enjoy guaranteed entry into the largest university museum in the United States. Spend as long or as little as you'd like visiting the collections during a self-paced, do-i...
$18
per adult
Independence Seaport Museum AdmissionIndependence Seaport Museum Admission
The Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia features two National Historic Landmark ships — Cruiser *Olympia* and Submarine *Becuna*. From the time it launched in 1892, Cruiser *Olympia* was a rare treasure in the US naval fleet. I...
$20
per adult

Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: Fast TrackPenn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: Fast Track
Love ancient artifacts but aren't the tomb-raiding, boulder-escaping type? Lasso a ticket for Penn Museum, and uncover countless kingdoms' worth of cultural treasures from all corners of the world, without all those pesky booby traps! From ancient...
$18
per adult
Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: Fast TrackPenn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: Fast Track
Love ancient artifacts but aren't the tomb-raiding, boulder-escaping type? Lasso a ticket for Penn Museum, and uncover countless kingdoms' worth of cultural treasures from all corners of the world, without all those pesky booby traps! ...
$18
per adult

The Franklin Institute: Entry TicketThe Franklin Institute: Entry Ticket
Founded to honor Benjamin Franklin, America's first scientist, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and most prestigious science museums in the United States. Dedicated to public education, the museum brings science and technology to life....
$29
per adult
Outdoor Escape Room in Philadelphia - Logan SquareOutdoor Escape Room in Philadelphia - Logan Square
An immersive clue-solving adventure around Logan Square. Search for real-world clues, solve puzzles, and discover the neighborhood with an experience you'll never forget!Reschedule anytime with no fees.It's a scavenger hunt, esc...
$75
per adult
A multi-player historical scavenger hunt in PhiladelphiaA multi-player historical scavenger hunt in Philadelphia
Experience an interactive and out-of-the-box introduction to America’s first capital during this app-based scavenger hunt of Philadelphia. Work within—or against—a team of your choice, with each player assigned a different role and set of cha...
$13
per adult
Philadelphia City Exploration GamePhiladelphia City Exploration Game
Take Philadelphia sightseeing in a playful new direction with this app-based game. Unlock stories of the City of Brotherly Love by answering challenges at each location, including Reading Terminal Market, Penn’s Landing, and the Liberty Bell....
$9
per adult
Philadelphia Phrenzy Scavenger HuntPhiladelphia Phrenzy Scavenger Hunt
Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global cu...
$27
per adult
Alice in Wonderland escape room game in PhiladelphiaAlice in Wonderland escape room game in Philadelphia
Enjoy an escape room challenge and test your skills your skills as Alice in Wonderland. Race against the clock, solving puzzles to find your way back home before it's too late. It just like playing a video game, but in real life!You know the ...
$35
per adult
Explore Philadelphia with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Zombie ScavengersExplore Philadelphia with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers
Zombie Scavengers takes you on an adventure in Philadelphia to survive the zombie apocalypse! Use our app and some strategy to find a list of items needed to survive, in any order you'd prefer, around the city. Find the survival items to get ...
$20
per adult
Scavenger Hunt in Philadelphia by Wacky WalksScavenger Hunt in Philadelphia by Wacky Walks
Wacky Walks of Philadelphia is a great way to see the city in a fun way! You'll use an app on your phone to submit photos of items you find around the city. For every photo you submit, you'll get points. You'll be able to see your score on th...
$10
per adult
Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Philadelphia with Holly JollyExperience the season with a scavenger hunt in Philadelphia with Holly Jolly
Celebrate the magic of the season this year with Holly Jolly Hunt. Holly Jolly Hunt is an app based scavenger hunt that you can play anywhere of your choosing. Explore the city and look for holiday related items, both traditional and not so t...
$20
per adult
Philadelphia Small-Group French Dinner with Live Piano MusicPhiladelphia Small-Group French Dinner with Live Piano Music
Enjoy an elegant, unique dining experience in Philadelphia when you book this intimate dinner and musical performance. In the evening, make your own way to your host’s Philadelphia home, and enjoy a welcome cheese platter with wine; your host...
$152
per adult
Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with BuffetSpirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet
Board the ship and it’s off to a candlelit table for two—or more. Some of the ship’s cabaret-style seating encourages meeting new friends, so be sure to mingle. Three climate-controlled interior decks with panoramic windows allow for a perfec...
$101
per adult
Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia Dining ExperienceHard Rock Cafe Philadelphia Dining Experience
At the Hard Rock Café Philadelphia, every meal is an experience, whether on the road or on a lunch break. Dine in style and feel like a star at this popular restaurant, located just a few blocks from Independence Hall and the birthplace of Am...
$40
per adult

French Cuisine & Live Piano Concert at Chez Sandrine!French Cuisine & Live Piano Concert at Chez Sandrine!
Join the latest culinary trend of immersive and social dining where local hosts invite you into their homes for a magical meal.Enter into an elegant and friendly home to enjoy delicate and delicious French cuisine from a true French artist! S...
$117
per adult
Philadelphia Father's Day Buffet Dinner CruisePhiladelphia Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise
This Father’s Day, create family memories that will be treasured forever with a Father's Day Signature Dinner Cruise on the Delaware River. Spend your evening on the water with a chef-prepared dinner buffet, classic cocktails, and incredible ...
$142
per adult
Philadelphia Eagles football game ticket at Lincoln Financial FieldPhiladelphia Eagles football game ticket at Lincoln Financial Field
Attend a Philadelphia Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field and live an exhilarating experience that is sure to leave any football fan in awe.From the moment you step into the stadium, the excitement is palpable as fans clad in the Eagles' s...
$204
per adult
Philadelphia Flyers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Wells Fargo CenterPhiladelphia Flyers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Wells Fargo Center
There’s arguably no city in the US more passionate about its sports teams than Philadelphia. From the field to the court to the ice rink - Philly fans are amongst the most intense and fervent fans out there and being amongst them is an incred...
$30
per adult
Philadelphia Father's Day Buffet Brunch CruisePhiladelphia Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise
This Father’s Day, create family memories that will be treasured forever with a Father's Day Signature Brunch Cruise on the Delaware River. Spend your day on the water with a chef-prepared dinner buffet, classic cocktails, and incredible view...
$121
per adult