• Reading Terminal Market - As one of the last traditional food halls in the United States, Reading Terminal Market, established in the 1890s, has evolved over the years but still stands as a remarkable example of historic shopping.
• Loews Philadelphia Hotel - Known as the first International Style building in the U.S., the PSFS was designed during the Great Depression by a local and a Swiss architect, incorporating Bauhaus and European architectural principles.
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts - The oldest art school in the U.S., this institution is a stunning example of Frank Furness’ architecture, showcasing one of his High Victorian Gothic masterpieces. It opened just in time for the 1876 Centennial Exposition.
• Masonic Temple - Admire the exterior of this magnificent structure, built shortly after the Civil War in a Romanesque or Norman Castle style. If time permits, book a tour to explore the spectacular interior rooms.
• City Hall Visitor Center - Stroll around this impressive 2nd Empire Baroque building, the largest municipal building in the U.S. It is the tallest masonry bearing wall building globally, with the statue of William Penn on the tower being the tallest on any building worldwide.
• Macy’s Philadelphia - Observe the Art Deco facade of the Market Street National Bank across the street, then enter the John Wanamaker Building to see the Grand Court and its magnificent organ.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia - Visit the former Girard Bank Building and the Land Title Building across Chestnut Street. Originally designed by Frank Furness in a High Victorian Gothic style, the bank’s design was rejected. The Land Title Building, the first in the city by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, embodies his philosophy: “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…”
• The Union League of Philadelphia - A prime early example of 2nd Empire Baroque style, this is one of the few structures built in Philadelphia during the Civil War, established to support Union troops.
• The Bellevue Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt - Once considered the grandest hotel in America, designed by George Hewitt, a former partner of Frank Furness. It features Beaux Arts style with a French chateau appearance at the top.
• Academy of Music - Originally the home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Academy of Music is modeled after La Scala in Milan and was initially an opera house. The Italianate façade was intended to be marble, but brick and brownstone were used to reduce costs.
• Shops at Liberty Place - These two towers broke the 548’ height barrier, ending a gentleman’s agreement to build no higher than the City Hall statue of William Penn. This change in the 1980s paved the way for a more modern skyline.
• Comcast Center - The first and second tallest buildings in Philadelphia, the Comcast Center features a sleek combination of mirrored and clear glass in a tapered form, while the Comcast Innovation Center has three-story groupings with a zig-zag pattern and a ten-story hotel at the top.
• Penn Center/Suburban Station - An Art Deco headquarters for the Pennsylvania Railroad, this building was constructed in the 1930s to replace Frank Furness’ High Victorian Gothic terminal across from City Hall, symbolizing the sleekness and speed of modern trains.
• Love Park - The tour concludes at the Love sculpture in Love Park, which has been redesigned multiple times and offers various activities throughout the year, along with a grand view up the Ben Franklin Parkway to the Art Museum.

• Live guided tour

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities

This Walking Tour will guide you past and through some of Philadelphia’s most notable structures. The architecture in this region primarily dates from the mid-19th century to the present day, showcasing a variety of styles from Beaux Arts, Chicagoan to International. Additionally, we will observe the freshest and highest skyscrapers in the heart of the city.

• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Minimum age is 16 years

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