• Reading Terminal Market - One of the last traditional food halls in the United States. Established in the 1890s, Reading Terminal Market has evolved over the years but remains a remarkable example of historic shopping.
• Loews Philadelphia Hotel - The first International Style Building in the U.S., PSFS was designed during the Depression as a collaboration between 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. and a stunning 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.
• Masonic Temple - Admire the exterior of this magnificent structure, created shortly after the Civil War in Romanesque or Norman Castle style. If time permits, reserve a tour of the spectacular interior rooms.
• City Hall Visitor Center - Explore this impressive 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 globally.
• Macy’s Philadelphia - Observe the Market Street National Bank’s Art Deco facade across the street and then enter the John Wanamaker Building to see the Grand Court and its grand organ.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia - View the former Girard Bank Building and then the Land Title Building across Chestnut Street. The Bank was initially 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…”
• The Union League of Philadelphia - A fine early example of 2nd Empire Baroque style and one of the few structures built in Philadelphia during the Civil War. The club was established to support the Union troops.
• The Bellevue Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt - Once the grandest hotel in America, designed by George Hewitt, once a partner with Frank Furness. It is Beaux Arts in style with a French chateau appearance at the top.
• Academy of Music - The original 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 in marble, but brick and brownstone were used to reduce costs.
• The Drexel Building - A remarkable replica of the Strozzi Palace in Florence. Originally designed for Anthony Drexel’s financial company, the exterior retains all the features of Renaissance palazzos.
• Shops at Liberty Place - Two towers that broke the 548’ height barrier. There was a gentleman’s agreement to build no higher than the City Hall statue of William Penn, but that changed in the 1980s with these two buildings, paving the way for a more modern skyline.
• Comcast Center - The 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 features 3-story groupings with a zig-zag pattern on the exterior and a 10-story hotel at the top.
• Penn Center/Suburban Station - Art Deco headquarters of the Pennsylvania Railroad, this building was constructed in the 1930s to replace Frank Furness’ High Victorian Gothic terminal across from City Hall. The style was meant to represent the sleekness and speed of modern trains.
• Love Park - The tour concludes at the Love sculpture in what is known as Love Park. This park has been redesigned several times and offers various activities depending on the season, as well as 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.