Philadelphia Architecture: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

4.7 (3 reviews) 1 h 30 min – 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

3 reviews

4.7

Philadelphia Architecture: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Philadelphia Architecture: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Architecture Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Not included

Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Passing by

The tour starts outside the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Masonic Temple Library & Museum

Passing by

The tour passes by the Masonic Temple.
City Hall Visitor Center

Passing by

The tour passes by City Hall.
Stop 4

Passing by

The tour passes by The Union League of Philadelphia.
Academy of Music

Passing by

The tour passes by the Academy of Music.
One Liberty Observation Deck

Passing by

The tour passes by One Liberty Observation Deck.
Penn Center/Suburban Station

Passing by

The tour passes by the Penn Center/Suburban Station.
Love Park

Passing by

The tour ends at Love Park.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

2. Create an account

3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]