Philadelphia Architecture: Discover Every American Style on a GPS Audio Tour

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

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.

From: $0.00

Location: Philadelphia

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Is there a recommended age for the audio tour? Would it be suitable for my 12-year-old?

A: The audio tour is generally suitable for all ages, but I'd say a good knowledge of architecture helps make it more enjoyable. For a 12-year-old, it could be fun if they're interested in history or design! Just keep in mind they might need some guidance on certain architectural terms.

Q: Can you do the tour any time of year? What if it rains?

A: You can definitely do the tour year-round! If it rains, just make sure to dress appropriately. Since it's a self-guided tour, you can always pause and continue later if the weather gets too bad. The VoiceMap App works offline, so you're set either way!

Q: How long does the tour take? Can I split it into two days?

A: The duration varies based on how much you stop and explore, but most people take 2-4 hours. Totally fine to split it into two days! Just remember, you have lifetime access to the audio on the app, so you can do it at your own pace.

Discussions

Thinking about gifting the Philly Architecture Tour!

I’m considering the GPS audio tour of Philadelphia’s architecture as a gift for my architecture-loving friend. It seems like a cool way to explore the city! It’s free, which is a big plus. Has anyone done the tour? How did you like it? Any tips on making the most of it?

What to expect from the architecture tour?

I just found this self-guided audio tour of Philadelphia’s architecture and I’m curious. I love history but I’m not an expert on architecture. Will it be accessible for someone like me? What’s the vibe like? Any must-see buildings on the route?