Archives: Walking Tours

Stroll the campus of one of the country’s most prestigious Ivy League schools. See old and new buildings designed by such notable American architects as Trumbauer, Cope & Stewardson, Furness, Kahn, and Venturi Scott Brown. Hear about campus planning and the neighborhood’s revitalization and enjoy the University’s award-winning landscape. 

Explore the city’s Judaic heritage and learn about its importance in the growth and architectural development of Philadelphia. Hear about Nathan Levy’s connection to the Liberty Bell and the Jewish connection to Christ Church.

Philadelphia’s most fashionable address was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy today’s ambiance and compare the grand homes designed for the wealthy elite to the understated, elegant residences on Delancey Street.

Explore colonial Philadelphia and walk some of its original streets. See famous Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously occupied street in the US, and experience the walking/mercantile city, as well as a later generation of Victorian structures. Learn how this area remained the center of Philadelphia’s commercial, retail and governmental activities until the city finally moved

The quiet country village was transformed in the 19th century by the construction of the paved Lancaster “turnpike” and various railroads, which facilitated nearby real estate speculation, including Frank Furness’ Bryn Mawr Hotel (now Baldwin School), several imposing churches, and the area’s characteristic large and comfortable houses. This tour will also explore the sylvan campus

Learn how religion affected 18th century society on this tour of the city’s oldest religious structures: from the simple design of the Arch Street Friends Meeting House built in 1804 to the exquisite Georgian-style Christ Church built 1727-1741.

Many of Philadelphia’s most beautiful townhouses are located along Spruce and Locust Streets in this Center City neighborhood east of Broad Street. Marvel at the Gothic Revival windows, Queen Anne Revival turrets, balconies, bays, garlands and gables designed by many prominent Philadelphia architects.

Explore the historic 69th Street Shopping District in Upper Darby, a major retail center built at the terminus of the Market Street Elevated primarily by real estate developer John McClatchy in the early 20th century. See such notable sites as the Moorish style McClatchy Building, the Romanesque 69th Street Terminal and the Classical Revival Tower

Explore outstanding examples of late 19th century and early 20th century architecture influenced by the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. From intimate residences in Rittenhouse Square to meticulously designed public spaces, see why Philadelphia is often described as the “Paris of the US.”

Media was planned in the 1850s as the seat of Delaware County. Discover architecture dating from the Federal era, see lavish Victorian homes and enjoy the beautifully restored Beaux Arts/Art Deco Media Theater before experiencing the renaissance of its commercial district.