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

Philadelphia , United States

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

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(2 reviews)

1h - 2h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

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

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The tour starts outside the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

The tour passes by the Masonic Temple.

Stop 3 Pass by

The tour passes by City Hall.

The tour passes by The Union League of Philadelphia.

Stop 5 Pass by

The tour passes by the Academy of Music.

Stop 6 Pass by

The tour passes by One Liberty Observation Deck.

The tour passes by the Penn Center/Suburban Station.

Stop 8 Pass by

The tour ends at Love Park.

What's not included

Food and drink

Smartphone and headphones

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

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.

Important notes

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 support@voicemap.me

About Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, is a city rich in history and culture. Known for its significant role in the American Revolution and its vibrant arts scene, Philly offers a unique blend of historic landmarks, world-class museums, and diverse culinary experiences.

Top Attractions

Independence Hall

The birthplace of the United States, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (timed entry tickets required)

Philadelphia Museum of Art

One of the largest and most renowned art museums in the country, featuring a diverse collection of artworks from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours $25 (free on certain days)

Reading Terminal Market

A historic public market offering a variety of food vendors, local produce, and specialty shops.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry, prices vary by vendor

Must-Try Local Dishes

Philly Cheesesteak

A sandwich made with thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese, served on a long roll.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with various cheeses and vegetables

Soft Pretzel

A chewy, doughy bread twisted into a knot and topped with coarse salt.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Wissahickon Valley Park Kayaking on the Schuylkill River Picnic in Rittenhouse Square Spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art Attending a performance at the Kimmel Center Boat tours on the Delaware River Ice skating at Dilworth Park

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer comfortable weather and fewer crowds. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Philadelphia is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas

Getting there

By air

Philadelphia International Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

30th Street Station, Suburban Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

SEPTA operates a network of buses, subways, and regional rail lines that cover the city and surrounding areas. It's affordable and convenient for getting around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Center City Rittenhouse Square Fishtown

Day trips

Valley Forge

30 km • Half day

A historic site where George Washington's army camped during the Revolutionary War, now a national park with hiking trails and museums.

New Hope

65 km • Full day

A charming riverside town known for its art galleries, antique shops, and scenic views of the Delaware River.

Festivals

Philadelphia Flower Show • March Wawa Welcome America • July

Pro tips

Visit the Liberty Bell early in the morning to avoid crowds
Take the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the full experience
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods for unique shopping and dining experiences
Use the SEPTA Key card for convenient and discounted public transportation
Try the famous Philly cheesesteak at multiple locations to find your favorite