Philadelphia Architecture Bonus Hike: Greatest Hits from All Styles
Details
3.5-4 hours, 5-6 miles, brisk pace between stops, best examples of Philadelphia architecture, lunch afterward if there's interest.
Over the past couple of months, we've hiked to see the most beautiful examples of Philadelphia architecture across 12 styles. Now it's time to seek out the best of the best! For this hike I'll choose my favorite example from each of the 12 styles (Georgian/Federal, Greek Revival/Neoclassical, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Renaissance Revival, Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, Modernist, and Exotics). We'll visit each of these 12 favorites, and at the end the group will get to choose the One Building to Rule Them All!
First we'll check out the First Bank of the United States, one of our most beautiful historical buildings, which is in the shadow (figuratively and almost literally) of Independence Hall. Next we'll head into Society Hill and then down the Market Street Corridor to admire the city's best skyscrapers. Finally we will wrap around the west side of City Hall to appreciate the cream of our city's truly awesome late-19th century architecture. The stone-carving on these buildings is world-class and has to be seen to be believed.
We will move quickly between locations, while stopping for enough time to enjoy and discuss each one. As always, no knowledge of architecture is needed . . . just an interest in seeing beautiful places and a willingness to stay with the group.
GENERAL RULES: ••Hike at my pace. ••Hike lengths are approx.: allow 30 min - 1 hour extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. ••For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2026), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (Sidney Goldstein 215-247-4459). Please text Sidney after you donate so he can properly give you credit. The yearly donation goes down to $15 in July; to $10 in Sept-Nov; Dec new year. Thanks.