Philadelphia City Section Architecture Hike 1 of 3: West Philadelphia
Details
2.5-3.5 hours, 3-4 miles, brisk pace between stops, visiting the most beautiful buildings in West Philadelphia, lunch afterward if there's interest.
We are starting up a short cycle of hikes to see the most impressive architectural gems in sections of Philadelphia outside of Center City. On these hikes we will cover West Philly, North Philly, and South Philly, one each week.
We will start in West Philadelphia, which is home to the city's finest Beaux-Arts building, best Romanesque (Revival) cathedral, most flamboyant Queen Anne mansions, and a library designed by Frank Furness that many architectural historians consider to be his masterpiece. And that's just half of the amazing buildings that we will be visiting on this hike.
As always, no knowledge of architecture is needed . . . just an interest in seeing beautiful places and a willingness to stay with the group.
Note that this hike is departing from 30th Street Station, which is not our typical meeting location.
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 ~300 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.