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Architecture of Philadelphia Audio Guide

Architecture of Philadelphia Audio Guide

Discover Philadelphia, where historic streets and modern designs tell a story of brotherly love
US$20
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Audio Guide Details
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Product Type
Audio Guide
Preview Architecture of Philadelphia Audio Guide
Independence Mall
Powel House
Elfreth's Alley
Photos & Highlights
self guided walking tour philadelphia philadelphia architecture tour
Audio Guide Description
Philadelphia’s journey from William Penn’s vision of a “Green Country Town” to America’s first World Heritage City unfolds on this 90-minute self-guided walking tour of Philadelphia, guided by architect Kristen Weller. Over three centuries, the city’s buildings have shaped its story, and in the historic Old City and Society Hill, you’ll explore how tradition and innovation coexist.

Begin at Independence Mall, where you’ll consider how cities preserve their past while embracing change. Wander through Society Hill, transformed in the 1960s by I.M. Pei’s visionary urban renewal, turning an overlooked neighborhood into one of America’s most cherished. Covering just over two miles at a relaxed pace, the tour winds through cobblestone lanes, quiet courtyards, and lively market squares.

From the elegant marble of Independence Hall to the bold concrete of Society Hill Towers, each stop reveals Philadelphia’s dialogue between history and modernity. Stroll streets once home to Benjamin Franklin and see how Quaker simplicity shaped the city’s design. By the end of your Philadelphia architecture tour at the National Constitution Center, you’ll understand why Philadelphia’s row houses embody its spirit of “brotherly love.”

On this self-guided walking tour of Philadelphia, you’ll:
  • Visit Independence Hall, a 1748 Georgian gem where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
  • Explore Franklin Court, where the “ghosted” frame of Benjamin Franklin’s home, designed by Venturi, Rauch, and Scott Brown, sparks imagination.
  • Step into Carpenter’s Hall, the 1774 meeting place of the First Continental Congress.
  • Walk Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously lived-in street, home to 32 colonial houses.
  • Admire I.M. Pei’s Society Hill Towers and Bingham Court, blending modern design with historic Georgian and Federalist styles.
  • See Christ Church, whose 1754 steeple stood as North America’s tallest for nearly six decades.
  • Learn how the Mural Arts Program made Philadelphia a global canvas for public art.
  • Pause at Isamu Noguchi’s lightning bolt sculpture honoring Benjamin Franklin near the iconic Ben Franklin Bridge.
By the end, you’ll see why Philadelphia’s architectural legacy captivates the world, inviting you to connect with a city where history and creativity intertwine.
Meet Your Expert
Kristen
Kristen

Kristen lived in the Washington DC region for over a decade and now resides in Philadelphia. She earned her master's of Architecture and master's of Science in Sustainable design from The Catholic University of America and was an adjunct professor at the university. While pursuing her graduate degree, she worked as a teacher and director for Experiences in Architecture for high school students and teaching assistant for the woodshop. Kristen is a licensed architect and designer who works on a variety of different project types in the area. She consistently attends lectures and discussions revolving around the field of architecture to keep up with the current affairs and ideals. She has worked as an architectural designer for an adaptive reuse firm and is currently working at Gensler as a project architect, leading and supporting many teams with different project types. Kristen has studied across different countries such as Spain, France, and Ireland but always finds herself back near this city she loves. She has the ability to compare what she has seen, experienced, and learned and wants to use this knowledge to develop innovative solutions of her own in the built world and share this knowledge with others.

How do I access the audio guide and download it for offline use?
Once you complete your purchase, you will receive a voucher code for your Audio Guide. You must download the Voicemap app and enter the code. 
  1. Install VoiceMap from the Apple App Store or Google Play
  2. Create an account
  3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
  4. Enter your Voucher Code
  5. Select Download Now
Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our audio guides have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.

How long does each event last?
Our recorded audio guides typically run for 75-90 minutes.

How can I share this audio guide with friends or family?
You are welcome to listen together with friends or family, but each person listening to the guide on their own device will need to purchase the audio guide individually.

How long does my access to the audio guide last?
Once you purchase an audio guide, you are welcome to listen to it as many times as you would like. Your access to a purchased audio guide does not expire.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Sales for recorded audio guides are final upon purchase. Please contact us at info@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.

Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?
Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
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