Philadelphia Architecture Bonus Hike: Greatest Hits from All Styles

3.5-4 hours, 4-5 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 13 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 13 styles (Georgian/Federal, Greek Revival/Neoclassical, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Renaissance Revival, Second Empire, Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, Modernist, and Exotics). We'll visit each of these 13 favorites, and at the end the group will get to choose the One Building to Rule Them All!

First we'll check out Carpenters' Hall, one of our most beautiful buildings in the historic district. Next we'll head into over to the Broad Street corridor to admire the city's best late-19th century buildings. The stone moldings on these buildings are world-class and have to be seen to be believed. Finally we will wrap around City Hall to appreciate the cream of our city's truly awesome early-20th century architecture.

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.