Is the Broad Street walking route accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?

Yes, this is an easy, flat walk on paved city sidewalks. All intersections have curb ramps, making it fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

When is the best time to see the architecture on Broad Street?

The best time is weekday mornings or early afternoons when the sun illuminates the west-facing facades. Evening is also beautiful as many of the buildings, including City Hall and the Academy of Music, are dramatically lit.

Can I go inside the buildings on this self-guided walk?

Many buildings have public areas. The Kimmel Center plaza is usually open, and the Bellevue has a retail area. The Masonic Temple and City Hall offer specific interior tours that usually require a separate ticket and timed entry.

What is the best walking tour Philadelphia for architecture lovers?

The Broad Street route is widely considered the best for architecture because it features the highest concentration of Gilded Age and Second Empire buildings in the city, including the iconic City Hall.

Where should I start my walk in Center City?

The ideal starting point is Philadelphia City Hall. It is centrally located and sits directly above the city's main subway hub, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the region.

Are there places to eat along the Broad Street route?

Yes, Broad Street and the adjacent side streets are filled with dining options ranging from quick coffee shops to high-end steakhouses and historic hotel dining rooms.

Is it worth visiting the Masonic Temple if I am not a Mason?

Absolutely. The Masonic Temple is one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Philadelphia. Even viewing the Norman-style exterior is worth the stop for any architecture enthusiast.

What is the 'Avenue of the Arts'?

The Avenue of the Arts is the segment of Broad Street that hosts the city's premier cultural institutions. It includes the Academy of Music, the Kimmel Center, and several theaters and arts colleges.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the opulence of late 19th-century America with this self-guided walking route along Philadelphia's historic Broad Street. Known as the 'Avenue of the Arts,' this stretch of the city serves as a living museum of Gilded Age ambition and architectural mastery. As you explore independently, you will encounter some of the most significant structures in the United States, ranging from the massive masonry of City Hall to the delicate acoustics of the Academy of Music. This neighborhood stroll captures the transition of Philadelphia from a colonial capital to a global industrial powerhouse, showcasing the wealth and prestige that defined the era. The route is designed for those who appreciate fine detail, from the intricate stone carvings on the Masonic Temple to the grand Second Empire facade of the Union League. Beyond the history, this walking route Philadelphia offers a glimpse into the city's cultural heart, ending at the modern glass-domed Kimmel Center. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect angle of the William Penn statue or a history buff eager to learn about the elite clubs of the 1800s, this neighborhood explore provides a flexible way to see the city's grandest sights at your own pace. Discover the stories behind the limestone and marble that shaped Philadelphia's skyline long before skyscrapers dominated the view. This experience is more than just a walk; it is an immersion into the architectural legacy that continues to define the city's identity today.

Highlights

Marvel at the massive sculptures and architecture of Philadelphia City Hall

See the Norman-style exterior of the stunning Masonic Temple

Observe the Second Empire grandeur of the Union League of Philadelphia

Discover the 'Grand Dame' of Broad Street at the Bellevue Hotel

Visit the oldest opera house in the United States, the Academy of Music

Contrast historic styles with the modern glass vault of the Kimmel Center

Tour Stops (6)

Philadelphia City Hall

Begin your self-guided adventure at the geographic and symbolic heart of the city. Philadelphia City Hall is a masterpiece of the Second Empire style and remains the world's largest masonry building. Completed in 1901 after 30 years of construction, it was intended to be the tallest building in the world, though it was surpassed by the Eiffel Tower and Washington Monument during its long building process. Look up to see the 37-foot-tall bronze statue of William Penn, the city's founder, designed by Alexander Milne Calder. The building is adorned with over 250 sculptures representing various cultures, animals, and virtues, making it one of the most decorated municipal buildings in existence.

Masonic Temple

Just across from City Hall stands the Masonic Temple, an architectural gem that often surprises first-time visitors. Completed in 1873, the exterior is designed in the Norman style, characterized by its heavy masonry and rounded arches. It serves as the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. While the outside is impressive, the interior is legendary, featuring seven lodge rooms each designed in a different architectural style, including Egyptian, Ionic, and Italian Renaissance. Even from the sidewalk, you can appreciate the intricate stonework and the sense of mystery that surrounds this historic fraternal meeting place, which has been a fixture of Philadelphia's civic life for over 150 years.

The Union League of Philadelphia

Continuing south on Broad Street, you will find the Union League, a striking red brick and white marble building. Founded in 1862 as a patriotic society to support the Union and President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, this club became a bastion of Philadelphia's elite. The building itself is a classic example of Second Empire architecture, featuring a grand double-curved staircase and a mansard roof. It represents the height of Gilded Age prestige. While the club remains private, the exterior stands as a testament to the political and social influence of Philadelphia’s industrial leaders during the late 19th century.

The Bellevue Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Known as the 'Grand Dame of Broad Street,' the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel was the most luxurious hotel in the world when it opened in 1904. Built by George Boldt—who also managed the Waldorf-Astoria—the Bellevue was designed to be the epicenter of Philadelphia high society. Its French Renaissance facade is adorned with ornate terracotta and stone. Over the decades, it has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities. It is also historically significant as the site where Legionnaires' disease was first identified in 1976. Today, it remains a mixed-use landmark, housing a hotel, offices, and retail, preserving the architectural elegance of a bygone era.

Academy of Music

The Academy of Music is the oldest opera house in the United States still used for its original purpose. Opened in 1857, its design was inspired by La Scala in Milan. While the exterior is relatively modest brick, the interior is a lavish display of gold leaf and crimson velvet. The building was the longtime home of the Philadelphia Orchestra before they moved to the Kimmel Center. It has seen the American premieres of operas like Faust and Aida. The Academy is celebrated for its 'dry' acoustics, which were specifically designed to ensure that every note from the stage reached the back of the house without echo.

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Your walking route concludes at the Kimmel Center, a modern counterpoint to the historic structures you have just seen. Opened in 2001, this facility was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly. The most striking feature is the massive glass barrel-vaulted roof that encloses a public plaza, known as Commonwealth Plaza. This 'urban room' is designed to be an extension of the sidewalk, inviting the public inside. The center houses Verizon Hall and the Perelman Theater, serving as the modern anchor for the Avenue of the Arts. It represents the evolution of Philadelphia’s architectural identity, blending 21st-century transparency with the city's long-standing dedication to the performing arts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The distance between City Hall and the Kimmel Center is only about half a mile, but the time is spent admiring the architecture and reading the history of each landmark.