Shop Like a Local in Philadelphia

Enjoy tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes in Philadelphia. Plus, you will find hip, independent boutiques in Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods—perfect for picking up souvenirs and one-of-a-kind gifts.

The Bourse, site of the country’s first commodities exchange, has been transformed into a new food and shopping destination just steps from Independence Hall. In addition to ethnic eats ranging from authentic Egyptian to modern Indian, the beautiful Beaux Arts space hosts several vendors selling local favorites, including exotic teas from Kari’s Tea Bar, grain-to-glass spirits from Bluebird Distilling and decadent gourmet cinnamon buns at Barry’s Buns.

Head to the Fashion District Philadelphia, which is home to a mix of shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural experiences that spans three city blocks. The offerings inside the 800,000-square-foot space include flagship, full-price, off-price and branded outlet retail, experiential dining and entertainment options — such as City Winery, Round 1, Wonderspaces, and Candytopia — as well as public art and evolving cultural events. The Uniquely Philly section found within the Fashion District features minority and female local business entrepreneurs with trendy Philadelphia offerings such as Fason De Viv, African Shades, O Dats Cute and Naturally Us.

TIP: Out-of-town guests can receive complimentary savings and other deals at participating stores and restaurants throughout Fashion District Philadelphia. Click here and use password “thankyouforshopping” to learn more. For group visits or tours, click here.

Local retailers abound in charming Old City, from one-of-a-kind home design stores to accessory and fashion boutiques. Stroll the cobblestone streets to find shops offering cool, handmade items like Philadelphia Independents. Check out pillows printed with the skyline and Ben Franklin, city-themed tote bags and coasters labeled with Philadelphia’s favorite word: jawn. Spirits aficionados will want to shop at Art in the Age, a tasting room and home bar supply store also in Old City. Pick up innovative products from local spirits producers Quaker City Mercantile and New Liberty Distillery. Browse the eclectic mix of house-made products, such as spirit-inspired soaps, cocktail bitters, glassware, books and more. The latter, New Liberty Distillery was named Distillery of the Year for 2022 by the American Distilling Institute (ADI) with the noted annual Bubble Cap Award, which is given to distilleries making contributions to the industry by advancing modernized legislation and making world class spirits.

Along Rittenhouse Row, you’ll find chic boutiques and national retailers that cater to all sorts of tastes. From the Avenue of the Arts to 21st Street between Spruce and Market streets, the district includes mainstays like Joan Shepp, a swanky shop that stocks high-end, fashion-forward designers, and Boyds, an exclusive department store with mens- and womenswear. If you’ve worked up an appetite post shopping, grab a table at one of the many cafes and eateries in the neighborhood offering outdoor seating.

Independent boutiques dot tree-lined Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, known as the city’s garden district. This posh northwest neighborhood is home to local gems like Artisans on the Avenue, which stocks women’s clothing, jewelry and other accessories made by small American designers; Bjorn & Co, a gallery and store that supports local artists; and the Market at the Fareway, a modern farmers’ market meets country store.

Victorian storefronts and cool boutiques abound on vibrant Main Street Manayunk, a northwest neighborhood with a small-town vibe. Shop for housewares, art and designer duds from Nicole Miller, before taking a stroll along the historic canal that runs parallel to Main Street.

Quaint Fabric Row on 4th Street between South and Christian streets has been a destination for textile shopping for more than a century. Today, you’ll also find boutiques, restaurants and galleries neighboring family-owned fabric shops.