Best for Gifts
Open House, 107 S. 13th St. Go to page)
Best Bookshop
Joseph Fox, 1724 Sansom St. (Go to page)
Best for Precious Baubles
Halloween, 1329 Pine St. (Go to page)
Best for Antiques with Provenance
M. Finkel & Daughter, 936 Pine St. (Go to page)
Best for Emerging Art
Larry Becker Contemporary Art, 43 N. 2nd St. (Go to page)
Best Children’s Shop
Happily Ever After, 1010 Pine St. (Go to page)
Best Edible Souvenirs
Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch sts. (Go to page)
Best for Crafters
Loop, 1914 South St. (Go to page)
Best Women’s Designer Clothing
Joan Shepp, 1616 Walnut St. (Go to page)
Best Edgy Women’s Wear
Vagabond, 37 N. 3rd St. (Go to page)
Best for Shoes
Bus Stop Boutique, 727 S. 4th St. (Go to page)
Best for Browsing
Macy’s, 1300 Market St. (Go to page)
Best for Foodies
DiBruno Brothers, 1730 Chestnut St. (Go to page)
Best for Sports Fanatics
Mitchell & Ness, 1318 Chestnut St. (Go to page)
Best Cheap and Chic Clothing
Lost & Found, 133 N. 3rd St. (Go to page)
Antiques/Vintage
Blendo ANTIQUE ROW Feels like grandma’s attic, with all of the clutter and more of the treasures (including brand-new finds, too). Not the cheapest, though. 1002 Pine St. (btw. 10th & 11th sts.) 
215/351-9260. www.shopblendo.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 23, 40. Map.
Calderwood Gallery NORTH BROAD Janet and Gary Calderwood’s emporium of rare, French Art Deco has expanded into a larger space with 30,000 square feet to showcase 20th century design and photography. 631 N. Broad St. (btw. Mt. Vernon & Wallace sts.) 215/546-5357. www.calderwoodgallery.com. AE, MC, V. Bus: 4, 16. Subway: Spring Garden. Map.
Freeman’s/Fine Arts of Philadelphia RITTENHOUSE The local version of Sotheby’s or Christy’s, with catalogued auctions of art, jewelry, antiques, decorative arts, and fashion. 1808 Chestnut St. (btw. 18th & 19th sts.). 215/563-9275. www.freemansauction.com. No credit cards. Bus: 9, 17, 21, 42. Map.
Material Culture NORTHWEST PHILADELPHIA Worth the ride up to the Nicetown/Queen’s Lane area north of Fairmount for a warehouse-sized Aladdin’s cave of furnishings, rugs, and home decorations—60,000 square feet of antique, repro, or modern folk Chinese, Turkish, South Asian, American, African, and one-of-a-kind home decorations, often at amazingly low prices. 4700 Wissahickon Ave. (enter on Roberts Ave.; off the Rte. 1 Roosevelt Expwy./Lincoln Hwy.) 215/849-8030. www.materialculture.com. AE, MC, V. Bus: H, XH. Map.
M. Finkel & Daughter ANTIQUE ROW Known for restored schoolgirl samplers from the 17th through mid-19th century, this well-appointed shop also stocks American folk art, furnishings, and paintings. 936 Pine St. (at 10th St.) 215/627-7797. www.samplings.com. AE, MC, V. Bus: 23, 40. Map.
Mode Moderne OLD CITY More vintage than antique, the mint-condition furniture at this two-level shop hails from the dawn of the “atomic” modern era; think Charles and Ray Eames, not Chippendale. 159 N. 3rd St. (btw. Arch and Race sts.) 215/627-0299. www.modemoderne.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 5, 48, 57. Map.
Moderne Gallery OLD CITY Robert Aibel’s artful collection includes early Nakashima (1905–1990); French ironwork; and sculpture, furnishings, and woodcuts from the American craft movement. 111 N. 3rd St. (btw. Arch & Race sts.). 215/923-8536. www.modernegallery.com. MC, V. Bus: 5, 48, 57. Map.
W. Graham Arader III Gallery CENTER CITY Rare 16th through 19th-century maps, watercolors, and prints—including some by renowned naturalist John James Audubon (1785–1851)—are the specialty inside Arader’s landmark building. 1308 Walnut St. 215/735-8811. www.aradergalleries.com. AE, MC, V. Bus: 9, 12, 21, 42. Subway: Walnut-Locust. Map.
Art
Eyes Gallery SOUTH STREET Sometimes religious, often offbeat, and always colorful Latin American folk art bursts from the seams of this multi-floor, 30-something-year-old shop covered in mosaics by local artist Isaiah Zagar. 402 South St. (at 4th St.) 215/925-0193. www.eyesgallery.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 40, 57. Map.
Fleisher/Ollman Gallery RITTENHOUSE This storied gallery (which moved in 2013 to the same building as the Fabric Workshop; below) carries fine works by emerging contemporary and self-taught American artists. 1216 Arch St. (btw. 12th & 13th sts). 215/545-7562. www.fleisher-ollmangallery.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 23, 48. Map.
Larry Becker Contemporary Art OLD CITY An intimate space for new, often spare paintings and sculpture from modern artists such as Marcia Hafif (b. 1929) and John Zinsser (b. 1961). 43 N. 2nd St. (btw. Market & Arch sts.) 215/925-5389. Exhibits/info on Facebook. No credit cards. Bus: 17, 21, 33, 42, 48, 57. Subway: 2nd St. Map.
Locks Gallery WASHINGTON SQUARE A Beaux-Arts building houses a powerhouse gallery exhibiting big-deal works by de Kooning (1904–1997), Hockney (b. 1937), and Rauschenberg (1925–2008). 600 Washington Sq. (at 6th St., btw. Walnut & Spruce sts.). 215/629-1000. www.locksgallery.com. No credit cards. Bus: 9, 12, 21, 42, 47. Map.
Minima OLD CITY More “design” than “art,” the wares in this glossy white space consist of pristinely modern furnishings by Piero Lissoni (b. 1956), Phillippe Starck (b. 1949), Jasper Morrison (b. 1959), and Marcel Wanders (b. 1963). 118 N. 3rd St. (btw. Arch & Race sts.). 215/922-2002. www.minima.us. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 5, 48, 57. Map.
Newman Galleries RITTENHOUSE Philadelphia’s oldest gallery (ca. 1865) represents Bucks County artists, American sculptors, and traditional painters. 1625 Walnut St. (btw. 16th & 17th sts.). 215/563-1779. www.newmangalleries.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 2, 9, 12, 21, 42. Map.
Philadelphia Art Alliance RITTENHOUSE A striking mansion on the Square houses three floors of exhibition space for a variety of shows that have included photography, fine craft, and more. 251 S. 18th St. (at Rittenhouse Sq.). 215/545-4302. www.philartalliance.org. No credit cards. Bus: 12. Map.
Snyderman-Works Galleries OLD CITY Since the mid 1960s, the conjoined galleries of Rick & Ruth Snyderman have been at the forefront of fine art ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber, and furniture, exhibiting everyone from Dale Chihuly, Ettore Sottsass, and William Morris to up-and-comers in contemporary studio crafts. 303 Cherry St. (btw. N. 3rd & N. 4th sts.). 215/238-9576. www.snyderman-works.com. Bus: 5, 48, 57. Map.
Bookstores
AIA Bookstore/Center for Architecture CENTER CITY Alongside hundreds of books about design and architecture at the American Institute of Architecture’s shop are Moleskine journals, modern cards, great office supplies, and holiday decorations. 1218 Arch St. (btw. 12th & 13th sts.). 215/569-3188. www.aiabookstore.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 23, 48. Subway: 13th St. Map.
Head House Books SOUTH STREET This neat-as-a-pin neighborhood shop stocks classics, bestsellers, and fantastic children’s books—and invites local authors for readings. 619 S. 2nd St. (btw. South & Bainbridge sts.). 215/923-9525. www.headhousebooks.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 40, 57. Map.
Joseph Fox Bookshop RITTENHOUSE Philly’s premier book store. This tiny walkup is cozy and well organized, and has a bookish staff who know their stock inside and out. Co-sponsors the readings/signings of literary heavyweights at the Free Library and other venues. 1724 Sansom St. (btw. 17th & 18th sts.). 215/563-4184. www.foxbookshop.com. AE, MC, V. Bus: 2, 9, 12, 21, 42. Map.
Children’s
Born Yesterday RITTENHOUSE For the Bugaboo stroller set, a haute boutique for hand-knit sweaters, French onesies, and trendy ensembles for newborns on up. 1901 Walnut St. (across from Rittenhouse Sq.). 215/568-6556. www.bornyesterdayphila.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 9, 12, 17, 21, 42. Map.
Children’s Boutique RITTENHOUSE Design-your-own cotton sweaters and kiddie “it” brands, plus shoes, toys, and très impressive baby shower baskets. 1702 Walnut St. (btw. 17th & 18th sts.). 215/732-2661. www.echildrensboutique.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 2, 9, 12, 21, 42. Map.
Happily Ever After WASHINGTON WEST Classic wooden and tin toys, collectible dolls, puppets and marionettes, and plenty of toys with vintage mid/late-20th century pop culture themes to reawaken parents’ inner children—plus the friendliest sales staff of any kids’ store in Philly. 1010 Pine St. (btw. 10th & 11th sts.). 215/627-5790. www.happily.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 23, 40. Map.
Lolli Lolli WASHINGTON SQUARE This cheerful walk-up stocks classic toys, cute placemats, and plenty of oh-so-adorable clothes for children through age 12. 713 Walnut St. (across from Washington Sq.). 215/625-2655. www.lollilolli.net. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 9, 12, 21, 42, 47. Map.
Scarlet Fiorella CENTER CITY For hip and trendy parents (and their babes) who dig ironic onesies and vintage rock band tees in size 2T. Bonus: stylish clothing and intriguing jewelry for Mom as well. 113 S. 13th St. (btw. Chestnut & Sansom sts.). 215/922-1955. www.scarletfiorella.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 9, 21, 38, 42, 124. Map.
Crafts
Art Star NORTHERN LIBERTIES If you like Etsy, you’ll love this youthful gallery’s stock of handmade clothing, accessible art, and sculptural jewelry. 623 N. 2nd St. (btw. Spring Garden St. & Fairmount Ave.). 215/238-1557. www.artstarphilly.com. MC, V. Bus: 5, 25, 43, 57. Subway: Spring Garden St. Map.
The Clay Studio OLD CITY This not-for-profit studio founded in the 1970s by a quintet of Philly artists is the serious, art-focused progenitor to those paint-your-own-pot chain stores. Inspired by the artist-produced pottery in the shop? Sign up for a half-day workshop. 137–139 N. 2nd St. (btw. Arch & Race sts.). 215/925-3453. www.theclaystudio.org. Bus: 5, 48, 57. Subway: 2nd St. Map.
The Fabric Workshop and Museum CENTER CITY Noted artists-in-residence work with skilled printmakers and promising apprentices at this not-for-profit center to produce a range of artistic products and printed objects. Bonus: You can watch the workshop at work, plus the museum stages buzz-worthy exhibitions. 1214 Arch St. (btw. 12th & 13th sts.). 215/561-8888. www.fabricworkshopandmuseum.org. MC, V. Bus: 23, 48. Subway: 11th St. Map.
Loop SOUTH STREET/RITTENHOUSE This colorful, gallery-like, always friendly shop offers beautiful yarns, pretty fabrics, and tons of patterns (and advice). 1914 South St. (btw. 19th & 20th sts.). 215/893-9939. www.loopyarn.com. DISC, MC, V. Bus: 17, 40. Map.
Rosie’s Yarn Cellar RITTENHOUSE This below-ground shop has fueled the knitting pastimes of hundreds of Philadelphians. 2017 Locust St. (btw. 20th & 21st sts.). 215/977-9276. www.rosiesyarncellar.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 9, 12, 17, 21, 42. Map.
Department Stores/Shopping Centers
Macy’s MIDTOWN This standby stands out for its antique, 30,000-pipe organ (largest operational one in the world), multi-story marble atrium, and holiday light show—carryovers from its days as John Wanamaker’s, one of the country’s first department stores. Btw. 13th & Juniper sts., Chestnut & Market sts. 215/241-9000. www.macys.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 4, 16, 17, 27, 31, 32, 33, 44, 48, 62, 124, 125. Subway: City Hall or 13th St. Map.
Shops at Liberty Place RITTENHOUSE This mini mall, on the first few levels of one of the city’s tallest buildings, has J. Crew, Express, Jos. A. Bank, LOFT, Aveda, and about a dozen more stores. Btw. 16th & 17th sts., Chestnut & Market sts. 215/851-9055. www.shopsatliberty.com. Bus: 2, 17, 31, 32, 33, 38, 44, 48, 62, 124, 125 Subway: 15th St. Map.
Fashion
Boyd’s RITTENHOUSE Selling bespoke suits, $25,000 watches, Dolce & Gabbana frocks, and Manolo Blahniks, this family-run business occupies a beautiful old building and has a staff of obsessively attentive salespeople and 65 tailors. 1818 Chestnut St. (btw. 18th & 19th sts.). 215/564-9000. www.boydsphila.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 9, 17, 21, 42. Map.
Joan Shepp RITTENHOUSE The mother-daughter doyennes of the local fashion scene run this industrial-chic boutique, where big-deal designers (such as Yohji Yamamoto, Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten, and Pierre Balmain) come to roost. 1616 Walnut St. (btw. 16th & 17th sts.). 215/735-2666. www.joanshepp.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 2, 9, 12, 21, 42. Map.
Knit Wit RITTENHOUSE The go-to boutique for generations of neighborhood fashionistas offers essentials from Miu Miu, Habitual, and Bluemarine, plus estate jewelry. 1729 Chestnut St. (btw. 17th & 18th sts.). 215/564-4760. www.knitwitonline.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 2, 9, 21, 42.
Lost & Found OLD CITY A mother-daughter team runs this new-plus-vintage shop, known for its reasonable prices on cute, youthful clothing for men and women, Orla Kiely bags, and fun jewelry. 133 N. 3rd St. (btw. Arch & Race sts.). 215/928-1311. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 5, 48, 57. Map.
Smak Parlour OLD CITY Adorable designers Abby Kessler and Katie Lofuts create each trendy skirt, flirty dress, and cool top in this girly shop, which also sells a smattering of shoes, jewelry, and gifts. 219 Market St. (btw. 2nd & 3rd sts.). 215/625-4551. www.smakparlour.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 5, 17, 33, 48. Subway: 2nd St. Map.
Sugarcube OLD CITY Up-and-coming labels are the not-inexpensive specialty of this mostly women’s and men’s shop, a must for the fashion set. 124 N. 3rd St. (btw. Arch and Race sts.). 215/238-0825. www.sugarcube.us. AE, MC, V. Bus: 5, 48, 57. Map.
Third Street Habit OLD CITY Philly’s version of Barney’s women’s department, with great designers like Dagmar, Hudson, Isabel Marant, and Rag & Bone. 153 N. 3rd St. (btw. Quarry & Race sts.) 215/925-5455. www.thirdstreethabit.com. AE, MC, V. Bus: 5, 48, 57. Map.
Vagabond OLD CITY This pioneering women’s shop offers Uzi, LHOOQ, Ace & Jig, plus knits and dresses by the shop’s stylish owners. 37 N. 3rd St. (btw. Market & Arch sts.). 267/671-0737. www.vagabondboutique.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 5, 48, 57. Subway: Market-Frankford Line. Map.
Gifts
Duross & Langel CENTER CITY This emporium of made-in-house body care products doesn’t have shoppers; it has acolytes. It’s a locavore’s Lush—only better—with bespoke soaps, fragrances, body washes, shampoos, scented candles, aromatic oils, and more. 117 S. 13th St. (at Sansom St.). 215/592-7627. www.durossandlangel.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 9, 12, 21, 38, 42, 124. Subway: Walnut-Locust. Map.
Hello Home/Hello World ANTIQUE ROW/RITTENHOUSE Restored vintage furnishings, great new shelter pieces, pretty jewelry, and kids’ clothes combine in these two neighborhood shops. Hello Home: 1004 Pine St. (btw. 10th & 11th sts.). 215/545-7060. Bus: 23. Hello World: 257 S. 20th St. (btw. Locust & Spruce sts.). 215/545-5207. www.shophelloworld.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 12,17. Map.
Open House CENTER CITY Bright vases, clever pillows, pretty coffee cups, great kiddie goodies, and wonderful bath products make this one of the best spots for gift shopping—for yourself. 107 S. 13th St. (btw. Sansom & Chestnut sts.). 215/922-1415. www.openhouseliving.com. Bus: 9, 21, 38, 42, 124. AE, MC, V. Map.
Scarlett Alley OLD CITY For fantastic, unexpected, stylish souvenirs like Italian cordial glasses, hand-painted bowls, and great table linens. 241 Race St. (btw. 2nd & 3rd sts.). 215/592-7898. www.scarlettalley.com. AE, MC, V. Bus: 5, 57. Map.
Town Home RITTENHOUSE Pretty, extra-petite shop known for its amazing jewelry by the likes of Me&Ro, Kasey K., and Heather Moore, plus inimitable Alora diffusers and chic baby onesies. 1616 Walnut St. 215/972-5100. www.townhomeonline.com. AE, MC, V. Bus: 2, 9, 12, 21, 42. Map.
Gourmet Food
DiBruno Brothers RITTENHOUSE Locals think this two-floor shop with its cheese cave and cafeteria is better than Dean & DeLuca. They’re right. Original, Italian Market location: 930 S. 9th St. 215/922-2876. Central location: 1730 Chestnut St. (btw. 17th & 18th sts.). 215/665-9220. www.dibruno.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 9, 17, 21, 42. Map.
Reading Terminal Market CENTER CITY This charming, 80-stall indoor market has oysters, organic produce, ice cream, cookbooks, chocolates, sushi, tacos, gourmet cheeses, Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, roast pork sandwiches, moon pies . . . 12th St. (btw. Arch & Filbert sts.). 215/922-2317. www.readingterminalmarket.org. Some kiosks accept some credit cards. Bus: 23, 48, 61. Subway: 13th St. Map.
Jewelry
Halloween ANTIQUE ROW With only an orange business card in the window as signage, this boutique feels like a treasure trove with pearls upon pearls, opals upon opals, silver upon silver—including vintage and custom pieces. 1329 Pine St. (at Juniper St.). 215/732-7711. No credit cards. Bus: 4, 27, 32, 40. Subway: Lombard South. Map.
Jeweler’s Row WASHINGTON SQUARE A couple blocks’ worth of wholesale and retail merchants around Samson Street, whose vibe ranges from pawn shop to antiques shop. Jeweler’s Row is tailored to sellers of gold and buyers of engagement rings. Btw. 7th & 8th sts., Walnut & Chestnut sts. Bus: 9, 21, 42, 47. Subway: 8th St. Map.
Lagos RITTENHOUSE Flagship for a local jeweler who made the big time (his line is now carried in all the chic department stores), known for its fashion-forward settings, colored gems, and beaded look. Oprah is a fan. 1735 Walnut St. (btw. 17th & 18th sts.). 215/567-0770. www.lagos.com. AE, MC, V. Bus: 9, 12, 21, 42. Map.
Benjamin Lovell Shoes SOUTH STREET/RITTENHOUSE Locally based chain best known for its comfort footwear from Merrell, Ugg, Ecco, Dansko, and Naot, plus fresh kicks from Camper and Cole Haan. South St.: 318 South St. (btw. 3rd & 4th sts.). 215/238-1969. Bus: 40, 57. Rittenhouse: 119 S. 18th St. (btw. Sansom & Chestnut sts.). 215/564-4655. Bus: 9, 12, 21, 42. www.benjaminlovellshoes.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Map.
Bus Stop Boutique QUEEN VILLAGE Super-friendly British shopkeep Elena Brennan maintains a stylishly offbeat selection of women’s and men’s shoes, bags, and jewelry from cutting-edge European and local designers. 727 S. 4th St. (btw. Fitzwater & Catharine sts.). 215/627-2357. www.busstopboutique.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 57. Map.
Sporting Goods
Mitchell & Ness Sporting Goods CENTER CITY Find authentic, licensed replicas of the jerseys, caps, and jackets of some of America’s best-known athletes. 1201 Chestnut St. (btw. 12th & 13th sts.). 866/879-6485. www.mitchellandness.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 9, 21, 23, 38, 42. Subway: Walnut-Locust or 13th St. Map.
The Original I. Goldberg CENTER CITY This classic army-navy outfitter sells everything you need to spend the night outdoors, cheap. Camping gear bought here at age 11 saw me all the way through Eagle Scout. 1300 Chestnut St. (at 13th St.). 215/925-9393. igoco.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 9, 21, 38, 42, 124. Subway: Walnut-Locust or 13th St. Map.
Philadelphia Runner RITTENHOUSE More than 250 styles of running and walking shoes are for sale at the retail home of the Philadelphia Running Club. 1601 Sansom St. (at 16th St.). 215/972-8333. www.philadelphiarunner.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 2, 9, 12, 21, 42. Map.
Rittenhouse Sports Specialties RITTENHOUSE Forgot your sneaks? Come here, and foot expert Karen McGovern won’t just find you a replacement; she’ll find you an improvement. 1717 Chestnut St. (btw. 17th & 18th sts.). 215/569-9957. www.rittenhousesports.com. AE, DISC, MC, V. Bus: 2, 9, 21, 42. Map. 
