Philadelphia Shopping Guide - Whether you’re in search of the perfect gift, fashions for the whole family, or just an afternoon of unforgettable browsing, Philly shopping is an experience all its own. Jewelers Row
For high-quality jewelry at low prices, Jewelers Row is a dream come true. Just one block from Independence Hall on Sansom Street and the area bounded by Seventh, Eighth, Chestnut and Walnut streets, more than 150 independent jewelry and jewelry-related stores line the brick-paved street — all within walking distance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The nation’s oldest diamond district — and one of the largest — offers not only diamonds, but also a seemingly unlimited selection of watches, precious stones, pearls, gold and an array of settings to match, priced as low as 50 percent off the retail market. The public has access to the more than 300 jewelers, designers, diamond cutters, setters, goldsmiths, wax makers and polishers on the premises. A tip for the intrepid: As in the bazaars of the Middle East, bargaining is not only a good idea, it’s expected.

Rittenhouse Square
The historic Wanamaker’s building (now Lord & Taylor; 13th and Market streets) is located just blocks from the Rittenhouse Square shopping area. Located in the blocks surrounding Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse Row comprises outstanding shops and restaurants. This is a great place for a stroll among exclusive gift and fashion boutiques catering to the finest tastes.

South Street/South Philadelphia
New York has Greenwich Village, L.A. has Melrose Avenue and Philadelphia has South Street (between 10th and Front streets) — an area filled with funky boutiques, unique restaurants and coffeehouses. Don’t forget to check out the action on weekends and evenings, when the locals come out to play. Alive with a culture and a flavor all its own, South Philadelphia is home to the vibrant Italian Market (9th Street, between Christian and Wharton streets). This open-air market features vendors selling a wide variety of flowers as well as food and cooking supplies — just right for those craving old-world cuisine.

Center City
This district in the very heart of Philadelphia offers a wide range of browsing and buying possibilities for the discriminating shopper. There are the specialty stores plus the international buffet at The Shops at Liberty Place (16th and Chestnut streets), and visit The Shops at The Bellevue (Broad and Walnut streets). If you desire fine collectibles, amble over to Antique Row (Pine Street, between 9th and 12th streets). Then shift cultural gears in Chinatown (bounded by Arch, Vine, 8th and 11th streets). Philadelphia’s historic and adjacent Old City and Society Hill districts (bounded by Vine, 6th, Front and Lombard streets) have long offered a wide range of choice shopping and sightseeing. Finally, Reading Terminal Market (Arch Street, between 11th and 12th streets) features a variety of excellent baked goods, fresh produce, Amish products and more.

Main Line/Valley Forge
Start your Main Line shopping trip with a stop at Suburban Square (between Montgomery and Lancaster avenues, Ardmore). In this charming open-air shopping village, you can enjoy a visit to Strawbridge’s and more than 60 other shops and restaurants, including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and Gap. The Ardmore Farmers Market, with some 20 vendors, is also located here (open Wednesday through Sunday). Then you can head to the King of Prussia Mall (160 N. Gulph Road) and its eight major department stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Strawbridge’s, Lord & Taylor, JCPenney, Sears, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom; more than 365 specialty stores (from BOSS Hugo Boss to Sunglass Hut); and more than 40 restaurants and eateries. They are all housed in elegant yet comfortable surroundings.

Out and About
Traditionally a working-class community, Manayunk (just west of Center City) is also one of Philadelphia’s hippest destinations. Visit Main Street’s gentrified shops and galleries, savor the specialties of local ethnic restaurants, or relax in one of the area’s many cafes. Anyone who loves a bargain will want to visit one of the largest outlet malls in the world, Franklin Mills Mall (I-95 at Woodhaven Road exit in Northeast Philly). The mall boasts 200 shops — anchor stores include Last Call Neiman Marcus, Off 5th–Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Kenneth Cole Outlet. With its stately homes and tree-lined streets, Chestnut Hill is a perfect spot for a stroll. The charming nineteenth-century neighborhood offers more than 200 specialty shops and restaurants, plus ATMs, beauty salons and all the other modern conveniences (Germantown Avenue, from the top of the hill down to Cresheim Valley Drive).