July 10, 2015
Earlier this year, Condé Nast Traveler confirmed what Philadelphia residents have always known: Our city is a great place to shop. Ranked the #2 best shopping city in the world by the iconic travel mag, Philadelphia wears this accolade well. From upscale chic to hipster thrift, Philly’s panoply of shops, galleries, and boutiques offer something for all tastes and budgets.
Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique flair and retail offerings. And the Indego bike share system conveniently brings these neighborhoods closer together through a network of docking stations around town. Here are just a few areas worth passing through on your journey:
If you’re looking to splurge, then the shops surrounding Rittenhouse Square are the place to do it. Tony boutiques and art galleries, gourmet food and tea shops, luxury watch and jewelry stores, and outposts of the world’s leading designer brands can all be found in close proximity to this charming urban park. A great place for spotting stylish urbanites, the area also features countless upscale dining options if all that shopping has given you an appetite!
An antiques shop on Pine Street. (File Art / For PhillyVoice)
Classics never go out of style. And you can find many of them tucked away along Pine Street’s Historic Antique Row from 13th to 8th Street. Here, tiny antique and consignment galleries dot the street, adding an element of excitement to a day of shopping as folks hunt for that perfect find. Furniture, apparel, and vintage items can all be found at more than a dozen independently owned shops.
South Street offers an array of unique shopping options. (File Art / For PhillyVoice)
The cornerstone of Miley Cyrus’s “best summer ever”, South Street’s eclectic mix of funky shops and eateries has been a staple of the Philadelphia shopping experience for decades. The famous street’s diverse gathering of shops includes consignment and thrift stores, hip shoe and clothing galleries, jewelers, and book and record stores. Though it's no longer the punk rock haven of the 1970s and 80s, if it’s good enough for Miley, it’s certainly worth a trip.
Jeweler’s Row is America’s oldest Diamond District. (File Art / For PhillyVoice)
Guys from all over the area flock to Jeweler’s Row in Society Hill in search of that perfect engagement ring, which the more than 300 retailers and craftsmen who call this strip home are more than able to provide. The windows around America’s oldest diamond district sparkle with precious stones, gold, platinum, and silver. Already said, “I do?” Not to worry – Jeweler’s Row also offers a bevy of everyday jewelry that’s anything but ordinary.
A look inside Third Street Habit. (File Art / For PhillyVoice)
In search of a unique gift or a new outfit that no one else has? Maybe you’re looking for one-of-a-kind home furnishings. If so, then the shops on 3rd Street Corridor in Old City won’t disappoint. This charming street is home to dozens of independently owned galleries, boutiques, and clothiers, like Sugarcube, The Geisha House, Third Street Habit, and Vagabond. Audiophiles can find their happy place at AKA Music, where they’ll discover the city’s largest selection of new and used records and CDs.
Possibly Philadelphia’s hippest ‘hood, Northern Liberties has evolved into a shopping destination capable of catering to all tastes. The area’s flagship apartment development, The Piazza, is also home to several quirky retailers. Stroll a little further down 2nd Street and you’ll find dozens of independently owned stores and boutiques, including R.E. Load Bags, Trophy Bikes, Casa Papel, and Once Worn Consignment.
Although Indego bikes have convenient front and rear baskets, riders might not wish to lug their haul around with them on their trip. No worries, most of Philadelphia’s independent stores will ship their wares back to your home address.
Philadelphia’s shopping options are best explored with plenty of free time and a curious mind. By quickly bringing riders from one neighborhood to another, the Indego system gives them more time to browse and expands the possibility for finding the right item. It’s so simple to hop on and get your shop on!
