|
 |
|
Shopping in Philadelphia
Tax-free shopping on clothing
|
Shopping in Center City
Photo by A. Sinagoga
|
Location:
Center City Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Lahaska
Transportation:
Walking and driving
Duration:
3 days
“There is no shopping center - like Shopping Center City!" With department stores, boutiques, galleries, museum shops and malls, you could shop forever. With more than 2,000 retail stores in Center City alone, the city is also laced with some unique shopping districts, including Manayunk, South Street, Chestnut Hill, Old City, Antique Row, Jewelers Row, Fabric Row and Rittenhouse Row. You need several days to shop it all!
Best of All—There is NO SALES TAX ON CLOTHING in Philadelphia or Pennsylvania! Below are a few suggestions for shopping. If you have "more time to spend" then you should visit the shopping districts that are mentioned towards the end of the itineraries. These districts add to Philadelphia’s eclectic shopping experience.
Day One: Center City Philadelphia
|
Rittenhouse Row
Photo by D. Fields
|
Get up early! You are going on a major shopping expedition! Start with a really special breakfast at the luxurious Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia (17th & Chestnut Streets), reservations required. The Ritz is known for their scrumptious Belgian Waffles with fresh berries. The smoked salmon is a good alternative if the former is too sweet.
Fortunately, The Shops at Liberty Place (1625 Chestnut Street) are conveniently connected to the Ritz Carlton. Here, you will find places like J. Crew, 9 West, Express, Godiva Chocolates and much more. Rest in the sunny Rotunda with your cappuccino from the International Food Buffet just above.
Next stop is The Shops at the Bellevue (Broad and Walnut Streets). The historic Bellevue anchors Rittenhouse Row and the Avenue of the Arts. It has designer shops such as Nicole Miller, Polo/Ralph Lauren and Williams-Sonoma to name a few — and if you've got a sweet tooth, take a well-deserved break at Teuscher Chocolates. World-class restaurants include The Palm, XIX, Bliss, The Palm and JL Sullivan’s Speakeasy.
If you would like afternoon tea with a beautiful view, make a reservation in the Barrymore Room at The Park Hyatt Philadelphia — located just above where you are shopping. If you would like something casual, try the gourmet Food Court in the lower level of The Bellevue.
After The Bellevue, continue west on Walnut Street and shop internationally acclaimed galleries, haute couture boutiques, luxury salons, spas and other fine stores. Walnut Street, part of the Rittenhouse Row District, is booming with some of the nation’s best dining. Rittenhouse Row is quickly becoming THE destination for diners nationwide, so be sure to call and make your reservation for lunch or dinner at The Striped Bass, Brasserie Perrier, or Susanna Foo.
For department store shopping explore Macy's, 1300 Market Street. Just a few blocks east, check out the Gallery at Market East, 801 Market Street. With more than 170 shops, it is Center City's largest shopping center.
From the Gallery, head west on 8th Street and turn left on Sansom Street. Diamonds and emeralds and rubies, oh my! You have landed in Jewelers Row which extends between 7th & 8th Streets from Chestnut to Walnut Streets. Jewelers Row is the second largest diamond center in the United States. Here you will find an unlimited selection of diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, all at a 30 – 50 percent off retail. More than 300 jewelers and designers are located one block from Independence Hall.
Then walk to Old City. Just past the Liberty Bell on Market Street, head east between 5th and Front Streets (towards the Delaware River) and find charming boutique shops, art galleries, historic cobble stone streets and some of the city's finest dining.
Day Two –The Court and The Plaza at King of Prussia
|
King of Prussia
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
|
Now you are off to The Court and The Plaza at King of Prussia. Visit the website at www.shopking.com. King of Prussia is located just 15 miles west of Philadelphia on Route 202 at Mall Blvd., where I-76 meets the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
This is the largest shopping complex on the East Coast, offering nine department stores, 365 specialty shops and 35 restaurants! There are three customer service centers at King of Prussia and here you can ask for your bonus booklet filled with coupons. King of Prussia also offers complimentary coat and baggage check for your convenience.
Day Three –Franklin Mills Outlet Mall and Peddler’s Village
|
Franklin Mills Mall
Photo by J. Roese
|
Get in your car and drive!
First stop: Franklin Mills Mall (I-95 and Woodhaven Road, Philadelphia www.franklin-mills-mall.com). It is the largest single-story outlet mall on the East Coast. Here you will find over 225 stores to fit every budget, 3 restaurants, 2 food courts, coffee shops and espresso bars. Tip: Call the Franklin Mills Tourism Department at 1-800-336-6255, for your free tour planner that includes hotel savings, shopping package and daily transportation information.
Head North on I-95 and make your way to Peddler’s Village (Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA/215-794-4000). Peddler’s Villages is an 18th Century Colonial Style Village with winding brick walkways and award winning gardens. Visit any of their over seventy specialty shops, 8 restaurants, or take a nostalgic carousel ride. Stop in the Village green and witness the 150-ton sand sculpture (May – October).
|