The Ultimate Guide to Philadelphia’s Shopping Scene

Here’s everything you need to know about Philadephia’s main shopping attractions: King of Prussia, Rittenhouse Square, and Fashion District

While New York gets most of the fashion hype, Philadelphia has great shopping opportunities that you can access without a 2-hour train ride. And, since there’s no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania, all of your purchases are ~basically~ 10% off.

Here’s a guide to navigating 3 of the city’s shopping districts for the next time you and your friends are going out.

King of Prussia Mall

Overview: This behemoth has everything. Whether you’re looking to browse looks straight off the runway or chow down on iconic mall food, you can find it here. Beware, this mall is huge. Add that with a commute that can be up to an hour, KOP is great for a full-day shopping extravaganza.

Getting There: 30m-1h Uber, costs $30-$50 on average each way - perfect to split with friends!

Alternatively, SEPTA buses 123, 124, and 125 run directly to the mall.

The Spots - highlights that are unique to KOP:

Aritzia
Alo
Free People
LUSH
Mango
ZARA

Luxury Shops - KOP has most luxury brands represented in their own storefronts, or within Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, or Nordstrom. This is the place to be if you want to try on that pair of Golden Gooses you’ve been eyeing, or even to feel like a VIP browsing at Hermes.

Department Stores: KOP has all nature of department stores, so for a one-stop shop, KOP has it all.

“Rittenhouse”

Overview: Not a mall, but this collection of shops near Rittenhouse Square are close to campus, and are perfect to browse on a nice day. You’re also surrounded by some of the best dining destinations in Philly for a mid-shopping snack.

Getting there: 10m-15m Uber, costs $7-$15 on average each way. Alternatively, Rittenhouse is ready accessible by SEPTA with trolley lines 10, 11, 34, and 36 all servicing the area, the Market-Frankford Line metro, or bus 21.

The Spots

Anthropologie - this is found elsewhere, but the one in Rittenhouse is multi-story and absolutely stunning.
Brandy Melville - the only one in the Philadelphia area.
Glossier
Madewell
Nordstrom Rack
Rag & Bone
Urban Outfitters
Theory

Fashion District

Overview: This indoor mall in the center of Philadelphia is in close proximity to transportation lines, dining destinations, and feels like a traditional mall. While Fashion District isn’t what it once was, the proximity to campus cannot be beat.

Getting there: 15m-20m Uber, costs $10-$20 on average each way. Alternatively, Rittenhouse is ready accessible by SEPTA with trolley lines 10, 11, 34, and 36 all servicing the area, the Market-Frankford Line metro, or bus 21.

The Spots