Visitors seeking a tricorn hat, feather quill pen or mini-Rocky can certainly find such souvenirs in and around Philadelphia’s best-known historical and cultural sites. And for those who prefer artisan-made goods and foods, cool T-shirts or locally made jewelry, there are stylish shops all over the city to pick up unexpected Philly memorabilia. Here are some of the city’s best places to scoop up memories to hold, take home and cherish (or, as the case may be, digest):
Traditional Souvenirs:
Visits to Philly mean visits to all-American icons—and bringing home spirited memorabilia. Here are some stores that help visitors take history home:
- Betsy Ross House – Young patriots can purchase kid-sized tricorn hats, and flag fans can choose from 13-star flags like Betsy’s original design or cross-stitch needlepoint versions for do-it-yourselfers at the petite gift shop attached to the Betsy Ross House. Free entry. 239 Arch Street, (215) 686-1252, historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house
- City T-Shirts and Souvenirs – The “Home of $5 custom-made Philadelphia T-Shirts” offers serious bargains on custom screen-printed T-shirts and active apparel. Since 1977, guests have been able to choose from a variety of styles and colors, then pay a mere five bucks to have Rocky, the Liberty Bell, a Philly team or local attraction printed on it within 30 seconds. 233 Church Street, (215) 925-7860, oldcitytshirts.com
- Humphrys Flags – Directly (and appropriately) across the street from the Betsy Ross House, the retail arm of this 150-years-plus flagmaker stocks petite to enormous versions of Old Glory, along with flags from other nations, states, organizations and even times. Custom flags are also available. 238 Arch Street, (800) 227-3524, humphrysflag.com
- Independence Visitor Center – The essential first stop for anyone visiting the Historic District (for directions, maps, tickets, more) has upgraded its gift store to include made-in-Philly merchandise among its Revolutionary-era-inspired gifts and also sells signature “XOXO” items from VISIT PHILADELPHIA. 599 Market Street, (800) 537-7676, giftshop.phlvisitorcenter.com
- Museum of the American Revolution – David McCullough fans and anyone who appreciates a handwoven felt George Washington ornament will find treasures at the gift store attached to this must-visit Old City museum. 101 S. 3rd Street, (877) 740-1776, amrevmuseum.org
- Xeno’s Candy ’n’ Gifts – When the goal is a Philly tchotchke, Old City’s Xeno’s delivers: pint glasses, plates, key chains, mugs, thermoses, sweatshirts, chocolates, mini statuary and knickknacks galore. Also in stock: comic book character goods and, for no charge at all, maps, directions and advice from the friendly staff. 231 Chestnut Street, (215) 922-1445, xenosgifts.com
Edible (and Drinkable) Gifts:
- Candy & Treats – Unfortunately, cheesesteaks are not quite suited for travel (although they are widely available for shipping). These spots pack up other delicious consumables with Philly flavor:
- Pennsylvania General Store – The Reading Terminal Market merchant that’s a go-to for Philly food gifts: soft pretzels, Wilbur Buds (originally made in Old City), Hope’s Cookies, Tastykakes, Horn & Hardart coffee, even Bassetts Ice Cream, available a la carte or in tins and baskets, along with glasses, mugs, T-shirts, books, charms. 12th & Arch Streets, (215) 592-9772, pageneralstore.com
- Shane Confectionery – Old City’s Edwardian chocoletier and candy store makes its own wares, including signature Philadelphia buttercreams and caramels, old-fashioned clear toy candies and chocolate bars, bonbons and drinking chocolates, available in the cafe or as a take home gift. 110 Market Street, (215) 922-1048, shanecandies.com
- Verde – This Midtown gift shop with its own chocolate studio offers a candy series featuring Philly icons: LOVE sculpture (with raspberry ganache), Liberty Bell (70% cacao, vanilla bean), soft pretzel (peanut butter and pretzel ganache) and Philly skyline (hazelnut, milk chocolate praline). 108 S. 13th Street, (215) 546-8700, verdephiladelphia.com
- Coffee – Philadelphia’s coffee game is strong. Here are a few places that offer Philly beans to-go. (Here are more.)
- Elixr Coffee – Roasted in Callowhill, available near Rittenhouse Square and West Philly, these beans appeal to aficionados. 207 S. Sydenham Street; roastery, 315 N. 12th Street,
(239) 404-1730; 3675 Market Street; elixrcoffee.com - La Colombe – The originator of Philly’s first wave of coffee has five local cafes offering drinks for right now; beans and draft lattes to go. 130 S. 19th Street, (215) 563-0860; 1414 S. Penn Square, (215) 977-7770; 6th & Market Streets, (267) 479-1650; 1335 Frankford Avenue, (267) 479-1600; 915 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr,
(215) 398-3091, lacolombe.com - Rival Bros. – A chef and a coffee roaster, lifelong friends, joined forces to create some of the most in-demand blends in town. 2400 Lombard Street, 1528 Spruce Street,
1100 Tasker Street, rivalbros.com
- Craft Beer – The Western Hemisphere’s onetime beer-brewingest city long ago reclaimed its brewery cred—and offers plenty of craft brews to take home. Here are a few spots to sample, tour and purchase (newer breweries can be found here):
- Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant – Housed in an old West Philly firehouse, Dock Street is known for traditional unfiltered ales and lagers, along with alternative and experimental styles, available to drink in or takeout. 701 S. 50th Street, (215) 726-2337, dockstreetbeer.com
- Philadelphia Brewing Company (PBC) – The former Weisbrod & Hess Brewing Company in Kensington returned to its original purpose, brewing, offering Saturday tours and selling popular ales such as Kenzinger, Walt Wit, Newbold India Pale Ale and Pennsylvania Pale Ale. 2440 Frankford Avenue, (215) 427-BREW (2739), philadelphiabrewing.com
- Yards Brewing – A 70,000-square-foot facility in Northern Liberties offers tours, drinking, dining—and six-packs and growlers, including of Yards’ Ales of the Revolution Series, to go. 500 Spring Garden Street, (215) 525-0175, yardsbrewing.com
Made-In-Philly Finds:
- Art Star – Now veteran, still totally cool, Northern Liberties craft gallery displays attainable handmade art, including pieces made by owners Erin Waxman and Megan Brewster, who also display locally made wares at regular pop-up markets at Cherry Street Pier and the 2nd Street Festival. 623 N. 2nd Street, (215) 238-1557, artstarphilly.com
- Duross & Langel – Colorful, playfully (and, in some cases, seriously) scented handmade soaps, hair and skin-care products, along with Philly-themed soy candles are the stock and trade of this independently owned Gayborhood shop. There’s a rubber ducky soap collection too. 117 S. 13th Street, (215) 834-7226, durossandlangel.com
- Nice Things Handmade – Shoppers looking out for a Gritty nightlight, Tastykake portrait, Philly coasters and more fun, handmade finds ought to seek out this quirky-cool shop along South Philly’s on-trend East Passyunk Avenue. 1731 E. Passyunk Avenue, (267) 455-0256, instagram.com/nicethingsphila
- Occasionette – Owner Sara Villari got her start screen printing tea towels with well-known (Boathouse Row, soft pretzels, Independence Hall) and not-so-Philly icons. Her adorable East Passyunk Avenue gift shop sells them still, along with other handmade (some-in-Philly) finds. 1825 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 465-1704, occasionette.com
- Open House – This Gayborhood gift emporium has its own “We Heart Philly” line of framed graphic prints of Philly neighborhood names, pint glasses adorned with local landmarks, “I (Pretzel) Philly” baby onesies, LOVE sculpture necklaces and Philly dish towels, mugs, bottle openers, flasks and totes. 107 S. 13th Street, (215) 922-1415, weheartphilly.com
- Philadelphia Independents – This Old City shop combines the compellingly collectible, absolutely functional works of dozens of Philly ceramicists, silk-screen artists, illustrators, jewelers and other modern makers so emblematic of the city’s rising artisan community. 35 N. 3rd Street, (267) 773-7316, philadelphiaindependents.com
Souvenirs for Proud and/or Homesick Philadelphians:
- Cheesesteaktees – Although online only, this Philadelphia-born-and-based creator of fun, cheeky, totally timely, mostly Philly sports-theme T-shirts, hoodies and decals originated the now-iconic “illadelph” logo and continues the fun with the latest and greatest, be that Bryce Harper, Gritty or former Eagles superstar Nick Foles. cheesesteaktees.com
- LAGOS – For the splurge, this city-based luxury jewelry designer incorporated architectural details from four city landmarks—City Hall, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts—into its Heart of Philadelphia, a sterling silver charm that’s available on a necklace or bracelet. 1735 Walnut Street, (215) 567-0770, lagos.com
- Shibe Vintage Sports – Founded by a friend group of diehard fans, Midtown Village’s Shibe (named for the old ballpark) carries its made-in-Philly line of retro T-shirts celebrating classic Philly landmarks (Spectrum, Veterans Stadium), culture (The Bulletin), athletes past (Randall Cunningham, Allen Iverson, Mike Schmidt) and present (Joel Embiid, Bryce Harper). 137 S. 13th Street, (215) 566-2511, shibevintagesports.com
- South Fellini – Another East Passyunk (relative) newcomer plays up the quirks that make Philly Philly, emblazing locals-only terms like “Jawn,” “Citywide Special” and “Crumb Bum” on t-shirts, knit hats, sweatshirts, mugs, more. 1507 E. Passyunk Avenue, (267) 751-3667, southfellini.com
VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.
On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.
