Home of the Liberty Bell, Rocky, and everyone’s favorite cream cheese, Philadelphia has a lot to offer. That’s why we opened our newest Saatva Viewing Room in the City of Brotherly Love’s chicest neighborhood—Rittenhouse Square.
Named after David Rittenhouse, a famous clockmaker and astronomer, this beloved neighborhood is better known by its Square of the same name. Rittenhouse Square is the heart of the city, a perennially popular park for picnics, reading, and sunbathing.
But green space isn’t the only thing to see here. Also known for some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and boutiques on Rittenhouse Row, here are our picks for your next visit to Rittenhouse Square.
Where to shop
Saatva Viewing Room
Our new Viewing Room is as stylish as our surroundings. If you’re looking for a sleep upgrade, we’ve got you covered with our store’s stress-free, high-tech approach to pursuing your perfect mattress. White-glove service and free delivery countrywide is a mattress game-changer.
Saatva Philadelphia: 1712 Walnut St
Boyds Philadelphia
Selling luxury clothes and goods since 1939, this fourth-generation family business is a city stalwart. With oodles of options for all genders, Boyds sources from more than 250 designers around the world to keep Philadelphia looking fashionable.
Boyds Philadelphia: 1818 Chestnut St
Anthropologie
While Anthropologie isn’t exactly a boutique find, once you set eyes on this historic building, you’ll understand why it made our list. The brand’s flagship store is housed inside a former 1898 mansion, and its Beaux-Arts architecture is as stunning as its five-floor collection.
Anthropologie: 1801 Walnut St
DFTI Boutique
An acronym for “dress for the image,” this Rittenhouse boutique gives customers a personalized shopping experience without blowing their budget. Each trendy, hand-picked piece is under $100, with rave reviews going to its stellar service.
DFTI Boutique: 2032 Chestnut St
Tselaine
Your new go-to for the best gifts, perfect for pretty much everyone. This boutique has a huge range of clever finds, including precious kid’s apparel, cheeky purses, ’90s toys, funny socks, and delicate handmade jewelry. Ask any local; this is a true Philly gem.
Tselaine: 1927 Walnut St
Where to eat and drink
Her Place Supper Club
Imagine walking into the dinner party of your dreams. Chef Amanda Schulman serves an ever-changing, always delicious set menu to a small group of diners. The evening starts with an explainer about the local farmers and purveyors from which the menu is sourced and continues with innovative course after course.
Her Place Supper Club: 1740 Sansom St
Parc
Transport yourself to Paris with a bottle of red at this Philly favorite. Parc is a classic French bistro serving escargots, steak frites, and a Nicoise salad. But it’s not just the food that wows; Parc’s authentic interiors will leave you daydreaming about your next European getaway.
Parc: 227 S 18th St
Di Bruno Bros.
This gourmet grocer has specialized in all things meat and cheese since 1939. It’s arguably the best place in the city to sample and select ingredients for the perfect picnic in Rittenhouse Square. You can also try the made-to-order meals from their Chef’s Counter.
Di Bruno Bros.: 1730 Chestnut St
The Dandelion
An ode to an upscale British pub, The Dandelion serves rare ales alongside fish and chips and a mean Sunday roast. Settle in for a scotch by their fireplace or come for a traditional afternoon tea—scones and all.
The Dandelion: 124 S 18th St
The Love
Started by local chef superstar Aimee Olexy, you can really feel the love in each comforting plate. Book in for brunch here, where inventive dishes like Sriracha bacon candy and Funfetti scones grace the menu.
The Love: 130 S 18th St
Where else to spend time
Rittenhouse Square
No visit to Philadelphia would be complete without a walk in Rittenhouse Square, the neighborhood’s beloved park. Stroll through, admiring the flower beds and historic statues that dot the area. And on Saturdays, pick up some local treats at the farmers market.
Rittenhouse Square: 18th St and Walnut St
The Rosenbach Museum and Library
Inside two stately mansions is a book lover’s dream. This museum has roughly 400,000 rare books, art objects, and manuscripts that have shaped our literary world. Make a booking and learn about this staggering collection on a guided museum tour.
The Rosenbach Museum and Library: 2008-2010 Delancey St
FAQs
Is Rittenhouse Square a good area in Philadelphia?
Absolutely. It’s one of the city’s most stylish and upscale neighborhoods and a go-to area among locals and visitors.
What is Rittenhouse Square used for?
The name of both the neighborhood and the public park within it, Rittenhouse Square, is Philadelphia’s premier shopping area. It’s also home to some of the city’s best restaurants and hotels.
Check out our additional travel guides for advice on how to spend the day near our other Viewing Rooms:
- Union Square, San Francisco
- Logan Circle, Washington, DC
- West Hollywood, Los Angeles
- Upper East Side, New York City
- Back Bay, Boston
- Lincoln Park, Chicago
- Uptown, Dallas
- South Park, Charlotte
- Pearl District, Portland
- University Village, Seattle