The Book Trader Philadelphia
Bookstore heaven
One of my favorite things to do while shopping is to wander through a bookstore. Even better is if that store sells used books. Finding that hidden gem at a great price is as good as it gets.
Philadelphia has a large selection of bookstores, but my favorite is the Book Trader, located near 2nd and Market Street, not far from Independence Hall. The Book Trader has been open since 1975 and was originally located on South Street but moved to their current location in 2004. The shop is crammed with books and is spread out over two stories, with each type of book found in a particular section. In it, you will find anything from classic novels to current non-fiction. And for those of you that enjoy the old-school way of enjoying film and music, they also carry CDs, DVDs, and LPs.
If while in town you have a book you are done reading, take it to the Book Trader. They would be happy to trade if for store credit, giving you a new read for the flight home.
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia
Bio Pond U. Penn
Urban oasis in West Philly
The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park in Philly (known by locals as the Bio Pond) was University of Penn’s first botanic garden. Makes for a romantic date...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Stina Pizzeria
Delightful Mediterranean fare
"Stina Pizzeria" in Philadelphia offers an enticing blend of pizza but also the best spanakopita I've ever tasted and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
The Modern Republic
Midcentury home decor
"The Modern Republic" in Philadelphia is a midcentury modern home decor shop that is colorful, ebullient, high-ceilinged, and tastefully curated!
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood
LGBTQ icon
"Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood" in Philadelphia is 36-feet-large and portrays the early 21st-century LGBTQ+ icon that's conquered the world...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Dream Garden
Beautiful free art
When you see it for the first time you are struck by its size.
by
Jeff
Landis
Contrafuerte
Outdoor sculpture
"Contrafuerte" in Philadelphia is Miguel Antonio Horn's latest sculpture which comprises of eight entangled nude bodies holding a small concrete bridge...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Poquessing Creek Trail Ruins
Prison farm ruins
These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...
by
Holly
Miller
Two Persons Coffee
Excellent coffee zen space
"Two Persons Coffee" in Philadelphia is in a building that used to be a public vocational school, and its furniture was salvaged to complement the cafe...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Merchant Exchange
Greek Revival architecture
My favorite building in Philadelphia is the Merchant Exchange, conveniently located across the street from my favorite movie theater...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Sally
Friendly, local, tasty food!
"Sally" in Philadelphia is a casual and friendly restaurant that's also been named the Best New Restaurant of 2021...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Chris Jazz Cafe
Live jazz and Southern cuisine
"Chris Jazz Cafe" in Philadelphia has been keeping the jazz flames alive in Center City for over 30 years. A night here is an absolute event...
by
Bronwyn
Lepore
Heading to Philadelphia?
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Philadelphia
Our team loves Philadelphia
Get to know our other Spotters from Philadelphia
As featured on:
