Shane Confectionery
Step into 1863 at America's oldest candy shop, where Victorian splendor meets hand-poured chocolates, buttercreams, and ethical confections in Philadelphia's historic heart.
America's oldest continuously operating candy shop since 1863, Shane Confectionery at 110 Market Street in Philadelphia's Old City delights with handcrafted chocolates, nostalgic buttercreams, and Victorian-era charm. Step into a time capsule of stained-glass windows, marble counters, and aromatic confections made on century-old machines, paired with ethical bean-to-bar chocolate and a cozy café.[1][9]
A brief summary to Shane Confectionery
- 110 Market St, Philadelphia, Center City East, Pennsylvania, 19106, US
- Click to display
- Click to display
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-8 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-8 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-8 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
- Friday 11 am-9 pm
- Saturday 11 am-9 pm
- Sunday 11 am-8 pm
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Shane Confectionery.
- Opt for clear toy candies or buttercreams for authentic 19th-century flavors made on original equipment.
- Visit the back chocolate café for house-made hot chocolate using seasonal spices like Spanish or peppermint.
- Pair your stop with a walk to nearby Franklin Fountain for old-fashioned ice cream.
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Getting There
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Walking
From Independence Hall, 5-minute walk (0.3 miles); free, flat sidewalks in pedestrian-friendly Old City.
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Public Transit
Market-Frankford Line to 2nd St Station, 3-minute walk; $2.50 one-way, frequent service.
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Driving
Limited street parking nearby; 10-15 minutes from I-95, expect $3/hour meters or nearby garages at $25/day.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
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Drink Options
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Food Options
Discover more about Shane Confectionery
Historic Legacy
Nestled in Philadelphia's bustling Old City, Shane Confectionery has sweetened lives since 1863, making it the nation's oldest continuously operating candy shop. Founded by Samuel Herring amid the city's 19th-century confectionery boom, the site evolved from wholesale supplies to a retail gem under owners like Edward R. Shane in 1910, who installed ornate carved cabinets and stained-glass accents still gleaming today. Revived by the Berley Brothers in 2010, it honors Shane's name while preserving handcrafting traditions fueled by Philadelphia's port-driven cocoa and sugar trade.[1][3][9]Artisan Confections
Candies emerge from vintage machines in small batches: velvety buttercreams churned on a 1910s cast-iron beater, clear toy candies molded from molten sugar in Pennsylvania-German style, chocolate-covered pretzels, caramels, and seasonal delights like violet or horehound drops. Shane Chocolate Works crafts ethical bean-to-bar bars from responsibly sourced cacao, blending heritage recipes with modern integrity. Local honey from rooftop hives adds a Philadelphian touch to select sweets.[7][10][11]Victorian Ambiance
The interior transports visitors to yesteryear with antique tin ceilings, wooden floors, marble slabs, glass cases, and a 1910 cash register. Staff in period attire share tales of the shop's evolution, from Civil War-era origins to its role in Philly's candy renaissance alongside Hershey and Whitman. The adjacent Shane Chocolate Café, built from salvaged 1880s materials, serves rich hot chocolate amid pressed-tin charm.[1][4][7]Visitor Experience
Browse jars of nostalgic treats, watch candy-making demos, or customize chocolate boxes. Proximity to Franklin Fountain ice cream parlor enhances sweet strolls along historic Market Street. Open daily with extended weekend hours, it's a must for candy aficionados seeking authenticity over mass production.[2][5]Cultural Significance
More than a shop, Shane embodies Philadelphia's confectionery heritage, where Market Street once hosted over 200 makers. Tours reveal behind-the-scenes wonders, from mold collections to reject piles, fostering appreciation for artisanal craft in an automated age.[8][12]Explore the best of what Shane Confectionery has to offer
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