Northern Liberties Neighborhood Guide

This small area in the northeast section of the city is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves into the heart of Philly's restaurant and music scene. 

Northern Liberties History

Northern Liberties has shed the label of up-and-coming and transformed into a thriving neighborhood. The former manufacturing district first started turning heads in the early ’90s when a progressive, artist-heavy flock migrated north from Old City, lured by the neighborhood’s affordable studio space. But before it was known as Northern Liberties, it was initially called The Liberties. It’s as old as Philadelphia itself, founded by Philadelphia’s founder, William Penn, in 1682. Northern Liberties was the land located north of the original 1682 boundary of Philadelphia, and early purchasers of land in Philadelphia would also be granted a lot in Northern Liberties.

NoLibs has always had a personality that’s persisted throughout its evolution from an up-and-comer to a Philadelphia frontrunner.

Popular Restaurants and Bars in Northern Liberties

To start off this list of essential places you must visit in Northern Liberties, the list had to start with Silk City. A one-stop venue where everything old is new again. Start off with dinner, grab a drink, and dance all night. Another great spot you must stop by while staying here is at Heritage, a local eatery that offers new American dishes and live jazz. 

Giant Heirloom Market now calls NoLibs home and features a taproom in the basement with video games. Similar to Whole Foods, they have a large variety of fancy cheese, wine and beer, and kombucha on tap.

Meanwhile, beer lovers have their choice of places to imbibe, from Northern Liberties Standard Tap to Yards Brewing Company’s brewery and tasting room at 5th and Spring Garden streets at the neighborhood’s southern edge.

The possibilities are endless while you are in Northern Liberties. There are so many great restaurants and bars that it’s hard to pick a spot on any given night. If you want to change your pace up a bit and do some more activities, Northern Liberties 2nd Street Festival is the place you’ll want to be. It is an awesome showcase of the neighborhood with food, music, and shopping.

The Piazza at Pod Park is a shopping, food, and drink destination that is brand new in the heart of Northern Liberties. It is a great attraction for families and better yet – your pets!

Apartments for Rent in Northern Liberties

With all of these amazing places in mind, the choices of what you want to do are endless in the thriving Northern Liberties. Want to be part of this neighborhood? Check out our apartments for rent in Northern Liberties, a historically charming neighborhood, and your next new home.