Whether you’re a hipster, an artist, or just looking for a funky place to live in Philly, Northern Liberties (No Libs) should be at the top of your list. What once served as an industrial district (and was its own city until becoming part of Philadelphia in 1864), Northern Liberties has since transformed into one of the most creative and coveted Philadelphia neighborhoods. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Northern Liberties, exploring its history, culture, and amenities.
What to know about Northern Liberties
- The basics
- The history of Northern Liberties
- Northern Liberties today
- Culture and entertainment
- Moving to Northern Liberties
The basics
Borders: Northern Liberties shares its northeastern border with Fishtown, another wildly popular neighborhood among young people, hipsters, artists, and just about everyone else. In fact, the two neighborhoods are often spoken of in tandem due to their similar vibes and proximity. Just south of Northern Liberties is where you’ll find Old City and its historic landmarks, like the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House. The small residential neighborhood of Ludlow is to the north, Olde Kensington is to the northeast, and Poplar borders Northern Liberties on the west.
Commute: At the southern edge of the neighborhood is the Spring Garden Station Market-Frankford Line (MFL), which brings you into the city center in about 15 minutes. Or, you can head to the northern tip of the neighborhood and hop on at Girard Station, which serves the same subway line. You can also take the bus–hop on the 42, get off at Chestnut and 3rd Street, then transfer to the 57–which will get you to the city center in about 20 minutes. SEPTA line tickets range from $4.00-$10.00.
The history of Northern Liberties
Northern Liberties has a rich and storied history, dating back to the 18th century when it was a bustling manufacturing district. The neighborhood was home to a number of mills, factories, and warehouses, which employed a large amount of workers. As the years passed, the neighborhood saw a decline in its manufacturing industry, and many of the factories and mills were abandoned.
In the 1990s, Northern Liberties experienced a renaissance as artists and young professionals began to move into the neighborhood. The abandoned factories and warehouses were converted into loft apartments and artist studios, and the neighborhood became a hub for creative types.
Northern Liberties today
This formerly industrial area is a blend of the past and present, and its revitalization in the 1990s–thanks in huge part to local artists–breathed new life into its pre-Civil War era buildings, bars, and restaurants. Today, Northern Liberties is home to a bustling nightlife, trendy eateries, and plenty of street art murals. The Schmidt’s Commons–Philly’s sixth public square built on the site of the now-shuttered Schmidt’s Brewery–is the neighborhood’s crown jewel, and serves as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Check out the old Schmidt’s sign, still visible from inside the commons, also known as the Piazza.
Culture and entertainment
Northern Liberties is a culturally rich neighborhood that is home to a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and bars. The neighborhood has a thriving nightlife scene, with a number of popular bars and clubs that cater to a young and diverse crowd.
One of the most popular cultural events in the neighborhood is the 2nd Street Festival, which takes place every August. The festival features live music, food and drink vendors, and a wide array of art and craft vendors.
Where to eat
Anyone who’s been to Northern Liberties for brunch knows that Cafe La Maude serves up some of the best plates in the neighborhood, from sunrise to nearly sunset (7am-4pm). In fact, it’s been voted one of the best brunch spots in Philadelphia, too! Try the shakshuka at this French-Lebanese restaurant; you won’t regret it.
If there’s a line at Cafe La Maude, head over to Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat. Their extensive menu features a page of breakfast and brunch items plus another full page of lunch items and larger plates like the Country Fried Steak Platter and Bubby’s Brisket Sandwich.
Paesano’s Philly Style is somewhat of an institution around Philadelphia. In 2009, it won Best of Philly in the Sandwich Shop category and became instantly known for its knock-your-socks-off, flavor bomb sandwiches. The Arista–house roasted and pulled suckling pork with broccoli rabe, Italian long hots, and sharp provolone–is a huge crowd pleaser.
Del Rossi’s Cheesesteak is somewhat of an institution around Philadelphia. You can’t go wrong with a mouthwatering cheesesteak hoagie. If you prefer a little spiciness, you have to try the chipotle cheesesteak. Del Rossi’s allows you to top your cheesesteak with your favorite cheese, with options like Whiz or sharp provolone available.
It’s hard to say no to a BYOB pizza place, but why try and fight it? Grab your favorite bottle of vino or 6-pack of beer and head to Spuntino Wood Fired Pizzeria. They serve wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas–like the Capricciosa loaded with ham, artichoke, olives, mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, and basil–and use a homemade San Marzano tomato sauce as the base.
Where to play
There isn’t much you can’t do in No Libs, but here are a few popular spots in the neighborhood.
North Bowl Philly: Relive your childhood in this retro, bi-level bowling alley housed in a former mechanics garage. Bowl a game at this No Libs hangout and enjoy specialty cocktails, draft beers, and yummy dishes like Buffalo Bao Buns and Korean Chicken Tacos. Rent out the upstairs alley and you’ll also get access to pool tables, arcade games, and a spacious lounge.
The Fillmore: Catch all your favorite musical acts at your neighborhood concert venue, The Fillmore. Although it’s *technically* located in neighboring Fishtown, it’s on the border of No Libs and it continues to bring in the biggest up-and-coming artists. Check out their event calendar to see who’s coming to your hood next.
The Piazza at The Schmidt’s Commons: The massive brick wall of Schmidt’s creates the perfect backdrop for a movie screening or Sixers’ game and watch party, and the 80,000-square-foot central plaza offers ample space for free morning yoga classes on the weekends. Keep an eye out for food festivals, open-air markets, and more as the seasons warm up.
Where to drink
From distilleries to dive bars, here’s where locals head to get their drink on.
Yards Brewing Company: Looking for a little brew education? Head over to Yards Brewing Company and take the $5 guided tour of the facilities. The $10 tour comes complete with a beer and a souvenir (think a Yards Brewing koozie), and the guides are knowledgeable and funny. When it’s over, you can head straight to huge beer hall taproom to try a flight of their latest releases.
Philadelphia Distilling: The 1.5-hour tour of Philadelphia Distilling might be the best hour and a half of your weekend. The $15 tour takes you through the facilities where you can see the alcohol being produced. You’ll get a Bluecoat gin cocktail to sip on during the tour, and a sample of the complete range of premium spirits made there. Or, opt out of the tour and just head to the cocktail bar and lounge–which has a wall of windows looking into the distilling area– to enjoy a concoction made with Penn 1681 Vodka, The Bay Vodka, or, of course, Bluecoat Gin, the three brands of spirits distilled here.
Bardot Cafe: This place has it all. Need to catch the end of the Eagles game while you sip on a $4 beer? Or maybe you want to go to a local spot with a friend to grab a fancy cocktail and enjoy some French fare? Bardot is your spot either way. Their draught beers are half off during happy hour, and every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday. Like we said, this place really has it all.
Heritage: Good food, live music nightly, great beer selection, AND an outdoor patio? It doesn’t get much better than Heritage. Hipper than a dive bar, but homey enough to feel comfortable ordering a pint of Miller Lite. Come for happy hour (M-F, 5-7pm) and enjoy $2 off all beers, plus $5 glasses of wine and cocktails.
The Druid’s Keep— If you just need a good, old-fashioned dive bar, this is where the locals go. Their happy hour–$1 off all draughts–is M-F, 5-7pm, which pairs perfectly with a post-work game of pool or a leisurely game of cornhole outside in the back. They also project Phillies games on the brick wall in said back area.
Moving to Northern Liberties
Northern Liberties is a highly sought-after neighborhood, with a mix of luxury apartments and historic rowhouses. The neighborhood is home to a number of parks and green spaces, including Liberty Lands Park and the North Bowl. Here is what you can expect to pay for rent in Northern Liberties Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
- Current rent price of a studio in Northern Liberties: $1,495 per month
- Current rent price for a one-bedroom in Northern Liberties: $1,800 per month
- Current rent price for a two-bedroom in Northern Liberties: $2,445 per month
Renting in Northern Liberties doesn’t just put you near exceptional entertainment and mouthwatering cheesesteaks, but it also exposes you to unique architecture. Northern Liberties is made up of a diverse and eclectic collection of apartments and home rentals. From traditional row homes to modern, amenity-filled retreats, Northern Liberties truly has something for everyone.
If you choose an apartment rental on 5th Street, you’ll enjoy beautiful grand manses. Some of the condo rentals in Northern Liberties are repurposed warehouses. Newer architects are also adding a modern twist to Northern Liberties with contemporary designs and modern modules. The famous architecture firm, Onion Flats, has been a part of many of the more recent apartment designs in the area.
Transportation
Northern Liberties is a highly accessible neighborhood, with a number of transportation options available for residents and visitors. The neighborhood is located just a few miles from Philadelphia’s city center, and is easily accessible by car, bike, and public transportation.
Public Transportation
Northern Liberties is served by several SEPTA bus routes, including the 5, 25, 43, and 57. These routes provide easy access to other parts of the city, including Center City and the suburbs. The neighborhood is also served by the Market-Frankford Line, which has stops at both the Girard and Spring Garden stations. The Market-Frankford Line provides quick and convenient access to downtown Philadelphia, as well as to other parts of the city.
Biking
Northern Liberties is a very bike-friendly neighborhood, with a number of bike lanes and trails. The neighborhood is located near several major bike routes, including the Schuylkill River Trail and the Delaware River Trail. There are also a number of bike rental options available in the neighborhood, making it easy for visitors to explore the area on two wheels.
Car
Northern Liberties is easily accessible by car, with several major highways located nearby. The neighborhood is located just off of I-95, making it easy to get to other parts of the city and the suburbs. There are also several parking garages and lots located throughout the neighborhood, making it easy for residents and visitors to find a spot to park.
Frequently asked questions
Northern Liberties is known for its vibrant atmosphere, great restaurants and bars, and easy access to public transportation. The neighborhood is also home to a variety of small businesses and startups, making it a great place to live and work.
The current population of Northern Liberties is 8,989 people.
Northern Liberties is home to many public parks, including Liberty Lands and Penn Treaty Park.
Yes, Northern Liberties is home to several high-quality schools, including public, private, and charter schools. These schools are known for their strong academic programs and dedicated teachers.
Northern Liberties is famous for dining and drinking. Residents all over the east coast come to Northern Liberties to try out some of the state’s best food and drinks.
Northern Liberties has a thriving job market, with a variety of opportunities in fields such as technology, retail, and marketing. The neighborhood is home to several startups, small businesses, and larger corporations, providing a range of job opportunities.
Northern Liberties has a variety of housing options available, including apartments, condos, and townhouses. The neighborhood is known for its historic row homes and newer construction developments, providing a range of options for residents.
Think Northern Liberties is the right fit for you? Stake your claim on this neighborhood and check out our apartments for rent. Before you know it, you’ll have your own list of favorites and maybe even become a regular at a few places.
Think Northern Liberties is the right fit for you? Stake your claim on this neighborhood and check out our apartments for rent. Before you know it, you’ll have your own list of favorites and maybe even become a regular at a few places.
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