Northern Liberties: Shops, Eats and Indie Energy

Six Can’t-Miss Experiences in Northern Liberties

1. Peruse rotating vendors at the Northern Liberties Farmers Market

Discover fresh, locally sourced goods from rotating vendors at The Piazza during the Northern Liberties Farmers Market every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on 2nd Street and Germantown Avenue.

  — Photo courtesy Northern Liberties Business Improvement District

2. Stop by for annual festivals

Take in several blocks of lively entertainment, food and drinks during the massive annual 2nd Street Festival (First Sunday in August).

The quarterly Northern Liberties Night Market is a family-friendly block party under the stars with treats for everyone, including furry, four-legged friends.

Northern Liberties Night Market   — Photo by D. Tavani

3. Make a day of it and savor the food scene

Snag breakfast pastries at The Kettle Black or enjoy professionally brewed coffee at Menagerie Coffee. Grab a meal at Cafe La Maude or experience the 637 Philly Sushi Club omakase. Finish your day with the rotating ice cream flavors at Milk Jawn or a sip on suds at local breweries like Yards Brewing Co.

Yards Brewing Company   — Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia

4. Shop your way down 2nd Street

Shop it like it’s hot. The neighborhood is full of woman-, LBGTQIA+ and BIPOC-owned businesses like Trunc, 70six, Laser Philly, Dame’s Vintage Emporium, Once Worn, Ray’s Reusables, City Planter and more, all within walking distance.

70six   — Photo courtesy Northern Liberties Business Improvement District

5. Visit The National Shrine of St. John Neumann

Tucked away in a stone building at 1019 N. 5th Street is the tomb of Redemptorist Saint John Neumann, a significant figure of the Catholic Church in the U.S. View sacred relics as you trace the life of St. John Neumann during a free self-guided tour of the shrine and museum. Afterwards, explore the gift shop. Drop by to visit year-round during hours of operation. Note: The shrine is closed on major holidays.

6. Pair your dinner with live music

Hopping from one place to another sounds adventurous, but there’s no need to choose between dinner and dancing in Northern Liberties. Silk City offers the convenience of a bar, diner, restaurant, beer garden and nightclub in one location. Sip and dine in a retro diner setting before dancing the night away in the connected nightclub.

An independent music venue with hot dogs and cold beer? Yes, please! Enjoy live performances at Ortlieb’s while savoring maplewood-smoked hot dogs (vegan options available). Pro tip: Don’t skip their famous pickle dog.

Visit Philly staff says...

I’ve lived in Northern Liberties for a while now and love how walkable, pet-friendly and welcoming the neighborhood is. It’s the perfect gateway to exploring Philly, especially for people who are new to the city.

My perfect day starts with the French toast platter at Honey’s, then a stop at City Planter (I’ve recently gotten into gardening). I like to swing by Liberty Lands for some fresh air before heading down 2nd Street.

From hanging at the Piazza to drinks at El Camino and ice cream at Milk Jawn, there’s always something going on there. I end the night at the Saint —  aka St. Lazarus Bar. Great DJs and great vibes, it’s been my spot since college. A heads up: It does get packed, especially Thursdays through Saturdays.

Jada Dale,
Marketing

Where to Stay

There are several affordable and luxurious lodging options nearby, such as the cozy and quaint Conwell Inn, the self-service boutique apartment spaces by Lokal Fishtown, the chic apartment-style Leopard Fishtown, and the modernly designed Switch House Hotel.

Switch House Hotel   — Photo courtesy Switch House Hotel

Local Tips

• Keep an eye out for Leo Razzi’s metal sculptures and installations scattered across the neighborhood. Razzi was a beloved local artist whose creativity helped shape Northern Liberties into what it is today. His metal work can be found on gates, bike racks and benches throughout the neighborhood. You may even spot a few gears and conveyor chains artistically arranged to look like smiling faces.

• The neighborhood can be explored by car, bike or foot. Plus, SEPTA makes it easy to get around. Two Market-Frankford Line stops (Spring Garden and Girard), a trolley line and multiple bus routes drop you close to the action. If you’re driving, highways are accessible from Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street.

For more information, visit the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District site below.

Official Website

Watch: It’s a Northern Liberties Thing