The Northern Liberties neighborhood is at the heart of Philadelphia’s transformation into a world-class, vibrant modern city. The transformation began several decades ago when artists moved into the neighborhood due to the availability of inexpensive studio space. From there, Northern Liberties gradually began to develop interesting galleries, clubs and later, restaurants that people all around the city began seeking out.
The warehouses of the former manufacturing district have been transformed into condos, lofts, galleries, and restaurants. The neighborhood is located a little over a mile north of Old City and about two miles from City Hall, which is considered the center-most point of Center City.
SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (the Blue Line):
Runs 24/7 through Northern Liberties at Spring Garden and Girard stations
SEPTA Trolley Routes:
Girard Avenue Line (aka Route 15, Girard Trolley) runs on on Girard Avenue
SEPTA Bus Routes:
5, on Girard Avenue, 2nd and 3rd streets; 43, on Spring Garden Street; 57, on 3rd and 4th streets
Northern Liberties is home to numerous international restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Here are a few of the local favorites:
Silk City is everything rolled up into one happening spot: diner, nightclub, bar, restaurant, and beer garden. The original diner closed in 2006 and was reopened in 2007 as a combination of diner, bar and nightclub, with a 3000 ft beer garden at the back. Frenetic dancing and hip dining can keep you entertained throughout the night.
Jerry’s bar is a historic renovated dive bar located in the heart of Northern Liberties. Enjoy bistro classics with modern touches and and a full bar with a whiskey focus.
Widely considered “America’s First Gastropub,” this spot features a rotating menu of American eats & a variety of local beers on tap. The multilevel building includes a rooftop and fireplace for the cold winter months. Best of all, the restaurant uses produce, poultry, meats and seafood from area farms and local vendors to create fresh, seasonal dishes.
No Philadelphia neighborhood is compete without a great Philly Cheesteak joint. With a huge dining room with plenty of seating for your friends and family, their extensive menu includes everything from cheesesteaks and pizza to salads and chicken sandwiches at a reasonable price.
Designed and named after Rome’s famous piazzas, The Piazza is a 80,000 square-foot, open-air cobblestone plaza, surrounded by three buildings home to restaurants, markets and boutiques. It also features a 800-square-foot stage and a high-definition LED screen, making the space a center of activity all year long with free festivals, concerts, dance performances and live broadcasts of sporting events. Be sure to check out the unique shops and boutiques that line the plaza, as well as eateries like El Camino Real and Urban Village Brewing Company.
Residents north of Poplar Street are zoned to James R. Ludlow School for grades Kindergarten through 8 and Kensington High School for grades 9 through 12. Residents south of Poplar Street are zoned to the General Philip Kearny School for grades Kindergarten through 8 and Benjamin Franklin High School for grades 9 – 12.
If you’re looking for a private school, St Peter The Apostle School serves pre-k to grade 8 is located within Northern Liberties. McSherry Annex – Roman Catholic High School is also located nearby in Center City. The neighborhood is also home to the Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library, which is located at 600 West Girard Avenue.
Between Fairmount Avenue and Spring Garden Street, you’ll find a low-rise apartment community that’s popular with professionals, couples and students at an excellent price. Welcome to…622 N 2nd Street Apartments.
Enjoy gorgeous city views and everything the Northern Liberties Neighborhood has to offer. With modern, energy-saving amenities, these chic, two-bedroom apartment homes range from a spacious 880 to 980 square feet.