Philadelphia's Historic, Walkable Neighborhood Is Now A Trendy Spot With Quirky Shops And Diners

Philadelphia's tourists typically flock to Old City, and with good reason. This historic center has cobbled streets, leafy parks, and seasonal flavors. Yet, there's a neighborhood that borders Old City that will further allow you to experience the essence of this East Coast giant: Northern Liberties. Dating all the way back to 1682, Northern Liberties has a colorful past and is considered to be Philadelphia's first suburb. As a historical marker in the neighborhood points out, the first lager in the country was brewed here. Another fun fact? Writer Edgar Allan Poe lived in Northern Liberties in the 1840s, and his house still stands today. Although it's formerly known for being a run-down industrial zone, over the years, Northern Liberties has grown into a sought-after walkable neighborhood with trendy shops and old-school eateries. 

"The area is home to an extensive network of sidewalks and small streets, making it easy to navigate on foot or by bike. This makes it easy to run errands, visit local businesses," explains a review on Niche, where Northern Liberties is ranked as one of the top 20 places to live in the city. While this is a valuable feature for residents, visitors can also take advantage of this amenity. They can start by exploring Northern Liberties' North 2nd Street, lined with vintage clothing stores and other distinct retailers.

When it comes to dining options, Northern Liberties offers a distinct culinary landscape suitable for all budgets. Nevertheless, you can't go wrong with one of the neighborhood's diners for a bit of nostalgia. Note you can actually use public transportation, such as the L line on the SEPTA Metro to reach Northern Liberties and North 2nd Street in under 15 minutes from Old City.

Northern Liberties' North 2nd Street blends the neighborhood's industrial character with modern charm. Complementing this aesthetic are its numerous unique local businesses. This includes Dames Vintage Emporium. Rated five stars on Google, it offers a selection of clothing and accessories from the 50s and beyond for men and women. According to PHL17, owner Alane Dame is a life-long thrifter, so you can only imagine how impressive her selection is at her small boutique. 

Just across the street is Laser Philly, described by a reviewer as a "Wonderful shop with quirky and stylish gifts." In fact, they liken themselves to a museum gift shop and sell everything from Philadelphia–themed items to stickers containing explicit language. Both Dames Vintage Emporium and Laser Philly are open from Wednesday to Sunday. If you happen to be hungry for breakfast or brunch, Honey's Sit 'n Eat is a short walk away on North 4th Street. The diner's red vinyl stools, cake stands, and comfort food, will make you feel as if you're in a cozy kitchen from a bygone era.

Back on North 2nd Street, you'll find Creep Records. If you're a music enthusiast who loves discovering new artists, this place is for you. Covered in album covers and posters, Creep Records has a punk rock vibe. The store even has its own label and as such, has artist releases in store. Missed out on having a meal at Honey's Sit 'n Eat? Spring Garden Restaurant is a couple blocks away. This is your quintessential American breakfast restaurant, complete with booth and counter seating.

There's something for everyone in Northern Liberties' North 2nd Street and the surrounding area, including art buffs (the neighborhood was once a hub for creatives). Arguably, this can apply to all of Philadelphia, as the Pennsylvania city is known as the "Mural Capital of the World". As you stroll around Northern Liberties, it's likely that you'll encounter some of these paintings, such as, "Through The Cracks In The Pavement." This sprawling floral-themed piece is situated on the corner of North 5th Street and Olive Street, meaning if you want to check it out, it is within walking distance of North 2nd Street. 

Although North Liberties makes for a great daytime excursion, there's plenty of fun to enjoy after the sun goes down. Take, for example, Silk City, a retro diner from the 50s. In addition to being a dining establishment, it's also a bar that hosts late night events. These range from dance parties to karaoke nights. "The whole vibe of Silk City is chill and eclectic," reads a review on Google. However, keep in mind that Silk City is open for lunch and dinner and is only minutes away from all of the shops mentioned.

Plus, The Infatuation named it one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand on Silk City's website (patrons can choose to either sit in the diner car or outdoors in the garden). Do you like what Northern Liberties has to offer? You can arrange a stay on Airbnb. Listings include this guest favorite loft, where a five night stay will typically cost under $700. Are you unfamiliar with Philadelphia's other neighborhoods? Read about nearby Society Hill — it's cobbled, lush-lined, and has famous eateries.