Northern Liberties is perfectly placed with walkable access to Fishtown, Olde Kensington, Poplar and Old City. It’s also chock a block with restaurants, bars, retail and small businesses that the community relies on. We put together the perfect Nolibs itinerary that will get you lost in the streets (in a good way!). We also gathered recommendations and must visits that are peppered with old standbys and some of the new faces in the neighborhood.
Spend the Day in Northern Liberties
Your best friend is in town, and you’ve already covered the city’s incredible museums on previous visits. How about going hyper local and exploring one of our favorite neighborhoods!
1. 10:30am Start off with brunch. We’re going to recommend a classic Philly move and check out the wait at Honey’s Sit and Eat. You’ll find tried and true standard breakfast fare and creative specials. Top tip: If it’s just the two of you, ask if there are any open stools at the counter. If the wait’s too long, pop into our favorite garden store, City Planter.
2. 11:15am Walk off that delish meal and take in some history at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site where admission is free. Take a tour of the home and read up on the dark vibes of Edgar who lived in Philadelphia for 6 years.
3. 12:15pm Start strolling and you’ll stumble on Orkney Park - a plot of land tended lovingly by friends and neighbors nearby. It’s like discovering a secret nook. Take a moment and realize that this space is home to 20 types of birds and wildlife.
4. 12:30pm Dig through piles of wooden doors, admire stained glass windows and old signage at Architectural Antiques Exchange. While in the vicinity, pop in and around the shops in the neighborhood (see list below for destination inspiration)
5. 1:30pm Better hustle so you’re not late for your massage packages that you booked at Formation Sauna. Enjoy lounging, soaking and sauna-ing yourself in a dreamy atmosphere that prides itself on being an inclusive safe space.
6. 4:00pm Float on over to The Random Tea Room and wind down from your relaxing experience. There’s an extensive list of artisan teas and hand blended herbal infusions to select from. Pair with a treat from the bakery cabinet and bring yourself back to the real world.
7. 5:00pm Looks like your energy is restored, and you head to North Bowl for a friendly game. Break out the quarters and play some pinball classics and air hockey while you’re waiting for your lane!
8. 7:00pm Snag an outdoor table at cozy Apricot Stone under the glowing cafe lights (reservation recommended). Order up dishes of dips and mezza to share. It’s BYOB so don’t forget to grab a bottle before you arrive (see below).
9. 9:00pm Head to The Standard Tap and have an after dinner drink to ring in an amazing day! Not only do they have a creative cocktail list they always have an excellent playlist going.
Keep it small
If shopping small is one of your life’s resolutions, Northern Liberties delivers. Put these local businesses on your list for gifts and daily necessities.
City Planter - A great selection of plants all year round. They also offer seasonal flowers and plants that are perfect for your flower boxes.
Creep Records - When you need a fix of good tunes head to Creep Records. Stay tuned to their IG for in store events!
Keystone Creative Goods - A colorful and stocked art supply, stationary and gift shop. Check out their non toxic handmade paints and pastels.
Rays Reusables - Bring your clean pasta jars, mason jars or other containers and tap into the refillable lotions, shampoos, laundry and cleaning products offered. They also have sustainable items available such as non-paper towels and Swedish dishcloths (that can be composted!).
Once Worn Consignment - Offering good quality used women's clothing. Their inventory is updated daily so you can pop in as often as you’d like. We love following their IG for their daily dress shots!
Trunc - Browse their perfectly curated array of social-responsible handcrafted goods.
Stump - A plant store that will convince you to grab a little leafy buddy to go home with. You may even be lucky enough to visit on a day they are featuring a pop-up partnership or activity!
Live Like a Local
Thanks to all the local businesses, Northern Liberties is an extremely convenient neighborhood! Check out the extensive Northern Liberties Business Directory for the full list of shops that residents rely on for their daily lives. We pulled out some favorites below!
For the dogs
Wag Watch - This doggy daycare is a staple for our Office Administrator/Listing Coordinator Mindy’s pups. She loves that they have live camera feeds and send cute report cards after visits. They also offer additional services for more stimulation like treats and agility courses.
Philly Paw Club - Rebranded and under new management. The winning feature hands down is the 24-foot pool where your doggo can splash around totally supervised!
Doggie Style Pets - This place has all your pets supplies!
Oriana Hill Dog Park - The place residents bring their dogs to socialize. Hot tip: register before
BYO
These options will aid in stocking your home bar or are an easy BYOB grab before dinner in the neighborhood!
Fine Wine & Spirits - liquor and wine
Heirloom Underground (in the basement of the Giant Heirloom Market) - beer and wine
The Foodery - beer and wine
Food Musts
Kaplans New Model Bakery - So many rye bread options it’s dizzying. It’s one of the oldest Jewish bakeries in Philly. Bonus: the breads are vegan!
The Kettle Black - You’ll find phenomenal baked goods and often a line. They bake and then sell out so put them on your list for early in the day.
Stock up on your veggies, baked goods, and other supplies at the new as of 2023 Farmers Market. Held in the center of the Piazza on Saturdays.
Daily Errands
Hit up Trend Eye Wear once a year for your annual eye exam. We have multiple PHG’ers that go here and all give it 5+ stars!
You’ve got three dry cleaners to choose from in the neighborhood: Simple Cleaners also does alterations and repairs (including leather!).
We bring our computers to The Computer Guy for repairs or issues. They’re always fast and affordable!
NoLibs is one of those neighborhoods that seems to be 15 mins away from anywhere on a bike. Keep yours in tip top shape at Tune Up Bike Shop.
Some of our favorite homes are nestled in these tree lined streets. If you’re looking for a central neighborhood, near public transport with a variety of new construction and classic rows, Northern Liberties may fit the bill. We’d be happy to put together a tour of homes that suit your criteria and treat you to lunch along the way!