Northern Liberties

Gentrification continues to transform the Northern Liberties neighborhood from a light industrial area to a hipster artist enclave and popular center for nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. Still, the area has kept its working-class atmosphere—at least for now. One anchor is the Piazza at Schmidt?s, a large mixed-used development that incorporates the old Schmidt?s Brewery buildings into residential and commercial spaces; it has dozens of galleries and boutiques with a youthful vibe. Northern Liberties is a short taxi ride north of Old City and worth exploring for a look at Philadelphia beyond the city?s historic districts.