Manayunk

Manayunk is tucked into the northwestern corner of Philadelphia along the Schuylkill River, about 15 minutes from Center City by train. Main Street — the neighborhood's commercial spine — runs parallel to the old canal towpath and feels more like a small-town main street than part of a major city.

The shopping district stretches about ten blocks along Main Street, with the densest concentration of shops between Green Lane and Shurs Lane. The buildings are mostly two- and three-story historic mill-town row houses, now home to boutiques, galleries, cafes, and bars. The neighborhood retains a strong sense of local identity — most businesses are independent and family-run.

A Slower Pace

What Manayunk specializes in is casual, friendly shopping. The pace here is slower than Rittenhouse Row or East Passyunk. You can actually talk to shop owners. You can sit on a bench outside an ice cream shop and watch the canal. It's a pleasant day trip more than a destination for serious retail therapy.

Getting There

Take the SEPTA Regional Rail Manayunk/Norristown Line to the Manayunk stop. The station is a 3-minute walk from Main Street. By car, there are several free and paid lots off Main Street, and street parking on side streets is usually available.