Welcome to Manayunk
A charming, hilly neighborhood along the Schuylkill River
Named for the Native American term for “where we go to drink” and its proximity to the Schuylkill River, Manayunk is a vibrant and hilly neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia. This bustling district is known for its upbeat and exciting Main Street, home to dozens of restaurants, family-owned businesses, bars, and art galleries, and is one of the best places outside of Center City to grab a drink. Plus, it’s easily accessible to East Falls, Center City to the east, and Norristown to the west — you can get there within minutes!
Manayunk features incredible spots to indulge in retail therapy, from high-end boutiques to local gift shops. The area is also a hub for woodworkers to gather and master their craft at the Philadelphia Woodworks with many shops selling handmade furniture and goods. Manayunk hosts dozens of annual festivals and provides endless opportunities for outdoor lovers to explore local trails and paddle down the Schuylkill River. For a charming, small-town feel bursting with exciting possibilities, Manayunk is an excellent place to call home.
What to Love
- The upbeat, exciting atmosphere of the neighborhood
- Endless dining and shopping options
- Great place to be for cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers with its many hilly sections
Local Lifestyle
Residents of Manayunk are a diverse bunch. Many singles, young families, and multi-generational individuals call Manayunk home and with its endless entertainment options, there is no shortage of things to do. The area features a healthy mix of modern and trendy homes with historical Victorian mansions along pristine tree-lined streets and offers picturesque views of the Schuylkill River. Spend the day shopping on Main Street or hiking along the Towpath and enjoy an exciting evening out with friends — Manayunk truly has it all.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Start your day at Volo Coffeehouse, and later head to The Goat’s Beard, a Manayunk staple. Named after a native Pennsylvania plant, The Goat’s Beard has community at the heart of all they do and aims to provide an excellent experience for all guests. Located along the Schuylkill River, Goat’s Beard offers American cuisine in a rustic atmosphere and focuses on locally-sourced ingredients. At Chabaa Thai Bistro and Yanako, you can enjoy both menus of these sister restaurants when you stop by. Winnie’s Manayunk is serving up delicious and nourishing fares crafted from hearty ingredients in a trendy environment.
Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, make sure to stop into Cadence Cycling. Offering bikes for all experience levels, tune-ups, and fittings, Cadence is the place to go for all bike-related needs. They even offer full-suite physiological testing for experienced athletes and group rides to meet new people and explore new trails. Another great shop is Trek Bikes which offers excellent hospitality and the latest products from Trek and Bontrager and supports the CS Velo cycling team and the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia.
Looking to learn a new skill? Join the Philadelphia Woodworks, the local woodshop that offers classes for all ages, demonstrations, and provides a lumber yard to purchase materials for personal or business projects. Check out their kids' woodworking classes or visit the shop for free demos on all sorts of woodworking techniques. The Philadelphia Woodworks offers a membership for woodworking aficionados and offers excellent discounts on classes and materials and space for private parties.
Things to Do
When summer rolls around, residents of Manayunk Stroll the Street to enjoy outdoor dining, pop-up shopping, and live art displays and workshops. Main Street becomes the place to be in the summer months and truly brings the community together to enjoy the best of Manayunk.
Save room to sample from over 50 vendors at the annual Manayunk StrEAT Festival, a highly-anticipated and well-loved Manayunk event of the year. Sample creative dishes from Philadelphia restaurants, purchase unique ingredients from local vendors, and enjoy a spring day on Main Street with sidewalk sales and live music. The event also coincides with Manayunk Restaurant Week where participating restaurants provide a fixed, affordable menu for guests to sample meals from dozens of restaurants.
Manayunk Towpath parallels the Manayunk Canal and Schuylkill River and is named America’s Best Urban Trail by USA Today. The towpath leads you through a bustling commercial district to a natural oasis, almost as if you’ve been transported miles and miles away from Manayunk. The trail leads you past an old Japanese fountain and the Shawmont train station, the oldest passenger rail stop in the world. If you’re looking for a diverse running spot or a fun place to walk with the kids and furry friends, enjoy a stroll through the Manayunk Towpath!
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