Reading Terminal Market
The Basics
Among the oldest such food markets in America, the covered Reading Terminal Market has been housed in its current National Historic Landmark building since the late 19th century. Comprising hot food traders; produce, meat, and cheese specialists; restaurants; housewares, books, and gift shops; stalls run by members of local Amish, Mennoite, and other Pennsylvania Dutch communities; and much more. A popular destination for both visitors and locals looking for a hearty lunch or culinary souvenirs, Reading Terminal captures the diversity of Philadelphia’s thriving food scene, all in one space.
Reading Terminal Market can be visited on numerous food-themed walking tours of Philadelphia. It’s also easy to plan an independent trip to the landmark.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Reading Terminal Market hosts a busy weekly event schedule, including live music events, Thursday tastings, cooking demos, storytimes at the Book Nook, and more.
- The market hosts several dining areas if you wish to enjoy your snacks on site, and public restrooms are also available.
- For a festive experience, visit during December for “Winter Wonderland at the Reading Terminal Market,” including free craft sessions, Santa meet-and-greets, and more.
- Reading Terminal Market is located all on one level and is accessible to wheelchair users, though some aisles can be crowded, narrow, and tricky to navigate.
How to Get There
Reading Terminal Market is located at 12th Street between Filbert and Arch Streets in Center City. To get there via public transportation, take regional rail lines to Jefferson station, take the Market-Frankford line to 11th Street Station, take the Broad Street line to City Hall, take PATCO trains from New Jersey to 8th and Market Streets, or use local bus lines. Alternatively, the market can be reached on foot, by bike, or by taxi.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Reading Terminal Market is open daily from 8am–6pm (though note that Pennsylvania Dutch vendors do not trade on Sundays). The market is closed on several holidays every year, including New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Must-Try Bites at Reading Terminal Market
From doughnuts to sushi, crêpes to cheesesteaks, Reading Terminal offers a wide array of dishes. For first-time visitors, must-try bites include hot apple dumplings and scrapple at Dutch Eating Place, soft pretzels at Miller’s Twist, the roast pork sandwich at DiNic’s, whoopie pies at the market’s many Pennsylvania Dutch bakeries, barbecue chicken at Dienner’s, seafood at Pearl’s Oyster Bar, and much more.
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