Located in the heart of Center City, Reading Terminal Market is a Philadelphia landmark. This 78,000 square foot market inside of the former Reading Terminal Train Station first opened its doors in February of 1893, making it one of the oldest and largest public markets in the United States! Contrary to popular belief, the ‘Reading’ in Reading Terminal Market is pronounced ‘red-ing”, not like “reading a book”. I grew up in a small town near Reading, Pennsylvania (probably one of the few things I have in common with Taylor Swift) and honestly it’s probably the only reason I know how to pronounce it correctly.
The Market is managed by the Reading Terminal Market Corporation, a non-profit whose goal is to showcase independent local businesses based in and around the Philadelphia region. So whether you’re looking to stock up your pantry with local goods, or just grab a bite to eat from a small independently-owned restaurant, you’ve come to the right place!
Heading to Philadelphia for the day and looking for more to do? Check out the rest of my Philly content!
Visiting the Market
Reading Terminal Market is open from 8am – 6pm daily (minus some holidays). It can be a bit of a madhouse on the weekends, especially during the summer when the tourist crowds are at their peak. Since I prefer not to feel packed in like a sardine, I mainly stick to going first thing in the morning on weekdays. It’s practically empty so you’re able to browse without almost running into someone every five seconds!
Overwhelmed and can’t decide where to start? Why not take a tour! City Food Tours is the official food tour of the market and is highly rated. I haven’t done it yet myself, but I’ve been told it’s a great way to see the market for the first time! These 45 minute tours run twice daily, you can find a link for more info and to reserve a spot here.
Getting There
Now comes the least fun part – getting there. If you drive, there are plenty of parking lots and garages in the area. Just be aware that parking can fill up fast on weekends, and even sometimes during the week thanks to the Philadelphia Convention Center across the street. I usually take the train, but for larger hauls I park in the SP+ Parking Gallery II Garage at nearby 1100 Arch Street.
If you’re staying in the city, or live in the burbs near a SEPTA Regional Rail line, I recommend getting on a train/the subway and making your way to Jefferson Station. The walk from the station to the market takes less than 5 minutes.
AFTER HOURS
Party for the Market
This special evening event is the largest yearly fundraiser for the market. The party helps to keep costs low for merchants, maintain the market facilities, and allow the market to remain self-sufficient.
The event draws more than 1k attendees each year, and tickets always sell out. There is live music and entertainment, unlimited food from merchants, multiple open bars, and a silent auction.
We were fortunate enough to snag tickets to the 2024 event. The 12th anniversary theme was Cities at Night, focusing on famous international cities like Milan, Berlin, Tokyo, Barcelona, and Rio.
Looking for other food-related activities for your next trip to Philly?
Check out these exciting options:
Merchant Highlights
There are over 80 stalls merchants to choose from while exploring Reading Terminal, ranging from flowers and grocery staples (produce, spices, meats, etc), to breakfast, lunch, and dessert spots. You won’t go home hungry, that’s for sure! If you can think of a style of cuisine, you can probably find it at Reading Terminal: Spanish, Cajun, Caribbean, Pennsylvania Dutch, Central American, Middle Eastern, Thai, Vegan, Indian-Pakistani, Greek, Georgian, Chinese, and Filipino-fusion. You can find a link to the full directory here!
There are still so many stands I haven’t stopped at yet and I’m determined to try them all! But it’s hard to try something new when I already have so many places I love. These are my go-tos, places I stop at almost every time! (RIP Kismet Bialys…*cries*)
Downtown Cheese
Specialty Cheese Shop
A one stop shop for the perfect snack board – artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, spreads and accompaniments. I come here every year for the supplies to make my family’s Christmas Eve charcuterie board!
Fox & Son
Fair Foods
Corn dogs, fried cheese curds, loaded french fries, funnel cakes, and freshly squeezed lemonades. Everything on their menu is gluten free!
Old City Coffee
Coffee Roaster
A small batch coffee roaster with two locations on either side of the market. One of my favorite cups of coffee in the city – they’re always so consistent!
Iovine Brothers
Produce
Fruits, veggies, healthy snacks (nuts, dried fruit, trail mix, etc.), and cold-pressed juices.
Termini Brothers Bakery
Italian Bakery
This is one of many locations for this Philadelphia staple, which is known for its cannoli, cakes, and cookies.
Millers Twist
Soft Pretzels
Amish-style soft pretzels, pretzel roll-ups (think large pigs in a blanket), lemonade and ice cream.
Saami Somi
Georgian Cuisine
When I say you should RUN to try a Khach’ap’uri (cheese boat), I mean it. They also serve soup dumplings and other Georgian specialties.
Do you have a favorite market stand or particular food item at Reading Terminal Market?
Let me know in the comments!
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