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.
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.
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.
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.
