A Guide to Visiting Reading Terminal Market

Whether you’re visiting Philadelphia on a family vacation, or in town for a meeting or event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market offers a vibrant and convenient way to try a range of global cuisines and shop for the perfect souvenir. Stroll the aisles to browse food from around the world and discover cookbooks, crafts, table linens and more at a variety of locally-owned stores.

Dating back to 1893 and housed in a National Historic Landmark building, Reading Terminal Market is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the U.S. and was voted the best public market in the nation in 2022 by USA Today 10Best. With more than 80 merchants, including dozens of restaurants under one roof, the market is a must-see for foodies and history buffs looking to sample a taste of Philadelphia.

Here’s a quick guide to planning your visit.

Where is the Reading Terminal Market located?

The Reading Terminal Market is conveniently located on one square block between 11th and 12th streets and Filbert and Arch streets. It is a quick walk from the adjacent Pennsylvania Convention Center (0.06 miles) and the Independence Visitor Center (0.52 miles).

Is there indoor and outdoor seating?

You will find plenty of seating inside the building to enjoy your food on-site, including several sit-down restaurants with dedicated seating. Outside on Filbert Street, you can find outdoor seating on high-top tables and additional options on a widened sidewalk. You may also take your treats to-go and enjoy outdoor dining at tables in nearby Dilworth Park (0.3 miles) or Love Park (0.4 miles) with spectacular views of Philadelphia’s City Hall and the iconic Love statue.

How do I get to Reading Terminal Market and where do I park?

Reading Terminal Market is accessible by several modes of public transportation and it’s a stop on the Philly PHLASH. Visitors can enjoy discounted parking for $4 at the Hilton Garage at 11th and Arch Streets or park for $5 at the Parkway Garage at 12th and Filbert streets. To receive discounted parking, simply make a $10 purchase at one of Reading Terminal Market’s vendors and get your parking ticket validated.

Click here for more information including driving directions.

What are some of the most popular foods to try?

It’s tough to pick a favorite when there’s so much variety across all the different merchants. The Reading Terminal Market is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. – and you can find delicious options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner there. If you’re looking for a Philadelphia favorite, try DiNic’s Roast Pork sandwich topped with provolone and broccoli rabe, which the Travel Channel called the “Best Sandwich in America.”

Cheesesteaks and Philadelphia go hand in hand. If you’re craving some cheesy, meaty goodness, head over to Spataro’s Cheesesteaks, which has been offering its signature cheesesteaks, sandwiches and hoagies at the market for the past 75 years. Spataro’s also partnered with fellow market vendor Fox & Son Fair Foods – known for their fancy corn dogs – to put a corny twist on a Philadelphia classic: The Corn Dog Cheesesteak! The fancy sandwich will be available throughout the month of February so grab one while you can.

In the northwest corner of the market, you will find several Amish merchants offering the freshest foods from nearby Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Stop by the Dutch Eating Place for breakfast and try a side of scrapple with your eggs and don’t miss their mouth-watering apple dumplings. Dienner’s Barbecue is another delicious stop for lunch or dinner.

NOTE: Many of the Amish merchants are not open on Sundays.

For desserts and sweets, you can’t leave the market without a sweet ricotta-filled cannoli from Termini Brothers, a legendary South Philadelphia bakery. The award-winning cookies from Famous 4th Street Cookies are another must, for homemade goodness. You can explore all of the different restaurants and merchants in the market here. For more suggestions on must-try Reading Terminal Market vendors, click here.

For even more Philadelphia dining inspiration, find out how to eat like a local or check out our restaurants, breweries, and beer gardens offering outdoor seating.

Cover photo by P. Loftland for PHLCVB