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 local Philadelphia favorites. 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. The market is consistently voted one of the best public markets in the nation by USA Today 10Best. With more than 80 merchants, including dozens of restaurants, the market is a must-see for visitors looking to sample a taste of Philadelphia.

For more tips on visiting Philadelphia, check out our Official Visitors Guide.

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 and the Independence Visitor Center.

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. Outside on Filbert Street, you can find outdoor seating on high-top tables. Or take your treats to-go and enjoy outdoor dining at tables in nearby Dilworth Park or Love Park 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. It is also walkable from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Center City hotels. 

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. If you’re looking for a Philadelphia favorite, try DiNic’s Roast Pork sandwich topped with provolone and broccoli rabe.

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 sandwiches for the past 75 years. 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 eggs and apple dumplings. Dienner’s Barbecue is another delicious stop for lunch or dinner. As a 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 at their online directory. 

For even more Philadelphia dining inspiration, visit our Where to Eat & Drink page.

Cover photo by P. Loftland for PHLCVB