Markets in Philadelphia
June 8, 2023
Visitors to Philadelphia will find a true “local” taste of the city in its markets. From the bustling Reading Terminal Market to the historic Italian Market, visitors can indulge in a vibrant food scene that celebrates the city’s rich cultural diversity and culinary traditions. Here are some of the most prominent markets in Philadelphia.
Reading Terminal Market
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1136 Arch St
Reading Terminal Market is housed in a National Historic Landmark building steps from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. It is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the U.S. and is consistently regarded as one of the best farmers markets in the nation. Dating back to 1893, the 130-year-old market boasts over 80 merchants selling fresh produce, breads, meat, and fish. There’s also a wide variety of gourmet prepared foods that are perfect for a quick lunch on the go. The market is also known for its Amish specialties as well as locally made crafts and jewelry.
Reading Terminal Market. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
Rittenhouse Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 18th & Walnut Streets
Open on Tuesdays and Saturdays year-round, the Rittenhouse Farmers Market lines the sidewalks around the picturesque Rittenhouse Square. You’ll find a large selection of meats, cheeses, and vegetables from regional farmers, as well as local honey and beer. Similar to Reading Terminal Market, Amish vendors regularly sell Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods, flowers, and produce.
Fitler Square Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 23rd & Pine Streets
Fitler Square hosts a small sidewalk farmers market each weekend. The star of this market is Brogue Hydroponics, a farm that uses cutting-edge technology to grow fresh pesticide-free produce. Be sure to pick up some grass-fed beef and lamb, fair trade coffee, and fresh-from-the-oven pies and tarts.
Cherry Street Pier
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 121 N. Columbus Blvd.
Once a municipal pier, Cherry Street Pier, located on the Delaware River waterfront, now serves as a mixed-use space. In addition to farmers markets, the pier hosts regular artisan pop-ups featuring jewelry, clothing, and gifts from local makers. Food trucks are often parked on the pier for quick, local bites. Be sure to check Cherry Street Pier’s upcoming events for an up-to-date schedule of events.
The 2019 Food Trust Market at Cherry Street Pier. Photo courtesy of Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.
Headhouse Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Society Hill
Address: 2nd & Lombard Streets
The nation’s oldest surviving Colonial-era marketplace, the Headhouse Shambles, is at the intersection of 2nd and Lombard streets. Here, 18th-century Philadelphians would shop for fresh produce and other goods, something still practiced to this day. Headhouse Farmers Market operates year-round on Sundays, and features local farmers, florists, and other businesses. The popular Kennett Square restaurant Talula’s Table regularly has a spot here, and food trucks often line the cobblestone streets.
Fairmount Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Fairmount
Address: 22nd & Fairmount Streets
Found adjacent to the historic Eastern State Penitentiary, Fairmount Farmers Market fills the neighborhood’s namesake avenue each Thursday afternoon. Shop locally roasted coffee, fruits from nearby orchards, Jewish baked goods, and kombucha.
Northern Liberties Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Address: 2nd & Germantown Streets
Held in the Piazza Alta courtyard, the Northern Liberties Farmers Market is open every Saturday all year long. More than a dozen vendors sell fruit, vegetables, dairy products, chocolate, and locally brewed beer.
Italian Market
Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
Address: 919 S. 9th Street
Head to South Philadelphia to find the Italian Market, America’s largest and oldest continuously operating open-air marketplace. Here, you’ll find cheese shops (including the quintessential DiBruno Bros.), fish and meat merchants, and dozens of outdoor stalls bursting with colorful, fresh produce. Today, you will also find vendors selling Asian and Latin American specialties alongside the market’s original Italian occupants.
The 9th Street Italian Market in South Philadelphia. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
Southeast Asian Market
Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
Address: FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue & S. Broad Street
The Southeast Asian Market features more than 70 Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian vendors. As Asian immigrants and their families first settled in Philadelphia, they found a haven in FDR Park. It all started with a few cooks selling dishes that reminded them of home and quickly grew into the market it is today. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from April through October each year. Cash is strongly encouraged.
Southeast Asian Market. Photo by J. Ryan for the PHLCVB.
Don’t let your exploration of Philadelphia’s local flavors stop there. Check out our Food & Drink page for more places to eat.
