Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
Eat & DrinkFoodie FavoriteIconic

Reading Terminal Market

51 N 12th St · Philadelphia, PA

Why you should go…

One of America's oldest and greatest public markets, this bustling 1893 train-shed hall crams 80-some vendors under one roof, Amish soft pretzels, legendary roast pork sandwiches, cheesesteaks, whoopie pies, and just about everything else worth eating in Philadelphia. Come hungry, wander the aisles, and eat your way from stall to stall. Entry is free; leaving without lunch is impossible.

  • #food hall
  • #market
  • #cheesesteak
  • #local eats
  • #center city

Good to know

General eat & drink guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Go early or go late

    The simplest way around a wait at a popular room is to sit down before the rush or after it.

  • Reservations open on a schedule

    Where bookings are taken, tables tend to be released a set number of days in advance, often at a fixed hour.

  • Menus move with the season

    Treat any dish you read about online as a maybe, not a promise, especially anything local and seasonal.

  • Ask what the place is known for

    Staff will point you at the thing worth ordering faster than any list will.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Reading Terminal Market, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Philadelphia

    Free

    The birthplace of American independence, packed with Revolutionary War history, world-class museums, and a legendary food scene.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Discover Catholic

    Free

    Printed and online visitor guide to the churches, shrines and historic parishes of Catholic Philadelphia, distributed at tourist areas across the region.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Big Bus Tours Philadelphia

    $25–$50

    Hop-on, hop-off double-decker loops linking the Liberty Bell, Rocky Steps, and 20+ stops, with live guides on board.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Liberty Bell Center

    Free

    See the world's most famous cracked bell up close, free, iconic, and just steps from Independence Hall.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Eat & Drink
    Iconic

    Jim's South St.

    Under $25

    A South Street institution serving classic Philly cheesesteaks to lines that wrap the block.

    1.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Iconic

    Geno's Steaks

    Under $25

    24/7 South Philly cheesesteak stand at the famous 9th and Passyunk corner, open since 1966.

    1.4 mi awayMore like this