Reading Terminal Markets, Philadelphia

3 more images

Row after row of food stalls selling everything from seafood to cookies to icecream to meat. The market is a great place to grab a breakfast (may I recommend the Dutch Eating Place?) or lunch and mingle with the locals. Go near the back and grab a book from the used book stall and go eat at the diner or have a drink in the beer garden area.
Mon-Sat. 8am-6pm
closed Sunday

4 more images

The Reading Terminal Market is a must-see when driving into Philadelphia. Some wonderful things can be found under this roof! Fresh produce like fruits, vegetables or honey, home baked breads and pastries or melt in your mouth chocolate confections are here every day of the week.

Accessories for your home like candles, kitchen items, recipe books, flowers and other things can be purchased from one of countless booths. It's an exciting place in which I always find something to take back home to New Jersey.

What to buy: Frulit, vegetables, fruits, breads of all types, deli items, candies, flowers, etc.

What to pay: A reasonable amount

1 more image

This building, which opened in 1892, occupies one city block and under its roof are dozens of individual stalls selling all kinds of merchandise, mostly edibles. On Wednesdays and Saturdays some Amish come in from Lancaster County to sell their produce, baked goods, etc.
There are also some diner-style eating places. It's anice place to stop, browse, get something to eat or drink, and rest your feet.

Footnote: This place was featured in the recent action picture NATIONAL TREASURE.

The Reading Terminal Market is an indoor farmers' market in the style of New York City's Chelsea Market. Just about any type of food can be found here: fresh produce, candies, fresh seafood of every variety, meats, poultry, dairy and eggs, fresh bread, ice cream, pastries, gourmet spices, exotic teas and coffees, imported cheeses and wines to only name a few. The market also features several vendors who offer prepared food which can be eaten on the premesis or taken home. Some of these selections include: freshly made sushi, roasted turkeys, Mexican and Middle Eastern Cusine, pizza, NY Deli Style Sandwiches, and salads. There is even a vegetarian food stand here. There are also vendors who sell non-food items such as fresh flowers, cook books, crafts from Africa and Thailand, cookware, and handmade soaps. From Wednesday to Saturday the Market also features Amish merchants from Lancaster County, PA who sell their handmade jams, jellies, pickles, and desserts along with pork, poultry, eggs, and vegetables fresh from their farms. The Market is truly a fun experience. I could have stayed there all day.

What to buy: Unfortunately, if you are visiting there aren't too many things here that will keep long enough to take home with you, so I recommend getting some of the prepared foods offered here and eating them right away!

Open daily 8 -6, Closed Sunday

Right by the convention center, easy to find. Skip the sushi (cheaper and better tasting can be found elsewhere) and the italian food (not very italian....). I loved this place, it reminded me of San Lorenzo in Florence. The PA dutch/Amish stands had the best baked goods as well as some great banana chips!

This place is awesome. Great food stands selling everything from produce, to baked goods, to all kinds of meats, cheeses and everything else you can imagine. It's also a great place to grab lunch at one of the many market stands. Stop by Basset's and grab a homemade cinnamon ice cream cone and life is very, very good.

The Reading Terminal Market is considered by many as the best farmers market in the United States. It’s not only a popular hometown attraction, but also the most popular Philadelphia tourist destination after the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

What to buy: More than 80 merchants offer patrons fresh produce, meats, fish, groceries, flowers, baked goods, crafts, books, clothing, as well as hard-to-find specialties and ethnic foods. Market Hours are Monday through Saturday 8am - 6pm. Closed Sunday.