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Neighborhood

Market East / Convention Center Area

Steps away from Philadelphia's Historic District

Reading Terminal Market Reading Terminal Market. Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
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Overview

Steps away from the most historic square mile in America and home to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Market East neighborhood serves as gateway to the city’s business, shopping and entertainment district. Dominated by Philadelphia’s elaborately embellished City Hall, Market East is largely commercial, with boundaries that stretch roughly from Arch Street and Chinatown on the north to Walnut Street and Washington Square West on the south, and from Broad Street on the west and 6th St. and Old City on the east.

The area features several museums and galleries, along with the always-packed Reading Terminal Market, where visitors feast on delicacies from Philadelphia and around the world. In recent years, a number of independently owned shops and restaurants have cropped up, giving the area a distinctly local flavor.

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Essential Info

Established in 1892, the historic Reading Terminal Market remains the go-to place for professional and home cooks looking for farm-fresh produce, meats, cheeses, herbs and more. Merchants sell everything from apples to Amish baked goods. Tours are available, and the market often hosts special events.

The Philadelphia Flower Show, Mummers Fancy Brigade and Philadelphia Auto Show attract large crowds annually to the Convention Center.

“Meet me at the Eagle” derives from a longstanding tradition among locals who gather in front of the iconic statue in the Grand Court at Macy’s Center City, formerly John Wanamaker Department Store. In addition to picking up the latest styles, shoppers marvel at the elaborate architecture and enjoy daily musical performances from its historic 28,500-pipe organ — the largest playable instrument in the world.

Getting Here

Market East is a transportation hub for SEPTA’s Regional Rail lines with service to suburbs and Philadelphia International Airport. The Market-Frankford Line — known as the El to locals — stops at 8th, 11th and 13th streets along Market, while numerous SEPTA and New Jersey Transit buses traverse the numbered streets between 8th and Broad and along Arch, Market and Chestnut streets. At City Hall, passengers can catch the Broad Street Line subway or transfer to the Market-Frankford Line free of charge.

Major Annual Events

The Convention Center holds many annual events, including the Philadelphia Auto Show. The exposition gives visitors a chance to check out exotic and concept vehicles as well as see what’s coming next from auto manufacturers. For garden enthusiasts, the immensely popular Philadelphia Flower Show blossoms in early spring, to inspire a new season of planting.

The iconic Mummers Fancy Brigade performs inside the Convention Center each New Year’s Day. With elaborate costumes, props and ample New Year’s revelry, this spectacle is unlike any other.

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center   — Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

 

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