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Food & Drink Last updated on March 2, 2026

Reading Terminal Market

One of the oldest and largest public markets in America ...

Photo by Visit Philadelphia
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Overview

Reading Terminal Market, one of the nation’s oldest and largest public markets, first opened in 1893. Today, it stands out as one of the greatest public markets in the country.

Visitors can enjoy eating a wide swath of different cuisines, from sublime soul food and exquisite Asian and Middle Eastern dishes to authentic Philly cheesesteaks and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare — all available from largely locally owned family-run stands.

Shoppers fill the aisles of Reading Terminal Market beneath hanging neon signs and vendor placards, including a bright “Lobsters” sign overhead. Shoppers fill the aisles of Reading Terminal Market beneath hanging neon signs and vendor placards, including a bright “Lobsters” sign overhead.

  — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Location & Contact:
51 N. 12th Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19107
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Why Visit

In all, Reading Terminal Market boasts more than 80 diverse merchants, two of which are descendants of original stand holders from when it first opened more than 125 years ago.

Sit-down eateries are scattered throughout the expansive, lively space, and cooks from the finest local restaurants come to the market each morning for the very freshest and hardest-to-find ingredients and produce.

Three people stand around a high top table while eating cheesesteaks and soft pretzels at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. Three people stand around a high top table while eating cheesesteaks and soft pretzels at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.

  — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Be sure to allot plenty of time to stroll through the vast bazaar and browse everything from handmade imported crafts and American quilts to fresh produce, dairy products, exotic meats and seafood, freshly cut flowers, cookbooks, and expertly prepared foods — including cannolis, soft pretzels, vegan sandwiches, sushi and more.

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Must-See

The northwestern corner of the market primarily houses Amish merchants from Lancaster County who bring their farm-fresh products and distinctive prepared dishes to the market four days a week. Watch as bakers twist and bake soft pretzels at Miller’s Twist, then try one warm from the oven.

Be sure to stop by DiNic’s Roast Pork, which serves up the Travel Channel’s “Best Sandwich in America.” The fourth-generation shop builds its sandwich with thinly sliced juicy roast pork, lining the long roll with sharp provolone and topping it with bright green chopped broccoli rabe. The spot’s popularity can mean long lines, but it’s worth the wait.

Check out our guide for more of the best things to eat at Reading Terminal Market.

A man takes a bite of a roast pork sandwich wrapped in paper at DiNic’s, with a glowing neon “Roast Pork & Beef” sign behind him. A man takes a bite of a roast pork sandwich wrapped in paper at DiNic’s, with a glowing neon “Roast Pork & Beef” sign behind him.

  — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

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