Categories: Food

4 Reasons Why Reading Terminal Market Rocks!

 

Where in Philly gets you all happy inside? Today Erin shares her love for Reading Terminal Market:

Reading Terminal Market is the place to be.

Ever since I’ve moved to Philly, I try to hit up my obsession, Reading Terminal, as often as possible. Attracting an average of 120,000 visitors per week, this fantastic market is not only filled with a plethora of local food options, but in an accessible location.

The history of the market is fascinating. Did you know that the Reading Terminal Market dates back to 1680? It didn’t look the same – instead, there were a bunch of informal markets around the vortex of Market Street. It became more formal in 1693 and had a pretty good run until 1971 when Reading Company declared bankruptcy. Luckily, the revival of the market sparked during investments for seasonal foods and impromptu piano concerts in the 1980s into what we currently enjoy today.

Need any more reasons to hit up this Philly favorite?

Here are 4 reasons that Reading Terminal Market rocks:

  1. The fresh food market. As a college student, it’s nice to get off campus and away from the dining hall to grab locally grow fruits and veggies. Plus, the selection for affordable meals appears endless.
  2. It tastes like home. Missing homemade meals? With all of the different food options and vendors, you’re bound to find a meal that brings you right back to your grandma’s kitchen.
  3. Expand your taste bud horizons. I have tried several new foods that I wouldn’t have otherwise if I didn’t go to Reading Terminal Market. The gyros are my personal favorite. But be forewarned of the endless options: I’ve lived in Philly for a year now and I still find new noms to try.
  4. Unbelievable cultural diversity. Although Philadelphia has a diverse food scene, where can you get such a variety of different cultures in one place besides the Reading Terminal Market? Try a range of ethnic groceries and restaurants including Middle Eastern, Greek, Italian, French, and American.

 

Mark your calendars to visit Reading Terminal Market in the summer: on July 19th the Sidewalk Sizzle will have with grilling and Ice Cream, and Pennsylvania Dutch Festival on August 7-9th.

Readers, what do you love about Reading Terminal?

Erin Cooper

Recent Posts

Here are the SustainPHL 2026 Award Recipients

Meet the latest changemakers to take home the awards At a time when sustainability is…

2 days ago

Vigil for Academy, Indigenous garden restoration & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Activists hold march and vigil for Academy of…

6 days ago

Energy and restoration grants, bird migration & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Temporary bike lane closer to permanent status. Councilmember…

2 weeks ago

Op-ed: Dinosaurs may be extinct. But the Academy of Natural Sciences doesn’t have to be.

The Academy of Natural Sciences survived for more than two centuries. Now, its future depends…

2 weeks ago

Washington Avenue Connector, trash pickup contest, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: New Washington Avenue Connector completed. The City of…

3 weeks ago

Meet 5 people building Philly’s green workforce

From a solar-powered shed in East Parkside to an orchard on State Road, these SustainPHL…

3 weeks ago