Reading Terminal Market
| Type | Public market |
|---|---|
| Address | 51 N 12th Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Market East |
| Phone | (215) 922-2317 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1893 |
| Hours | Daily 8am-6pm |
Reading Terminal Market is a historic public market in Market East, Philadelphia, operating continuously since 1893. Located beneath the former Reading Railroad train shed, the market houses over 80 merchants selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, prepared foods, and specialty items. It is one of America's oldest and largest public markets and a beloved Philadelphia institution.[1]
History
Origins
Reading Terminal Market opened in 1893 beneath the new Reading Railroad's Center City terminal. The train shed, one of the largest single-span arched-roof structures in the world, required relocating two existing farmers' markets. These vendors moved into the new below-ground market space.
The Railroad Era
For decades, the market thrived serving commuters and Philadelphia residents:
- Farmers brought produce directly from Lancaster County
- Butchers, bakers, and fishmongers served daily shoppers
- The market was integral to Philadelphia's food supply
Decline and Revival
Like many urban markets, Reading Terminal declined in the mid-20th century as supermarkets and suburban shopping grew. By the 1980s, the market was struggling. A concerted revitalization effort in the 1990s restored the market's vitality, adding new vendors, improving facilities, and attracting tourists.
The 1993 opening of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, built around the historic train shed, brought new foot traffic. Today, Reading Terminal Market thrives as both a working market and tourist destination.
The Market Today
Vendor Categories
Over 80 merchants operate in the market:
- Produce — Fresh fruits and vegetables, including local and organic
- Meat and poultry — Butchers, including Amish vendors
- Seafood — Fresh fish and shellfish
- Baked goods — Breads, pastries, cakes, Amish baked goods
- Prepared foods — Ready-to-eat meals, sandwiches, international cuisines
- Specialty foods — Cheese, spices, chocolate, coffee
- Flowers — Cut flowers and plants
- Crafts and gifts — Some non-food vendors
Notable Vendors
- DiNic's — Famous for roast pork sandwiches (called "America's best sandwich" by Travel Channel)
- Beiler's Donuts — Amish-style donuts, often with long lines
- Bassetts Ice Cream — America's oldest ice cream company (1861)
- Downtown Cheese Shop — Extensive cheese selection
- Termini Brothers*** — Classic Italian bakery
- Kamal's Middle Eastern Specialties — Middle Eastern cuisine
- Pearl's Oyster Bar — Seafood counter
- Hershel's East Side Deli — Jewish deli favorites
Amish Vendors
Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish vendors are a distinctive feature:
- Fresh baked goods (shoofly pie, whoopie pies)
- Meats and poultry
- Produce from Lancaster County farms
- Pretzels and snacks
- Note: Many Amish vendors close on Sundays
Visiting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 8am-6pm (some vendors vary) |
| Address | 51 N 12th Street (enter from 12th or Filbert) |
| Best time | Weekday mornings for fewer crowds |
| Tips | Amish vendors often closed Sundays; arrive early for popular items |
| Seating | Communal tables throughout the market |
Tips for Visitors
- Come hungry — Many prepared food vendors; eat as you explore
- Weekday mornings*** — Fewer crowds than weekends
- Cash*** — Some vendors are cash-only
- Amish schedule*** — Many Amish vendors close Sundays and some Wednesdays
Getting There
Reading Terminal Market is in the heart of Center City:
- SEPTA Regional Rail — Jefferson Station (directly connected)
- SEPTA Subway — Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines at 11th-12th Streets
- Walking — Central location, walkable from most Center City hotels
- Parking — Convention Center garage, street parking
Architecture
The market occupies the basement level beneath the Reading Railroad's former train shed:
- Train shed*** — Built 1891-1893, one of the largest single-span arched-roof structures of its era
- Market space — Original 1893 market layout largely intact
- Pennsylvania Convention Center*** — Built around the train shed in 1993