Reading Terminal Market — Attraction in Philadelphia

♿ - Important Info Below!

Reading Terminal Market has always been one of my absolute favorite places in Philadelphia! You can find almost anything and everything you could possibly want or need within the walls of this deeply historic marketplace!

From fine French linens and cotton dresses to an assortment of candy stores offering vintage sweets and fine chocolates to Beilers Donuts and even a liquor store! They have incredible butchers, cheesemongers, bakers, artisans, and PLENTY of amazing food!

Some of the BEST sandwiches and hoagies I’ve ever had in my life can be found here! If you leave hungry, that’s your fault! It’s so good that tons of locals regularly pop in for a hearty lunch!

But with the sweet comes the sour… and Reading is no exception. So here are some cons you want to keep in mind:

This place gets PACKED! It’s always busy to some degree, but on weekends or holidays? You will be packed in like sardines. If it’s your first time, the market can be very overwhelming at peak time, so I’d recommend going right when they open. Not only will it be a more relaxed shopping experience, you’ll get better parking and first pick of the freshest food and goodies!

♿ Accessibility, or lack there of, is another glaring issue at the market. While it is technically “wheelchair and handicapped accessible,” please note that this market is old and it is very tight. The lanes are narrow and difficult to navigate even without any accessibility needs or concerns. Wheelchairs can be nearly impossible to maneuver through without serious help, especially when it’s packed and full of aggressive, hurried people.

For those with other mobility challenges, please bring a friend, family member or assistant to help. Canes aren’t too bad but walkers and other mobility aides run the risk of collisions which can be dangerous. I’d recommend using a mobility scooter! They are large enough to ensure people don’t run you over yet nimble enough to reasonably manage the narrow lanes and maze like market. It will also ensure a safe and comfortable journey to and from parking!

And speaking of parking,keep in mind that Parking is very urban and only available at the various parking decks. Some are closer than others, but expect to walk at least a block or two just to get in the door. Most have elevators that are decent size, but the garages themselves are tight and even the handicap parking spaces can be small. If you have a larger car, SUV, or van, you may have to try different decks or possibly park in a non-accessible parking spot. This is why I highly recommend dropping off anyone with mobility issues at the doors and then parking. Or take public transport! And in my humble opinion, getting a lift from a rideshare company is well worth it and the least stressful! You can beat door to door service!

Lastly, the bathrooms are not the most disability friendly. Again, they are older and the stalls were much smaller in general. I don’t recall seeing a typical accessible bathroom, but they do have accessible stalls that technically meet basic requirements. The bathrooms are also tucked away and very far apart. Just FYI, since bathroom breaks may need a little more planning.

Remember: Philly is an old city and the market is one of the oldest around! So while accessibility features are imperfect, the market is totally worth it!

A true slice of Philly, the market is a must see/experience for anyone...

The Reading Terminal Market is a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking to experience a taste of Philadelphia's local cuisine. Although the market can be quite crowded, most people manage to navigate the space effectively. As a local resident, I have been visiting the market for the past 33 years. However, during my most recent visit on December 23, 2024, I went to try the newly added Uncle Gus, a cheesesteak spot.

It appears they are still working on an efficient system to accommodate the large volume of customers they are serving. It took approximately 20 minutes to receive a sandwich, which forced customers to wait in the already crowded area. This particular time of year, the waiting area near the entrance doors exposes patrons to the cold every time the door opens.

While I did not want to wait near the doors for these reasons, I moved to a different spot away from the draft, as I was accompanying my mother, a senior citizen who is currently experiencing allergies and sinus issues. To my surprise, a security guard approached and informed me that if I was waiting for a cheesesteak, I needed to return to the area near the doors. I found it frustrating to be asked to move, especially as a paying customer.

While I understand that there may be operational reasons for this policy, I did not appreciate being told where to stand. The security guard was neither rude nor impolite, but this approach to managing customers was unwarranted. I encourage the management to consider better crowd management strategies for these high-traffic areas and to ensure that security personnel focus on maintaining safety rather than directing paying customers in...

Walking distance 3 minutes from Marriott Hotel/Pennsylvania Convention Center. Upon entering the building, the various enticing aromas very much inviting one explore. Fresh baked cookies was delicious. Then walking throughout Reading Terminal it has aisles of cooked barbecue pork ribs, chicken, French fries, with all kinds of side dishes: rice, salads, corn bread, to mac&cheese. Strolling down the aisles jars of various Honey all flavors even a jar with pecans mixed with Honey. Cajun style cooking: alligator tail nuggets, dirty rice, jumbo Louisiana style, collard greens, catfish fried, with all down home cooking spices hot. You can order the food to go or sit down and enjoy it there your choice of beverages from coffee to tea, adult drinks beer or something stronger to sodas. Bakery of cakes any size flavors, fried bananas with a clear glaze, bread puddings: apples, blueberry, 🍓or raisins interesting flavors. Pickled beets also various sizes of pickled pickles including Kosher pickles in a barrel all items can be eaten there or ordered to go. Herbal store stocked with soaps to candles products from Gaia selections. African style of jewelry clothes T shirt with words to live by very profound. The jewelry was one of a kind designs reasonable prices beautiful handmade. I brought a T shirt for a friend "Black Father's Matter". Yes they do! DOWNHOME DINNER real cooking like at home sit down counter or can take out to go. The smells were like home any home cooking. I was in Reading Terminal for 3 hours exploring tasty treats and the people were laughing talking to strangers. Oh! A full designed fresh grocery store too. READING TERMINAL MAKE IT GO TO WHEN IN...