Reading Terminal Market is one of our favorite historic landmarks in all of Philadelphia. It’s a must-see for tourists visiting the area, and locals have been visiting here to buy produce and eat lunch with friends for 125 years. This is also a great spot for family weekend outings, as our kids love the exciting and busy environment and delicious food options. Whether you live in Philadelphia or are just passing through, our Philadelphia adoption agents highly recommend taking a family trip to Reading Terminal Market. Some of our favorite places to see and things to do in the market include:
Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours
A visit to Reading Terminal Market can be an educational experience for the whole family if you take one of these market tours. They’re hosted by food writers who will take you on a 75-minute tour through the market where you can learn the history of the market, along with the stories behind Philly favorites like hoagies, pretzels, cheesesteaks, and more.
These tours leave from the Market Welcome Center at 12th and Filbert streets in Center City at 10 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. Don’t forget to make a reservation, as they’re required.
Book Nook Storytime
If you’ve got younger kids and you’re looking to help them build their reading and language skills, the Book Nook Storytime provides a great opportunity to do so. This early learning program is hosted in partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia. Every first Wednesday of the month, a librarian visits the Book Nook and reads stories aloud. Every third Wednesday, a merchant or volunteer reads the stories. This program is best suited for kids between ages 3 and 5.
Our Favorite Places To Eat At Reading Terminal
Of course, eating a delicious meal or getting some tasty snacks is the best part of a trip to Reading Terminal Market. The market is chock-full of a variety of dining options, with a mix of old-school Philly favorites and new additions. Some of our favorite places to grab a bite to eat here include:
Tommy DiNic’s
While Philly is best known for the iconic cheesesteaks, this city actually has a wide range of delicious sandwiches. Tommy DiNic’s is one of our favorite sandwich shops in a city full of great ones. They’re best known for their roast pork, but they have several other options as well:
- Roast Beef
- Homemade Meatballs
- Italian Sausage
- Italian Pulled Pork
- Beef Brisket
Dutch Eating Place
Just a little over an hour’s drive from the city, Pennsylvania Amish Country is a world away from this bustling city. But at Dutch Eating Place, you can enjoy some delectable “Pennsylvania Dutch” favorites, made traditionally and with farm-fresh ingredients.
Some of our favorites things to order here include:
- Hot Apple Dumplings
- Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
- Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
- Apple Cinnamon French Toast
- Hot Roast Beef Sandwich
Hershel’s East Side Deli
Nearby New York City may be better known for their Jewish delis, but we think Hershel’s rivals the best of them. They consistently have the best quality meats, prepared perfectly tender and loaded up on delicious bread. We’re big fans of the Reuben and pastrami on rye!
