Very Selective Foods at the Market in Philly

Visiting The Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia

February 22, 2025 By Jeff Belonger

‘America’s Oldest Farmers’ Market’

Reading Terminal Market is the country’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. It is like a small town of its own, considering that it covers 1.7 acres. Ground entrances are on Filbert Street to the south, Twelfth Street to the West, and Arch Street to the North.

Interesting Facts and History of Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market opened its doors in 1892, and in its first year of operation, there were 380 merchants. The market was nearly full for the following 60 years.

The market during the early years had good and bad times. So many things happened from decade to decade until 1994 when the Reading Terminal Market Corporation was formed to help operate the market with the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Here is when the revitalization program began, focusing on new tenants and promoting the market, bringing back the yesteryears.

The market, which has over 80 merchants, has so much to offer: local produce, baked goods, fresh eggs, milk, meats, poultry, seafood, ethnic and specialty foods, cookbooks, handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing. It has become a family within a family between the local merchants, who also help support each other by buying local for their needs.

With so many things to do in Philadelphia, the Reading Terminal Market has one hundred thousand Philadelphians, and tourists pass through the market every week. The market is next door to two Marriott Hotels and a Hilton Garden Inn, and you have such tourist destinations as the National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, and the Liberty Bell. Did you know that the market has been featured in scenes from these four movies filmed here: Blow Out, Witness, Trading Places, and National Treasure?

Come experience what the City of Philadelphia has to offer by visiting the Reading Terminal Market. It will be an experience you won’t forget.