Philadelphia PA: Reading Terminal and Italian Markets Print


Autumn is the time of year when fresh produce comes from farms, and is on colorful display in markets throughout the world. Some are small stands on the side of the road, while others are multi-street city extravaganzas that attract hordes of locals and tourists.

For more than a century, Philly has boasted of two of the nation’s most popular fresh markets. Fans of the first Rocky film remember scenes where the boxer jogs and spars through the open-air Italian Market in South Philly. Of course, visitors to the Italian market area will take some happy time to lunch nearby at the two famed hoagie shops, Gino’s and Pat’s Steaks.

Just a mile or so away, the Reading Terminal Market has been in the expansive indoor center city Philly railroad station since 1892, about the same time the Italian Market started. Visitors and regular shoppers explore the many features, including fresh meats, seafood, produce, flowers, baked goods, household items and much more.

There are also sit-down restaurants in the Reading Terminal where the fare features many local favorites. They include daily ethnic dishes of Amish foods fresh from nearby Lancaster County, and more than 40 flavors of delicious Bassetts Ice Cream.