Reading Terminal Market is an enclosed public market found at 12th and Arch Streets in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Over one hundred merchants offer fresh produce, meats, fish, artisan cheese, groceries, ice cream, flowers, grilled cheese, baked goods, crafts, books, clothing, and specialty and ethnic foods. Every space in the market is rented out; three of the vendors are descendants of original market merchants. The market is open every day of the week. The Pennsylvania Dutch merchants (a small but significant minority) generally do not operate Sunday through Tuesday.
I've been 3 times to the United States, three times I've been to Philadelphia and three times I've been to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. Reading terminal market should be on very travelers bucket list - it's just awesome.
Reading Terminal market in Philadelphia
The Reading Terminal Market occupies the ground floor and basement levels of the Reading Terminal's former train shed, now part of the Philadelphia Convention Center. Market stalls occupy the ground floor with entrances on Filbert Street to the south, Twelfth Street to the West, and Arch Street to the North. The stalls are arranged in a grid pattern with an open area in the center with tables and seating. It is full of many different kinds of ceiling fans.
Spataros cheese steaks
My love for Philly cheese steaks starts at Spataros. Once in Philadelphia, not having a cheese steak is the deadliest sin. Have one, try Spataros cheese steaks.
Shrimps, lobsters and other goodies
If i would need to compare Reading Terminal Market, then I would love to compare it with La Rambla market in Barcelona. See: My Barcelona Travel Guide - La Rambla, La Boqueria Market, Park Guell and even La Sagrada Familia
Seeds
We bought some seeds and are looking to plant some in our rock garden this Summer.
Cupcakes
Open-air markets flourished in Philadelphia since its founding. Growth of the city demanded more markets, and the string of open-air markets extending from the Delaware River ran for six blocks, or one full mile, prompting the main street (then called 'High Street') to be renamed 'Market Street.' Soon after the markets reached their peak growth and capacity, open-air markets within the city became seen as dirty and unhygienic by the public. The frenzy of activity along the main street was seen as a nuisance and traffic hazard. In 1859, city officials bowed to public pressure and dismantled all of them. This prompted two indoor markets to open at 12th and Market Streets, Franklin Market and Farmers' Market. These two would be the foundation of the Reading Terminal Market.
At Molly Malloy's
Tried some cheese steak here
The World famous Philly Cheese steak