Philadelphia: Reading Terminal Market Walking Tour

Discover the beating heart of Philadelphia at the iconic Reading Terminal Market. This 45-minute walking tour takes you on an immersive journey through the bustling marketplace, unveiling its rich history and mouthwatering delicacies. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore the market’s unique architecture, family-owned businesses, and local specialties – including a Philly pretzel and an Amish-inspired sweet treat. With limited group sizes, this accessible adventure offers a perfect introduction for first-time visitors, leaving you hungry to uncover more of the market’s hidden gems.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 16 Best Shopping & Market Tours In Philadelphia.

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Key Points

45-minute walking tour of the iconic Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, led by knowledgeable guides and limited to small groups of up to 10 participants.
Exploration of the market’s rich history, family-owned businesses, and cultural heritage, with a focus on sampling local delicacies like Philly pretzels and Amish-inspired sweets.
Tour is conducted in English and wheelchair accessible, with a cost of $30 per person and a flexible cancellation policy.
Highlights include learning about the market’s unique architecture, the transformation from a train station, and the significance of the community within.
Highly rated by previous customers, the tour provides a great introduction to the Reading Terminal Market for first-time visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Reading Terminal Market Walking Tour is a 45-minute activity limited to small groups of up to 10 participants.

A 45-minute activity limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, the Reading Terminal Market Walking Tour explores Philadelphia’s iconic market.

Conducted in English, the tour is wheelchair accessible and costs $30 per person. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking is available through a reserve now and pay later option. The tour explores Philadelphia’s iconic market, providing insight into its history and family-owned merchants.

Participants enjoy two local treats – a Philly pretzel and an Amish-inspired sweet.

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What to Expect

Guests embarking on the Reading Terminal Market Walking Tour can expect an engaging and immersive exploration of Philadelphia’s iconic marketplace.

The knowledgeable guides will lead the small group through the vibrant stalls, sharing insights into the market’s rich history and the stories behind its diverse food vendors.

Highlights include:

Sampling two local delicacies – a classic Philly pretzel and an Amish-inspired sweet treat.
Learning about the market’s family-owned businesses and their multi-generational traditions.
Discovering the market’s unique architecture and its role in the city’s cultural heritage.

Throughout the 45-minute tour, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the Reading Terminal Market’s vibrant food culture and its significance within the Philadelphia community.

Exploring the Market’s History

Although the Reading Terminal Market has existed in various forms since the late 19th century, its current incarnation as a vibrant, multi-vendor marketplace dates back to the early 1900s.

The original Terminal was built in 1893 to serve as a train station, but by the 1920s, the space had been transformed into a bustling hub for local farmers, bakers, and merchants.

Today, the market features over 80 merchants, many of whom are descendants of the original vendors. Guides provide insight into the market’s rich history and the families who’ve sustained it for generations.

Highlights of the Walking Tour

During the 45-minute walking tour, expert guides lead participants through the bustling aisles of the Reading Terminal Market, sharing insights into the market’s vibrant history and food culture.

The highlights include:

Enjoying two local snacks: a Philly-famous pretzel and an Amish-inspired sweet treat.
Learning about the market’s family-owned merchants and their connections to the community.
Exploring the iconic market, which has been operating since 1893 and features over 80 vendors under one roof.

Tours run almost daily at 10:30am and 2:30pm, with advanced booking required.

The walking tour provides a great introduction to this beloved Philadelphia institution.

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Meeting Point and Directions

The tour meeting point is located near the mailboxes in the back corner of the Reading Terminal Market, between Herbiary and the PA General Store.

Use the Arch Street entrance under the hanging cow sign. Arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins and look for the green Meeting Point sign. The tour starts promptly, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Wheelchair users will find the market and tour accessible. With advance notice, the tour provider can accommodate special needs.

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Customer Feedback

Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised the Reading Terminal Market Walking Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 4 reviews.

Gail, a visitor from the UK, raved about the enthusiastic guide and returned for breakfast the next day.

Gail, a visitor from the UK, raved about the enthusiastic guide and returned for breakfast the next day.

Thomas, a US traveler, highlighted the guide’s knowledgeable insights into the vendors’ connections.

Ashley, another US customer, noted the tour provided a great introduction to the market, allowing her to learn more than on previous visits.

The consistently positive feedback confirms the tour’s excellence in showcasing Philadelphia’s iconic Reading Terminal Market.

Snacks and Gratuity

Although the starting snack is subject to change based on availability, the tour typically includes a Philly-famous pretzel and an Amish-inspired sweet treat.

These savory and sweet samples provide a delightful introduction to the market’s diverse food offerings.

Tipping the guide is appreciated, as it’s common practice to provide a 20% gratuity for service workers.

This gesture recognizes the guide’s expertise and passion in sharing the market’s rich history and culture.

With these insider tips, guests can make the most of their Reading Terminal Market experience and leave with a deeper appreciation for this Philadelphia landmark.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Guests can reserve their spot for the Reading Terminal Market Walking Tour and pay later. The booking process is straightforward:

Select the desired tour date and time on the website.
Provide contact information and number of participants.
Checkout securely and opt to pay later.

Cancellations are flexible, with a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance. This allows guests to easily adjust their plans if needed.

The tour has limited capacity, so early booking is recommended to secure a spot on the popular Philadelphia experience.

With the convenience of reserve now, pay later, guests can easily fit this unique market tour into their travel itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for the Tour?

The tour is limited to 10 participants, making it a small group experience. This allows for more personalized attention from the expert guide and a more intimate exploration of the market’s highlights.

Are Audioguides or Headsets Provided During the Tour?

Audioguides or headsets are not provided during the tour. The small group size of 10 participants allows the expert guide to provide personal insights into the market’s history and culture throughout the 45-minute experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Walking Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour. Guests are encouraged to take photos of the vibrant market stalls and historic architecture throughout the experience to capture memories of their visit.

Can I Bring Outside Food and Drinks Into the Market?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks into the Reading Terminal Market. However, it’s best to purchase snacks and refreshments from the market’s many vendors to support the local businesses and experience the vibrant atmosphere.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions or requirements. It’s open to participants of all ages, and children are welcome to join. The tour is suitable for families and individuals alike.

The Sum Up

Discover the vibrant heart of Philadelphia with the Reading Terminal Market Walking Tour. Explore local delicacies, learn about the market’s rich history, and learn about the unique architecture and family-owned businesses. This 45-minute small-group tour offers an engaging and informative adventure for just $30 per person. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the lively essence of Philadelphia’s iconic marketplace.