
Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour worth booking?
Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour is a 0.8-hour experience in Philadelphia, United States, from $34 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (18)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $34 per person
The Reading Terminal Market is a must-see for anyone in Philadelphia. Designed for locals, visitors, students, and fans of the Market, join us as we explore the Market's rich history, witness the skilled cooking styles passed down from generations, and take in the diverse and mouth-watering scents from the 80+ merchants. Starting off with a famous Philly snack, this 45-minute tour will tantalize your taste buds and provide insight into the Market's vibrant history. Our expert guide will lead you through the Market's bustling aisles, pointing out must-see spots and sharing stories of the Market's past. Come enjoy a fun and informative tour of the market, with an option to take home a scrumptious treat too. Advanced booking is required; walk-ons not guaranteed a spot. Our Tour Guides accept tips, and they are greatly appreciated. Tipping is left up to the individual, but as a general practice, 20% is the common gratuity for service workers.
What you get
About this experience
The Reading Terminal Market is a must-see for anyone in Philadelphia. Designed for locals, visitors, students, and fans of the Market, join us as we explore the Market's rich history, witness the skilled cooking styles passed down from generations, and take in the diverse and mouth-watering scents from the 80+ merchants. Starting off with a famous Philly snack, this 45-minute tour will tantalize your taste buds and provide insight into the Market's vibrant history. Our expert guide will lead you through the Market's bustling aisles, pointing out must-see spots and sharing stories of the Market's past. Come enjoy a fun and informative tour of the market, with an option to take home a scrumptious treat too. Advanced booking is required; walk-ons not guaranteed a spot. Our Tour Guides accept tips, and they are greatly appreciated. Tipping is left up to the individual, but as a general practice, 20% is the common gratuity for service workers.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
Not included
- Gratuity for Guide
What you'll see and do
Reading Terminal Market
Come taste the Market's history, hear stories of some of the 80+ small, family-owned businesses, see their products, and be the first to learn about new offerings. Our small group tours are designed to deliver the Reading Terminal Market experience. The tour includes hearing about the Market's history and evolution, becoming familiar with the layout, and hearing about many of the merchants that make up the Market. You'll see the numerous bakeries, produce grocers, butchers, gourmet vendors, and other shops during the tour.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Philadelphia
The tour meets near the mailboxes in the back corner of the Market between Herbiary and the PA General Store. It is closest to the entrance on Arch Street. The restrooms are nearby, but look for the green "Meeting Point" sign near the mailboxes. Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour meets near the mailboxes in the back corner of the Market between Herbiary and the PA General Store. It is closest to the entrance on Arch Street. The restrooms are nearby, but look for the green "Meeting Point" sign near the mailboxes. Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Food Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children age 0-2 are free but will not receive food unless a ticket is purchased
- Gluten and dairy are included in the food items. Please contact us in advance if seeking accommodation
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
18 verified traveler reviews for Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Go Hungry! You Won't Be Disappointed.
I was so impressed by the Reading Terminal Market. My husband and I were the only ones on the tour so it was almost like a private tour. I was happy it was not cancelled due to nobody else booking it. Matt was so good. Very informative and very friendly. Very impressive market.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your time at RTM and I’m glad you were able to have such a personalized experience with just the two of you. It was a pleasure showing you around and sharing some of the Market’s stories with you.
via Viator
Great Introductory Tour of the Market!
Great tour with Matt. This tour helps you overcome the overwhelming feeling you get when you walk in the door. Now can easily explore the market by ourselves.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for sharing your kind words! It's such an honor to serve as the official tour team for the Reading Terminal Market and help introduce everyone to the history, family merchants, and delicious flavors of the Market. We hope you get the chance to come back over and over again!
via Viator
Reading Terminal Market
Mr. Matt really showed that he enjoys doing what he does. I found it excellent that he was on a first name basis with several people. He explained how they work together. He explained the pride some of the businesses had because they were passed down from the previous generation. My favorite places were Beck’s Cajun and Ma Lessie. I would definitely recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your great review! It's an honor being the official tour guides for the Reading Terminal Market and getting to know the families and stories intimately, and sharing them on our tours. We're so glad you had a great time on your tour and enjoyed Beck's and Ma Lessie's! Great selections!! We can't wait to have you back for more during your next trip to Philly!
via Viator
A Must Do
Matt was wonderful. Full of great details about the market and its history. Well spoken and a fun afternoon spent in the market with him!
Response from the operator: This makes us so happy! We're honored to be the official tour team for the Reading Terminal Market and appreciate you spending part of your day with us to explore beyond just grabbing some food. Thanks for including this as part of your trip to Philly. We hope to have you back on more of our other food tours during your next visit!
via Viator
Fun Reading Terminal Tour
Adam was a great tour guide. He knew so much history and background of the Reading Terminal. He gave us great tips and suggestions on why he enjoys the wonderful food offered. We had a very nice time talking with him!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your great review! We're extremely glad you enjoyed Adam's vast knowledge and fun conversation. He truly is an awesome guy and we're lucky to have him on our team. We hope to see you back for more soon!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by City Food Tours, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.2.
See everything City Food Tours runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Philadelphia.
How much does Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour cost?
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Prices start at $34 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Philadelphia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Philadelphia is not rushed.
Is Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Philadelphia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Philadelphia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Philadelphia and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Philadelphia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Philadelphia?
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Philadelphia's core is walkable: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell need timed entry, the mural arts programme runs the largest public art collection in the country, and the Reading Terminal and Italian Market food walks fill the middle of the day. Outty Ranking favours operators who secure Independence Hall tickets rather than sending you to the visitor centre queue. On Outty we rank every Philadelphia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia, Dark Philly Adult Night Tour, Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Philadelphia?
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April to June and September to October, mild weather and open patios. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Philadelphia?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour?
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Included: Snacks. Not included: Gratuity for Guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour?
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The tour meets near the mailboxes in the back corner of the Market between Herbiary and the PA General Store. It is closest to the entrance on Arch Street. The restrooms are nearby. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Philadelphia. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Reading Terminal Market OFFICIAL Tour?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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