Reading Terminal Market Named Nation's Best Public Market

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia's many tourist destinations bring hundreds and hundreds of visitors to the city annually.

People from across the world come to the City of Brotherly Love to see the Liberty Bell, the "Rocky steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Ben Franklin's "house," and more.

One spot that draws in numerous tourists and locals is the Reading Terminal Market.

The roughly 78,000-square-foot Center City market that opened in the late 1800s lures in all kinds of people with its dozens of vendors and wafting aromas of soft pretzels, cheesesteaks, doughnuts, and much, much more.

And the one website says the Reading Terminal Market is the best public market in the nation.

The Farmers Market Online recently listed the "3 Best Public Markets in the U.S. 2021."

Topping the three was the market.

Here's what the website says about it:

Coming in at number 1 is the beloved Reading Terminal Market. Philadelphia’s beloved public market lined with makers, artisans, growers, and eateries. RTM is a commonplace for travelers and locals to convene, shop, and eat. This Philly staple has managed to remain open through COVID with some added safety measures. In addition to robust retail, Reading Terminal offers online shopping and virtual classes. This essential business has maintained it’s ability to serve the community through this pandemic, and prove just how essential it really is to the fabric of Philadelphia.

You can peruse the list of vendors at the Reading Terminal Market here.

Coming in at No. 2 was Pike Place Market in Seattle and at No. 3 was West Side Market in Cleveland.

See what the website said about those markets here.

What's your favorite vendor in the Reading Terminal Market? Let us know in the comments.