Reading Terminal Market

The oldest and largest covered market in the city … and (almost) in the entire United States too. Total madness for any self-proclaimed foodie.

Each aisle reveals its share of local or distant specialties, fruits and vegetables, fish, pastries, roasted or grilled meats … your taste buds go crazy and don't know where to look anymore. The stalls are still often family-run businesses and you can pretty easily spot the sure bets by counting how many locals are queuing up at lunchtime.

We treated ourselves to some delicious pastrami from Hatville Deli, roasted pork from Tommy Dinic's and, of course, because it's Philly, an unmentionable cheesesteak from George. A far cry from the trendy food courts popping up in all the big cities around the world … best to go late morning to give yourself time to choose before the noon rush.