Reading Terminal Market was established in 1892 when trains rolled into Reading Terminal. Today, two of the nearly 90 merchants are descendents of original stand holders. They have been joined by Amish merchants from Pennsylvania’s countryside, who bring fresh goods to the market four days a week, as well as merchants who reflect the melting pot that is Philadelphia - those like Alfoncie B. Austin, who was the first African American to own a business in this Market with the opening of The Basic 4 Vegetarian Snack Bar.

Visitors can stroll through the vast food bazaar and buy everything from handcrafted imported crafts and American quilts to fresh produce, dairy products, meat, seafood, fresh cut flowers, cookbooks and prepared foods ranging from cannoli to soul food. Among the nearly 90 merchants are some 30 restaurants and lunch counters. the market has retained its old-fashioned flavor and, today, the train station above The Market has become a dramatic space in the Pennsylvania Convention Center.