Reading Terminal Market: A cornucopia of culinary delights

On the list of Philadelphia must-sees, Reading Terminal Market surely ranks near the top. The collection of shops and stands produces a sensory experience that is almost beyond description. The mingling of smells, sights, and sounds gives even the most persnickety person boundless options.

Reading Terminal Market first opened its doors in 1892 and served as a house for roughly 800 vendor spaces. Today, over 100,000 visitors stroll through the crowded aisles searching for fresh products and a taste of Philly.

Your first impression of the market is always shaped by the door you enter in, determining whether you're greeted by fresh produce on Filbert Street, the sales pitch of the Famous 4th Street Cookie Co. from 12th Street, or Dienner's BBQ from Arch.

But once you get in, the path is up to you. The market's ethnic foods touch virtually every corner of the world, from Olympic Gyro to Kamal's Middle Eastern Specialties, Mezze's Italian offerings to the Little Thai Market. For those with braver tastes, there's also Tokyo Sushi Bar and Pearl's Oyster Bar.

If it's American fare you're looking for, there's plenty to satisfy your tastes. Heschel's Deli and DiNic's are right across from each other in center court battling for the hearts of sandwich lovers, while Down Home Diner gives you that hometown, good eats feel. If you want more classic favorites, like pizza and cheesesteaks, you've got plenty of options there too.

To finish it off, there's Termini Brothers Bakery, Bassetts Ice Cream, Profi's Creperie, or Four Seasons Juice Bar if you're looking for a healthier option. And there's the Philly staple, from Miller's Twist four days a week.

If you're stuffed, no worries. While you're busy digesting, there's plenty of shopping options, with fresh meats, cheeses, and fish, plus produce and flowers. You can also find just about any spice you would ever need at the Spice Terminal, plus homemade concoctions you can't find anywhere else. And of course, there's a place to buy cookbooks so that you can figure out what to do with it all.

Peruse the towering piles of books at Miscellanea Libri and ring the bell when you're ready to check out with your purchases. De' Village houses unique African jewelry and accessories. And even if you can't eat any more food, you can always watch it being prepared. Men and women at Beiler's Bakery construct soft pretzels in a matter of minutes. Watch as batter is swirled efficiently on metal grills, almost instantly turning into delicious crepes at Profi's Creperie.

In a city that boasts some historical heavyweights and excellent eateries, Reading Terminal Markets combines the best of both worlds.