Market East & the Convention Center: Philly's Global Events Hub

Can’t Miss Experiences

1. Feast at the iconic Reading Terminal Market

Established in 1892, the historic Reading Terminal Market remains one of the greatest public markets in the country.

Visitors love the market’s myriad options, from global eats to authentic Philly cheesesteaks and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare. The market offers plenty of shopping, too, from handmade imported crafts to cut flowers, coffee, decadent desserts and so much more.

Pro-tip: Head to the market early on weekday mornings to experience the quietest time.

  — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

2. See America’s first art museum and art school

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) has served as one of Philadelphia’s most important artistic hubs since 1805. The museum’s permanent collection includes paintings, sculpture and works on paper, together telling the story of early American art.

PAFA’s Frank Furness-designed Historic Landmark Building, heralded by the 51-foot Paint Torch sculpture by Claus Oldenburg, remains one of the finest surviving examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in the Americas.

  — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

3. Explore Philadelphia’s City Hall and Dilworth Park

The largest municipal building in the country, Philadelphia’s City Hall stands 548 feet tall, contains 14.5 acres of floor space and has 250 sculptures throughout the ornate Second Empire building.

Visitors can take the City Hall Tower Tour to enjoy a rare, 360-degree view of Philadelphia from the glass-enclosed observation deck, 500 feet above street level.

Just outside City Hall, Dilworth Park offers everyday sit-spots to enjoy outdoor lunch, seasonal celebrations like Winter in Dilworth Park and a programmable dancing fountain in summer.

  — Photo by Elevated Angles for Visit Philadelphia

4. Experience Black art & culture at the African American Museum in Philadelphia

The African American Museum in Philadelphia was the first institution built by a major U.S. city to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage and culture of African Americans.

The museum takes a fresh look at the role African Americans have had in the founding of the nation through its core permanent exhibit: Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776 – 1876.

The museum’s upper galleries host a rotating schedule of special exhibitions exploring African American history, culture and social justice issues through fine art, multimedia displays, historic artifacts and informative panels.

  — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

5. Shop and enjoy eclectic entertainment across the Fashion District

Market East’s expansive Fashion District spans three city blocks and offers ample shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities.

With flagship stores, full-fledged shops and outlets, shoppers can fill hours perusing the wares across 80 store brands.

  — Photo courtesy Fashion District Philadelphia

Diners looking to grab a bite can head to the popular Hard Rock Cafe or opt for dinner while listening to live music at City Winery.

Entertainment options include Round1 Bowling & Arcade, Play Mini Golf Philadelphia and the AMC Theatre, which offers dine-in delivery to your seat.

6. Attend major events at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

Each year, the Pennsylvania Convention Center hosts some of the city’s most popular annual events, drawing waves of visitors to the one-million-square-foot center.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show has welcomed spring and eager plant enthusiasts since 1829, serving as the oldest and largest indoor horticultural event in the world.

The Mummers Fancy Brigade competition showcases Broadway-style performances each New Year’s Day, while the Philadelphia Auto Show draws car-lovers looking to see the hottest auto trends and test-drive vehicles.

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show   — Photo by Marisa Riley Ris Productions

Where to Stay

Having the Convention Center in the neighborhood means access to more than 14,000 hotel rooms nearby.

Visitors can find luxury accommodations at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel and the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. The Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City offers spacious rooms and suites with home comforts like microwaves and refrigerators, while the Canopy Hotel by Hilton Philadelphia Center City features rooms with signature Canopy beds.

Apartment comfort meets luxury amenities at the residential-style ROOST East Market, while the Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City offers guest suites with fully equipped kitchens and upscale furnishings. The Notary Hotel’s rooms feature 11-foot ceilings, luxurious double vanity bathrooms and plush bedding.

The Notary Hotel   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

Local Tips

• The super walkable/bikeable Market East neighborhood also has easy access to public transport, including SEPTA’s Regional Rail system, numerous buses and L (Market-Frankford) subway line.
• The neighborhood’s close proximity to Chinatown means access to an endless array of global eats at places like the James Beard Award-winning Vietnam Restaurant and authentically spicy Szechuan served family-style at EMei Restaurant.
• Can’t-miss gems in the neighborhood include the architectural wonder of the Masonic Temple, the historic Wanamaker Building and The Fabric Workshop and Museum, a contemporary art museum.

Masonic Temple   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia