Things To Do
in Reading
Reading, Pennsylvania is a small city in southeastern Pennsylvania with an industrial past, a lively arts scene, and a growing food culture. It is best known for landmarks like the Reading Pagoda, the FirstEnergy Stadium, and the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. The city sits on the Schuylkill River and serves as a gateway to nearby outdoor destinations such as Hawk Mountain and Blue Marsh Lake.
Reading mixes historic architecture and murals with newer breweries, cultural festivals, and a diverse community.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in Reading's historic district, where you can enjoy fresh pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully preserved streets, admiring the intricate architecture of the Victorian-era buildings. Don’t forget to stop by the Reading Public Museum, where you can explore art, science, and history exhibits.
After lunch at a charming bistro, visit the Berks County Courthouse, an architectural gem that showcases stunning murals and stained glass. Spend some time at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, where you can view contemporary art installations and even participate in a workshop. Nearby, the Reading Pagoda offers scenic views of the city, providing the perfect backdrop for an afternoon photo session.
As the sun sets, head to the Santander Arena to catch a local sports game or concert, immersing yourself in the vibrant community atmosphere. After the event, treat yourself to dinner at a popular local restaurant, where you can savor regional specialties. Cap off the night with a leisurely walk along the Schuylkill River Trail, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, which offers a myriad of trails through picturesque woodlands. Spend the morning hiking the trails, observing local wildlife and enjoying the serenity of nature. The crisp morning air and the sounds of chirping birds create a peaceful ambiance for your adventure.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic spots within the park. After your meal, continue exploring more hiking trails or participate in a guided nature walk to learn about the local flora and fauna. The afternoon is perfect for capturing the beauty of the forest through photography or simply unwinding in a tranquil setting.
Return to Reading for a relaxing dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, where you can savor seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, consider visiting a local brewery to sample some craft beers and learn about the brewing process. Finish the evening with a casual stroll around the neighborhood, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (one-way) | $1.70-2.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
| 🚕Taxi / rideshare short trip | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to outdoor destinations like Hawk Mountain and Blue Marsh Lake
- Strong local arts scene (GoggleWorks) and distinctive pagoda landmark
- Diverse and authentic Latin American food options
- Lower costs compared with larger nearby cities (Philadelphia)
- Some neighborhoods have higher crime and economic challenges
- Public transportation options are limited compared with major metro areas
- Fewer high-end dining and nightlife options than nearby big cities
- Winters can be cold and snowy, which may limit some outdoor activities
Places to Visit in Reading
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic hilltop pagoda offering panoramic city and valley views — great at sunrise or sunset and striking against winter snow.
Historic park with water features, walking paths, and mature trees offering scenic shots year-round, especially fall foliage.
Minor-league ballpark with lively crowds and colorful night lighting—good for action and atmosphere shots during games.
Former factory turned arts center with interesting industrial architecture, murals, and public art for creative compositions.
Riverside paths, bridges, and reflections provide opportunities for sunrise/sunset and seasonal landscape photography.
Dramatic ridgeline views and raptor migrations make this a top spot for wildlife and landscape photography in fall and spring.
Colorful street art and historic brick facades along Penn Street and side streets capture the urban character and local culture.
Food in Reading
Reading Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Soft pretzels and sweet shoofly pie are local favorites; you can find them at bakeries and diners around town and at nearby markets.
Must-Try!
Classic deli hoagies and big breakfast platters (eggs, scrapple, home fries) are widely available at local delis and family diners.
Because of Reading’s large Hispanic population, expect excellent Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Salvadoran restaurants — try pupusas, tacos al pastor, and arepas at neighborhood spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A year-round market with vendors selling baked goods, meats, produce, and prepared foods. Good place to sample local specialties and pick up picnic items.
Local farmers markets and roadside stands in Berks County offer seasonal produce, cheeses, and baked goods—perfect for sampling regional flavors in spring through fall.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly, casual conversation is common—greetings and brief small talk about the weather or local sports are normal. Personal space is valued.
Observe posted signs in parks and private property boundaries; ask before photographing people in private settings.
Being on time for appointments and reservations is expected; businesses generally adhere to posted hours.
Respect the city’s diverse communities and languages; avoid assuming cultural background or using stereotypes when conversing.
Safety
Tipping in Reading
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% of pre-tax bill for full service; bartenders typically get $1–3 per drink or 15–20% for tabs; taxis and rideshares are typically tipped 10–15% or rounded up. Tip hotel porters, housekeeping, and hairdressers modestly for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless/mobile payments are increasingly common. Carry some cash for small vendors, markets, or tipping where card machines aren’t available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and flowering trees make it ideal for outdoor walks, farmers markets open up, and migratory birds return—carry layers for cool mornings.
Warm to hot and humid weather, perfect for lake activities at Blue Marsh and outdoor festivals; bring sun protection and expect occasional thunderstorms.
Crisp air and excellent fall foliage in nearby parks and ridgelines—one of the best times for hiking and scenic drives; pack a warm jacket for evenings.
Cold with occasional snow; some outdoor attractions are quieter, and driving can be slower in snow—dress warmly and check road conditions for rural areas.
Reading at Night
Hiking in Reading
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous for raptor migrations, Hawk Mountain has a network of trails and dramatic overlooks; bring binoculars and be prepared for elevation changes.
Shaded forest trails good for easy to moderate hikes, nature study, and seasonal wildflowers.
Larger park with varied trails, lakes, and woodland habitats about a 30–40 minute drive; offers camping, fishing, and longer hikes.
Gentle shoreline trails ideal for walking, biking, and casual hikes with lake views and picnic areas.
Series of ridge and valley hikes in Berks County offering panoramic views and seasonal foliage, suitable for day trips.
Airports
How to reach Reading by plane.
Small general aviation airport near the city used mainly for private planes, flight training, and limited charter service; not a major commercial hub.
About a 30–45 minute drive northeast; regional commercial airport with domestic flights and car rental options—convenient for visiting Reading by road.
About a 1–1.5 hour drive southeast depending on traffic; major international airport with many flight options, ground transport, and car rental services.
About a 50–70 minute drive west; regional airport serving central Pennsylvania with domestic flights and rental cars.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large and vibrant Hispanic/Latino community contributes strongly to Reading’s culture, cuisine, and businesses—bringing diverse Latin American food, festivals, and bilingual services.
Longstanding communities of people of European descent with historical ties to regional industries and towns throughout Berks County.
An important part of the city’s social fabric with deep local roots and active neighborhood organizations.
Reading has a mix of more recent immigrants and families from various countries, enriching the cultural and culinary landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Reading is home to the Double-A affiliate Reading Fightin Phils; minor-league baseball is a popular summer pastime and a family-friendly entertainment option.
High school football, soccer, and baseball draw local interest and community support, with active youth leagues in multiple sports.
Fans follow major Philadelphia teams (Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers) as the nearest professional franchises, and many locals support these teams passionately.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Reading.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at many cafés, modern restaurants, and some diners; larger selections appear at breweries and newer eateries. Ask about cheese and broths for hidden animal products, and most places will accommodate simple substitutions.
Dedicated vegan restaurants are limited, but many cafés and some markets can prepare vegan dishes. Gluten-free options exist but may be more limited—call ahead for specialty items or look for markets and bakeries that advertise gluten-free goods.
Most restaurants are used to handling common allergies; communicate clearly, and for severe allergies bring translations or a card specifying the allergen. Smaller kitchens may have cross-contact risks.