Reading Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Known as the "Pretzel City" for its rich pretzel-making history, Reading is a charming city located in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania, United States. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Reading offers visitors a delightful experience that will leave them craving for more.

History enthusiasts will be captivated by the city's rich past, which is evident in its well-preserved historic sites and landmarks. The Reading Public Museum is a must-visit destination, housing an impressive collection of art, science exhibits, and artifacts that showcase the region's heritage. The Pagoda, a Japanese-inspired tower built in the early 20th century, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Nature lovers will be enthralled by the beauty of Reading's natural landscapes. The nearby Blue Marsh Lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. The lush trails of the Nolde Forest State Park provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.

Food lovers will find themselves in culinary heaven in Reading. The city is known for its diverse dining scene, offering a variety of cuisines to satisfy every palate. From traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes to international flavors, there is something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the city's famous pretzels, which have been a local delicacy for generations.

Art and culture thrive in Reading, with numerous galleries and theaters showcasing local talent. The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a vibrant hub for creativity, featuring art studios, galleries, and educational programs. The Santander Arena hosts a range of entertainment events, including concerts, sports games, and live performances.

Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty of options in Reading. The VF Outlet Center, located in a historic factory building, offers discounted brand-name clothing and accessories. The Berkshire Mall provides a one-stop shopping experience with a wide selection of stores and eateries.

Alternative names: Founded: 1748 (276 years ago)Population: 87.9 thous. (2019)Area: 10.13 mi²Elevation: 266 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°20'14"N, 75°55'49"W

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PennsylvaniaUnited States

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Reading Top Attractions

Reading Attractions - What to See and Explore

Reading offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: FirstEnergy Stadium, Charles Evans Cemetery, Pagoda, Reading Public Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Arenas and stadiums • Sport complex • Sport venue
FirstEnergy Stadium
FirstEnergy Stadium is a 10,000-seat baseball-only stadium in Reading, Pennsylvania, that hosted its first regular season baseball game in 1951. The park is home to the Reading Fightin Phils of the Double-A Northeast. It was voted the second best place to see a baseball game by Minor League News in 2006.
Cemetery
Charles Evans Cemetery
Charles Evans Cemetery is an historic, nonsectarian, garden-style cemetery located in the city of Reading, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Charles Evans, a son of Quaker parents and native of Philadelphia who became a prominent attorney and philanthropist in Reading during the late 18th and early 19th century.
Architecture • Pagoda • Novelty architecture
Pagoda
The Pagoda is a novelty building, built atop the south end of Mount Penn overlooking Reading, Pennsylvania, United States. It has been a symbol of the city for more than a century.

Showcase for the arts and sciences
Reading Public Museum
The Reading Public Museum is a museum in West Reading, Pennsylvania. The museum's permanent collection mainly focuses on art, science, and civilization. It also has a planetarium and a 25-acre arboretum.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Christ Episcopal Church
Christ Episcopal Church, founded in 1763, is the oldest English-speaking congregation in Reading, Pennsylvania. Christ Church was organized under the ministry of the Rev. Robert Davis, who commenced missionary services in Reading in the spring of 1823. The present building was built between 1825–26.
Concerts and shows • Performing arts • Theater
Santander Performing Arts Center
The Santander Performing Arts Center is a historic theatre in Reading, Pennsylvania. It is the current home of the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the "Broadway on 6th St" annual series of musicals and plays.
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum is an aviation museum and aircraft restoration facility located at Reading Regional Airport in Reading, Pennsylvania. The museum, founded by Russ Strine, the current President, collects and actively restores historic war planes and classic airliners as well as rare civilian and military aircraft.
Church • Georgian architecture
Trinity Lutheran Church
Trinity Lutheran Church is a historic Lutheran church at 6th and Washington Streets in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania. The current church building was built in 1791, and is a two-story, three bays by five-bays, red brick building with stone and wood trim in the Georgian style.
Protected area
Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 324
The Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 324 are Pennsylvania State Game Lands in Berks County in Pennsylvania in the United States providing hunting, bird watching, and other activities.
Synagogue • District 8
Kesher Zion
Kesher Zion is a Conservative Jewish congregation in Reading, Pennsylvania. Congregations B'nai Zion and Kesher Israel merged to form Kesher Zion in 1929. In April 1978, vandals painted seven swastikas on the walls, doors, and columns of the synagogue.
Museum • History museum
Historical Society of Berks County
Founded in 1869, the Historical Society of Berks County operates the Berks History Center as a museum and library located in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Museum • Art gallery • Shopping
GoggleWorks
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a community art and cultural resource center located in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Museum • Church
Bethel A.M.E. Church
Bethel A.M.E. Church, now known as the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum, is a historic African Methodist Episcopal church at 119 North 10th Street in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was originally built in 1837, and is a 2½-storey brick and stucco building with a gable roof.
Village • Area
West Reading
West Reading is a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,212 at the 2010 census. It contains a vibrant main street and the large Reading Hospital and Medical Center.
City hall
City Hall
City Hall, originally known as Boy's High School, is a historic city hall located at Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1904, as the high school for boys, and converted to use as a city hall in 1928. It is a three-story, with basement, granite and gray brick building in the Beaux Arts style.
Bridge • Center City
Skew Arch Bridge
The Skew Arch Bridge in Reading, Pennsylvania, also known as the Askew Bridge and nicknamed the Soap and Whiskey Bridge, is a historical skew arch bridge completed in 1857 carrying two tracks of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad at an angle over Sixth Street in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Museum • Romanesque architecture
Liberty Fire Company No. 5
Liberty Fire Company No. 5 is a historic fire station located at Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1876, and is a three-story, brick building in the Italianate style. It was originally two-stories, with the third story added in 1895.
Dam • Natural attraction • Lake
Antietam Lake
Antietam Lake is a reservoir located in Berks County, Pennsylvania entirely within the Antietam Lake Park. The lake was formerly owned by the city of Reading. It was purchased by Berks County in 2006. The lake is surrounded by 643 acres of park land.
Bridge
Wertz's Covered Bridge
Wertz's Covered Bridge, also known as the Red Covered Bridge, is a historic wooden covered bridge located at Bern Township and Spring Township in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The bridge is a 204-foot-long, Burr Truss bridge, constructed in 1867. It crosses the Tulpehocken Creek.

Things to See and Do in Reading by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Reading.

Culture

Santander Arena
Southeast Reading
TheaterConcerts and showsHockeyDowntown Reading
GoggleWorks
Southwest Reading
MuseumArt galleryShoppingDowntown Reading
Miller Center for the Arts
Southwest Reading
Concerts and showsTheaterDowntown Reading

Other categories

Museum

Day trips

Reading – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Reading, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster), Da Vinci Science Center (Allentown), Clipper Magazine Stadium (Lancaster).

26 milesSW
Theme park, Amusement park
Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic Lancaster County, Dutch Wonderland is a family-friendly theme park that promises a day of fun and adventure for visitors of all ages. With over 35 rides, attractions, and shows, it has been a staple in the region since its...
27 milesNE
Museum, Science museum
Da Vinci Science Center, Allentown
Nestled in the heart of Allentown, Pennsylvania, the Da Vinci Science Center is a beacon of exploration and discovery for curious minds of all ages. This dynamic museum is dedicated to bringing science to life through a variety of hands-on exhibits, live...
28 milesSW
Arenas and stadiums, Sport, Baseball
Clipper Magazine Stadium, Lancaster
Clipper Magazine Stadium is a cornerstone of entertainment in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offering locals and tourists alike a classic American pastime in the form of baseball. This modern ballpark, which opened its gates in 2005, serves as the home field for the...
35 milesSE
Sprawling landmark for elegant gardens
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square
Nestled in the heart of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens is a verdant oasis that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Spread across 1,077 acres, this horticultural masterpiece is a living display of nature's bounty, featuring...
30 milesSE
Museum, Specialty museum, Military museum
American Helicopter Museum, West Chester
The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center is a unique attraction nestled in the heart of Chester County, Pennsylvania, in the city of West Chester. This specialized museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and evolution of rotary-wing...

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Best Time To Visit Reading

Learn when is the best time to travel to Reading weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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October is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May, June, August and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in May, June, July and September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Reading?

The top attractions to visit in Reading are:

What is the best time to visit Reading?

October is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May, June, August and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.