Things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania
- Reading was once a major transit hub for the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, which developed the 'Reading Railroad' famously featured in the Monopoly board game.
- The city is home to the Pagoda, a seven-story Japanese-style structure built in 1908 that sits atop Mount Penn and remains a symbol of the region.
- Reading is historically significant for its role in the iron and steel industry, earning it a reputation as a mid-19th-century manufacturing powerhouse.
- The city has been colloquially known as the 'Pretzel Capital of the World' due to the high density of pretzel bakeries founded in the area.
About Reading, Pennsylvania
Located in the Schuylkill River Valley, Reading, Pennsylvania, serves as a hub of industrial heritage and cultural revival. The city is defined by its historic rail roots, exemplified by the landmark Reading Station, and its extensive collection of cultural institutions like the Reading Public Museum. Residents and visitors alike enjoy outdoor recreation at expansive spaces such as Nolde Forest - Sawmill. Additionally, the area maintains a robust performing arts scene anchored by venues like the Santander Performing Arts Center.
Highlights of Reading, Pennsylvania
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Venues
Catch a professional minor league baseball game in an intimate stadium setting.
Museums
Explore a diverse collection featuring fine art, natural history, and a planetarium.
Museums
View a collection of vintage aircraft and flight memorabilia focused on mid-Atlantic aviation history.
Parks
Hike through a former private estate managed as a state park with mature forest trails.
Venues
Experience live theater and touring performances in a historic venue with ornate interior architecture.
Historical places
Visit the site of the former headquarters of the famed railroad company integral to the city's growth.
Venues
Attend contemporary performances and art displays within a modern cultural facility.
Museums
Browse rotating exhibitions of local and regional art in a dedicated gallery space.
Top things to do in Reading, Pennsylvania
The 62 highest-rated places in Reading, Pennsylvania, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Vraj Hindu Temple is a prominent Vaishnava temple complex located in the rural landscape of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvan...
2
Parks
French Creek State Park encompasses 7,730 acres of woodland, including the Hopewell Big Woods, the largest block of cont...
3
Places of interest
Crystal Cave is a commercial limestone cavern discovered in 1871 that features an abundance of stalactites, stalagmites,...
4
Venues
FirstEnergy Stadium serves as the home field for the Reading Fightin Phils, the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia P...
5
Amusement parks
The Works at Wyomissing is a multifaceted entertainment complex located in the Berkshire Mall area, featuring an extensi...
6
Venues
The Santander Performing Arts Center is a historic theater located in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania, known for its orna...
7
Museums
The Reading Public Museum is a dual-focus institution blending fine art with natural history, anthropology, and science...
8
Historical places
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site preserves a 19th-century iron-making community located in southeastern Pennsylva...
9
Museums
The Mid Atlantic Air Museum is located on the grounds of the Reading Regional Airport in Pennsylvania. It functions as a...
10
Venues
Grandview Speedway is a third-mile, high-banked clay oval racetrack located in Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania. It is primar...
11
Museums
Roadside America is a massive indoor miniature village that spans 8,000 square feet, featuring intricate model railroads...
12
Parks
Jim Dietrich Park is a 130-acre municipal park located along the banks of the Schuylkill River in Muhlenberg Township. T...
13
Parks
Sweet Arrow Lake County Park is a 180-acre park in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, centered around a 100-acre man-made lake. T...
14
Places of interest
Pulpit Rock is a prominent geological formation located along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in eastern Pennsylva...
15
Venues
The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest folklife festival in the United States, established in 1950 to preserve and sho...
16
Parks
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is a 665-acre state park in Reading, Pennsylvania, characterized by its exte...
17
Venues
18
Museums
19
Parks
20
Venues
21
Parks
22
Museums
23
Parks
24
Parks
25
Parks
26
Museums
27
Historical places
28
Parks
29
Venues
30
Parks
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Reading, Pennsylvania on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Reading, Pennsylvania
September to October, when the fall foliage at Nolde Forest is at its peak and regional festivals occur.
2-3 days to explore the museum district, historic architecture, and local parks.
A car is essential for navigating Reading and the surrounding Berks County attractions efficiently.
The Wyomissing area offers modern hotel accommodations and proximity to major dining and retail centers.
Mid-range; the city offers affordable access to historical sites and regional parks compared to major coastal metros.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 62 curated attractions in and around Reading, Pennsylvania, ranked by traveller ratings.
Vraj Hindu Temple is the highest-rated place to visit in Reading, Pennsylvania right now.
The largest category is parks, with 18 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
Explore more of United States of America
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
