Reading, PA

Travel Guide
Photo by Gregory Linton
Mountaintop monuments, countryside lakes and millions of years of historical artifacts are just some of highlights of this city in the Greater Reading Area.

Reading is a southern Pennsylvanian city and the seat of Berks County. This small city was founded in the late 18th century and has preserved much of its historical and industrial heritage. Dig into its past at fascinating museums, explore the local countryside and drive to the top of the mountain that overlooks the city.

Visit one of Reading's most iconic sights, the Pagoda on Mount Penn. The seven-story red structure has been a city fixture for more than 100 years and was initially meant to be a luxury resort, but those plans fell through. Go inside for refreshments in the Pagoda Café and enjoy the gorgeous views of Reading.

Approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the Pagoda and still on the mountain is another lofty attraction, the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower. Climb up the 120-foot (37-meter) structure for views that extend for 60 miles (97 kilometers).

If you're a fan of history, get insights into the region's past at the Berks History Center. Examine artifacts such as agricultural and industrial tools, furniture and clocks. Devote at least half a day to exploring the Reading Public Museum, home to a planetarium, an arboretum and cultural and scientific artifacts covering millions of years of history. Learn about the region's contribution to aviation history at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.

For entertainment, there are ice hockey matches and theatrical performances at the Santander Arena. Catch a concert or show at the Genesius Theatre, a 100-seat community theater.

Venture out of the city to discover more of what Berks County has to offer. Go hiking, biking and fishing at French Creek State Park and enjoy swimming and boating at the Blue Marsh Lake Recreation Area. Historic Crystal Cave has a subterranean world of rock formations to discover.

Located approximately 63 miles (101 kilometers) northwest of Philadelphia, Reading is easy to get to by road or rail. Alternatively, fly into Philadelphia International Airport. From there come by rental car or shuttle bus to experience the cultural and natural attractions the region has to offer.

SureStay Plus by Best Western Reading North
SureStay Plus by Best Western Reading North
2.5 out of 5
2200 Stacy Dr. 5th St. Hwy., Reading, PA
The price is $85 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$85
includes taxes & fees
$75 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Reading. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (629 reviews)
"The security guard was exceptionally nice to my daughter when she had a problem with her then-boyfriend and didn't want to return to the room."

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2024

SureStay Plus by Best Western Reading North
Doubletree By Hilton Reading
Doubletree By Hilton Reading
4 out of 5
701 Penn Street, Reading, PA
The price is $201 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$201
includes taxes & fees
$181 per night
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Reading. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Great Hotel"

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024

Doubletree By Hilton Reading
Red Roof Inn Reading
Red Roof Inn Reading
2 out of 5
2545 N 5th Street Hwy, Reading, PA
The price is $81 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$81
includes taxes & fees
$72 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this hotel in Reading. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (405 reviews)
A Good Option in Reading
"Interesting configuration. Legends Bar/Restaurant was attached but inaccessible from inside the facility, so you had to go outside and walk around to it. As I was checking in, I asked the receptionist where the laundry facility was, and without asking, he put me in a room very close to it for my ..."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Red Roof Inn Reading
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
1800's Restored Log Cabin in Woods - 15 Min. Off Pa Turnpike
1800's Restored Log Cabin in Woods - 15 Min. Off Pa Turnpike
Narvon
Stay at this cabin in Narvon. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (490 reviews)
Hidden Treasure
"Great Great Great!!!"

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2024

1800's Restored Log Cabin in Woods - 15 Min. Off Pa Turnpike
In the heart of Lancaster Co Amish Country, very near Sight & Sound
In the heart of Lancaster Co Amish Country, very near Sight & Sound
Lancaster
Stay at this vacation home in Lancaster. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Dutch Wonderland and Amish Farm and House are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
Great location and clean home for small family.
"We had a great stay with our small family of 4, two kids ages 4 and 1. Check in was easy and host was responsive to all messages. Location was great for our time at Dutch wonderland and visit to cherry Crest farm. It was nice being close to a sheetz too. Home was very clean and kid friendly. The ..."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2024

In the heart of Lancaster Co Amish Country, very near Sight & Sound
Martha's Guest Suite: Less than 3 miles from Sight and Sound Theater.
Martha's Guest Suite: Less than 3 miles from Sight and Sound Theater.
Ronks
Stay at this apartment in Ronks. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions American Music Theatre Lancaster and Amish Farm and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (286 reviews)
Absolutely lovely!
"Martha’s guest suite was absolutely delightful in every way! She thought of literally every detail to make our stay as comfortable as possible. The furnishings were lovely and the bed comfortable. Great location when visiting Lancaster! Convenient to everything! We will be back!"

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Martha's Guest Suite: Less than 3 miles from Sight and Sound Theater.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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