Philadelphia: Donut Walking Tour & Reading Terminal Market

Summary

Sweet stops from Center City to Reading Market with donuts mochi and soft pretzels

You’ll follow your nose (and appetite) through Philadelphia’s best donut shops, taste chewy mochi donuts near Center City, snack on salty soft pretzels along the way, and finish at Reading Terminal Market for classic filled donuts—and maybe churros if it’s Sunday. Expect laughter, local stories from your guide, and more than one new favorite flavor.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I knew what a donut tour would be like—just sugar and walking, right? But starting off at Federal Donuts in Center City, I realized I was wrong. The smell hit first, all warm cinnamon and something almost floral in the air (maybe cardamom?). Our guide, Sam, was already chatting with the guy behind the counter about today’s special. He handed us these hot donuts that practically melted when you touched them. Someone in our group dropped theirs—Sam just laughed and said it happens every week. There’s something nice about not taking it all too seriously.

We wandered out into the city, past old brick buildings and people hustling by on their lunch breaks. At Mochinut, I tried a matcha mochi donut for the first time—chewy in this weirdly satisfying way, with a glaze that wasn’t too sweet. Sam explained how mochi flour changes the texture, which I’d never thought about before. He also told us how Philly’s food scene is always mixing things up—pretzels next to sushi next to donuts. And then suddenly we were biting into soft pretzels from a street vendor (the kind you have to pull apart with your hands), salty enough to balance out all the sugar.

The last stop was Reading Terminal Market. It’s loud in there—voices echoing off tiled walls, smells of frying dough and coffee fighting for attention. Beiler’s Donuts had a line but nobody seemed to mind; you could watch them fill the donuts right there behind the glass. I picked one with apple filling mostly because the woman ahead of me said it was her favorite (she winked at me like we were sharing a secret). If it’s Sunday, you get churros at El Merkury too—I’m still thinking about that cinnamon sugar on my fingers.

Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so full or so…happy? Maybe it’s just what happens when you spend two hours eating donuts with strangers who start feeling like friends by the end of it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Philadelphia sweet and savory treats tour

• Start at Federal Donuts
• Walk around City Center with facts
• Try mochi style donuts at Mochinut
• Visit Reading Terminal Market
• Enjoy final donuts stop
• Optional churros stop at El Merkury (Sunday only)

Top questions

Where does the Philadelphia donut tour start?

The tour starts near Center City at Federal Donuts.

Does this walking tour include food tastings?

Yes, food tastings are included throughout the tour.

Is Reading Terminal Market part of this donut tour?

Yes, Reading Terminal Market is one of the main stops on this tour.

Are there any savory items or just sweets?

You’ll also try a classic Philadelphia soft pretzel during the tour.

Is this Philadelphia donut walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Do they serve mochi donuts on this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit Mochinut for Japanese-style mochi donuts with unique flavors.

If I have a stroller or pram can I join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this food tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this walking food tour.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks between stops in central Philadelphia with all food tastings covered—from hot fresh donuts at Federal Donuts to chewy mochi donuts at Mochinut and handmade classics at Beiler’s inside Reading Terminal Market. You’ll also sample a soft pretzel along the way; if it’s Sunday you’ll get churros too—all led by a local guide who shares stories as you go.