Vendors first set up shop at the Italian Market in the mid-to-late 1880s, and today, the spread of stalls, stores, and eateries runs all along South 9th Street in Philadelphia’s residential Bella Vista neighborhood. A trip here involves all the senses: sights, sounds, vibrant colors, and, most intoxicating of all, the combined aromas of spices, coffee, and just-baked bread. Along this stretch, shoppers can find fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, fish, seafood, meats, cheeses, pastries, homemade pasta, ice cream, chocolates, and tea. The 10-block market area also includes a great variety of restaurants. Overwhelmed by the choices? Stop at the Visitor Center for suggestions. The market operates all year round, and in all types of weather.

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The Italian Market Philadelphia

Let’s start with the Italian Market. I LOVE this place. Go to Tortilleria San Roman! I got about 34 tortillas, a medium bag size of tortilla chips and a huge thing of salsa all for 7 bucks. After that I hit up the streets that were filled with produce. I got habanero peppers, corn, onions, mangos, sun dried tomato’s, artichokes and much more all for $17. Needles to say I have been eating healthy all week and I still have a ton of produce left. If you’re going to do this and are spending the day in Philly after, I would recommend to leave a cooler in your trunk with ice packs. Because, trust me when you enter that market street you will have no idea what you will walk out with.

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