Reading, PA

Travel Guide

Photo by Gregory Linton
Photo by Gregory Linton
Photo by Nic Nichols
Photo by Michael Torres
Photo by Michael Torres
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.

Doubletree By Hilton Reading

Doubletree By Hilton Reading

4 out of 5
701 Penn Street, Reading, PA
$125 nightly
The price is $138 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$138 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
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)
"N/a"

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Doubletree By Hilton Reading
Lancaster Suites

Lancaster Suites

2.5 out of 5
2045 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
$83 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$92 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,055 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and helpful. Liked the cleanness of the room. Couldn't find anything wrong. Over all everything was perfect."

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2025

Lancaster Suites
Valley Forge Casino Resort

Valley Forge Casino Resort

4 out of 5
1160 1st Avenue, King of Prussia, PA
$179 nightly
The price is $197 total per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
$197 total
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in King of Prussia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,021 reviews)
"Nice place to stay while at a vending show. We did not visit the casino but the hotel was quiet and staff was awesome"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025

Valley Forge Casino Resort
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.
The Cabins at Beaver Creek

The Cabins at Beaver Creek

3 out of 5
2A Little Beaver Rd, Strasburg, PA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Strasburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Sight and Sound Theatre and The Amish Village are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Our stay at the Cabin
"The unit was clean, however it was very worn. For example, the inside doors were all damaged at the bottom, the paneling needs to be painted, the flooring linoleum in the bathroom is cracked and soft where you walk. The left front burner on the stove didn’t work. The bed mattress was not firm. Lastly, ..."

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

The Cabins at Beaver Creek
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! (559 reviews)
"Wonderful location and property. Well kept and clean. Nicely stocked with essentials (coffee, paper towels, firewood, etc.).PS: The coffee pot/carafe may not be a good fit for the coffee maker (too short) - when making more than 6 cups, it overflows b/c the carafe does not bump up the button under ..."

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2025

1800's Restored Log Cabin in Woods - 15 Min. Off Pa Turnpike
The Village at Houser's Crossing

The Village at Houser's Crossing

4 out of 5
34 Carbon Ln, Tamaqua, PA
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Tamaqua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Willing Memorial Park ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"The place was super clean well kept. Safe area lots of things to do and see. There is a sing seat by the river watch is magical. The inn keeper is so humble and kind. She is very Accompadating. And there is a trian ride that takes you to Jim Thorne. Will definitely be back again in October for the ..."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

The Village at Houser's Crossing
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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