Lancaster

Travel Guide

Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster

Lancaster Travel Guide Video

Shop for handmade Amish goods, explore a thriving arts scene and visit some of the oldest attractions in America in this south central Pennsylvania city.

Founded in 1730, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is one of America’s oldest inland cities. Its quaint, tree-lined streets and numerous historical buildings can keep history buffs entertained for days.

Modern Lancaster features a thriving contemporary arts scene which is centered at Gallery Row. Enjoy shopping for art and unique goods or explore the town center to find numerous other boutique stores and upscale dining.

As you drive outside the city, be alert for horses and buggies belonging to the local Amish and Mennonite communities who farm the surrounding land as they have done for centuries. From spring to fall, head to Plain and Fancy Farm to learn about a typical Amish community and enjoy a farm-to-table meal. Shop for a handmade Amish quilt at small farm stands in the area.

The Amish also sell their wares at the city’s Central Market. Established in 1730, this is one of America’s longest continually running farmers markets. Visit Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays year-round to find fresh local produce and handmade souvenirs.

Several more attractions in Lancaster are famed for being among America’s oldest. Climb aboard a coal-powered locomotive at Strasburg Rail Road, one of the country’s first short-line railroads, or attend a performance at Fulton Theatre, the oldest continually running theater in America. Pay a visit to Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, whose living history interpretations help visitors explore the area’s long history.

The city of Lancaster is small and walkable at 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) across, but having a car to get around is advised, especially if you want to visit some of the nearby attractions such as the historic streets of Lititz or the crossroad villages of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse.

If you’re not driving, the best way to get to Lancaster is by train from Philadelphia, 80 miles (129 kilometers) east, or from other East Coast cities. The relatively mild climate and abundance of Lancaster’s indoor attractions mean that any time of year is good to discover this colorful and unique city.

Where to stay in Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Central Market or Fulton Theatre.

Historic Downtown Lancaster
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Prospect Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Prospect Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fulton Theatre and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Prospect Heights
Square One Coffee could easily become one if my favorite coffee houses. Great latte

Musser Park

When in Musser Park, you can plan a visit to Central Market and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Musser Park
After the rain, discovered this mushroom art on West Chestnut Street.

Chestnut Hill

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Chestnut Hill and surrounding area, you can visit Fulton Theatre and Penn Medicine Park.

Chestnut Hill
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East Side

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in East Side and surrounding area, you can visit Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster Science Factory.

East Side
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Ross

Ross might not have many top sights, but Penn Medicine Park and Central Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ross
Cartoon Network Hotel
Cartoon Network Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
The price is P5,420 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
P5,420
P6,016 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 24 - Apr 25
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,703 reviews)
"Nice location, love the bed definitely I’ll come back again!"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
Eden Resort and Suites, BW Premier Collection
Eden Resort and Suites, BW Premier Collection
3.5 out of 5
222 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA
The price is P7,451 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
P7,451
P8,271 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Great Place to Stay
"This is one of the nicest hotels we've stayed in. I booked a villa as it was the cheapest option and we were thrilled with it! It was the perfect size for 3 people, had a full kitchen, and was quiet. I would love to come back in the summer to take full advantage of the outdoor pools and other outdoor ..."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025

Eden Resort and Suites, BW Premier Collection
Holiday Inn Lancaster by IHG
Holiday Inn Lancaster by IHG
3.5 out of 5
26 East Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA
Fully refundable
The price is P6,537 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P6,537
P7,256 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (926 reviews)
"Very nice and would come baxk again."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2025

Holiday Inn Lancaster by IHG
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 Suites at Hershey
The Suites at Hershey
3 out of 5
176 E Hershey Park Dr, Hershey, PA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in Hershey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Hersheypark and Hersheypark ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (232 reviews)
"We Love staying at Hershey Suites, it’s like our home away from home with close proximity to all the local restaurants shopping and attractions."

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2024

The Suites at Hershey
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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