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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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
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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
Cartoon Network Hotel
Cartoon Network Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
The price is P7,365 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
P7,365
P8,175 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 14 - Apr 15
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! (1,711 reviews)
"This property was a great stay, some noticeable things that could have been improved but overall a great stay."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 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 P7,454 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P7,454
P8,274 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
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! (1,001 reviews)
"We enjoyed how big the resort is. Breakfast on site, the indoor pool and the children's playground were our highlights. We went from Sunday to Monday in the colder weather so there was not many people. We had the pool to ourselves and our kids had a really great time. The suites are really nice and ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Eden Resort and Suites, BW Premier Collection
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
3.5 out of 5
25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA
The price is P8,665 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
P8,665
P9,618 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 18 - Mar 19
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice stay. Sucks the parking is not included and the entrance was closed by front hotel. Very confusing. Would also have been nice to have assess to toothpaste comb etc over all a nice hotel."

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2025

Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
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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