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

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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
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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
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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
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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
Cartoon Network Hotel

Cartoon Network Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
The price is P5,837 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P5,837
P6,479 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,818 reviews)
"The breakfast buffet was a typical hotel meal, but they had options (pork and turkey meats) which was a plus: everyone was polite and professional. The Room was clean, I did find hair in the tub and the smoke from the fire pit caused the room to be smoky but overall I’d recommend this hotel and stay ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
Lancaster Suites

Lancaster Suites

2.5 out of 5
2045 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
The price is P4,581 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P4,581
P5,722 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & 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! (1,010 reviews)
"Hospitality was on point. Rooms were clean. And of course close to shopping."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Lancaster Suites
Lancaster Arts Hotel

Lancaster Arts Hotel

3.5 out of 5
300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
"Good restaurant and bar. Can’t ask for a more comfortable bed and pillows"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Lancaster Arts Hotel
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.
Circle M RV & Camping Resort - Caravan Park

Circle M RV & Camping Resort - Caravan Park

2 out of 5
2111 Millersville Road, Lancaster, PA
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Lancaster. Enjoy parking (surcharge), laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Dutch Wonderland ...
"Great experience and looking forward to booking again"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024

Circle M RV & Camping Resort - Caravan Park
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 Hershey Theatre ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (261 reviews)
"Only 1 negative ... the train next door very loud at midnight and early morning"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Suites at Hershey
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 Dutch Wonderland and Sight and Sound Theatre are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Great place last min booking beautiful property and very clean"

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

The Cabins at Beaver Creek
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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