Harrisburg Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Hershey Harrisburg Visitors Bureau
Pennsylvania State Capitol featuring heritage architecture and interior views
Harrisburg featuring outdoor art
Pennsylvania State Capitol featuring heritage architecture, interior views and an administrative building
Harrisburg which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Visit Pennsylvania’s capital to discover fascinating American Civil War history, some of the state’s best museums and glorious Victorian and neoclassical architecture

Harrisburg is full of attractions for American history buffs and features one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to the American Civil War. While the American Civil War never quite reached Harrisburg, it still changed the city forever. Located within 40 miles (64 kilometres) of the Mason-Dixon Line, Pennsylvania’s state capital was a major point of deployment for Union troops. Learn about the local history  and discover some of Pennsylvania’s most prized buildings and cultural institutions. 

Harrisburg became Pennsylvania’s state capital in 1812 due to its location in the heart of the state. Don’t miss the stunning neoclassical Pennsylvania State Capitol building, completed in 1906. Take a half-hour guided tour of the capitol to see the frescoes painted throughout the grand interior.

Explore one of Harrisburg’s most famous attractions, the National Civil War Museum. See  25,000 American Civil War artifacts in this museum’s collection, including rifles, uniforms and many Civil War-era documents. While some of the objects were possessions of Civil War leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee, others belonged to average soldiers. Both Union and Confederate soldiers are buried in the Harrisburg Cemetery, located just east of the city centre.

Harrisburg’s other museums provide information on the city’s earlier history. Visit the Fort Hunter Mansion on the site of an old British military fort built in 1756 to prepare for the French and Indian War. Take a guided tour of the colonial mansion or explore the 40-acre (16-hectare) grounds, which lie along the Susquehanna River. Visit the State Museum of Pennsylvania to see some of the state’s most interesting findings in archaeology and palaeontology, including a mastodon skeleton unearthed in nearby  Marshalls Creek.

To reach Harrisburg, take a bus or a train from Philadelphia, which is located about 110 miles (177 kilometres) southeast. After your visit, find more Civil War history in Gettysburg, a 45-minute drive south from Harrisburg.

Where to stay in Harrisburg

Pennsylvania featuring interior views

Downtown Harrisburg

Downtown Harrisburg is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Pennsylvania State Capitol and Riverfront Park while in the area.

Downtown Harrisburg
Ramada by Wyndham Harrisburg/Hershey Area

Ramada by Wyndham Harrisburg/Hershey Area

2.5 out of 5
300 N Mountain Rd, Harrisburg, PA
The price is ₹5,946 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹5,946
₹6,600 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Harrisburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (1,469 reviews)
Great Value
"Hotel room was really nice. It was a very reasonable rate for a room with a hot tub and a fireplace."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Harrisburg/Hershey Area
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Harrisburg-Hershey

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Harrisburg-Hershey

3 out of 5
265 N Hershey Rd, Harrisburg, PA
The price is ₹7,125 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹7,125
₹7,909 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Harrisburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,702 reviews)
"I really like it but the only thing that i don't like was they don't clean your room if you are not staying 3 day i stay 2 night and they did not clean the room"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Harrisburg-Hershey
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Harrisburg Northeast - Hershey

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Harrisburg Northeast - Hershey

3 out of 5
8000 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA
The price is ₹7,639 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
₹7,639
₹8,480 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Harrisburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,357 reviews)
Great Stay!
"Our stay was excellent. We had a great time and will return."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Harrisburg Northeast - 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.
stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey

stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey

3.5 out of 5
435 Port View Drive, Harrisburg, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Harrisburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pennsylvania Farm ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (108 reviews)
"Property was clean, spacious, and perfect for my family of 4. Staff were friendly and helpful. I will definitely be back in the future!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

stayAPT Suites Harrisburg-Hershey
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Hersheypark and Hersheypark ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (254 reviews)
"Super close to Hershey park."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

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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