Lancaster Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster

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 centred at Gallery Row. Enjoy shopping for art and unique goods or explore the town centre 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 theatre 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 kilometres) 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 kilometres) 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 colourful and unique city.

Where to stay in Lancaster

Default Image

Historic Downtown Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Central Market and Fulton Theatre while you're in town.

Historic Downtown Lancaster
Default Image

Prospect Heights

While Prospect Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fulton Theatre and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Prospect Heights
Default Image

Musser Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Musser Park and surrounding area, you can visit Central Market and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Musser Park
Default Image

Ross

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Ross and surrounding area, you can visit Penn Medicine Park and Central Market.

Ross
Default Image

Chestnut Hill

While Chestnut Hill isn't home to many top sights, Fulton Theatre and Penn Medicine Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Chestnut Hill
Default Image

East Side

Though East Side may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like 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 ₹8,641 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹8,641
₹9,592 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,791 reviews)
"This was a great day, especially with my children They especially loved both pools and the little fireplace at night"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
Lancaster Suites

Lancaster Suites

2.5 out of 5
2045 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
The price is ₹6,322 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹6,322
₹7,018 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Rooms are spacious and clean"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Lancaster Suites
Lancaster Arts Hotel

Lancaster Arts Hotel

3.5 out of 5
300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA
The price is ₹10,930 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹10,930
₹12,132 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Welcoming staff. Great breakfast options."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 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
Stay at this family-friendly campsite in Lancaster. Enjoy parking (surcharge), laundry facilities and a picnic area. Popular attractions Tanger Outlets Lancaster ...
"Great experience and looking forward to booking again"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 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 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
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Sight and Sound Theatre and Dutch Wonderland are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Great place last min booking beautiful property and very clean"

Reviewed on 1 Jun 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Lancaster