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

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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
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West End

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West End and surrounding area, you can visit Fulton Theatre and Central Market.

West End
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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
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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
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Southside

While Southside isn't home to many top sights, Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Central Market are some notable places to visit nearby.

Southside
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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
Parkview Inn & Suites Lancaster

Parkview Inn & Suites Lancaster

3 out of 5
2260 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹9,371 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
₹9,371
₹10,402 total
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,022 reviews)
"Great staff, rooms were clean. Suite with seperate bedroom and sofa bed perfect for couples with children!"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Parkview Inn & Suites Lancaster
Lancaster Suites

Lancaster Suites

2.5 out of 5
2045 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
The price is ₹6,554 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
₹6,554
₹8,250 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Road noise was my only complaint!"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Lancaster Suites
Cartoon Network Hotel

Cartoon Network Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
The price is ₹7,040 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
₹7,040
₹7,814 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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! (1,892 reviews)
"Our stay was incredible, my 10 year old son had a blast. He enjoyed the pool play area, taking pictures with all the characters, bingo and all the activities. Staff was great. Also a plus, it’s walking distance to Dutch Wonderland."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Cartoon Network 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 Lancaster Marriott at ...
"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 Hershey Theatre ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (267 reviews)
"Great amenities"

Reviewed on 27 Aug 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 The Amish Village are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Dutch Wonderland Getaway 2025
"Cabin was extremely clean and organized. The bathroom was very clean and upgraded. The AC worked great! The host had awesome communication and checked in with us throughout the stay to make sure everything was adequate. The cabin was easy to find and easy check in/ check out instructions."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 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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