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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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
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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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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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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
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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
Cartoon Network Hotel
Cartoon Network Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
The price is ₹8,206 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
₹8,206
₹9,108 total
16 Jul - 17 Jul
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,771 reviews)
"The room was fine. Wish the outside pool was open for longer hours since it is a hotel catering to children."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
Lancaster Arts Hotel
Lancaster Arts Hotel
3.5 out of 5
300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA
The price is ₹21,228 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹21,228
₹23,563 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
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! (1,003 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at this hotel. The staff were friendly and helpful, the rooms were very comfortable and the location was nice because we could walk to enough of the city to eat and explore. We also enjoyed the various art installations around the hotel. I was pleasantly surprised by how ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Lancaster Arts 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹14,513 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹14,513
₹16,110 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Very clean and classy"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Eden Resort and Suites, BW Premier Collection
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 Dutch Wonderland and ...
"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! (251 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 2 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.

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