Historic Downtown Lancaster, PA

Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster
Historic Downtown Lancaster
Historic Downtown Lancaster
Central Market
Historic Downtown Lancaster
Capital of the Colonies for just a single day, this central district offers a fascinating trip through American Revolutionary history.

With a thriving market and an active theater from the 1700s, Historic Downtown Lancaster has some of the oldest architecture and institutions in the U.S. Recognizable by its redbrick layout, the district is packed with cultural highlights and activities. Piece together the city’s exceptional history on your visit to Historic Downtown Lancaster.

Learn about Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish cultures by speaking with various stallholders in the Central Market, near City Hall and the Lancaster County Convention Center. Pick up traditional cheeses, meats and other products from Pennsylvania in this indoor market, which dates back to the 1700s and is one of the country’s oldest continuously operating markets.

In the Demuth Museum, study paintings by Charles Demuth. The site features a rotating exhibit of Demuth’s collection in his former studio.

Stroll through the center of the district and admire historic homes, such as the 18th-century Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House.

The city is known as the birthplace of the Pennsylvania long rifle and the Conestoga wagon. Note that it was also the site of the Lancaster Treaty of 1744, which resolved a territorial dispute between the Colonies and the Iroquois nation.

As you wander down the central avenue, check out the boutiques and trendy cafés. Attend a concert, theatrical performance, lecture or poetry recital in the Ware Center of Millersville University. Bring your family to watch a children’s show, musical or play in the historic Fulton Theatre, which stands on the site of a former jail. Admire the redbrick façade of Historic St. Mary’s Church and marvel at its ornate interior.

Arrive at the Lancaster train station and walk south for about 10 minutes to reach the northern end of Historic Downtown Lancaster. Just outside the district, you’ll find other attractions such as Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster Community Park and Lancaster County Central Park.

Historic Downtown Lancaster has a string of surprises, with some of the nation’s most interesting historic attractions.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Historic Downtown Lancaster Hotel Deals

Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
3.5 out of 5
25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA
$180 nightly
The price is $199 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$199 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location and can walk to everything in downtown Lancaster. The staff was amazing and Hal at the front desk was so friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
Holiday Inn Lancaster by IHG
Holiday Inn Lancaster by IHG
3.5 out of 5
26 East Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA
$99 nightly
The price is $110 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$110 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Hotel was clean. Beds were comfy"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Holiday Inn Lancaster by IHG
Cartoon Network Hotel
Cartoon Network Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
$96 nightly
The price is $107 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$107 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,790 reviews)
Amazing Trip for A kids getaway
"Our Stay at the Cartoon Network Hotel – A Family Experience to Remember We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Cartoon Network Hotel, and I can confidently say it was one of the best family trips we've ever taken. From start to finish, the experience was magical—not just for the kids, but ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
Lancaster Arts Hotel
Lancaster Arts Hotel
3.5 out of 5
300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA
$127 nightly
The price is $141 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$141 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,003 reviews)
"I loved the history of the building and the faint smell of the tobacco that lingered from years past when it was a tobacco barn. I loved the decor and the art displayed by the guests. The dining was superb."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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
$170 nightly
The price is $189 total per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
$189 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice staycation for the kids"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Eden Resort and Suites, BW Premier Collection
The Country Inn of Lancaster
The Country Inn of Lancaster
3 out of 5
2133 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
$170 nightly
The price is $189 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$189 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,255 reviews)
"Stayed 4 nights with husband, the location was great for our needs. The room was clean, and bed was very comfortable. Loved the rocking chairs outside of our room! We enjoyed the pool and hot tub, both very clean. Breakfast was typical continental, good for on the go, but there are several restaurants ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

The Country Inn of Lancaster
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.

Other neighborhoods around Historic Downtown Lancaster

Square One Coffee could easily become one if my favorite coffee houses. Great latte

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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Mussertown

While Mussertown might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Central Market.

Mussertown
After the rain, discovered this mushroom art on West Chestnut Street.

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
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Churchtowne

While there might not be top attractions in Churchtowne, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Central Market.

Churchtowne
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Cabbage Hill

Though Cabbage Hill might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fulton Theatre and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Cabbage Hill
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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


Historic Downtown Lancaster, PA

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