Lancaster, PA

Travel Guide

Lancaster featuring farmland, land animals and signage
Historic Downtown Lancaster
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
Central Market
Lancaster featuring land animals, a sunset and farmland

Lancaster Travel Guide Video

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 centered at Gallery Row. Enjoy shopping for art and unique goods or explore the town center 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 theater 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 kilometers) 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 kilometers) 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 colorful and unique city.

Where to stay in Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster

Historic Downtown Lancaster is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Central Market or Fulton Theatre.

Historic Downtown Lancaster
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Prospect Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Prospect Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fulton Theatre and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Prospect Heights
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Ross

Ross might not have many top sights, but Penn Medicine Park and Central Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ross
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
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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Stadium District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Stadium District and surrounding area, you can visit Penn Medicine Park and Fulton Theatre.

Stadium District
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 20 to Jul 21
$141 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Exceeded expectations. Service in the lobby is limited during later hours. We checked in after 9 o’clock."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 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.
In the heart of Lancaster Co Amish Country, very near Sight & Sound
In the heart of Lancaster Co Amish Country, very near Sight & Sound
Lancaster
Stay at this vacation home in Lancaster. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Dutch Wonderland and Sight and Sound Theatre ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (148 reviews)
"The betty house was very nice and clean. Me and my family enjoyed the nice deck out back at night it was awesome we had a great time."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

In the heart of Lancaster Co Amish Country, very near Sight & Sound
Lovely Downtown Townhome
Lovely Downtown Townhome
Lancaster
Stay at this vacation home in Lancaster. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Dutch Wonderland and Lancaster ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (80 reviews)
"The house was clean and perfect. We attended the Sights and Sound Theater, was an easy drive. Walked around town to the many shops. The hosts were quick to answer any questions we had. They even had a backyard, if you like to sit outside. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

Lovely Downtown Townhome
Perfect family getaway with pool and hot tub close to everything!
Perfect family getaway with pool and hot tub close to everything!
Lancaster
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Lancaster. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a sauna. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (77 reviews)
Relaxing stay
"The cottage was a perfect, relaxing place! We had everything we needed and the beds were so comfy!"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Perfect family getaway with pool and hot tub close to everything!
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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