Allentown

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Discover Lehigh Valley
Photo provided by Discover Lehigh Valley
Photo provided by Discover Lehigh Valley
Photo provided by Discover Lehigh Valley
Photo provided by Discover Lehigh Valley

Ride some of the tallest roller coasters in the country, marvel at images of space and see where the Liberty Bell was hidden at this Pennsylvania city.

You may recognise Allentown as the subject of Billy Joel’s eponymous song, an ode to the working class. While Allentown has changed considerably since Joel released the song in 1982, it still has strong links to the blue-collar industries that helped carve its identity.

For a historic perspective on the city, take a walking tour through Old Allentown to view restored Victorian-style homes. Visit Zion’s Reformed Church of Christ to see where American rebels hid the Liberty Bell from the British Army during the Revolutionary War.

Allentown has museums ranging in focus from art to science and many things in between. From hunter-gatherers to the Pennsylvania Dutch, trace the settlers of the area at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum. The Allentown Art Museum displays thousands of pieces of art and frequently hosts events and special exhibits.

Bring the family to the interactive Da Vinci Science Centre. One of the most notable exhibits is View Space, which displays NASA’s breathtaking space images. As its name suggests, the new America on Wheels museum provides information about the history of wheeled transportation, from bicycles to race cars.

Enjoy Allentown’s thriving arts scene with a Broadway-style show or independent film at the Civic Theatre. The historic Symphony Hall stages concert series such as Jazz Cabaret and Symphony Hall Pops as well as dance performances and plays.

Find some excitement at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom with some of the tallest and longest roller coasters on the East coast. Afterward, cool off in the attached water park with dozens of slides and pools. For even more thrills, go to Lehigh Valley Grand Prix for go-kart racing that looks and feels like you are driving grand prix race cars.

As Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, Allentown has plenty of attractions to entertain any visitor. It is centrally located just 60 miles (97 kilometres) north of Philadelphia and 90 miles (145 kilometres) west of New York City. Visit during the snowy winter season or the heat of summer for a variety of delightful experiences.

Where to stay in Allentown

Default Image

South Side

While visiting South Side, you might make a stop by sights like Lehigh River and Little Lehigh Creek.

South Side
Default Image

St. Paul's Park

While there might not be top attractions in St. Paul's Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like PPL Center and Miller Symphony Hall.

St. Paul's Park
Allentown showing a city, a festival and rides

Center City

While visiting Center City, you might make a stop by sights like Miller Symphony Hall and PPL Center.

Center City
Allentown showing a city, a festival and rides

Hamilton District

If you're spending some time in Hamilton District, PPL Center and Miller Symphony Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Hamilton District
Default Image

Hamilton Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hamilton Park and surrounding area, you can visit Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom and Allentown Fairgrounds.

Hamilton Park
Default Image

West End Theatre District

While there might not be top attractions in West End Theatre District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Allentown Fairgrounds and Cedar Creek Park.

West End Theatre District
Knights Inn Allentown

Knights Inn Allentown

2 out of 5
1880 Steelstone Rd, Allentown, PA
The price is €51 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
€51
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Allentown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions PPL Center and Wind Creek ...
5.2/10 (1,013 reviews)
"Is under the construction and it's a little filth"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Knights Inn Allentown
Holiday Inn Express Allentown North by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Allentown North by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1715 Plaza Lane, Allentown, PA
The price is €98 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€98
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Allentown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,059 reviews)
"I made a quick reservation and once I checked in my room was ready. The room was clean. Breakfast had a nice spread and plenty of parking. The room didn't smell. I slept all night."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Allentown North by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Allentown-Dorney Park Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Allentown-Dorney Park Area by IHG

2.5 out of 5
3620 Hamilton Blvd, Route 222, Allentown, PA
The price is €93 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€93
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Allentown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Loved my stay. Literally across the road from Dorney Park!!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Allentown-Dorney Park Area by IHG
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.
Get cozy at Big Al's Poconos Creek House - Wireless DSL & Trout!!

Get cozy at Big Al's Poconos Creek House - Wireless DSL & Trout!!

Stroudsburg
Stay at this cabin in Stroudsburg. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (442 reviews)
"Beautiful location, right by the creek. The sound of the water was very relaxing"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Get cozy at Big Al's Poconos Creek House - Wireless DSL & Trout!!
Cozy&Chic Apartments Near Downtown

Cozy&Chic Apartments Near Downtown

2.5 out of 5
207 N 63rd St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this apartment in Philadelphia. Enjoy Netflix, premium bedding, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rittenhouse ...
7.8/10 Good! (65 reviews)
"Nice property ! Communication was Fast & very helpful . The main issues were online rules , switching or no longer being available .. Just Double check everything before renting lol but aside from that . Everything was Great ! Super Cute rooms too ✨️🤍"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Cozy&Chic Apartments Near Downtown
Cozy private 1 bedroom in downtown Jim Thorpe

Cozy private 1 bedroom in downtown Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe
Stay at this cottage in Jim Thorpe. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Stonekeep Meadery and Episcopal Parish of St. Mark and St. John are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (72 reviews)
"This is a cute 1 room cottage for sleeping only. There is no fridge to keep beverages cold or a kitchen. The room is very clean and the grounds adorable. We were only staying one night so it very comfortably met our needs. We would stay here again for an overnight visit to the area."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Cozy private 1 bedroom in downtown Jim Thorpe
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

Things to do