Lancaster

Travel 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 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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Cartoon Network Hotel

Cartoon Network Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
The price is €99 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€99
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & 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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,824 reviews)
"The welcome we received was nice as we were greeted by a character. The breakfast wasn’t bad either."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
Lancaster Suites

Lancaster Suites

2.5 out of 5
2045 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
The price is €81 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
€81
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,040 reviews)
"Way above my expectations for the price"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Lancaster Suites
Lancaster Arts Hotel

Lancaster Arts Hotel

3.5 out of 5
300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA
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)
"Had a wonderful 3 night stay at the Lancaster Arts Hotel. The staff were friendly, parking convenient and free, as was the continental breakfast. The room was well appointed and super clean. The only two negatives were the lighting could have been brighter, and the products in the bathroom had not ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Lancaster Arts 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.
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! (154 reviews)
"Exceptionally clean. Very nice experience!!!"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 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 Tanger Outlets Lancaster and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (81 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 12 Jun 2025

Lovely Downtown Townhome
"City Hideaway: Off-Grid Luxe"

"City Hideaway: Off-Grid Luxe"

2 out of 5
Lancaster
Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Tanger Outlets Lancaster are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Everything is fabulous. Cute & charming. Michelle was super friendly and was available if we needed her for anything. It is super clean and stocked. I'd give 10 stars if they let me!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

"City Hideaway: Off-Grid Luxe"
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