Lancaster Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster
Lancaster

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

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 AU$175 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$175
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! (1,817 reviews)
"My stay was really good, however my breakfast was cold even though it was in hot sternos. So therefore we had to eat breakfast elsewhere."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
Lancaster Suites

Lancaster Suites

2.5 out of 5
2045 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
The price is AU$154 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
AU$154
19 Aug - 20 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Hospitality was on point. Rooms were clean. And of course close to shopping."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 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! (1,006 reviews)
"Rooms on the site show brick walls. I received a room that looked nothing like the pics, no brick wall. It was by the housekeeping closet and the parking deck door. Also, I was charged $40 more for the night than what the actual rate was. It was $99 total, yet Expedia charged me $140."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 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.
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 Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (83 reviews)
"Nice property. However, the floors were not clean. My grandkids feet were pretty dirty after running around."

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Lovely Downtown Townhome
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 a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Dutch Wonderland and Amish Farm and House are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (155 reviews)
"Exceptionally clean. Very nice experience!!!"

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

In the heart of Lancaster Co Amish Country, very near Sight & Sound
"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 Dutch Wonderland and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square are located nearby.
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

Activities

Cities near Lancaster