Lancaster Travel Guide

Tourist 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 centred at Gallery Row. Enjoy shopping for art and unique goods or explore the town centre 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 theatre 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 kilometres) 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 kilometres) 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 colourful and unique city.

Where to stay in Lancaster

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Cartoon Network Hotel

Cartoon Network Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2285 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA
The price is AU$145 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$145
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! (1,849 reviews)
"The staff was very nice and pleasant. We enjoyed the pool and the activities for kids was cool!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Cartoon Network Hotel
Parkview Inn & Suites Lancaster

Parkview Inn & Suites Lancaster

3 out of 5
2260 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
The price is AU$228 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$228
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lancaster. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"This hotel has the best complementary breakfast I have ever had. Complete with hot and cold food, waffle maker, toaster and microwave for breakfast sandwiches. They put cookies out at 6pm and have a 24 hour beverage station. Rooms were clean and comfy. Pool and hot tub were open until 10:30 pm so ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Parkview Inn & Suites Lancaster
Lancaster Suites

Lancaster Suites

2.5 out of 5
2045 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
The price is AU$157 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
AU$157
20 Aug - 21 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! (1,012 reviews)
"We’ve stayed here many times before it changed owners. If the name hadn’t changed, we wouldn’t have known the difference. Great place. Very clean. Dog friendly. Great food. Great price."

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Lancaster Suites
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 a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Dutch Wonderland and Amish Farm and House are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (157 reviews)
"Super happy with our stay at the "Betty Home". Clean, easy access to our planned events,and beds supper comfortable."

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 Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (85 reviews)
Plenty of space
"Great space for the kids and adults. Thanks!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 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! (78 reviews)
A Great Vacation Property
"The Cottage and surrounding grounds were just as described in the listing. Great location, easy access to almost anywhere. Cottage is quaint & charming; has everything needed for an enjoyable stay. Cottage was clean & pristine! Layout is perfect for smaller families or friends vacationing together. ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 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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