Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is one of the few places in the world where 18th-century history collides with an urbanized, modern city. The majority of attractions visited are focused on the Amish Country experience, including horse-drawn buggies, rolling agricultural landscapes, and large smorgasbords, whereas the city itself has a well-developed arts experience, historical markets, and rooftop bars.
You are going to want to enjoy the best of both worlds, so spend your mornings in the country backroads of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse, and then go to Downtown Lancaster to dine and have a show at the Fulton Theatre. Lancaster can be described as a rich slice of Americana whether it is for a family with kids, a history buff, or a couple in need of a romantic getaway.
Things to do in Lancaster PA: Best Things
Whenever people enquire of me about the absolute musts, I always advise them to begin with the classics that characterize the region. Lancaster is not only a visual place; it is also a touchy-tastey-feely place, with traditions that run deep.
1. Lancaster Central Market: Step Back in Time
The Lancaster Central Market is one of the places where the heartbeat of this city can be traced. It is the oldest operating permanent farmers market in the United States, housed in a beautiful Romanesque Revival structure in the very heart of Penn Square.
A sensory exploration is that of walking through the massive wooden doors on a Tuesday or Friday morning. You will get the scent of fresh-baked shoofly pie, locally roasted coffee, and the smoky aroma of smoked meat. I suggest spending your first day here:
- Take a bite out of a Long John donut at an Amish bakery booth.
- Try a slice of head cheese in case you are not too squeamish.
- Pick up true Pennsylvania Dutch souvenirs such as hand-rolled butter, local honey, and the so-called “seven sweets and seven sours.”
2. Ride the Strasburg Rail Road
You must ride the Strasburg Rail Road to get a kind of feel of the scenery. It is not merely a train of tourist interest, but the oldest short-line railroad in the country. You will ride in fine old wooden passenger cars being drawn by a huge, snorting steam locomotive.
- The Experience: The 45-minute round trip is filled with 2,500 acres of untampered Amish farmland.
- What to See: There is no better thing to see than the horse-drawn plows going at you in the fields.
- Events: “Day Out With Thomas” is an event for children taking place around the country. For the adult crowd, the wine and cheese tasting cars or the murder mystery dinners provide a higher level of ride enjoyment.
3. Get a Real Life Amish Farm Tour
In order to escape the tourist traps, seek out an experience that will provide a true understanding of the Plain sect life. Amish Farm and House or Old Windmill Farm are good options.
- This is not a place to see animals; it is a place to be one.
- You can milk a cow, collect eggs, and even work in the garden.
- It establishes a connection between our ratty modern world and the consciously slow Amish world.
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Best Sights and Sights that Matter
Other than the farms, Lancaster has established itself as the source of entertainment and unmatched retail moments in the world which cannot be had anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic.
Sight & Sound Theatres
A performance at Sight & Sound is a bucket-list event even though you may not be very religious. These are massive Bible shows in the vein of Broadway shows with a 300-foot wrap-around stage, live animals (such as camels and horses) walking down the aisles, and amazing special effects. The magnitude is just unbelievable. You should make reservations several months before and book tickets because they will probably be sold out.
Dutch Wonderland
In the case of people who carry children around, Dutch Wonderland is a fairy tale. It is always ranked among the top family parks in the globe. In contrast to the giant, crass corporate theme parks, Dutch Wonderland is just the right size for children who are below 10 years old.
- Features: The “Kingdom for Kids” has more than 35 rides, a water park known as Duke’s Lagoon, and live shows of diving.
- Vibe: It is manageable, clean, and truly magic among toddlers and elementary-aged children.
Kitchen Kettle Village
Knowing it is in the center of the village of Intercourse (the actual name), Kitchen Kettle Village is a complex of more than 40 specialty shops and restaurants. It is constructed of a family-owned jam and relish kitchen where you may observe the locals “putting up” jars of preserves. I never fail to recommend friends to go directly to the Jam & Relish Kitchen—they have dozens of samplers available. Take away a jar of their pepper jam or seedless blackberry preserve.
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Lancaster PA Local Attractions (Free)
It does not cost much to experience the beauty of Lancaster County. Most of the experiences are free or extremely cheap in case you know where to find them.
- Self-Guided Tour of Covered Bridges: Lancaster has 29 covered bridges, often called “Kissing Bridges.” The Discover Lancaster Visitor Center can provide you with a free map to spend a day exploring the winding backroads. Baumgardener’s and Forry’s Mill bridges are two favorites for photography.
- That Fish Place – That Pet Place: It may be an ordinary-sounding pet shop, but in fact, it is the biggest pet shop in the world at 88,000 square feet. It is practically a free indoor aquarium and zoo. Children can observe stingrays in the touch tank and exotic reptiles.
- Lititz Springs Park: Located 15 minutes north of the city in Lititz, this is a beautiful place to walk. It is home to one of the biggest limestone springs in PA and a renowned duck pond. It is a quiet place for a picnic following a visit to the nearby Wilbur Chocolate store.
- First Fridays in the City: On the first Friday of each month, the city becomes a large-scale party. Art galleries remain open late, musicians play on street corners, and lots of stores give free drinks.
Night Out Activities in Lancaster
Lancaster does not draw up the sidewalks at 5:00 PM. Nightlife here is a mixture of upscale night clubs and bizarre entertainment.
- Tellus360: Probably the most notorious place in town. It is a rooftop bar, Irish pub, and music bar. During summer, the best place to be is the rooftop, which is lined with real grass and offers a panorama of the city skyline.
- Ghost Tours of Lancaster: Take a candlelight walking tour of the historic city area. You will hear stories about haunted mansions, star-crossed lovers, and the creepy events surrounding the old Fulton Opera House.
- Decades: A vintage arcade, bowling alley, and restaurant located in an old armory. You can have a craft cocktail, play NBA Jam or Donkey Kong on antique cabinets, and then hit the lanes.
Things to Do for Couples
Lancaster is an underdog romantic destination. If you are putting a Lancaster PA itinerary together for two, concentrate on these unique experiences:
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: Sailing silently above the patchwork quilts of the Amish farmland in early morning light. The United States Hot Air Balloon Team is based in Bird-in-Hand and provides private flights ending with customary champagne.
- Strasburg Scooter Tours: Rent a 50cc scooter (or a 2-person scoot coupe) for a guided tour of the backroads. You will pass buggies and covered bridges, stopping at local dairies for fresh ice cream.
- Fine Dining at The Belvedere Inn: The prototypical date night restaurant in a refurbished Victorian mansion. Request the upstairs piano bar for live jazz and the best grilled Caesar salads and steaks in the state.
Planning Your Trip: Nitty-Gritty
Best Time to Visit Lancaster PA
The atmosphere is totally different in every season.
| Season | Vibe | Pros | Cons |
| Spring | Bloom & Rebirth | Young farm animals, flowering gardens, less people. | Frequent rain; certain outdoor locations have restricted hours. |
| Summer | Peak Action | Everything is open, green meadows, celebrations. | Hot, humid, and extremely crowded during weekends. |
| Fall | Harvest Magic | Foliage, cornfields, pumpkin gardens, ideal weather. | Exorbitant hotel rates; “Leaf Peepers” cause traffic. |
| Winter | Quiet & Cozy | Christmas decorations, theatre, inexpensive hotels. | Numerous farm visits are shut down; adverse weather. |
Where to Stay in Lancaster PA
The decision on where to stay in Lancaster PA is about whether to be in the city or the country.
- City Choice: The Cork Factory Hotel. A private-chic restored 19th-century factory featuring exposed brick and industrial-chic design.
- Country Choice: The Red Caboose Motel. You really sleep in renovated railroad cabooses beside the Strasburg Rail Road.
- High-end Choice: The Inn & Spa at Leola Village. A sophisticated, old-fashioned inn featuring world-class spa services.
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Day Trips from Lancaster
Lancaster is strategically situated to explore the entire Dutch Country of Pennsylvania:
- Hershey, PA (35 Minutes): “The Sweetest Place on Earth.” Visit Hersheypark or take the free chocolate-making tour at Chocolate World.
- Gettysburg (1 Hour): A history lover’s must-see. The battlefield tours are moving and the town is ancient.
- York, PA (30 Minutes): The “Factory Tour Capital of the World.” Observe the construction of Harley-Davidson motorcycles or visit the Utz Potato Chip factory.
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FAQs
Which are the most favorite activities in Lancaster PA as a first-time visitor?
Begin with Lancaster Central Market, go on an Amish buggy ride, and ride the Strasburg Rail Road. These three activities are the best exposure to the culture and history of the area.
Is Lancaster PA a costly place to visit?
It doesn’t have to be. Although theater tickets can be expensive, there are many free activities like covered bridge tours. Eating at Amish smorgasbords like Miller’s or Shady Maple is a good value.
What am I to wear when I am visiting Amish places?
There is no particular dress code, but it is nice to dress modestly. It is forbidden to take direct photos of Amish faces, as it is against their religious convictions.
What should I do to prevent the Sunday closures?
Numerous Amish enterprises are shut on Sundays. Plan your Sunday to visit Dutch Wonderland, Sight & Sound (check schedule), or hike in the county parks.
What is the must-eat food in Lancaster?
Do not go without trying Shoofly Pie, Whoopie Pies, Chicken Pot Pie (a noodle stew in this area), and local Lebanon Bologna.
Can I see the Amish on a Sunday?
You will find buggies on the road as families go to church, but stores and farm tours will be closed for the day of rest and worship.
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