posted May 31, 2023

10 Reasons to Visit Downtown Lancaster, PA

Downtown Lancaster is rich with history, shops, fine dining, and more.

When you think of Lancaster County, you may picture lush, green farmland with horse and buggies trotting by, fresh produce, and a relaxing pace of life.

While those things can be found here, there’s so much more to Lancaster.

1. Arts & Theatre

Lancaster City is full of passionate makers and musicians, just waiting to share their craft. For fine arts, head to Gallery Row where artisans are displaying and selling their works. If you happen to be in town on the First Friday of the month, galleries and shops are open extra late for art lovers to browse and experience Lancaster’s art scene.

Demuth Museum is proud to showcase the work of master watercolorist and Lancaster native Charles Demuth.

Jo Davis is a teaching artist, coach, and designer who helps people reconnect with their creativity for individual and collective well-being. With over 25 years of experience, she leads workshops and classes for adults and teens that invite play, self-expression, and meaningful connection.

Want to catch a show or some awesome live music? Theaters and performance venues, both big and small, can be found throughout the city, putting on live music, Broadway-caliber musicals, plays, and classical performances.

FIND UPCOMING SHOWS

2. Awesome Activities

Whether you’re traveling with the family or as a couple, Downtown Lancaster is filled with spots to fill your day with fun. Take a group of friends or your significant other and challenge yourself to an Escape Room, like Escape Room Lancaster or Escape. On Queen. If you're not in the mood to find your way out, try your hand at winning some arcade games at Decades.

Learn history and drink some tasty brews along the way with LoKal Experiences, LancasterHistory and Craft Beer Walk! They also offer a Lancaster City VIP Restaurant Tour! If brews don't excite you, and you're more of a foodie then check out Unique Lancaster Experiences! They offer an International Food Tour, Scavenger Hunt Adventure, Electric Bike Tours, and so much more!

For the family, head over to our baseball field where the Lancaster’s minor league baseball team, the Lancaster Stormers, play!

Spend the day at the Lancaster Science Factory and North Museum of Nature and Science of PA. These great museums are geared towards hands-on learning for kids. If your family prefers arts and crafts, The PotteryWorks, The BeadWorks, and The Gem Den offer a creative outlet with pottery painting and jewelry making.

3. For The Foodies

Downtown Lancaster has everything from upscale to everyday dining, and any style that will suit your culinary tastes. Shot & Bottle is a great way to kick off your day with a tasty brunch, but we can agree that crafted cocktails in the morning aren't for everyone. That's where Cafe One Eight is perfect, they serve great food and great coffee.

Speaking of coffee, Lancaster County is full of cafes and coffee roasters, and the city is no exception. Passenger Coffee was named the Best Coffee in Pennsylvania by Food & Wine in 2022!

CHECK OUT OUR COFFEE TRAIL!

In the evening, treat yourself to a night out at one of downtown’s standout restaurants. Enjoy a special dinner at 401 Prime, savoring a refined atmosphere perfect for a date night or celebration. For a classic Lancaster experience, The Belvedere Inn offers an intimate setting and creative cuisine in a charming historic building.

If you’re in the mood for American fine dining with French inspiration, Josephine’s Downtown provides a stylish, romantic vibe ideal for lingering over cocktails and dinner, while C'est La Vie brings an artisanal, yet refined, bistro that feels straight out of a European square.

Elevate your night, literary, by reserving a table at The Exchange, a rooftop bar that overlooks the city. If you prefer to be more grounded, Annie Bailey's is perfect; they serve Irish-style fare in an authentically Irish pub.

With a group and can't decide where or what to eat? Try going to Southern Market! They host various local chefs in their chef stations in a hip and modern food hall. They also station an elegant bar in the middle, making it a perfect spot to grab drinks!

Or try out a group walking tour with, Red Rose Walking Food Tour, you'll be able to explore the historic parts of the city while tasting food along the way. This 2-hour-long tour takes you Downtown on market days, where you can taste a wide variety of foods.

Chellas Arepas on Queen features a variety of arepas, a corn cake that's crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside with delicious fillings. Chellas Arepas was also recently featured by Yelp for being a top arepa spot in North America!

Looking for something sweet? Check out Vintage Candy Shop, which is serving up old-time candies like Abba-Zaba bars, Necco wafers, Zagnut bars, and candy necklaces.

Check out more fine dining and unique international spots; there is no shortage of amazing restaurants in downtown Lancaster.

On those sunny days, many spots offer outdoor dining options where diners can enjoy delicious bites and the beautiful weather.

There’s nothing better than having a doughnut and a coffee in the morning—and W Donuts proves it. Masterfully made Boston creams and glazed rings are a couple of the scrumptious bites at W Donuts.

4. Filled With History

As one of the oldest inland cities in America, and serves as the U.S. Capital for a day, Lancaster is filled with stories of events and people from the past. Dive into these stories as you view Lancaster’s architecture, featuring buildings with various styles – from Georgian and Federal to Modern.

History is just waiting to be shared at historic locations throughout the city with a walking tour or a visit to President James Buchanan’s home and Lancaster’s historic society museum. Stop by Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum to see Lancaster County’s rich medical history.

Hamilton Watch Company started in Lancaster, PA, over 120 years ago, in 1892. Hamilton Watch was essential in aiding railroads and aviation throughout the years, even showing up on the big screen. The Hamilton Watch Company is returning to its roots, having opened its flagship store in Lancaster City, in the former Bowman Watchmaking School. This is one of four stores around the world; the only one in the United States.

Did you know Lancaster was once infamous as a “wide open” city for vice? Around 1900, police and other officials encouraged and even participated in prostitution, gambling, and drinking. Find out how Lancaster City transitioned away from the "vice" and how it became what it is today on Lancaster Vice tour.

5. Events

In addition to daily happenings, Lancaster’s special events add an extra element of excitement to the city. From the monthly First and Third Friday events featuring art and live music, to Roots & Blues in February, consider planning your trip around these festive occasions.

FIND EVENTS HAPPENING THIS WEEK!

6. Lancaster Central Market

Featuring history, community vibes, fresh produce, and popular local goodies, Lancaster Central Market, America’s oldest continuously operating farmers market, is a Downtown “must-visit.” Be sure to visit on a Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday when the market is open to wander the aisles for locally sourced fruits and vegetables, baked goods, freshly cut flowers, and something tasty for breakfast or lunch.

Some stands have been passed down generation-to-generation, while others are bringing new, unique offerings to the historic market. While you’re there, don’t forget to look up – the market building dates back to 1889 and features stunning architectural details.

7. Ales, Spirits & Even Mead

With a ton of Lancaster's breweries being Downtown, it makes it hard to choose just one to go to. Lancaster Brewing Company, known for its Milk Stout, Strawberry Wheat, and Hop Hog IPA. Spring House Brewing Company is another great spot to check out. They specialize in flavorful concoctions like the Big Gruesome Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout. Our Town Brewery, which newly opened up in 2020, specializes in stouts, sours, and even canned cocktails.

Columbia Kettle Works has its 2nd Gear Taproom, which is conveniently right next to Zoetropolis where you can have a bite to eat and see a vintage film!

If spirits and cocktails are more your style, Downtown Lancaster has plenty of those, too. From Thistle Finch Distillery, which is distilling its own rye whiskey, vodka, and gin, to a number of restaurants and rooftop bars, like Altana Rooftop Lounge, which creates artisan cocktails with locally sourced ingredients and house-made infusions.

JOIN THE LANCASTER COUNTY BREW TRAIL

8. Walkability

What fun is driving when you’re on vacation? In Lancaster City, walkability is key, with many of the popular stops within walking distance of each other. Whether you’re wandering down Gallery Row or shopping on the 300 Block of Queen Street, good eats and even more to see and do are just a few blocks away. Parking options are plentiful with reasonably priced lots and garages located in the popular areas of the city.

9. Boutique Shopping

How about a little shopping? Lancaster City is home to cute boutiques and shops, whether you’re searching for a special gift or something to remember your trip by.

The 300 Block of North Queen Street is a shopping hot spot Downtown, with shops featuring unique gifts, antiques, clothes and jewelry, home decor, and specialty items. Check out BUiLDiNG CHARACTER, Madcap & Co., Drøm, Foxduck, Ville n Rue, and so many more!

Shop local, as you’ll find wares made here in Lancaster County by passionate makers.

10. Great Lodging Options

After all this exploring, you’ll need a place to rest up for another day of fun. Downtown Lancaster has great lodging options for this very thing. Boutique hotels like Lancaster Arts Hotel and Cork Factory Hotel provide a restful night’s sleep in uniquely decorated and beautifully renovated rooms.

If you prefer to stay in a bed & breakfast, the Lancaster Bed & Breakfast is located just a short drive from the main Downtown area and provides cozy accommodations for your stay.

We also have traditional lodging locations like The Holiday Inn Lancaster or the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

And that’s just the beginning!

Find Adventure in 2025!

Get ready! Find all the best things to do, places to stay, where to eat, an events calendar, and exclusive coupons! Order the FREE 2025 Lancaster County Visitors Guide today!

ORDER NOW!

Pictured: Lancaster Balloon Rides

Credit: @jerzeedrones

Author

Tori•

Marketing Coordinator

Having lived in Lancaster for 3 years, Tori has a fresh perspective on the county and its experiences. She enjoys spending time outdoors, enjoying various international cuisines and participating in the many creative outlets Lancaster provides. Tori wants visitors to visit all the small towns that Lancaster County has to offer and find hidden gems along the way. Outside of work, Tori enjoys visiting unique coffee shops and cafes across the county.

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