Destination guidePennsylvania · United States
36 Things to Do in Lancaster (2026)
Lancaster County, established in 1729 as Pennsylvania's fourth county, is located in the southeastern portion of the state.
Read more
Its historical development was influenced by its status as the largest inland city in the American colonies and its service as the United States capital for one day in September 1777. The region is the site of the first production of the Pennsylvania Long Rifle and the Conestoga wagon. The architectural landscape includes structures from the 18th century to the present.
- 36 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Lancaster8 dishes
Shoofly Pie Where to order it in Lancaster
Chicken and Waffles (PA Dutch Style) Where to order it in Lancaster
Hand-Twisted Soft Pretzels Where to order it in Lancaster
Whoopie Pies Where to order it in Lancaster
Chicken Pot Pie with Square Noodles Where to order it in Lancaster
Lebanon Sweet Bologna Where to order it in Lancaster
Stroopies Where to order it in Lancaster
Chow-Chow Where to order it in Lancaster
The short answer
- The top things to do in Lancaster, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
36 places worth your time in Lancaster
Things to see and do
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Why it’s on the map
A premier living-history site dedicated to the material culture of Pennsylvania Germans from 1740 to 1940.
2451 Kissel Hl Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA
The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy
Why it’s on the map
This newly opened immersive museum and education center is located at the historic home and law office of Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and the property of businesswoman Lydia Hamilton Smith.
13 E Vine St, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA
President James Buchanan's Wheatland
Why it’s on the map
This 1828 Federal-style mansion served as the home of the 15th U.S. President and stands as a masterwork of 19th-century symmetry and Greek Revival influence.
1120 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Lancaster Central Market
Why it’s on the map
Established in 1730 and housed in a striking 1889 Romanesque Revival brick building designed by James H. Warner, this is the oldest continuously operating public farmers market in the United States.
23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Fulton Theatre
Why it’s on the map
Constructed in 1852 by architect Samuel Sloan on the foundations of a 1739 colonial jail, this National Historic Landmark is recognized as the oldest continuously operating theater in the nation.
12 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Mountain Peak · West Hempfield Township
Art Museum
Place to see · West Hempfield Township
Nature Preserve · Martic Township
Park · Caernarvon Township
Visitor Center · Clay Township
Art Gallery
History Museum
Park
Farm · Paradise Township
Tourist Attraction
Where to eat
See the full Lancaster food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Fast Food Restaurant · Center City West
Restaurant
Ice Cream Shop · Clay Township
Dessert Shop
Indian Restaurant
Buffet Restaurant · East Lampeter Township
Bakery · Lancaster Township
Diner · Strasburg Township
Donut Shop · Leacock Township
Breakfast Restaurant · East Lampeter Township
Bakery
Restaurant · Manheim Township
Restaurant · Leacock Township
Bakery · East Lampeter Township
Family Restaurant · East Drumore Township
Caribbean Restaurant
Bakery · Warwick Township
Market
Shops and markets
Shopping Mall · Leacock Township
Shopping Mall · East Lampeter Township
31 more places on the map
18 to eat · 11 to see and do · 2 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Lancaster?
- The best time to visit Lancaster County is from September to November, when the harvest season is in full swing, the humidity drops, and the fall foliage is at its peak. Summer offers the warmest weather and most attractions but brings heavy crowds and high humidity, while the "mud season" from January to March is the quietest and most affordable time for those who don't mind cold temperatures and some business closures. Aim for mid-week visits during the spring or fall to enjoy pleasant outdoor weather while avoiding the significant weekend tourist traffic.
How do I get around Lancaster?
- Amtrak Keystone Service The Lancaster Station provides frequent, high-speed rail connections directly from Philadelphia's 30th Street Station and New York Penn Station, making it a primary gateway for regional travelers.
- Personal or Rental Vehicle Driving via Route 30 or the Pennsylvania Turnpike is the most effective way to explore the county's sprawling rural landscape, covered bridges, and decentralized Amish farm stands at your own pace.
- Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA) This local bus network offers reliable public transit within Lancaster City and scheduled routes to surrounding boroughs like Ephrata and Lititz, serving as an affordable option for navigating the urban core.
What should I know before visiting Lancaster?
- Pull your vehicle completely over to the shoulder to allow horse-drawn buggies to pass safely on narrow country roads.
- Avoid photographing Amish individuals directly as it is considered a violation of their religious beliefs regarding humility.
- Check business hours before visiting, as many local shops and restaurants are strictly closed on Sundays.
- Drive cautiously over hills and around curves to account for slow-moving farm equipment and pedestrians on the roadway.
What’s new in Lancaster in October 2026?
- Lancaster County’s Best Kept Secrets Tour: A curated shopping and food adventure featuring 44 unique local businesses, running October 8–24, 2026.
- The Sweet & Salty Trail: A seasonal mobile passport experience highlighting local culinary spots like Hammond’s Pretzels, active now through December 31, 2026.
- New Culinary Openings: Recent additions to the local food scene including GEM’s Bodega & Cafe, Puerto Rican-inspired sandwich shop La Cajita, and the West Art Coffee Bar.
- Harvest Days at Landis Valley: The county's long-standing autumn tradition at the Village & Farm Museum, featuring traditional crafts and history on October 10–11, 2026.
Research receipt
How this Lancaster guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Lancaster replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Lancaster?
Start with Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, President James Buchanan's Wheatland, Lancaster Central Market, and Fulton Theatre: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 36 places are pinned on the Lancaster map.