A Little Bit of Everything About Lancaster City - By A Local!
This is a pretty long blog about Lancaster City. I know Lancaster like the back of my hand. I have lived here for a few years. During this time I started my own Tourism Business and was even named Lancaster's Woman of Achievement by the YWCA. While Lancaster might be known for its rolling farmlands and Amish culture, downtown is very cool and offers a completely different vibe. Cool shops to experience art, free museums, and every kind of culturally diverse cuisine you could want. Learn all about the Certified welcoming city!
Where is Downtown Lancaster?
Smack dab in southeastern Pennsylvania, downtown Lancaster is easily accessible from major cities like Philadelphia (about 1.5 hours away) and Baltimore (a 2-hour drive). The City of Lancaster is also known as the Red Rose City. Famously known for when the continental congress met at City Hall.
Things to Do in Downtown! (Arts, Music Culture, Markets)
Looking for things to do? Downtown Lancaster is packed with Walking tours, galleries, quirky shops, and tasty eateries. While there are more contemporary galleries downtown, visit ESOASRTS or The Art Vault for more personable pieces that everyone can appreciate. If you don't go to Central Market did you even really come to Lancaster? Yes, you did but it was probably after 3 pm or a non-market day. Lancaster Central Market is located in the center of Penn Square and is open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It is the oldest continuously operating public farmers' market in the country.
For a bit of history, sign up for the Lancaster Breakfast and History Tour and visit President James Buchanan’s home at Wheatland. To find published events in Lancaster check the Lancaster City app or the Discover Lancaster events page.
Tours in Lancaster City
If you're a fan of guided tours, you're in luck. Lancaster City has walking tours that let you take in the historical architecture, public art, and hidden gems. Some of them are run by me personally. All walking tours in Lancaster City meet in Penn Square.
International Food Tour (Book online meets at Penn Square)
Breakfast and History Tour (Book online meets at Penn Square)
E-Bike Tour (Book online)
Historic Walking Tour (Tickets Sold at the Welcome Center) In-depth Lancaster History Tour not available Oct-March.
Underground Railroad Walking Tour (Tickets Sold at the Welcome Center) Tours end before November
Lancaster Ghost Tour(located in Lititz)
There are also specialty tours like food tours, Lancaster ghost tours, and even e-bike tours (hello, Unique Lancaster Experiences!) where you can zip through the city and learn fascinating tidbits as you go.
Basic Info About Lancaster City
Lancaster City is home to around 60,000 residents, and while it’s smaller than nearby cities like Harrisburg or Philly, it has a cozy, close-knit feel. The city is divided into distinct neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill, Cabbage Hill, and Musser Park. All of them have amazing architecture but they are individual and unique.
The median household income here is about $45,000, making it an affordable option for city living without sacrificing the urban amenities. Plus, the cost of living is pretty reasonable, especially compared to other Northeastern cities.
Gift Cards For New Homeowners in Lancaster, PA
If you know someone visiting Lancaster or moving here here is a list of great gift cards! These options will help the person receiving it receive an amazing gift, and support a small business, and find something new.
Walking Tour Gift Card: This is a wonderful option for the recipient to try MULTIPLE new things while also learning about Lancaster, and exploring the area.
Coffee Shop Gift Cards: My favorites are based on companies that support the community, obviously have delicious coffee, and are not always super busy. Including SQ1 Coffee and Neighbors Cafe.
Coworking Gift Card: If someone just moved to Lancaster and works remotely, this is a wonderful gift. Getting them a gift card to The Candy Factory will help them meet new people, have a fun place to work, and learn more about the community.
Book a stay at the Holiday Inn if you are looking for a hotel in downtown Lancaster.
Lover of the Arts in PA
You will find a variety of art scenes downtown. They showcase everything from fine art to funky, modern pieces. Don't forget to keep track of the Art Walk event.
ESOARTS located on the 300 block of Queen
The Art Vault at the corn of orange and Queen
The Demuth Museum is dedicated to Charles Demuth, one of America’s most famous modernist painters.
West Art next to Buchanan Park
Gallery Row (more contemporary aka $$$ art)
Music Scene in the City of Lancaster
The live music in this little city is still rehabilitating from the shutdown. Here are some options where you can find live music in downtown Lancaster. Check their events calendar website first for upcoming events.
Tellus360 is a top spot to catch live music, with multiple floors of bars and venues. Whether you’re into acoustic jams or DJ sets, you’ll find something to tap your toes to. September brings the perfect weather for the garden.
West Art Community focused space with live music events every week
Little Mutants They are closed Sunday through Wednesday. Bring a friend and enjoy the live music.
Marion Court Play cornhole, beer pong, listen to live music or dance the night away!
Enjoy Nature in the City (Aka Parks and Rec)
Yes, you can enjoy nature even in a city! Lancaster has plenty of green spaces to relax and recharge. Musser Park and Long’s Park are two popular spots where you can picnic, people-watch, or take a stroll. There is also the 6th Ward Park and Buchana Park. You can even have a birthday party in Buckmiller Park or Lancaster County Park. There are tons of Parks in Lancaster City, google will give you a whole list of options. Although not a traditional Park you should enjoy Binns Park and Ewell Plaza. There are always published events there including movie night in the park.
Creating and Making!
There are a variety of places where you can take classes to learn a new skill. In the heart of downtown, you will many options! Here are a few of my favorites!
Moe's Pottery Co (a literal hidden gem with intimate pottery-making classes. Options available for children's pottery courses.
The Guild: Learn anything from leather making, jewelry classes, blacksmithing, silk printing, and much more!
ESOCARTS: I swear I don't work there. Most weeks there is a class of some kind being held where you can create something new and exciting.
Coworking Spaces: Offical and Unofficial
Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote worker people are posted up with their laptops. Here are the top 3 places I work on my laptop downtown.
The Candy Factory coworking space
Southern Market (open Tuesday through Sunday)
Cafe One-Eight (located on Orange Street)
Bars in Lancaster City
If you enjoy beer or want to find a good bar in Lancaster, PA here are a few of my favorites.
Craft Beer: Spring House on Hazel Street
Cocktails: Shot & Bottle
Games & Atmosphere: Decades
Wine and Spirit: Vine Bar
Quiet Chill Vibes: Proof and Bert the Elephant
Quirky & Reto Bar: The Corner at Musser
Join a historic walking tour of Lancaster City to learn more about downtown.
Coffee Shops & Cafés
Downtown Lancaster has more coffee shops than we do anything else. Seriously, I don't know how Starbucks stays in business. I am biased. But here are my 5 favorite coffee shops in order! Based on the taste of the coffee, treats, and comfortable seating. All of them are laptop-friendly coffee shops in the city of Lancaster.
SQ1 Coffee - Wifi, chill spot, easy parking, outdoor seating, local artist each month
Neighbors Cafe - community space, spacious, big windows, easy parking, yummy waffles
Endo Cafe - Comfortable, hidden gem, tasty coffee infused with CBD
Barberet - Underrated gem, authentically French, open on Sundays
La Dolce Vita - authentically Italian, endless pastries, next to Lancaster's courthouse
Family-Friendly Fun
I have a really cool 6-year-old. Here are his favorite spots in downtown Lancaster! Busy Bodies Play Cafe is in the heart of downtown at Ewell Plaza, next to the new Library. North Museum of Nature and Science is great for curious minds, and the Lancaster Science Factory offers hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages.
Black Owned Businesses
I am a minority in downtown Lancaster who owns a business. There are not many of us. So this list would not be complete without sharing the opportunity to highlight a few of those businesses. You can also follow my Instagram where I regularly post about black-owned businesses in Lancaster.
Unique Lancaster Experiences: Walking Tours and Experiences
Homage: West African Food Stand and Caterer inside Central Market
Nicole Taylor Boutique: Awesome boutique for fashionable clothing
RichSitch: Downtown embroidery and local Swag shop for custom prints and design
Red Rose Book: Book store one block from Central Market near Fulton Opera House
Events & Festivals in Lancaster
Lancaster is never short on events and festivals. From the seasonal Lancaster Craft Beerfest to the festive Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival, there’s always something happening. And, of course, let’s not forget the monthly First Friday art walk, where the city’s galleries open their doors for a night of art, music, and food!
Cost of Living in Lancaster, PA
One of the biggest draws to Lancaster City is its affordable cost of living compared to nearby metro areas. With reasonable rent prices, low transportation costs, and an accessible city layout, you get great value for your money. A one-bedroom apartment downtown typically rents for $600-$1,200 a month, which is a steal compared to cities like Philadelphia or D.C. By the loving grace of God I found a 3-bedroom apartment for $1,000/month. If you want to find an affordable apartment in Lancaster City, I recommend calling the property management companies directly or go to their website.
Guest on the International Food Tour in downtown Lancaster. For a unique stay in Lancaster, PA book the Red Caboose Motel right outside the city.
Places to Hang Out in Downtown Lancaster
There are a few good places to hang out that are not bars. What makes a place good to hang out there? Low or no pressure to spend money, outdoor seating options, music, or nice people. Maybe munch on sweet or savory bites while catching up with friends. I do not frequent Tellus, but it's a chill place to hang out. After October they have fireplaces on the rooftop. New Holland Coffee downtown is another chill place to hang out with no pressure to keep buying things. There is no cell service in the Library but it's new and beautiful plus they have wifi.
For a laid-back outdoor spot, Musser Park is a great option to hang out, have a picnic, or enjoy a good book. The Corner at Musser is obviously right on the corner and is an ever-evolving space to hang out. Arabian Nights is also an alcohol-free space to chill with friends. Even if you don't like Hookah, they have an amazing atmosphere and are great.
Refugee Resettlement & Community Involvement
Lancaster City is a proud certified welcoming city. Once the number one leader in refugee resettlement, you will find people from all over the world here. With organizations like Church World Service (CWS) and Bethany Christian Services offering support, Lancaster has become a safe haven for refugees seeking a new start. The city’s diverse population reflects this, with families from Syria, Congo, Nepal, and beyond contributing to the rich cultural fabric of Lancaster. The refugee community has brought unique cuisine, businesses, and traditions to the city, making it an even more vibrant place to live and visit.
If you're interested in getting involved as a committed volunteer with refugees in Lancaster I recommend contacting Neighbor's Cafe. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and help new arrivals settle into the area. Whether it’s assisting with language lessons, helping families navigate their new surroundings, or simply providing a warm welcome, there’s always a way to make a difference.
How to Meet People in Lancaster City
Making friends as an adult can be hard. I am super extroverted and still struggle at times. I know everyone in downtown Lancaster. Partly because of Coworking spaces like The Candy Factory, which is also a social club. I cannot walk around Lancaster City without seeing 5 people I know. If you’re a bit more on the shy side, Lancaster’s friendly coffee shops and community classes (like cooking, yoga, or art) are excellent for sparking conversation.
Ready to call Lancaster home?
With its perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and modern amenities, Lancaster City is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or considering a move, Lancaster’s charm and personality make it a place you won’t soon forget.
