Exploring the Heart of Lancaster: Penn Square
Discover the charm of Lancaster at Penn Square, a vibrant hub of history, culture, and local life in the heart of Pennsylvania.
Penn Square is the vibrant heart of Lancaster, PA, where rich history meets modern charm. This lively square is surrounded by stunning architecture, local shops, and a variety of eateries, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture and history.
A brief summary to Penn Square
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
Local tips
- Visit during local festivals for a true taste of Lancaster culture.
- Check out the local eateries for delicious farm-to-table dining options.
- Take a guided walking tour to learn about the rich history of the area.
- Bring a camera—there are plenty of picturesque spots for amazing photos.
- Explore nearby shops for unique handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Getting There
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Bus
From Hershey, walk to the nearest bus stop on Chocolate Avenue. Catch the Red Rose Transit bus route 5, which heads to Lancaster. The journey will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Once you arrive in Lancaster, get off at the bus stop on Penn Square, which is the main square in the center of the city.
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Train
Head to the Harrisburg Transportation Center by taking a local bus or a taxi from Hershey. Once at the center, board a train to Lancaster. The train ride will take about 30 minutes. After arriving at the Lancaster train station, you can either walk to Penn Square, which is about 0.5 miles away, or take a local bus that stops at Penn Square.
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Bicycle
If you enjoy cycling, you can rent a bicycle from a local rental shop in Hershey. Follow the path along the 743 South until you reach the intersection with Route 30. Continue on Route 30 towards Lancaster. The ride is approximately 12 miles and will take about an hour. Once you reach Lancaster, navigate to Penn Square, which is located in the downtown area.
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Walking
If you prefer to walk, you can take a guided walking tour that starts in Hershey and leads to Lancaster. This will take a significant amount of time (approximately 3 to 4 hours), so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated. Follow the walking trails that connect Hershey to Lancaster, and once you arrive, head directly to Penn Square, located in the heart of the city.
Discover more about Penn Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Penn Square
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Watt & Shand Building
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Soldiers and Sailors Monument
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Lancaster City Welcome Center
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W.W. Griest Building
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Tellus360
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Old City Hall (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
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Stevens and Smith Historic Site
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Charlie Wagner's Cafe
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Escape. On Queen
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Excelsior
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The Ware Center - Millersville University
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Lancaster Historic Homes
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Historic East Side
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Lokal Experiences
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Unmissable attractions to see
Ghost Tour of Lancaster, PA
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Historic Lancaster Walking Tour
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Steinman Park
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Public piano
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Lancaster Central Market
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The Spice & Tea Exchange of Lancaster
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Fulton Theatre
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The Demuth Museum
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Binns Park
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Culliton Park
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Lancaster Museum of Art
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Sweetish Candy- A Swedish Candy Store
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Musser Park
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Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum
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Lancaster Science Factory
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Essential places to dine
Plough
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The Exchange Lancaster
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The Pressroom Restaurant
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Empanada Gourmet
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Bistro Barberet & Bakery
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Isaac's Craft Kitchen & Brewery - Downtown Lancaster
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Annie Bailey's Irish Public House
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C'est La Vie
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Josephine's Downtown
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The Lancaster Dispensing Company
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X Marks The Spot
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Mekatos Eatery
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Flavors of Morocco
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Yorgos Restaurant & Lounge
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Silantra Asian Street Kitchen
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Foxduck
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Zanzibar Romancing Your Senses
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Details
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Vintage Candy Shop
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Bellaboo
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FARBO Co
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The Gem Den
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The BeadWorks
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Lancaster Troll Market
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Ellicott & Co.
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Basura
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Fourteenth Boutique
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Larkstone
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Space
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Madcap & Co.
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shot & Bottle
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Rural City Taproom
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Altana Rooftop Lounge
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Conway Social Club
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Proof of Lancaster
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Bar 1888
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Dan's Pub
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Molly's Pub
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Burley Bar
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Shamrock Cafe
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The Coffin Bar
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Brendee's Irish Pub
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Quips Pub
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Stubby's Bar and Grille
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Hildy's
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