Things To Do
in Allentown
Allentown is a growing city in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley known for its historic neighborhoods, arts scene, and family-friendly attractions. It sits along the Lehigh River and blends restored industrial architecture with modern dining and outdoor spaces. Center City Allentown offers museums, parks, and easy access to nearby nature for day trips.
The city celebrates a diverse community with welcoming vibes and evolving neighborhoods.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Allentown Art Museum, where you can admire a diverse collection of American art and European masterpieces. After immersing yourself in the culture, stroll through the historic center, taking in the beautiful architecture and vibrant streets. Don't forget to grab a coffee from a local café to fuel your exploration.
Head to the Allentown Farmers Market for lunch, where you can enjoy fresh produce, homemade goods, and delicious local cuisine. Afterward, visit the Liberty Bell Museum to learn about the iconic symbol of American independence and its connection to Allentown. Spend some time walking along the Lehigh River and savoring the picturesque views.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, such as pot pie or scrapple. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll in Cedar Beach Park, where you can appreciate the natural beauty and perhaps catch a live music performance. Conclude your day with a visit to a local brewery to sample some craft beers.
Kick off your day with a thrilling visit to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, where excitement awaits at every turn. Grab a quick breakfast at the park entrance before diving into the roller coasters and water slides that will get your adrenaline pumping. Don’t forget to check out the park map to plan your route for maximum fun!
Continue your adventure by cooling off at the water park section, enjoying lazy rivers and wave pools that provide relaxation and excitement. For lunch, try one of the many food stalls offering classic amusement park fare like funnel cakes and corn dogs. After recharging, head back to the rides to conquer more attractions or catch a live show.
As the park begins to light up, enjoy the festive atmosphere and take a ride on the Ferris wheel for stunning views of the sunset. Treat yourself to dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, where you can reflect on the day’s adventures. End your evening with a stroll through the park to enjoy the nighttime ambiance before heading back to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment (city center) | $950-1,500/month |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🛏️Hotel (mid-range, 1 night) | $100-180 |
| 💡Internet monthly | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Walkable downtown with parks, museums, and cafes
- Access to nature preserves and Lehigh Valley attractions
- Good value for money compared with larger cities
- Family-friendly events year-round
- Limited upscale dining options compared with big cities
- Some areas experience urban noise and heavier traffic during peak hours
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer and cold in winter
Places to Visit in Allentown
Visit one of these nice places.
Rolling meadows, woodlands, and wildlife habitats provide open landscapes and light-filled photography opportunities.
City skyline views at sunrise or sunset with river reflections and historic architecture.
Waterways, canal structures, and cycling paths offer picturesque river scenes.
Food in Allentown
Allentown Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A PA Dutch–Lebanese hybrid sandwich featuring Lebanon bologna, onions, and mustard on soft bread.
Must-Try!
Polish-influenced dumplings paired with kielbasa, a nod to the region's immigrant communities.
Freshly baked pretzels with mustard, a classic snack from local bakeries and street vendors.
A Pennsylvania Dutch molasses pie found in local bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A cluster of markets and stalls offering produce, ethnic snacks, and casual bites.
Rotating stands offering tacos, Mediterranean plates, and other quick bites in the core area.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Smile and greet when entering shops or restaurants; respect personal space; queue politely for services; tipping is customary, and loud, disruptive behavior is best avoided in more formal settings.
Safety
Tipping in Allentown
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 15-20% is standard; bellhops and hotel staff may expect a small tip; tips are commonly given for rideshares and taxi services.
Most businesses accept cash and major credit/debit cards; contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect warm days with humidity and afternoon thunderstorms; carry water and sun protection; city events and outdoor concerts are common.
Mild days with colorful fall foliage; great light for photography and outdoor walks; town hosts harvest festivals.
Cold with potential snow; indoor attractions like museums and breweries are ideal; plan for possible travel delays.
Mild temperatures with budding trees and seasonal markets; frequent showers, so bring a light rain jacket.
Allentown at Night
Hiking in Allentown
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast network of trails through woodlands, meadows, and wildlife habitats.
Riverside trails, scenic overlooks and easy to moderate hikes along the Lehigh River.
Forest trails and lake views within a short drive from Allentown.
Airports
How to reach Allentown by plane.
Located about 7-15 miles north of Allentown; convenient for domestic flights and quick connections to major hubs.
Approximately 60 miles southeast; major international hub with extensive domestic and international options.
About 80 miles northeast; another major hub offering broad flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Allentown has a diverse population with a sizable Latino community alongside long-standing White and African American communities, plus growing immigrant groups from around the world.
Many families live in the suburbs and city neighborhoods with parks, schools, and family-friendly events.
A growing cohort drawn to job opportunities, universities, and the arts scene in the Lehigh Valley.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Play at PPL Center in downtown Allentown; family-friendly winter entertainment.
Play at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown; popular summer activity for locals and visitors.
Basketball, football, and more; weekend events draw students and fans from across the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Allentown.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many downtown spots offer vegetarian mains; look for veggie burgers, plant-based bowls, and sides like roasted vegetables.