Things To Do
in Bethlehem
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is a small city in the Lehigh Valley known for its colonial-era architecture, steel-industry history, and lively arts scene. The city combines a walkable historic downtown (Main Street) with riverside parks along the Lehigh River and a calendar full of festivals, especially around music and the holidays. Bethlehem's university presence (Lehigh University and Moravian University nearby) gives it a youthful energy and year-round cultural events.
Visit for a mix of heritage museums, adaptive-reuse industrial sites, and easy access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding hills.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in Bethlehem's Historic District, where the charming streets are lined with beautifully preserved 18th-century Moravian buildings. Visit the Moravian Museum to learn about the town's rich heritage and the Moravian culture. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Pennsylvania Dutch treats.
After lunch, take a guided walking tour to discover significant landmarks like the Old Moravian Cemetery and the iconic Sun Inn. Spend some time browsing unique shops and boutiques that feature handcrafted goods and local art. As the afternoon winds down, relax at the picturesque Monocacy Park, where you can explore nature trails along the Monocacy Creek.
In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at one of Bethlehem's renowned restaurants, offering everything from upscale dining to cozy bistros. After your meal, catch a live performance at the legendary Musikfest Café, known for showcasing a variety of musical acts. Wrap up the night with a stroll along the scenic Santa Fe Trail, taking in the illuminated views of the city.
Begin your day with a visit to the Banana Factory Arts Center, where you can engage with local artists and explore contemporary art exhibits. Participate in a morning workshop to try your hand at pottery or painting, immersing yourself in Bethlehem's vibrant art scene. Grab a light brunch at a nearby café, enjoying locally sourced ingredients.
Spend your afternoon at the SteelStacks, a cultural arts campus that pays homage to Bethlehem's industrial history. Enjoy lunch at a food truck or café on-site, sampling diverse cuisines while soaking in the unique atmosphere. Explore the community gardens and outdoor spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet read.
Attend a concert or event at the Levitt Pavilion, which often features free live performances under the stars. Grab dinner from one of the nearby eateries, many of which serve regional favorites and craft brews. Finish your evening with a nightcap at an upscale bar that offers a cozy ambiance with creative cocktails.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-7 |
| 🚕Taxi/short ride (base fare) | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich industrial and colonial history with well-preserved sites
- Compact, walkable downtown with festivals and cultural programming
- Easy access to outdoor activities and scenic drives in the Lehigh Valley
- Growing food, craft beer, and arts scenes
- Limited late-night public transport and fewer late-night venues than big cities
- Can be crowded during major festivals and holiday events
- Winters can be cold and snowy which may limit outdoor plans
- Some attractions and services may have seasonal hours
Places to Visit in Bethlehem
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic rusted blast furnaces and industrial architecture transformed into an arts campus — dramatic at golden hour and lit at night for striking urban-industrial shots.
Charming colonial and 19th-century buildings, streetscapes, and boutique storefronts — great for street and architectural photography.
Riverside views, arched bridges, and tree-lined paths — ideal for nature, sunrise, and long-exposure water shots.
During the holiday season the city glows with market stalls and festive lights — excellent for night and candid market photography.
Mixed urban and green spaces with murals, river vistas, and quiet pockets that capture local life and natural scenery.
Food in Bethlehem
Bethlehem Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sweet shoofly pie (molasses-based) and soft pretzels reflect the area's Pennsylvania Dutch heritage; find them at bakeries and markets in historic downtown and surrounding towns.
Must-Try!
Local smokehouses and diners serve pulled pork, brisket, and mac-and-cheese—popular at casual restaurants and beer gardens near SteelStacks.
Many restaurants highlight local produce and meats in rotating seasonal menus; check menus at small bistros and tasting rooms.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal market (spring–fall) offering local produce, baked goods, cheeses, prepared foods, and artisanal products — great for picnic supplies.
During festivals and warm months, food trucks and street vendors gather near SteelStacks and Main Street offering everything from tacos to gourmet grilled cheese.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally friendly and informal—polite greetings, small talk, and punctuality for reservations are appreciated.
Many historic sites and riverbanks are on privately managed land—follow posted signs, stay on marked paths, and respect quiet residential neighborhoods.
During large events keep personal items secure, follow event staff directions, and be patient with lines and traffic; recycling and waste sorting may be encouraged at venues.
Safety
Tipping in Bethlehem
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in the U.S.: typically 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and 10–15% for takeout when service is provided. Tip taxi drivers (10–15%) and hotel staff a few dollars for bell service and housekeeping.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are commonly used. Always carry a small amount of cash for parking meters, small vendors, or tipping where card machines are unavailable.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmer weather returns, trees and gardens bloom, farmers' markets reopen, and outdoor venues begin hosting concerts; bring a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
Warm to hot temperatures with festival season in full swing (Musikfest in nearby towns draws crowds); expect busy weekends, outdoor concerts, and active restaurant patios.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make this a popular time for scenic drives and hikes; pumpkin- and harvest-themed events appear throughout the valley.
Cold with potential snow; Bethlehem is especially festive during the holiday season with the Christkindlmarkt and illuminated displays—pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear for icy streets.
Bethlehem at Night
Hiking in Bethlehem
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous raptor migration observation site with well-maintained trails and sweeping ridge views; about a 30–45 minute drive, excellent for birdwatching and photography.
Wooded park with diverse trails, historic mill sites, and streams—great for hiking, mountain biking, and seasonal hunting areas.
Urban park with paved and unpaved paths along the Lehigh River—ideal for walking, running, and easy cycling close to downtown.
Known as the 'Niagara of Pennsylvania' for its series of waterfalls and boardwalk trails; roughly a 45–60 minute drive for a nature-focused day trip.
Airports
How to reach Bethlehem by plane.
Closest major airport (in Allentown, ~15–20 minutes by car) with regional flights and car rental services; convenient for direct access to Bethlehem.
Major international airport about 1–1.5 hours by car, with extensive domestic and international connections; good option for more flight choices.
Located in New Jersey, roughly 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic; offers many international flights and is a practical alternative for overseas travelers.
Smaller regional airport about 45–60 minutes north—useful for limited regional flights and lower crowds.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Multigenerational families and established local communities with deep roots in the region.
Lehigh University and Moravian University students and recent graduates contribute youth, cultural events, and demand for nightlife and eateries.
A significant and growing Hispanic/Latino population contributing cultural diversity, businesses, and cuisine.
Many residents commute to nearby cities for work, creating a mix of suburban and small-city lifestyles across the Lehigh Valley.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local college teams draw enthusiastic support—football, basketball, and other collegiate sports are integral to the community.
Hockey is popular regionally—the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL) in nearby Allentown have a strong local following.
Soccer enjoys steady participation at youth and amateur levels, and fans follow regional professional clubs in the Philadelphia metro area.
High school football and basketball are community focal points with lively local support.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bethlehem.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most mid-range restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian options (salads, grain bowls, pasta). Inform servers and many places can accommodate meat-free modifications.
Vegan options are growing but can be limited at traditional diners; look for dedicated vegan-friendly cafes, breweries with plant-based snack options, or request vegan substitutions at restaurants.
Gluten-free menus or options are commonly available in contemporary restaurants; confirm cross-contamination policies if you have celiac disease.
Restaurants are generally accommodating—alert staff to severe allergies and consider calling ahead for detailed ingredient questions.