Things To Do
in Harrisburg
Harrisburg is the capital city of Pennsylvania, sitting on the banks of the Susquehanna River and serving as a regional hub for government, culture, and commerce. The city combines historic architecture—most notably the Pennsylvania State Capitol—with parks, a growing food scene, and riverfront recreation. Harrisburg is compact and walkable in its downtown core but sits amid suburbs and smaller towns that broaden its appeal for day trips.
It’s a practical base for exploring nearby Hershey, Lancaster, and the Ridge-and-Valley countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a guided tour of the stunning Pennsylvania State Capitol building, marveling at its grand architecture and intricate murals. Enjoy the quiet ambiance of the surrounding Capitol Park while sipping coffee at a nearby café. Capture photos of the iconic dome and the beautiful gardens that frame the historic building.
Head to the State Museum of Pennsylvania to dive deep into the local history, geology, and culture through fascinating exhibits. Grab lunch at a nearby farm-to-table restaurant offering fresh, seasonal dishes. After lunch, stroll along the Susquehanna Riverwalk to experience scenic views and learn about the city’s industrial past.
Dine at a cozy downtown restaurant featuring Pennsylvania Dutch specialties. Following dinner, attend a performance at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, where you can enjoy theater, concerts, or an IMAX movie. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the riverfront, taking in the illuminated city skyline.
Start your day visiting the Susquehanna Art Museum, exploring contemporary art exhibits and local artist showcases. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café known for its artisanal pastries and rich coffee blends. Wander through the Midtown neighborhood, admiring murals and street art that bring the area to life.
Spend the afternoon at the National Civil War Museum, immersing yourself in the rich history of the Civil War with interactive displays and detailed artifacts. Have lunch at a historic tavern offering classic American fare in a warm, rustic setting. Then, explore City Island, where you can enjoy scenic views and visit the Harrisburg Senators baseball park.
Experience Harrisburg’s vibrant dining scene by trying a trendy gastropub or a fine dining restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, catch a live jazz or blues show at a local music venue. Conclude your evening with a stroll through Riverfront Park, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the Susquehanna River.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-7 |
| 🚕Taxi or rideshare (short trip) | $8-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact downtown with walkable attractions and a scenic riverfront
- Lower costs than larger East Coast cities and easy access to nearby destinations (Hershey, Lancaster)
- Strong seasonal events, markets and an emerging craft-beer/restaurant scene
- Good base for outdoor activities (greenbelt, parks, nearby state parks)
- Limited late-night/club scene compared with larger cities
- Certain neighborhoods experience higher crime rates; awareness required
- Public transit is modest — a car makes exploring the wider region easier
- Some specialty dining and cultural options require short drives to neighboring towns
Places to Visit in Harrisburg
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Beaux-Arts/Neoclassical building with an ornate interior rotunda and panoramic views from the plaza — great for architectural shots at golden hour.
River views, bridges, and the island’s open spaces provide reflections and skyline photos; evening lights create dramatic scenes.
Vibrant market scenes, colorful vendor stalls and candid food photography opportunities.
Elevated vantage points for Capitol and city skyline photos, plus formal gardens and historic monuments.
Woodlands, boardwalks, and wildlife — excellent for nature and bird photography in all seasons.
Food in Harrisburg
Harrisburg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A regional comfort-food stew with dumplings rather than a pastry crust; many diners and classic restaurants serve hearty portions. Scrapple (seasoned pork loaf, often fried) is a local breakfast staple found at markets and diners.
Must-Try!
Soft, salted pretzels are popular in central PA — available at bakeries, markets, and concession stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic indoor market with butchers, bakeries, produce, and prepared food stalls; try seasonal pies, ethnic specialties, and locally produced preserves.
Local farmers and producers sell fresh fruit, honey, meats, and ready-to-eat items — perfect for picnics along the river.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally friendly and appreciate polite greetings, 'please' and 'thank you' — brief small talk is common in shops and restaurants.
Stand in line and wait your turn; respect personal space indoors and on public transit.
If visiting government buildings, dress and behave respectfully (no loud behavior or disruptive actions) and follow posted rules for tours and security.
Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and observe local traffic rules — Pennsylvanians expect attentive driving.
Safety
Tipping in Harrisburg
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., tipping is customary: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants before tax for good service, $1–2 per drink at bars, 10–15% for taxis/rideshares, and $1–5 for hotel housekeeping per night. Tip cash or add to card; round up small purchases when appropriate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard/Amex), contactless/mobile payments common in shops and restaurants, and ATMs are readily available. Small farmers’ market vendors and food trucks may be cash-only or use mobile card readers — carry some cash for markets and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot and often humid with temperatures frequently in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (mid-20s to low 30s °C); riverfront events, festivals and outdoor dining are in full swing — bring sunscreen and a water bottle.
Crisp, pleasant weather with beautiful foliage in late September to October; ideal for hiking, scenic drives to nearby ridges, and fall festivals.
Cold with occasional snow and freezing temperatures; downtown activities continue but expect shorter daylight and the possibility of icy conditions — pack a warm coat and traction-friendly shoes.
Mild and variable with budding trees and blooming parks; expect rain showers and fluctuating temperatures, making layers useful.
Harrisburg at Night
Hiking in Harrisburg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A multi-use 20-mile loop of trails, parks and scenic spots encircling Harrisburg — great for walking, running and cycling with many trailheads and park connections.
Woodland and wetlands with boardwalk trails and birdwatching opportunities inside a short drive from downtown.
State park near Carlisle offering varied trails, ridge-top views, wildflowers, and educational programs — suitable for half- or full-day hikes.
Linear trail along the Swatara Creek with scenic river views, long-distance biking and hiking options extending through the valley.
Short drives east/south of Harrisburg bring you to scenic overlooks, rock outcrops and riverside trails with panoramic views of the Susquehanna valley.
Airports
How to reach Harrisburg by plane.
Primary regional airport located about 10–15 miles from downtown Harrisburg with commercial flights to major hubs; accessible by car, taxi or shuttle (rental cars and rideshare available).
Major international airport about 90–100 miles east (1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic); offers many international and domestic connections and can be reached by car or a combination of train and regional transit.
Large airport roughly 90–120 miles southwest (about 1.5–2.5 hours drive depending on route) with many domestic and international flights; often used as an alternative for lower fares.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Established neighborhood communities, many with multi-generational ties to the city and surrounding county.
Young professionals, government employees and students drawn by colleges, state government and regional employers.
A mix of African American, White, Hispanic/Latinx and immigrant communities contributing to cultural events, food and neighborhoods.
Residents of nearby suburbs and towns who commute into Harrisburg for work or services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Minor league baseball is popular — the Harrisburg Senators provide seasonal family-friendly games at FNB Field on City Island.
Nearby Hershey Bears (AHL) are a regional draw; hockey has a strong local following and many youth programs.
High school football and basketball, plus collegiate athletics from nearby colleges, are important community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Harrisburg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian and increasingly vegan options; farm-to-table eateries and markets make finding produce-based dishes easy. Call ahead for special requests at smaller diners.
Most sit-down restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but bakeries and markets vary — ask vendors before purchasing prepared baked goods.
Specialty halal and kosher options are limited in the city core; larger supermarkets and specialty shops in the region may carry products — plan ahead if you need strict observance.