Top 10 Cities of Pennsylvania That One Should Not Miss (2024)

Pennsylvania has so much to explore that it becomes hard to decide where to start. It is a State for Metropolitan lovers, small-town seekers, mountain admirers, basically travellers of every age, interest, region and kind. The Keystone State is an ideal blend of Natural sites, Outdoor recreation, History, Museums, Art, Culture, Events and everything that draws in travellers and wanderers. Whether it is the Capital city, Harrisburg, the urban land of Philadelphia or the small-town Bethlehem, every single place here has something different to offer.

The State of Pennsylvania hosts over 1 million visitors from overseas and nearly 2 million from the Nation itself. The tourism and travel industry here is expected to grow phenomenally in the coming time, making the State one of the Hotspots of the West. The ideal season to be here is from Late spring to May, June to End of Summer, Fall’s beginning to October and the peak snow season in January. Though in short, you can be here any time of the year.

Top 10 Cities of Pennsylvania That One Should Not Miss

For details, read our list of top 10 Tourism cities you cannot miss exploring when in Pennsylvania:

1. Philadelphia

Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia, is known for its historical significance and national importance. It is the city where you can visit the popular Independence Hall and liberty bell and learn about America’s Independence and constitutional journey. The city is warm for visitors of all age groups alike. For example, the Please Touch Museum and the Philadelphia Zoo is apt for hosting kids, whereas the Reading Terminal Market and Rittenhouse Square make an ideal strolling site for adults. Further, the art lover can head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and spend some valuable time in the century-old museum. Image Source

2. Gettysburg

Gettysburg isn’t really a metropolitan, but a borough, however, holds high significance in the map of Pennsylvania. The town is known for the famous American Civil War. The bloodiest and deadliest battle of the War was fought in the land of this town, and the turning point of the War was also birthed here. For re-living those times, one can visit the Gettysburg National Military Park, the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. Blood, sweat, mud and air, everything in Gettysburg narrates about the Civil War, and thus most of the tourist attractions here will speak the same language. However, it doesn’t make the travelling monotonous as attractions are designed to interest the visitors in the best ways.

3. Harrisburg

The most prominent city in Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, is the Capital of the State. The city is known for the industrial revolution, rich history, the Susquehanna river and abundance of natural beauty. It has an ideal blend of urban progress and scenic hilly landscape. Here one can indulge in several recreational activities in and around the Susquehanna River like Kayaking, riverboat cruises, river-side camping and bird watching. Though for indoor exploration, the attractions like State Capitol Complex, National Civil War Museum, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and the State Museum of Pennsylvania fills the chart. The parks and greenbelts of the city add-in for a relaxing day under the Sun.

4. Pittsburgh

The most vibrant city of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is known for being an edgy city that has a unique vibrance and appeal. It is home to the headquarters of several leading US companies and a hotspot for film shootings, all thanks to the vibe of industry-meets-cosmopolitan. It is also known as the City of Bridges (home to over 445 bridges) and the Steel city (due to over 300 steel-related businesses). Some prominent tourist attractions in the city are Kennywood Amusement Park, Andy Warhol Museum, Phipps Conservatory, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Cathedral of Learning. Pittsburgh is also famous for its glorious nightlife, high-spirited party scenes, up-class shopping and the finest dining experiences.

5. Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a medium-sized city in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, known for its rustic historical ambience, German architecture and the most elaborated Christmas festival. The city is, any day, a dream come true for architectural admirers, and while walking down the lanes, you can spot some finest examples easily. Though some named architectural wonder of Bethlehem includes Gemeinhaus, Brethren’s House, and the Old Chapel, all of which are standing here firmly for more than 3 centuries since the 1700s. The best time to be in the city is during August when millions of people pay their attendance for the famous Musikfest. For visitors who are into specialized boutiques, spas and nightclubs, the streets of Bethlehem hold some hidden treats for you. Also, do not forget to enjoy the old-fashioned Christmas vibes of the city.

6. Ligonier

A borough in Pennsylvania, Ligonier is known for its small-town vibes, outdoor recreation and fantastic weather. It is home to Idlewild and Soak Zone, America’s oldest children’s amusement parks and the famous Fort Ligonier, a frontier of the French and Indian War. The fort is a matter of sentimental value as it was never taken by the enemies. Downtown Square is another prominent attraction within the city. If you are up for some fun and adventure, you can visit the Laurel Mountain Ski Resort that features world-class skiing opportunities and Pennsylvania’s highest vertical drop at 761 feet. When in the city, do not forget to shop & eat local and visit the Ligonier Country Market and shop for the freshest and organic produces.

7. Allentown

A city in eastern Pennsylvania, Allentown is the top tourist destination of the State. It is known for hiding the Liberty bell on a hay wagon during the Revolutionary War, and thus today, the city owns a museum named Liberty Bell Museum dedicated to the incident. The city has a totally travelling vibe from the down-home charm to fantastic museums, country-style dinner theatre, along with local meadery and distillery. The diversity of the population in Allentown also boosts its cuisine, and either it is about the liver pudding, types of pizza, pierogi, Coleslaw, Chow Chow, or the fantastic funnel cake eating in the city is always an experience on its own.

8. Kennett Square

Also known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, the town of Kenneth Square produces over 500 million pounds of mushrooms annually. If you are a mushroom lover, you would have at least once tasted mushrooms from the town knowingly or unknowingly. The town hosts an annual Mushroom Festival, and for celebrating the heritage, 80% of the services shut down. Though Mushrooms are the alone hype, Kennett Square is also famous for the Longwood Gardens, one of the most colourful and beautiful sites in Pennsylvania. Further, you can also explore other attractions, including the Anson B. Nixon Park, Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery and the Willowdale Steeplechase. Also, do not forget to pay a visit to the Kennett Meetinghouse.

9. Lancaster

Lancaster is noted amongst one of the oldest inland towns in the United States and is also one of the most peaceful cities to visit in Pennsylvania. Lancaster is known for its rolling hills and farmland, and to explore the Amish farms and the Dutch community; you definitely must plan a trip here. Wanderers or road travellers who aimlessly drive along the winding roads and stop for the local stall often choose Lancaster as their go-to weekend destination in the State. When here, do not miss the chance to visit the United States oldest continuously operating farmers market, the Lancaster Central Market and the Fulton Hall for learning how opera used to be in the past. Demuth Museum, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design and Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum are some prominent attractions within the city.

10. The Town of Hershey

The town of Hershey can be reached in the east of Harrisburg, and if you want to enjoy it like a kid, do not dare to miss this place. Also known as the sweetest place on earth, Hershey is a hub for entertainment, nostalgia and memories. Here you can explore Hershey’s Chocolate World where, learn about the chocolate-making process, and be a part of an elaborated chocolate-making tour. Though the city is not only about Chocolates, there’s a lot more to explore and learn. The 23 acres of Hershey Gardens is a botanical wonder and when you are done with the smell of chocolate, do visit here to treat your eyes with pretty colours and your smell with flowery fragrances. For a close encounter with the wilds, consider visiting ZooAmerica; automobile enthusiasts can head to the Antique Automobile Club of America, and for some elegant entertainment, visit the Hershey Theatre. Do not forget to take a ride on the Hershey Trolley Works.