Allentown, PA

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Discover Lehigh Valley
Ride some of the tallest roller coasters in the country, marvel at images of space and see where the Liberty Bell was hidden at this Pennsylvania city.

You may recognize Allentown as the subject of Billy Joel’s eponymous song, an ode to the working class. While Allentown has changed considerably since Joel released the song in 1982, it still has strong links to the blue-collar industries that helped carve its identity.

For a historic perspective on the city, take a walking tour through Old Allentown to view restored Victorian-style homes. Visit Zion’s Reformed Church of Christ to see where American rebels hid the Liberty Bell from the British Army during the Revolutionary War.

Allentown has museums ranging in focus from art to science and many things in between. From hunter-gatherers to the Pennsylvania Dutch, trace the settlers of the area at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum. The Allentown Art Museum displays thousands of pieces of art and frequently hosts events and special exhibits.

Bring the family to the interactive Da Vinci Science Center. One of the most notable exhibits is View Space, which displays NASA’s breathtaking space images. As its name suggests, the new America on Wheels museum provides information about the history of wheeled transportation, from bicycles to race cars.

Enjoy Allentown’s thriving arts scene with a Broadway-style show or independent film at the Civic Theatre. The historic Symphony Hall stages concert series such as Jazz Cabaret and Symphony Hall Pops as well as dance performances and plays.

Find some excitement at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom with some of the tallest and longest roller coasters on the East coast. Afterward, cool off in the attached water park with dozens of slides and pools. For even more thrills, go to Lehigh Valley Grand Prix for go-kart racing that looks and feels like you are driving grand prix race cars.

As Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, Allentown has plenty of attractions to entertain any visitor. It is centrally located just 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of Philadelphia and 90 miles (145 kilometers) west of New York City. Visit during the snowy winter season or the heat of summer for a variety of delightful experiences.

Where to stay in Allentown

Allentown showing rides, a city and a festival

Hamilton District

4/5(14 area reviews)

While visiting Hamilton District, you might make a stop by sights like PPL Center and Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Hamilton District
Some of the most beautiful roses I have ever seen.  Most visit when in the area.

Hamilton Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hamilton Park and surrounding area, you can visit Allentown Fairgrounds and Da Vinci Science Center.

Hamilton Park
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St. Paul's Park

While St. Paul's Park might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like PPL Center and Miller Symphony Hall.

St. Paul's Park
Days Hotel by Wyndham Allentown Airport / Lehigh Valley
Days Hotel by Wyndham Allentown Airport / Lehigh Valley
3 out of 5
3400 Airport Road, Road No. 4, Allentown, PA
The price is $88 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$88
includes taxes & fees
$80 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Allentown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (535 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay besides how strict they are with the towels, and no toiletries provided (tooth paste, tooth’s brush etc) everything was great ! Easy check in and out. Pool was cool too"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Days Hotel by Wyndham Allentown Airport / Lehigh Valley
Staybridge Suites Allentown Bethlehem Airport, an IHG Hotel
Staybridge Suites Allentown Bethlehem Airport, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
1787a Airport Rd, Allentown, PA
The price is $97 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
$97
includes taxes & fees
$88 per night
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Allentown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (958 reviews)
"Excellent in every way!"

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024

Staybridge Suites Allentown Bethlehem Airport, an IHG Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Bethlehem Airport
Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Bethlehem Airport
3 out of 5
1787-B Airport Road, Allentown, PA
The price is $111 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$111
includes taxes & fees
$101 per night
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Allentown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,126 reviews)
"Very accommodating"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Bethlehem Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rustic & Charming Tiny Home With Hot Tub, EV Charger, & Outdoor Fun!
Rustic & Charming Tiny Home With Hot Tub, EV Charger, & Outdoor Fun!
Jim Thorpe
Stay at this cabin in Jim Thorpe. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
Awesome place
"This property is beuatiful and everything was perfect. Very relaxing and private"

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2024

Rustic & Charming Tiny Home With Hot Tub, EV Charger, & Outdoor Fun!
Pet Paradise w Fenced-in-Yard; Charming Pocono Cabin-Near Slopes-Waterparks
Pet Paradise w Fenced-in-Yard; Charming Pocono Cabin-Near Slopes-Waterparks
Albrightsville
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Albrightsville. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Skirmish USA and Robin Hood Lakes ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (143 reviews)
Fall Getaway
"We wanted to visit Jim Thorpe. We were around 25 mins away. The scenic views made the drive seem shorter. We went into Lehighton to go to Lorenzo’s for dinner. It was not fancy, but the food was very good. We also did breakfast at Perch both mornings. The people are very friendly and the food was ..."

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2024

Pet Paradise w Fenced-in-Yard; Charming Pocono Cabin-Near Slopes-Waterparks
Relaxing 3 Bedroom Home in Lake Community
Relaxing 3 Bedroom Home in Lake Community
Albrightsville
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Albrightsville. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
Quiet neighborhood, close to local destinations, and abundant wildlife.
"Wonderful long weekend, beautiful scenery, great house, and location."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Relaxing 3 Bedroom Home in Lake Community
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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