Allentown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Discover Lehigh Valley
Photo provided by Discover Lehigh Valley
Photo provided by Discover Lehigh Valley
Photo provided by Discover Lehigh Valley
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

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South Side

While visiting South Side, you might make a stop by sights like Lehigh River and Little Lehigh Creek.

South Side
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St. Paul's Park

While there might not be top attractions in St. Paul's Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like PPL Center and Miller Symphony Hall.

St. Paul's Park
Allentown showing a festival, night scenes and a city

Center City

While visiting Center City, you might make a stop by sights like Miller Symphony Hall and PPL Center.

Center City
Allentown showing a festival, night scenes and a city

Hamilton District

If you're spending some time in Hamilton District, PPL Center and Miller Symphony Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Hamilton District
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Hamilton Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hamilton Park and surrounding area, you can visit Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom and Allentown Fairgrounds.

Hamilton Park
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West End Theatre District

While there might not be top attractions in West End Theatre District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Allentown Fairgrounds and Cedar Creek Park.

West End Theatre District
Knights Inn Allentown

Knights Inn Allentown

2 out of 5
1880 Steelstone Rd, Allentown, PA
The price is ฿1,892 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿1,892
฿2,081 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Allentown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions PPL Center and Wind Creek Bethlehem ...
5.2/10 (1,003 reviews)
"Quite"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Knights Inn Allentown
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 ฿2,590 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
฿2,590
฿2,849 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Allentown. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,063 reviews)
"The property is dated and our room keys didn’t work at first but it’s a good value for the price for sure and though the room had a musky smell it did appear clean… the staff was very accommodating and helpful. I would stay here again for the price value."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Days Hotel by Wyndham Allentown Airport / Lehigh Valley
Holiday Inn Express Allentown North by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Allentown North by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1715 Plaza Lane, Allentown, PA
The price is ฿2,975 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿2,975
฿3,272 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Allentown. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,057 reviews)
"No"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Allentown North by IHG
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.
Cozy&Chic Apartments Near Downtown

Cozy&Chic Apartments Near Downtown

2.5 out of 5
207 N 63rd St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this apartment in Philadelphia. Enjoy Netflix, premium bedding and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rittenhouse ...
7.8/10 Good! (65 reviews)
"Nice property ! Communication was Fast & very helpful . The main issues were online rules , switching or no longer being available .. Just Double check everything before renting lol but aside from that . Everything was Great ! Super Cute rooms too ✨️🤍"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Cozy&Chic Apartments Near Downtown
Urban Chic Apartments Near Center City

Urban Chic Apartments Near Center City

2.5 out of 5
211 N 63rd St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this apartment in Philadelphia. Enjoy premium TV channels, premium bedding and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Philadelphia Museum of Art ...
8/10 Very Good! (62 reviews)
Relaxing & Cozy Apartment Stay!!
"The stay was very much enjoyable!! Loved the personal apartment feel. I actually enjoyed not having front desk concierge not watching me come and go. My only dislike was the mode of communication. Didn’t know to look in the Hotels.com messaging app for check in/out instructions. I was told I’d receive ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Urban Chic Apartments Near Center City
Echo Valley Cottages

Echo Valley Cottages

3 out of 5
1 Lower Lakeveiw Dr, East Stroudsburg, PA
Stay at this 3-star cottage in East Stroudsburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Bushkill Falls and Pocono Bazaar MarketPlace ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (57 reviews)
Quick trip to pocanos
"Quick stay in Poconos. Family reunion in the area. Cabin was small and nice. Owner very nice and helpful and attentive pet friendly so we brought our dog."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Echo Valley Cottages
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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