Historic Lancaster City
The City of Lancaster was established in 1730 and is now designated as one of the largest historic areas of the country. Begin your tour of the city at the Visitor’s Center at Penn Square in the Heritage Center Building. Call 717-735-0823 to contact the Downtown Visitor Center. 

Hours (be sure to look at date range):
Memorial Day Weekend - October 31
Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
November 1 - Memorial Day Weekend
Monday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Arts & Cultural in Historic Lancaster City
The city is home to various art galleries, studios, museums and art educational facilities.  Don’t miss the 3 For Free – The Lancaster Museum of Art, Demuth Museum and the Lancaster Cultural History Museum.  The City of Lancaster is also the home to the new Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum. Franklin and Marshall College, a prestigious, nationally ranked liberal arts college located in Lancaster holds a variety of cultural events throughout the year.  Special gallery openings and artists receptions are held the first Friday of every month.

Central Market Area in Historic Lancaster City
In the heart of downtown Lancaster you will find Central Market, the country’s oldest continuously operating farmer’s market.  You will also find museums, boutiques, gourmet shops and galleries along with some of the area’s finest restaurants, nightclubs and cozy pubs.  Penn Square and Lancaster Square, which border downtown, are home to many special events throughout the year.
Open year round Tuesdays & Fridays 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturdays 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.  Closed holidays.

300 block of North Queen Street in Lancaster City
Home to a quirky, eclectic selection of antique stores, retro and collectible shops, glass studios, art galleries, and casual cafes. This restored shopping district is the site of an annual “Back to the Past” block party held every summer with dance contests, live music, food, and  family fun.

Churchtowne in Historic Lancaster City
Bethel AME, founded in 1817, served as a station on the Underground Railroad as well as the center of spiritual renewal for free African-Americans who lived in the Lancaster community. Bethel is the site of "Living the Experience," a scheduled historical reenactment performance and traditional dinner.

Houses of Worship in Historic Lancaster City
A self-guided Freedom of Religion walking tour lets you explore the stories and structures of eight neighboring 18th and 19th century churches.

Special Events/City of Lancaster
120 North Duke Street
Phone: (717) 291-4758
www.cityoflancasterpa.com
Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Lancaster Downtown Investment District
44 North Queen Street
Phone: (717) 399-7977
www.downtownlancaster.com
Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Designations: heritage site