A Travel Price Comparison for Pennsylvania Lancaster vs. Lewisburg for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Lancaster or Lewisburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Lewisburg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a historical, quaint, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping and museums.

Lancaster and Lewisburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Lancaster or Lewisburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lancaster than Lewisburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lancaster is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lewisburg is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Lancaster is more touristy than Lewisburg and is popular for its history and long running Amish community. Also, Lancaster is famous for Bird-in-Hand Village. Lewisburg is well known for its historical charm and friendly personality.

How is Lancaster different from Lewisburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lewisburg and Lancaster. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lancaster or Lewisburg?

Lancaster
Lewisburg

Lancaster is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Lancaster offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

Lewisburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several cultural and historical museums in town as well as a fun children's museum.


Is the Food Better in Lancaster or Lewisburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lancaster
Lewisburg

Lancaster is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Lewisburg. There are bistros and cafes as well as all the standard chain restaurants.

Is Lancaster or Lewisburg Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster
Lewisburg

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find respectable options in both Lancaster and Lewisburg.

Lancaster doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Most people don't head to Lewisburg specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While there are some bars, most people don't come here for the nightlife.

Is Lancaster or Lewisburg Better for its Old Town?

Lancaster
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Lewisburg has an old town worth visiting. There are a huge number of historical buildings in the downtown area that contribute to the town's charm and character.

Lancaster does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Lewisburg?

Lancaster
Lewisburg

Lancaster is well known for shopping. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lewisburg. There are some quaint local shops that sell local items and unique art works.

Is Lancaster or Lewisburg Better for Families?

Lancaster
Lewisburg

Lancaster is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lewisburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Lewisburg offers lots of family activities. The Lewisburg Children's Museum is worth checking out, as is Reptiland and the many different indoor and outdoor play areas.

Is Lancaster or Lewisburg Better for Couples?

Lancaster
Lewisburg

Lancaster is well known for romance. However, Lewisburg is not particularly known for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Lancaster frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

Most people don't think of Lewisburg as a couple's destination. There are several quaint inns and beautiful gardens that you can explore. There are also spas and restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.


Is Lancaster or Lewisburg Better for Students?

Lancaster
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lancaster is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Lewisburg. Many students enjoy living here while they attend Bucknell University.

Lancaster is not popular with students.

Is Lancaster or Lewisburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lancaster
Lewisburg

Lancaster and Lewisburg both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Public transit is generally limited in Lewisburg. Public transportation in the area is limited.

Is Lancaster or Lewisburg a more walkable city?

Lancaster
Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Lewisburg is a somewhat walkable town. It's small with a relatively compact downtown.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Lancaster Worth Visiting? and Is Lewisburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lewisburg or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Lewisburg?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lancaster or Lewisburg to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lancaster than Lewisburg because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Lancaster, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lewisburg.

Families should spend more time in Lancaster than Lewisburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lancaster, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lancaster than Lewisburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lancaster that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Lancaster or Lewisburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lancaster 2-3 
    Lewisburg 1-2

One day in Lancaster or Lewisburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Lancaster. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Lewisburg. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lewisburg has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Lancaster or Lewisburg?

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Lancaster. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and shopping around the historical destination of Lewisburg. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Lancaster or Lewisburg?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional town of Lancaster. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint town of Lewisburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Lancaster or Lewisburg?

Lancaster is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Lewisburg is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Lewisburg or Lancaster?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lancaster is $183, while the average daily cost in Lewisburg is $136. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lancaster and Lewisburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Lewisburg $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Lewisburg $140
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Lewisburg

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster or Lewisburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lancaster


Hotels in Lewisburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lancaster Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    Lewisburg $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Lewisburg?

Prices for flights to both Lewisburg and Lancaster change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lancaster $53
    Lewisburg $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lancaster $19
    Lewisburg $18

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.

  • Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight: $25
  • Lititz Whiskey and History Tour : $25
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $36
  • Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $36
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57
  • Downtown & Amish Country Authentic Lancaster Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lancaster $11
    Lewisburg $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
  • Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lancaster and Lewisburg, we can see that Lancaster is more expensive. And not only is Lewisburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lewisburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lewisburg and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster than you might in Lewisburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lancaster Expensive? and Is Lewisburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Lewisburg?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lewisburg. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Lewisburg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Lancaster or Lewisburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lancaster or Lewisburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Lewisburg. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lewisburg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lancaster is around the same temperature as Lewisburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lancaster in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Lewisburg averages at about 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lewisburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In the summer, Lancaster often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lewisburg. Lancaster gets 310 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 310 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lewisburg. Lancaster usually gets less rain in July than Lewisburg. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C) 
    Lewisburg 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Lewisburg in the Autumn?

Both Lewisburg and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lewisburg because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Lancaster is generally around the same temperature as Lewisburg. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 56°F (13°C), and Lewisburg fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Lancaster usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lewisburg during autumn. Lancaster gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Lewisburg. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C) 
    Lewisburg 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Lewisburg in the Winter?

Both Lewisburg and Lancaster during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lewisburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lewisburg in the winter. The weather in Lancaster can be very cold. Lancaster is much warmer than Lewisburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Lewisburg fluctuates around 27°F (-3°C).

In the winter, Lancaster often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lewisburg. Lancaster gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lewisburg receives 153 hours of full sun.

Lancaster usually gets more rain in January than Lewisburg. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C) 
    Lewisburg 27°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Lewisburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Lewisburg. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lewisburg for the small town charm.

In the spring, Lancaster is around the same temperature as Lewisburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lancaster in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Lewisburg averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lewisburg this time of the year. In Lancaster, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lancaster usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lewisburg during spring. Lancaster gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Lewisburg receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lancaster usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lewisburg. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Lewisburg receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C) 
    Lewisburg 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Lewisburg and Lancaster

Lancaster Lewisburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 2.5 inches (65 mm)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)