Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lancaster?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lancaster?

Many travelers spend two to three days in Lancaster during their visit. After all, the traditional town has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the gorgeous scenery, and the shops and boutiques.

Lancaster is a town in Pennsylvania that is surrounded by Pennsylvania Dutch country. The countryside is filled with beautiful farmland and Amish culture. You'll likely encounter horse and buggies as well as Amish shops and restaurants that serve up simple but well made dishes.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Lancaster? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Lancaster?

Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Lancaster. This would give you the chance to experience the town's most popular activities such as the famous sights and museums, the gorgeous scenery, and the shops and boutiques. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to three days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the traditional destination.

How to spend 3 days in Lancaster

Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Lancaster a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. 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.

Lancaster is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

A few tour suggestions include:

45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz ($12)
Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour ($65)

Shopping in Lancaster is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. 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.

A few tour suggestions include:

Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster ($65)
International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania ($0)

Perhaps the most famous place in Lancaster is Bird-in-Hand Village, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

Is 4 days enough time in Lancaster?

Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Lancaster at your own pace to experience the famous sights and museums, the gorgeous scenery, the shops and boutiques, and the restaurant scene. Then you can use this spot as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

Lancaster, PA

How to spend 4 days in Lancaster

With 4 days in Lancaster, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.

After you've explored most of Lancaster, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Is 5 days enough time in Lancaster?

With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Lancaster has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Lancaster as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can wander through the museums, take in the beautiful scenery, browse the shops, and sample the delicious cuisine at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend 5 days in Lancaster

If you have more than 5 days in Lancaster, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Lancaster. Plenty of amazing options are available.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Lancaster, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.