Bethlehem Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and scenic city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, and much more.


Introduction to Bethlehem

Bethlehem, located in the Lehigh Valley region in the state of Pennsylvania, is a charming city with a rich cultural heritage. The city was named after the biblical story of the birthplace of Jesus, and it truly lives up to its name with its scenic beauty and culturally rich attractions. Bethlehem has undergone significant development in recent years, making it a top destination for travelers looking to explore the historic and cultural attractions of Pennsylvania.

List of Places to Visit in Bethlehem

Here are the must-visit places in Bethlehem:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites - A collection of museums and historic sites in Bethlehem. Highlights include the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts and the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem.
  • National Museum of Industrial History - A museum that showcases the evolution of industrial technology in America.
  • SteelStacks - A former steel mill that has been transformed into an arts and culture center featuring live music, theater, and art exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of Bethlehem: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor - A 165-mile trail that runs through the Lehigh Valley and features picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Lehigh Parkway - A park in the city that is great for hiking, fishing, and biking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bethlehem

Bethlehem has plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some popular hiking and biking routes:

  • South Bethlehem Greenway - A 2.3-mile path that runs through the city and is great for biking and walking.
  • The D&L Trail - A 165-mile path that runs through the Lehigh Valley.

Best Things to Do in Bethlehem: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in and around Bethlehem:

  • ArtsQuest Center - An arts venue that hosts film screenings, live music performances, and art exhibitions.
  • Lost River Caverns - A breathtaking underground natural attraction consisting of a one-hour guided tour of the site.
  • Moravian Book Shop - The oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world, established in 1745.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bethlehem

Day 1: Explore the historic district of downtown Bethlehem

Day 2: Take a tour of the National Museum of Industrial History

Day 3: Hike along the South Bethlehem Greenway

Day 4: Visit SteelStacks and catch a live performance

Day 5: Tour the Lost River Caverns

Day 6: Visit the historic Moravian Book Shop

Day 7: Take a relaxing stroll through Lehigh Parkway

Food and Drink Scene of Bethlehem

Bethlehem boasts a lively food and drink scene that is sure to satisfy any traveler’s appetite. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Bethlehem Star - A sandwich made with roast beef, Swiss cheese, and horseradish sauce.
  • Moravian Sugar Cake - A sweet, fluffy bread that is a local favorite.

Local Beverages

  • Yuengling Lager - A locally brewed beer that is popular in the region.
  • Fegley’s Brew Works - A craft brewery that offers a wide variety of locally brewed beers.

Where to Stay in Bethlehem: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some options for accommodations in Bethlehem:

  • Hotel Bethlehem - A historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Bethlehem.
  • The Sayre Mansion Inn - A cozy guest house that offers old-fashioned charm and hospitality.
  • The WoodSpring Suites Allentown Bethlehem - A budget-friendly hotel for travelers on a tight budget.

What to Buy in Bethlehem: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Moravian Pottery & Tile Works - Hand-crafted tiles and pottery that are unique to the region.
  • Bethlehem Christmas Market - Bethlehem’s famous Christmas market features a wide variety of artisanal crafts and holiday-themed products.

Local Culture and Customs of Bethlehem

The city is best known for its significant Moravian influence, who were a major religious group that played a pivotal role in the city’s development. Visitors should take note of cultural customs, such as respect for religious and historical sites and observance of local courtesy and customs.

Best Time to Visit Bethlehem

The best time to visit Bethlehem is in the fall, when the leaves of the trees begin to change color, or during the winter holidays, when the city hosts its annual Christmas market.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bethlehem

Do:

  • Respect religious and historical sites.
  • Observe cultural customs and etiquette.

Don’t:

  • Disrupt the peaceful and religious atmosphere of the city.
  • Engage in any disruptive behavior.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a generally safe city for tourists, with very low crime rates. However, visitors should still take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their belongings safe.

Health in Bethlehem

Bethlehem has a variety of hospitals and healthcare centers for visitors in case of an emergency. Visitors should also be aware of weather conditions in the area and take necessary precautions like proper hydration to manage their health.

Getting to Bethlehem: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some ways to get to Bethlehem:

Airports Near Bethlehem

  • Lehigh Valley International Airport - The nearest airport, located in Allentown, PA.

Bus Stations Near Bethlehem

  • Trans-Bridge Lines - The main bus service in the area.

Other Options

  • Taxis and ride-share services are available in the city.

How to Get Around in Bethlehem

Visitors can get around using public transportation or on-foot.

Where to Go Next from Bethlehem: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Philadelphia - A popular destination for history buffs and a city known for its food and culture.
  • Lancaster County - A picturesque countryside and home of the Amish community.

Conclusion

Bethlehem is a city that boasts a rich cultural history and is home to numerous natural attractions. With its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and great food, Bethlehem makes for a great experience for all visitors. So, go ahead and plan your trip to Bethlehem to explore the beauty of the city and make some memorable moments.

Downtown Bethlehem, January 2007 Downtown Bethlehem, January 2007 Main Street in Bethlehem, January 2007 Main Street in Bethlehem, January 2007 Bethlehem Steel was one of the world's leading steel manufacturers for most of the 20th century. In 1982, it discontinued most of its operations, declared bankruptcy in 2001, and was dissolved in 2003. Many of its now dormant steel stacks and buildings are still standing in honor of the influential role the company played in America's Industrial Revolution. Bethlehem Steel was one of the world's leading steel manufacturers for most of the 20th century. In 1982, it discontinued most of its operations, declared bankruptcy in 2001, and was dissolved in 2003. Many of its now dormant steel stacks and buildings are still standing in honor of the influential role the company played in America's Industrial Revolution. Main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport, east of Whitehall Township in Hanover Township Main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport, east of Whitehall Township in Hanover Township 30th Street Station in Philadelphia 30th Street Station in Philadelphia Central Bethlehem's Historic District Central Bethlehem's Historic District Goundie House, built in 1810 in Bethlehem's Historic Moravian District at 501 Main St. Goundie House, built in 1810 in Bethlehem's Historic Moravian District at 501 Main St. Bell House, a Moravian seminary built in Germanic style in 1745, at 56 W. Church St. Bell House, a Moravian seminary built in Germanic style in 1745, at 56 W. Church St. Bethlehem Silk Mill, built in 1886, at 38 W. Goepp St. Bethlehem Silk Mill, built in 1886, at 38 W. Goepp St. Wind Creek Bethlehem is a large casino with table and sports gaming, restaurants, and shopping, located at 77 Wind Creek Blvd. Wind Creek Bethlehem is a large casino with table and sports gaming, restaurants, and shopping, located at 77 Wind Creek Blvd. Musikfest, a 10-day music festival held annually every August in Bethlehem, is the largest free music festival in the nation, and draws over a million attendees annually. Musikfest, a 10-day music festival held annually every August in Bethlehem, is the largest free music festival in the nation, and draws over a million attendees annually. Williams Hall at Lehigh University in Bethlehem Williams Hall at Lehigh University in Bethlehem The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, a $125 million upscale shopping mall that opened in 2006 in nearby Center Valley. The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, a $125 million upscale shopping mall that opened in 2006 in nearby Center Valley.