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Sitting on the Lehigh River, Allentown is the fastest growing city in Pennsylvania and currently the third-largest city in the state. This seemingly obscure city has a huge claim to fame because this the town where the Liberty Bell was hidden during the American Revolutionary War. Visitors come to this lovely vacation town for its historical and cultural attractions. It is also a good place to use as a base for taking day trips to Philadelphia, which is only 55 miles away from Allentown.
There is a good mix of hotels in the city, with rooms to suit any size budget. You can choose from global and national chains, plus there are independent hotels, cheap yet comfortable motels, and all-singing luxury villas with pools and spas.
Neighborhoods of Allentown
Center City is the heart of Allentown. It encompasses the downtown area and 7th Street, a major thoroughfare. Most of the city’s main attractions and tourist landmarks are in the neighborhood of Central City. Most buildings are from the 19th century and the early-20th century. You'll see many fine examples of Victorian, neo-classical, and artisanal architecture. The surrounding neighborhoods are known as wards, and three of the most historical wards are Old Allentown, Old Fairgrounds, and West Park.
What to see and do in Allentown
The majority of attractions here are historical and cultural, but there are also some more modern places for entertainment, including:
- Liberty Bell Museum: In September 1777, the famous bell was hidden in the center of the city inside the basement of Zion Reformed Church. There's also a shrine and basement museum dedicated to the bell’s story.
- Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley: This major regional art institution has a collection of over 19,000 pieces. The museum also has a library containing 16,000+ items.
- Museum of Indian Culture: There is an exhibition of the Lenape Indians. The nation's native people have farmhouses built from Pennsylvania German stone. There is also a spring house that dates back to 1850.
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: This amusement park, located just outside the city, has rollercoasters, water slides, and fun for the whole family.
- Music: The city has the Miller Symphony Hall and a standing orchestra. It's also home to the Allentown Band, the USA’s oldest civilian concert band.
What to eat in Allentown
The city offers a good representation of many national and global cuisines. Some of the local foods are heavily influenced by the iconic flavors of Philadelphia and Eastern European settlers. Popular dishes you'll find in town include:
- Pretzels: You can’t go anywhere in Pennsylvania without having a pretzel. German and Polish immigrants introduced these chewy knots of delicious bread to the state.
- Hoagies: The local version of a submarine roll is a hoagie with many fillings, including the most famous one that's next on our list.
- Philly Cheesesteak: The hoagie is named after the city of Philadelphia, where it was invented. The hoagie is filled with thin strips of beef and melted cheese.
- Scrapple: Try a taste of these seasoned pork trimmings mixed with cornmeal, then pressed and fried.
- Shoo Fly Pie: The Pennsylvania Dutch is the origin of this crumb cake dessert baked into a pie crust.
Typical events and festivals in Allentown
The city’s event calendar has quite a mix of disciplines. Some top dates include:
- Mayfair: This art festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend in Cedar Beach Park.
- Great Allentown Fair: The fair has been held at the Old Fairgrounds every year since 1889. There are agriculture-themed events and plenty of modern entertainment during the first week of September.
- Collegiate Marching Band Festival: The annual competition is held in October at J. Birney Crum Stadium. The stadium also hosts the Drum and Bugle Corps Eastern Classic in August.
- Blues, Brews & Barbecues: The heart of downtown hosts global blues music stars in the summer. There’s also a large collection of food stands, craft stalls, and festive entertainment.
How to move around in Allentown
The city’s main attractions are all relatively close, and downtown is quite walkable. There are extensive bus services, too. Allentown is also a great city for cycling. There are numerous trails and park systems, and it’s quite easy to rent a bike. The city connects to other regions in the USA by road, rail, and air. The closest airport is Philadelphia International Airport.
The climate in Allentown
The humid continental climate gives the city warm, muggy summers and cool, cold winters. July is generally the warmest month, with average daily highs of 73° F. January and February are the coldest months, and they also receive the most snow. The best times to visit this vacation destination are late in spring and early in the summer.
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Locations near Allentown
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Frequently asked questions about Hotels in Allentown
Hotel Days By Wyndham Allentown Airport / Lehigh Valley and Hotel Sonesta Select Allentown Bethlehem Airport are the closest ones to Allentown-Bethlehem.
If you need a hotel with disabled access in Allentown, we recommend Hotel Red Roof Inn Allentown Airport, Hotel Holiday Inn Express & Suites Allentown Dorney Park Area, An Ihg and Hotel Four Points By Sheraton Allentown Lehigh Valley.
According to our clients, if you´re travelling with children, the best hotels in Allentown are Hotel Ramada By Wyndham Whitehall/allentown, Hotel Four Points By Sheraton Allentown Lehigh Valley and Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Bethlehem Airport.
If you want to save time, the hotels in Allentown with express check-in and check-out are Hotel Red Roof Inn Allentown Airport, Hotel Holiday Inn Express & Suites Allentown Dorney Park Area, An Ihg and Hotel Four Points By Sheraton Allentown Lehigh Valley.
Some of the options for hotels with non-smoking rooms in Allentown are Hotel Allentown Park , Ascend Collection, Hotel Red Roof Inn Allentown Airport and Hotel Comfort Inn Lehigh Valley West Allentown.
In Allentown, Hotel Red Roof Inn Allentown Airport, Hotel Holiday Inn Express & Suites Allentown Dorney Park Area, An Ihg and Hotel Holiday Inn Express Allentown North offer 24-hour front desk service.
If you're bringing a vehicle, we recommend that you book a hotel with parking in Allentown, like Hotel Red Roof Inn Allentown Airport, Hotel Holiday Inn Express & Suites Allentown Dorney Park Area, An Ihg or Hotel Four Points By Sheraton Allentown Lehigh Valley.
The best hotels with a pool in Allentown are Hotel Allentown Park , Ascend Collection, Hotel Sleep Inn and Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Bethlehem Airport.
The best-rated hotels in Allentown with a gym are Hotel Allentown Park , Ascend Collection, Hotel Comfort Inn Lehigh Valley West Allentown and Hotel Holiday Inn Express & Suites Allentown Dorney Park Area, An Ihg.
The following hotels in Allentown have luggage storage: Hotel Allentown Park , Ascend Collection, Hotel Staybridge Suites Allentown West and Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Bethlehem Airport.