Discover Bethlehem, PA: Ultimate Travel Secrets Revealed by Christmas Market USA

Population: Approximately 75,000 residents

Location: Eastern Pennsylvania, 50 miles north of Philadelphia and 80 miles west of New York City

Key Facts:

• Founded in 1741 by Moravian settlers
• Home to Lehigh University and Moravian University
• Nicknamed “The Christmas City” due to its holiday celebrations

Points of Interest:

1. Historic Moravian District

• 18th-century architecture
• National Historic Landmark District
• Moravian Museum of Bethlehem: 66 W. Church Street
• Colonial Industrial Quarter: 459 Old York Road
• Central Moravian Church: 73 W. Church Street
• Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts: 427 N. New Street
• Area spans 14 acres with 20 historic buildings

2. SouthSide Arts District

• Former Bethlehem Steel plant site
• ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
• Banana Factory Arts Center
• SteelStacks: 101 Founders Way
• National Museum of Industrial History: 602 E. 2nd Street
• Hoover Mason Trestle: 711 E. 1st Street
  • Elevated walkway, 1,650 feet long
• Lehigh University: 27 Memorial Drive West

3. Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem

• 183,000 square feet of gaming space
• Multiple restaurants and entertainment venues

4. Lehigh Valley Zoo

• 29-acre zoo featuring over 300 animals
• Located in nearby Schnecksville

Annual Events:

• Musikfest: 10-day music festival in August
• Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival: September
• Christkindlmarkt: Holiday market in December

Bethlehem offers visitors a blend of historical sites and modern attractions. The city’s diverse neighborhoods showcase its industrial heritage and cultural evolution. For more information on events and attractions, visit the official Bethlehem tourism website.

How to Travel to Bethlehem, PA

Here are the main ways to reach Bethlehem, Pennsylvania:

By Car:

• From New York City: I-78 West, approximately 90 miles
• From Philadelphia: I-476 North to I-78 East, about 60 miles
• From Harrisburg: I-78 East, roughly 80 miles

By Air:

• Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE): 6 miles from downtown Bethlehem
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): 70 miles south
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): 80 miles east

By Bus:

• Greyhound and Trans-Bridge Lines offer service to Bethlehem
• Main bus terminal located at 635 Guetter Street

By Train:

• No direct Amtrak service to Bethlehem
• Nearest Amtrak stations:

1. Ardmore, PA (55 miles)
2. Philadelphia, PA (60 miles)
3. Newark, NJ (80 miles)

Public Transportation:

• LANTA (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority) provides local bus service within Bethlehem and surrounding areas

Driving times may vary depending on traffic conditions. Check current schedules and routes when planning your trip.

What to See In Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – Expanded Sites of Interest

1. Historic Moravian District

• Moravian Museum of Bethlehem: 66 W. Church Street
• Colonial Industrial Quarter: 459 Old York Road
• Central Moravian Church: 73 W. Church Street
• Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts: 427 N. New Street
• Area spans 14 acres with 20 historic buildings

1. SouthSide Arts District

• SteelStacks: 101 Founders Way
  • 10-acre campus on former Bethlehem Steel site
  • Hosts over 1,000 events annually
• National Museum of Industrial History: 602 E. 2nd Street
• Hoover Mason Trestle: 711 E. 1st Street
  • Elevated walkway, 1,650 feet long
• Lehigh University: 27 Memorial Drive West

1. Main Street Bethlehem

• Historic downtown shopping district
• Bethlehem Visitor Center: 505 Main Street
• Sun Inn: 564 Main Street, built in 1758

1. Burnside Plantation

• 6.5-acre farm established in 1748
• Located at 1461 Schoenersville Road
• Features restored 18th-century farm buildings

1. Bethlehem Golf Club

• 27-hole municipal golf course
• Address: 400 Illicks Mill Road

1. Monocacy Park

• 54-acre park along Monocacy Creek
• Walking trails and fishing areas

1. Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem

• 159,000 square feet of gaming floor
• 282-room hotel
• Located at 77 Sands Boulevard

1. Bethlehem Rose Garden

• 1.5-acre garden with over 1,200 rose bushes
• Located at 8th Avenue and Union Boulevard

These sites offer a mix of historical, cultural, and recreational experiences throughout Bethlehem. Opening hours and admission fees may vary; check official websites for current information.

Where to Eat in Bethlehem,PA

1. Apollo Grill

• Address: 85 W Broad St
• Cuisine: Contemporary American
• Seating capacity: 80

1. Tapas on Main

• Address: 500 Main St
• Cuisine: Spanish
• Features: Outdoor seating, extensive wine list

1. The Bookstore Speakeasy

• Address: 336 Adams St
• Cuisine: American, Cocktail Bar
• Ambiance: 1920s-themed

1. Fegley’s Bethlehem Brew Works

• Address: 569 Main St
• Cuisine: Pub fare, craft beers
• On-site brewery producing 6 year-round beers

1. Thai Thai II

• Address: 509 Main St
• Cuisine: Thai
• Family-owned since 2002

1. McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar

• Address: 534 Main St
• Cuisine: Irish, Scottish
• Whiskey selection: Over 200 varieties

1. Edge Restaurant

• Address: 74 W Broad St
• Cuisine: New American
• Features: Seasonal menu, craft cocktails

1. Molinari’s

• Address: 322 E 3rd St
• Cuisine: Italian
• Specialty: Wood-fired pizzas

1. The Bayou

• Address: 702 Hawthorne Rd
• Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
• Live music on weekends

1. Jenny’s Kuali
   • Address: 102 E 4th St
   • Cuisine: Malaysian
   • Vegetarian-friendly options
2. Social Still
   • Address: 530 E 3rd St
   • Cuisine: American
   • Features: Micro-distillery, housed in former bank building
3. Bolete
   • Address: 1740 Seidersville Rd
   • Cuisine: Farm-to-table American
   • Accolades: James Beard Award nominations

These restaurants represent a diverse range of cuisines and price points throughout Bethlehem. Reservations may be required for some establishments, especially on weekends. Hours of operation and menu offerings may vary; check individual restaurant websites for current information.

Where To Stay In Bethlehem, PA.

1. Historic Hotel Bethlehem

• Address: 437 Main Street
• Rooms: 125
• Amenities: 2 restaurants, fitness center
• Notable: Member of Historic Hotels of America

1. Sayre Mansion

• Address: 250 Wyandotte Street
• Rooms: 22
• Style: Boutique bed and breakfast
• Built: 1858

1. Wind Creek Bethlehem

• Address: 77 Sands Boulevard
• Rooms: 282
• Amenities: Casino, spa, multiple restaurants
• Conference space: 12,000 square feet

1. Comfort Suites Bethlehem

• Address: 120 West 3rd Street
• Rooms: 124
• Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center
• Location: Near SteelStacks

1. Hyatt Place Bethlehem

• Address: 45 West North Street
• Rooms: 124
• Amenities: 24/7 fitness center, free breakfast
• Location: Downtown Bethlehem

1. Courtyard by Marriott Allentown Bethlehem/Lehigh Valley Airport

• Address: 2160 Motel Drive
• Rooms: 114
• Amenities: Indoor pool, bistro
• Distance from airport: 1 mile

1. Candlewood Suites Bethlehem South

• Address: 1630 Spillman Drive
• Rooms: 101
• Amenities: Full kitchens, fitness center
• Style: Extended stay hotel

1. The Moravian House Apartments

• Address: 737 Main Street
• Units: 145 apartments
• Style: Historic building, long-term stays
• Built: 1818

1. Homewood Suites by Hilton Allentown-Bethlehem Airport

• Address: 2031 Avenue C
• Rooms: 113
• Amenities: Free breakfast, indoor pool
• Distance from airport: 1.5 miles

1. The Gateway Villas
   • Address: 65 E Elizabeth Avenue
   • Units: Vacation rentals
   • Style: Restored 19th-century homes
   • Location: Near Historic Moravian District

These accommodations offer a range of options from historic inns to modern hotels. Prices vary depending on season and availability. Always check directly with the property for current rates, amenities, and any special offers. Some properties may require advance reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons or local events.