Lancaster's Best: Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Driving Tour, Pennsylvania - Iconic Sights, City Center to Amish Landscapes
Places: 18 POIs
Distance: 25.72 mi
Duration: 1h:19m
GPS-guided narration through
Your Smartphone
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Tour #2703
About this English self-guided 1h:19m driving tour in Lancaster
Welcome to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where history meets charm and horse-drawn buggies share the road with modern marvels! This self-guided GPS audio driving tour is your golden ticket to uncovering the very best of Lancaster, perfect for both first-time visitors eager to hit the highlights and returning tourists looking for a fresh perspective.
We've meticulously crafted a route that’s not just efficient but truly engaging, whisking you from the bustling city center to the serene landscapes of Amish Country without a single unnecessary detour. You'll kick off your adventure at the historic Lancaster Central Market, a feast for the senses, before marveling at the architectural grandeur of the Fulton Theatre. Dive into presidential history at Wheatland, the former home of James Buchanan, then journey into the heart of Amish culture at The Amish Farm and House and The Amish Village. Prepare for a nostalgic ride on the Strasburg Rail Road, a truly iconic experience, and indulge in local delights at Kitchen Kettle Village and Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market. Cap it all off with a picturesque stop at a classic covered bridge. This tour promises a seamless blend of iconic landmarks, popular historic monuments, and plenty of Instagrammable selfie spots, ensuring you capture every unforgettable moment of your Lancaster escapade. Get ready to discover why Lancaster County is truly a gem!
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
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This tour is available in 1 more language:
Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
![Map Pin]()
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : Market, Historic Site (Recommended selfie spot).
51 W King St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Historic Central Market
Welcome to Lancaster, Pennsylvania — and what better place to begin than right here at the heart of the city: Central Market. Either explore now, or come back at the end of the tour but either way you are gonna wanna experience the market on foot. If you decide to come back later, just take three left turns and that will take us to the next place.
This isn’t just a market, it’s a landmark of American history. Central Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States, welcoming shoppers since 1730, when Lancaster’s founder, James Hamilton, reserved this spot as a public gathering place. By 1757, King George II officially chartered it as a public market, cementing its role in the life of the city.
The striking Romanesque Revival building you see today, crowned by its clock tower, opened in 1889 and was designed by local architect Edwin F. Durang. Inside, the story of Lancaster unfolds stall by stall. Amish farmers sell fresh produce grown just miles away, longtime family vendors offer meats and cheeses, and international flavors reflect generations of new arrivals — from German and Middle Eastern dishes to Latin American and Asian specialties.
As you explore, grab a coffee, a soft pretzel, or a famous whoopie pie. You’re not just eating — you’re experiencing nearly three centuries of Lancaster’s living, breathing history.
This isn’t just a market, it’s a landmark of American history. Central Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States, welcoming shoppers since 1730, when Lancaster’s founder, James Hamilton, reserved this spot as a public gathering place. By 1757, King George II officially chartered it as a public market, cementing its role in the life of the city.
The striking Romanesque Revival building you see today, crowned by its clock tower, opened in 1889 and was designed by local architect Edwin F. Durang. Inside, the story of Lancaster unfolds stall by stall. Amish farmers sell fresh produce grown just miles away, longtime family vendors offer meats and cheeses, and international flavors reflect generations of new arrivals — from German and Middle Eastern dishes to Latin American and Asian specialties.
As you explore, grab a coffee, a soft pretzel, or a famous whoopie pie. You’re not just eating — you’re experiencing nearly three centuries of Lancaster’s living, breathing history.
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Place #2
![Map Pin]()
Distance: 0.35mi
, Attraction : Theatre, Historic Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
101 W Grant St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Fulton Theatre
Prepare to be transported back in time as we pull up to the Fulton Theatre, an absolute architectural marvel and a true cultural cornerstone of Lancaster. This isn't just a theatre; it's a National Historic Landmark, one of the oldest working theatres in the United States.
Opened in 1852 as Fulton Hall, it was named in honor of Lancaster County native Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. Designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan, the building's Victorian grandeur, with its ornate façade and opulent interior, is truly a sight to behold. Over its nearly two centuries, the Fulton has hosted everything from vaudeville acts and silent films to today's critically acclaimed Broadway-caliber productions. Legendary performers like Mark Twain and Helen Hayes have graced its stage. During the Civil War, the theatre even served as a temporary hospital for wounded soldiers, a poignant reminder of its deep roots in the community's history.
Today, the Fulton continues its legacy, producing world-class musicals, plays, and family shows, all while preserving its historic charm. Standing here, you can almost hear the echoes of applause from generations past. It truly is a living piece of performing arts history.
Please turn right on West Vine Street and then right on South Water Court.
Opened in 1852 as Fulton Hall, it was named in honor of Lancaster County native Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. Designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan, the building's Victorian grandeur, with its ornate façade and opulent interior, is truly a sight to behold. Over its nearly two centuries, the Fulton has hosted everything from vaudeville acts and silent films to today's critically acclaimed Broadway-caliber productions. Legendary performers like Mark Twain and Helen Hayes have graced its stage. During the Civil War, the theatre even served as a temporary hospital for wounded soldiers, a poignant reminder of its deep roots in the community's history.
Today, the Fulton continues its legacy, producing world-class musicals, plays, and family shows, all while preserving its historic charm. Standing here, you can almost hear the echoes of applause from generations past. It truly is a living piece of performing arts history.
Please turn right on West Vine Street and then right on South Water Court.
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Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1
Historic Central Market
Place 2
Fulton Theatre
Place 3
History of Lancaster
Place 4
Lancaster History Museum
Place 5
Amish History
Place 6
Fertility, Pennsylvania
Place 7
Biblical Tabernacle Experience
Place 8
Amish Farm and House
Place 9
Historic Willow Hill Covered Bridge
Place 10
The Amish Village
Place 11
Sight & Sound Theatres
Place 12
America's Oldest Short-Line Railroad
Place 13
Amish Buggy Ride
Place 14
National Toy Train Museum
Place 15
Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market
Place 16
Aaron and Jessica's Buggy Rides
Place 17
Intercourse, Pennsylvania
Place 18
Kitchen Kettle Village
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Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 18 stops, covering top attractions such as Historic Central Market, Fulton Theatre, History of Lancaster, Lancaster History Museum, Amish History.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Historic Central Market (Address: 51 W King St, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!