Lancaster City Guide

Local dishes like shoofly pie and whoopie pies are popular. International food options are diverse. Vegetarian and vegan choices are common. Some late-night options downtown.

Nightlife is growing, mainly downtown. You'll find breweries, bars, and live music spots with a range from casual to upscale.

Strong independent coffee scene with specialty roasters and many cafes.

Tipping is expected for most services. Standard rates are 15-20% in restaurants and rideshares, and small amounts for hotel staff and bartenders.

SIM cards can be bought at AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile stores. eSIMs may be available depending on your device. ID or passport needed for purchase.

Downtown streets are generally clean with regular trash and recycling services.

Some 24/7 convenience stores (Sheetz, Wawa) and limited late-night food places. Emergency rooms open 24/7; 24/7 pharmacies are rare.

Major supermarkets like Giant, Wegmans, and Weis sell a broad range of products. Lancaster Central Market offers fresh local produce and specialties. Stores usually open 7 AM to 10 PM.

Most places accept credit and debit cards, especially downtown. Cash is accepted everywhere but less commonly needed.

ATMs are easy to find at banks, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Expect $2.50-$3.50 fees for out-of-network withdrawals.

Public schools are mostly in English. Some private schools offer diverse programs. International schools are rare.

A small but growing remote work scene with some meetups and many cafes offering Wi-Fi.

Parks like Long's Park and Buchanan Park provide green spaces for walking and running.

Good running routes in parks and along the river trail. Running groups exist, and safety is generally good.

Several gyms and a big sports complex offer fitness and sports options.

Public and private tennis courts are available. Some require bookings; equipment rental is rare.

Padel courts are not common in Lancaster.

Several yoga studios and wellness centers offer classes and drop-ins with English instructors.

Dojo options include BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, and traditional styles with English-speaking instructors.

Ski resorts like Ski Roundtop and Liberty Mountain are within 1-2 hours' drive. Season runs December to March.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available on nearby Susquehanna River with gear rentals.

No surfing available since the city is inland.

No diving options due to inland location.

Hospitals like Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and UPMC Lititz have English-speaking staff. Quality care is good with easy access to pharmacies.

Tap water meets federal and state standards and is safe to drink.

Good playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, and major attractions like Dutch Wonderland and the Hands-on House museum.

An inclusive city with safe spaces and events for LGBTQ+ people, especially downtown.

Many parks and accommodations welcome pets. Veterinary services are available, and pet supply stores are common.