Bethlehem Pennsylvania 6 Day Itinerary

Title: 6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Bethlehem

Morning:

  • Check-in at your preferred accommodation (recommendations below)
  • Start the day with breakfast at Zeke’s Coffee, a local favorite for artisanal coffee and pastries.

Afternoon:

  • Explore Historic Bethlehem:
    • Moravian Museum of Bethlehem: Learn about the Moravians who founded Bethlehem in 1741.
    • Historic Bethlehem Partnership’s Self-Guided Tour: Visit key sites like the 1741 Johann Albrechtus House, Goundie House, and the 1810 Gounde House.

Evening:

  • Dine at Vollmer Restaurant & Hotel, offering classic American cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Stroll along Main Street for shopping and admire the historic architecture.

Day 2: Arts & Culture

Morning:

  • Breakfast at The Bayou, known for its Southern comfort food.
  • Visit the Baum School of Art: Take a class or simply explore the gallery.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Bethlehem Area Public Library and check out their local history collection.
  • Explore the Lehigh University’s Asa Packer Campus, including the C. Henry Smith Memorial Building.

Evening:

  • Dine at The Funhouse: Offers creative, locally sourced dishes in a unique setting.
  • Catch a show at Godfrey Daniels Coffee House and Listening Room or Touchstone Theatre.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Baker’s Kitchen, serving up homemade bread and pastries.
  • Visit the Bethlehem Rose Garden: A beautiful park with over 10,000 roses.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Hugh Moore Park & The Sun Inn: Ride a canal boat tour, visit the historic Sun Inn, and enjoy nature trails.
  • If you’re feeling adventurous, try ziplining at Go Ape Treetop Adventure.

Evening:

  • Dine at Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery, known for its artisanal cheeses and sandwiches.
  • Relax at Sands Bethlehem Event Center: Check their schedule for live music or events.

Day 4: Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum & Moravian Book Shop

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Blueberry Coffeehouse.
  • Visit the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum to learn about local history and culture.

Afternoon:

  • Spend the afternoon browsing books and unique gifts at the historic Moravian Book Shop, America’s oldest bookstore.
  • Grab lunch from a food truck at Colonial Industrial Quarter.

Evening:

  • Dine at Capers Café & Wine Bar, offering French and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Take a sunset stroll along the D&L Trail.

Day 5: Shopping & Leisure

Morning:

  • Breakfast at SouthSide Bethlehem’s Steel & Grain.
  • Spend the morning shopping in South Bethlehem’s Arts District, including stores like Bethlehem Flowers & Garden Market, The Little Bee Apothecary, and Bethlehem Boutique.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Bethlehem Fire Museum: Learn about the city’s firefighting history.
  • Grab lunch at a food truck or eatery in the Arts District like Fegley’s Bethlehem BrewWorks or Two Friends Cafe.

Evening:

  • Dine at Moravian Bookshop Restaurant: A unique dining experience set within the historic Moravian Book Shop.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Monocacy Creek Greenway.

Day 6: Departure

Morning:

  • Enjoy your last Bethlehem breakfast at one of your favorite spots from the week.
  • Spend some quiet time reflecting on your trip at one of the city’s beautiful parks, like Sunny Island Park or Sand Island Park.

Afternoon:

  • Check out from your accommodation and prepare for departure.
  • If you have time, visit Liberty Mountain, a popular local hiking spot, before heading home.

Things to Know:

  • Bethlehem is a walkable city, but consider using the Bethlehem Area Transit (BAT) for longer trips.
  • Many attractions offer discounted admission with the Discover Lehigh Valley Coupon Book.
  • Remember to tip in restaurants and for services.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Bethlehem: Historic luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown Bethlehem.
  • The Sayre Mansion Bed & Breakfast: A historic, romantic bed and breakfast just a few blocks from downtown.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Bethlehem: Modern hotel with spacious suites and a convenient location near shopping and dining.