Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown Bethlehem

• Morning: Arrive in Bethlehem and check-in at The Hotel Bethlehem, a historic hotel located in the heart of downtown.
• 10:00 AM: Visit the Bethlehem Visitor Center to get an overview of the city’s history, attractions, and events.
• 11:30 AM: Explore the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, which features a casino, restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
• Lunch: Head to The Grille at Lehigh University, a casual restaurant serving burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
• Afternoon: Visit the Bethlehem ArtWalk, a self-guided tour of public art installations throughout downtown Bethlehem.
• Dinner: Dine at The Farmhouse, a farm-to-table restaurant serving seasonal cuisine.

Day 2: History and Culture

• 9:30 AM: Visit the Historic Downtown Walking Tour, which highlights the city’s historic architecture, landmarks, and stories.
• 11:00 AM: Explore the Lehigh University Campus, a beautiful campus with historic buildings, public art installations, and scenic gardens.
• Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at The Weavers Cafe, a cozy cafe serving sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
• Afternoon: Visit the Bethlehem Museum of History, which features exhibits on local history, art, and industry.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Apollo Grill, a casual restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Day 3: Outdoor Activities

• 9:00 AM: Rent a bike at Bike Rentals of Lehigh Valley and ride the Lehigh Gorge Trail, which offers scenic views, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• 12:00 PM: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at Sands Beach Park, a beautiful park with walking trails, a lake, and recreational facilities.
• Afternoon: Visit the Bethlehem Farmers Market, which features local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Day 4: Arts and Entertainment

• 9:30 AM: Visit the Lehigh University’s Goodman Gallery, a gallery showcasing student art exhibitions.
• 11:00 AM: Attend a performance at The Sands Event Center, which features concerts, comedy shows, and other events.
• Lunch: Grab lunch at The Broadway Grill, a casual restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
• Afternoon: Explore the Bethlehem Art District, which features galleries, studios, and public art installations.

Day 5: Wine and Brew

• 10:00 AM: Visit the Grape Expectations Winery, a local winery offering wine tastings and tours.
• 12:00 PM: Head to the Fegley’s Brew Works, a brewery featuring craft beers, food, and live music.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Fegley’s Brew Works cafe.
• Afternoon: Take a tour of the Breinigsville Farm Brewery, which offers beer tastings and tours.

Day 6: Shopping

• 9:30 AM: Visit the South Side Farmers Market, a market featuring local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
• 11:00 AM: Shop at The Outlets at Sands Bethlehem, which features a variety of stores offering discounts on brand-name products.
• Lunch: Grab lunch at The Grille at Lehigh University.
• Afternoon: Visit the Lehigh Valley Mall, which features a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Day 7: Departure

• Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of your favorite restaurants in Bethlehem.
• Afternoon: Check-out of the hotel and head to the airport or begin your journey home.

Things to Know:

• Weather: Bethlehem experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for variable weather conditions throughout the year.
• Transportation: The city has a public transportation system, but many attractions are within walking distance of downtown Bethlehem. Consider renting a car or using ride-sharing services to get around the area.
• Safety: As with any urban area, take normal precautions to ensure your safety while visiting Bethlehem.

Tips:

• Reservations: Make reservations in advance for popular restaurants and attractions to avoid long wait times.
• Parking: Parking can be limited in downtown Bethlehem. Consider using public parking garages or street parking options.
• Scenic views: Take time to enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout the area, including walking trails, parks, and historic landmarks.

Other Things of Interest:

• The Christkindlmarkt: A traditional German market featuring holiday decorations, crafts, and food (typically held in November and December).
• The Musikfest: A free music festival featuring local, national, and international performers (typically held in August).
• The Bethlehem Heritage Center: A museum showcasing the city’s history, culture, and industry.

Accommodations:

• Hotel Bethlehem: A historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Bethlehem.
• The Inn at Lehigh Valley: A boutique hotel offering luxurious accommodations and amenities.
• Holiday Inn Express Bethlehem: A modern hotel featuring comfortable rooms and convenient services.