Pennsylvania

Keystone State of American history

Pennsylvania is a state in the northeastern United States known for its mix of urban life and rural landscapes. Philadelphia, the largest city, played a key role in American history as the birthplace of the nation’s founding documents. The state features rolling hills, forests and farmland across its regions. Pittsburgh stands out with its riverfront parks and cultural attractions. Amish communities preserve traditional ways of living in parts of the countryside. Pennsylvania balances historical sites with modern industry while maintaining accessible public spaces for visitors.

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State/Prefecture in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.2

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	9
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	3

Read details

5/5

English is the primary language spoken throughout Pennsylvania. Visitors will have no difficulty communicating with locals, service providers, and at tourist attractions. Some Amish communities speak Pennsylvania Dutch, but most interact with tourists in

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Pennsylvania Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Strong for history and diverse landscapes. Visit historic landmarks, explore forests and mountains, enjoy museums and discover charming towns.

Place score

7.1

Best at:

Rivers

Spotless

Local cuisine

Museums

Natural sites

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 7

Travel Beginners

❤️ 7

Couples

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Pennsylvania, United States

🌨️

Jan

🌨️

Feb

☁️

Mar

🌥️

Apr

🌦️

May

🌤️

Jun

🌤️

Jul

🌤️

Aug

🌤️

Sep

🌥️

Oct

🌥️

Nov

❄️

Dec

High season:	June - Oct.
Shoulder season:	Jan. - Feb., April - May, Dec.
Crowdedness:	7 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Climate and season vary by region: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh best May to October, Poconos best for skiing December to March and hiking in summer, Lancaster County and Gettysburg best spring and autumn

Autumn foliage peaks early October in the north and mountains, late October in the south and Philadelphia area

Snow and ice can disrupt mountain roads and flights December to March, heaviest in the northwest near Lake Erie

Don't miss

🗽 See the Liberty Bell and tour Independence Hall
🍴 Wander through Philadelphia’s famous Reading Terminal Market
🥾 Hike through the Pocono Mountains’ scenic trails and waterfalls
🎖️ Explore the historic battlefield of Gettysburg National Military Park
🚠 Walk along Pittsburgh’s rivers and ride the Duquesne Incline

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Why travel to Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania stands as a living museum of American history where you can walk the same halls where the Declaration of Independence was signed, explore the pivotal Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg and discover the industrial heritage that helped build the nation. The state's rich cultural tapestry is showcased in its exceptional museums – from Philadelphia's renowned art collections to Pittsburgh's Andy Warhol Museum – offering visitors intellectual stimulation alongside visual splendor. Beyond its historical significance, Pennsylvania delivers family-friendly adventures at every turn. Theme parks provide thrilling entertainment, while the unique opportunity to experience Amish culture firsthand offers a fascinating glimpse into a simpler way of life. Nature lovers can explore the Allegheny National Forest with its scenic hiking trails and the impressive Kinzua Sky Walk standing 300 feet above the forest floor. With its diverse culinary scene featuring everything from Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food to sophisticated urban dining, the state satisfies both the mind and palate, making it a multifaceted destination that rewards curious travelers.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Philadelphia
Historic city founded in 1682, Philadelphia offers iconic Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, a vibrant arts scene, diverse neighborhoods and waterfront parks along the Delaware River. Its museums, food markets and cultural festivals attract visitors year‑round daily.
2 Pittsburgh
Known for its steel heritage and vibrant arts scene, Pittsburgh offers a mix of historic architecture, riverfront parks and world‑class museums. The city’s three rivers converge, creating scenic waterfronts and opportunities for cycling and kayaking.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Independence Hall
This historic site features Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The building stands as a symbol of American democracy, surrounded by gardens and historical markers that tell the story of the nation's founding.
2 Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art stands as a cultural landmark in the city, featuring world-class exhibitions and historic architecture that draws visitors from around the globe to explore its rich collections.
3 Eastern State Penitentiary
This historic Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia stands as a powerful symbol of American justice and architecture. Its crumbling walls tell stories of confinement, while guided tours offer a haunting glimpse into the past within this iconic landmark.
4 Carnegie Museum of Natural History
5 The Amish Village
6 Fallingwater
7 The Andy Warhol Museum
8 Gettysburg National Military Park
9 Kentuck Knob
10 Liberty Bell

🎡Places for activities

1 Delaware River
2 Presque Isle State Park
3 Acrisure Stadium
4 New Lancaster Valley Road
5 Lehigh Gorge State Park
6 Hersheypark

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Longwood Gardens
This historic estate features meticulously manicured gardens, Victorian architecture and a conservatory showcasing rare plants. Visitors stroll through winding paths surrounded by seasonal blooms and learn about horticultural history in this serene retreat.
2 Cherry Springs State Park
3 Bushkill Falls
4 Kinzua Bridge
5 Pocono Mountains Business Park
6 Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area
7 Delaware Water Gap
8 Allegheny National Forest
9 Ricketts Glen State Park
10 Lake Erie

🛍️Shopping

1 Reading Terminal Market
A historic market in Reading, Pennsylvania, featuring fresh produce and artisanal goods. The terminal offers a vibrant atmosphere for locals and tourists alike, providing an authentic glimpse into regional culinary traditions and community commerce.
2 King of Prussia Mall
3 The Shops at Liberty Place
4 SouthSide Works
5 Kitchen Kettle Village
6 Peddler's Village
7 Chestnut Hill
8 Strip District
9 Lancaster Central Market
10 Philadelphia Premium Outlets

🎈Events

Philadelphia Flower Show
Kutztown Folk Festival
Pittsburgh Arts Festival
Philadelphia Mummers Parade
Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
Gettysburg Reenactment
Pennsylvania Farm Show
Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Musikfest

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Fly into Philadelphia or Pittsburgh for best access to top attractions.
Rent a car to explore diverse regions from Philly's history to Poconos' outdoors easily.
Visit Hersheypark and Amish country Lancaster for family fun and cultural immersion experiences.
Drive Fort Pitt Tunnel into Pittsburgh at dusk for iconic skyline reveal locals swear by.

How to travel to Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is easily accessible by air, with major international airports in Philadelphia (PHL) and Pittsburgh (PIT), as well as smaller regional airports throughout the state. The state is well-connected by Amtrak train service, with the Keystone Service linking New York City to Harrisburg via Philadelphia and the Pennsylvanian connecting New York to Pittsburgh. Interstate highways provide convenient access for those driving from neighboring states, with I-76, I-80 and I-81 being major routes. Bus services like Greyhound and Megabus offer affordable options for travel to major cities within Pennsylvania.

Access summary

From Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Regional rail to Center City, about 25–30 minutes.
From New York City: Amtrak or intercity buses to Philadelphia, typically 1.5–2.5 hours.
From Pittsburgh: Domestic flights to PIT or Amtrak/drive from Philadelphia, around 5–7 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers diverse accommodation options ranging from luxury urban hotels in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to charming bed and breakfasts in historic towns like Gettysburg and New Hope. Unique lodging experiences include staying in Amish country farmhouses, historic inns dating back to colonial times and even Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses near Fallingwater. The Pocono Mountains region is known for its family resorts and romantic getaways, while state parks offer camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Prices vary significantly by location and season, with urban areas and popular tourist destinations commanding higher rates.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Mount Airy Casino Resort – Adult Only 21+

Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square

9.0

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District

8.5

Club Quarters Hotel in Philadelphia

8.6

Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino

9.0

Exton Hotel and Conference Center at Exton

7.9

The Windsor Suites

9.0

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

8.4

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer comprehensive public transportation systems including buses, light rail and subway lines. For exploring the broader state, a rental car provides the most flexibility, especially when visiting rural areas like Amish Country or the Pocono Mountains. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is the main east-west highway crossing the state, while numerous interstate highways connect major destinations. For emergency assistance while on the Turnpike, travelers can dial *11 from any cell phone for immediate help.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-1 %

Daily expenses in Pennsylvania are around 1% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£79	£181	£418
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£39	£99	£185
🍝 Food per day	£33	£74	£207
🚕 Transportation per day	£7	£7	£26

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£30
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£16
🍟 Fast food combo	£8.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£12
☕ Cappuccino	£3.80
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.40

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.70
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£15
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.65

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£11
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£65
🤧 Cold medication	£7
💇 Basic haircut	£17

Safety information overview

General safety

Pennsylvania is generally safe for tourists, though urban areas have typical city safety concerns. Exercise standard precautions in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, especially at night. Rural areas and small towns tend to have lower crime rates. Always be aware of your surroundings.

Health & Medical

Pennsylvania has excellent healthcare facilities, particularly in and around major cities. Most tourist areas have readily accessible hospitals and urgent care centers. Health insurance coverage is recommended as medical care can be expensive. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the state.

Accessibility

Major attractions and newer facilities are generally wheelchair accessible. Historic sites may have limited accessibility due to preservation requirements. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh public transportation systems accommodate travelers with disabilities, though smaller towns may have fewer accessible options.

Tap water

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Pennsylvania. Public water fountains are common in parks, attractions and government buildings. Bottled water is widely available for purchase, though unnecessary from a safety perspective.