Sights and landmarks in Bethlehem

Sights and landmarks in Bethlehem

1. See

   1751 Old Chapel

   This Moravian Chapel was the second place of worship in Bethlehem's colonial era.

2. See

   1758 Sun Inn

   The 1758 Sun Inn is a restored 18th-century inn that once hosted guests such as George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette. It has been fully restored and now offers guided tours, which provide a rich history of 1700s Bethlehem. It can also be rented and catered for private gatherings. The courtyard also hosts a summer concert series.

3. See

   Banana Factory

   The Banana Factory is a community center for the arts located on Bethlehem's south side. What was once a banana warehouse has been renovated into space for two art galleries, classrooms and artists' studios. Offers daily guided tours and the Lehigh Valley's only glassblowing studio, and on the first Friday of every month there is an art showing. Unless you love art it's probably not worth a trip to the South Side by itself but if you're there already be sure to stop by.

   Gallery hours: 11AM-4PM

4. See

   Burnside Plantation

   This local plantation affords an excellent look at rural life in the Lehigh Valley beginning in the mid-18th century. The restored Moravian homestead highlights farm life and the region's industrial development through the mid-19th century. It not only makes the past come alive but provides a showcase for agriculture and craftsmanship of the era.

5. See

   Central Moravian Church

   Recognized as the country's oldest Moravian Church and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024.

6. See

   Colonial Industrial Quarter

   This area contains a few of Bethlehem's early buildings, like the 1761 Tannery, 1762 Waterworks (a National Historic Landmark), the 1869 Luckenbach Mill, and the Miller's House Garden (an 1870 Victorian garden). The area is right along the Monocacy Creek, so it's a great place to take a walk or even fish, right downtown (if you have a license).

   Free

7. See

   Goundie House

   If you're on Main St., you'll probably walk by here. A nice little place to stop by with a few rotating exhibits, but not a destination itself. Beer enthusiasts take note though - Goundie was the town brewer back in the day.

8. See

   Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts

   An interior designer's dream come true, the Kemerer Museum is dedicated to the history of decorating. There are various rooms dedicated to periods in history, with textiles, china, paintings and more. The Victorian gardens on the ground provide a welcome spot to relax.

   Thu-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM

9. See

   Moravian Museum of Bethlehem

   For those interested in learning a bit about the history of Bethlehem, or the Moravian people or faith, this should be a stop on your tour. It's housed in the oldest building in Bethlehem, the 1741 Gemeinhaus. It's only open on the weekends, however.

   Fri-Sun noon-4PM

10. See

    National Museum of Industrial History

    A Smithsonian affiliate dedicated to preserving America's rich industrial heritage. Exhibits on steel-making and manufacturing.

    Wed-Sat 10AM-5PM·$12

11. See

    SteelStacks

    A venue for performing arts and cinema on the former Bethlehem Steel property. Attractions include the ArtsQuest Center, the performing arts center; the Air Products Town Square, with over 400 free musical performances annually; PNC Plaza, which will host festivals, a farmers market, and will also serve as a stage for Musikfest; and the Levitt Pavilion, which will host free concerts.

12. See

    The Star of Bethlehem

    The Star of Bethlehem on top of South Mountain is lit year-round. It is visible from most parts of Bethlehem.

13. See Not mapped

    Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour

    This seasonal tour runs throughout December on Th F Sa and Su at 5:30PM, 6:30PM, and 7:30PM. Tour includes a display of the Christmas City by bus.

14. See Not mapped

    First Friday Southside Tours

    Tours begin at the Banana Factory and highlight the churches, architecture, and multiculturalism of the South Side.

    May-Oct: First Fri 6PM

15. See Not mapped

    Historic Bethlehem Walking Tours

    Tours begin at the Visitor's Center and highlight the important historic sites.

    Apr-Nov 24: Tue-Sun 2:30PM

16. See Not mapped

    Old Bethlehem Walking Tour

    Tours run Nov 26-Dec 30. Sights include 18th-century buildings and other historic sites.

17. See Not mapped

    Old Fashioned Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

    Carriage rides last about 15 minutes and run from Nov 27-Dec 30.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Bethlehem (CC BY-SA 4.0).