Harrisburg

The Susquehanna River runs along the western edge of the city. It is the largest non-navigable river in the eastern USA, but has numerous small islands, and is an excellent recreational resource.
The city began in 1710 when John Harris built a trading post and later his son started a ferry.

By plane

• Harrisburg International Airportis located just outside of Harrisburg, in Middletown, you will need to complete the journey to the city by rental car, taxi, bus, or hotel shuttles which are accessible via the Multi-Modal Transportation Facility (MMTF).

• Capital City Airportis across the Susquehanna river, in New Cumberland. Similar to the Harrisburg International Airport, you will need to complete the journey to the city by rental car, taxi, bus, or hotel shuttles. This is a general aviation airport with no scheduled flight, so you have to charter or fly your own plane into it.

By train

Amtrak has up to ten daily services from Philadelphia on the Keystone Service, with some services originating in New York City. Also, the once-daily Pennsylvanian between New York and Pittsburgh serves Harrisburg. All trains call at located at 4th and Chestnut Street, which also serves as a hub for local and inter-city buses.

By car

Harrisburg is served by a rather extensive highway system for a city of its size. Interstate 81, 83 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 76 all travel through or near the city. The Capital Beltway is comprised of I-81 to the north, I-83 to the east and south and PA-581 to the west of the city. U.S. Routes 22 and 322 also pass through the city and U.S. 11 and 15 pass just to the west.

By bus

Capitol Area Transit (CAT) is the regional bus service for the greater Harrisburg area. Travelers to Harrisburg from Cumberland and Dauphin Counties can travel via CAT. CAT is also a convenient means of transportation from Harrisburg International Airport (HIA)

• Greyhound

  address: Harrisburg Transportation Center
  Direct or connecting service from around the country.

• Susquehanna Trailways

  address: Harrisburg Transportation Center
  Service from Sunbury, Williamsport, and Elmira.

• Megabus

  address: Harrisburg Mall parking lot
  Service from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College.

• RabbittransitWeekday RabbitEXPRESS service from York on Route 83N and from Gettysburg on Route 15N.

By foot

The Appalachian Trail is just west of the city.

By car

Parking - Monday through Saturday, from 8AM-7PM, meter parking is enforced. The typical cost is $3 per hour with 15 minutes increments. Parking garages charges around $4 for 30 minutes or less and then escalating beyond that. Garages and metered parking are run by the Harrisburg Parking Authority.

By foot or bike

Harrisburg is a very walkable city, especially the downtown, midtown and uptown sections which are laid out in a simple grid without much change in grade. There are many beautiful walking and biking trails that run along the Susquehanna River. You can also walk or ride your bike across the Walnut St. Bridge to City Island without worrying about safety because it is blocked off to cars.

By bus

Capital Area Transit provides bus service in and around Harrisburg.

By taxi

• American Taxi (717) 901-8294.

By limo

• Londonderry Limo Harrisburg Limo Service (717) 838-8050.

Harrisburg has been an important location for statewide transportation since selected as the capital of Pennsylvania in 1812. The canal system and subsequent development of railroads, highways and airlines in the early century played a key role in transforming Harrisburg into a commercial and distribution center for Pennsylvania and the East. The city is centrally located 80 miles north of Baltimore, 100 miles west of Philadelphia, and 100 miles north of Washington D.C.

• State Capitol BuildingThe Capitol was designed in the American Renaissance Style by Philadelphia Architect Joseph-Huston (1866-1940), who envisioned the building as a "Palace of Art". Built and furnished at a cost of $13 million, the Capitol features paintings, stained glass and furnishings by some of the best artisans of the day - Extract Out of A Centennial Celebration 1906 - 2006, Pennsylvania General Assembly. The state capitol of Pennsylvania is a beautiful architectural masterpiece that encompasses many artistic designs and marvels. The capitol building is an Italian Renaissance-style statehouse. It includes collections of art, sculptures and large murals. On the floor of the main hallway are tiles that show Pennsylvania's history, symbols, insects and animals. The capitol dome rises 272 feet, and was modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and it's magnificent staircase looks like one from the Paris Opera. Over 100,000 people per year enjoy a free tour of Harrisburg's Capitol building.

• The State Museum of Pennsylvania

  phone: +1 717-787-4980
  address: 300 North St

• Walnut Street BridgeThe Walnut Street Bridge is an historic truss bridge connecting the east side of the city to the center of City Island. The bridge is a popular tourist destination even for those not interested in bridges. It has a complex and interesting history. See the Wikipedia article for more information. Because it is so popular, it gets busy frequently. For those looking to tour the bridge, either in part or in full, it is recommended that you do so during the mid morning hours (9 AM-12 PM) on Sunday and Monday. Tuesday-Saturday tend to be busier days as there are more activities on City Island midweek. Pedestrians should walk on the bridge on the steel grid grating section of the deck and bicycles should use the paved concrete side of the deck.

• Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station

  address: 3 Mile Is, Middletown, PA
  The worst commercial nuclear accident in the United States happened here on March 28, 1979, when Reactor #2 suffered a partial meltdown. Look for the historical marker and take some memorable photos before the remaining reactor shuts down in 2019.

Theaters

• The Gamut Classic TheatreLocated in Strawberry Square, has its own Shakespeare Festival that puts on a few plays each year for a few weeks at a time. Tickets are $25 ($17 for students and seniors), with buy-one-get-one-free discounts on Fridays and "Bring Your Own Price" discounts on Sundays. During the summer, the theatre also puts on a free production of a Shakspeare play in Reservoir Park. In 2008, the play will be "Love's Labor's Lost," June 4–14. The Gamut is also the home of the Popcorn Hat Player's Children's Theatre. Tickets are $6.

• Midtown CinemaA small three screen theater in midtown Harrisburg. They have a great selection of independent films, along with good ice cream, coffee, and teas.

• Theatre HarrisburgEstablished in 1926 and one of the oldest community theatres in the country. Plays in the Sunoco Performance Theater at the Whitaker center.

• Stage On HerrThe newest addition to Harrisburg's theater scene. A 3,500 square foot venue with soaring ceilings in a former gym, the space has been renovated and is now home to plays, concerts, comedy, art, parties and more.

Galleries and Art

• Susquehanna Art Museum

  address: 301 Market St
  Harrisburg's largest art museum featuring the Doshi Gallery for Contemporary Art.

• Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center

  address: 1110 N 3rd St
  Large complex in renovated building home to Stage on Herr, 3rd street Gallery, film office, cafe and spa.

• Arts at 510

  address: 510 N 3rd St

• Art Association of Harrisburg

  address: 21 N Front St

• Brass Monkey Studios

  address: 202 North St
  A offbeat tattoo parlor and art gallery between downtown and midtown.

• Gallery at Second

  phone: +1 717 233-2498
  address: 608 N 2nd St

• Champion Ship Performing Arts Space

  phone: +1 717 612-9306
  address: 52 Rear Market St Lemoyne
  Champion Ship is a DIY, all ages, drug, alcohol, and smoke free performance arts venue located in Lemoyne, PA right outside of Harrisburg the state capital. A great place to see your favorite band, an art show, or flea market. There is also a fully stocked independent record store primarily featuring, Punk, Hardcore, Emo, and Indie Rock CD's and records.
• Appalachian Trail

• Capitol Tours and Welcome Center

  address: East Wing Entrance
  Advanced reservations are suggested and required for groups of 10 or more. Group size is limited to 80. The tour is about a half hour long, and takes you through some of its most impressive rooms, including Italian in the House Chamber, French in the Senate Chamber and the English in the Governor's Reception Room. These are just a few of the capitol's over 600 rooms. The Welcome Center at the Capitol teaches about Pennsylvania's Government by displaying 18 informative exhibits allowing visitors to read, listen, touch, and interact with the displays.

• National Civil War Museum

  phone: +1 717 260-1861
  address: 1 Lincoln Circle
  The only museum in The United States that portrays the entire story of the American Civil War. Equally balanced presentations are humanistic in nature without bias to Union or Confederate causes. Open 7 days a week April 1 through Labor Day.

• Whitaker Center / IMAX

  phone: +1 717 214-ARTS
  address: 222 Market St
  The mission of Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is to serve as the center for scientific, artistic, cultural and educational activities to enhance the region's quality of life and economic vitality.

• Pennsylvania National Fire Museum

  phone: +1 717 232-8915
  address: 1820 N 4th St
  The Sights, sounds and history of firefighting come to life at The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum. Housed in the 1899 Victorian firehouse Reily Hose Company No. 10, the museum houses an outstanding collection of artifacts from the hand-drawn equipment of yesterday to the modern tools of today.
• Riverfront Park and City Island. Along the banks of the Susquehanna you can enjoy a scenic bike ride, cruise the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna, or rent a canoe, paddleboat, or jet ski to experience all the Susquehanna River has to offer. Riverfront Park is also popular for afternoon lunches and provides an unbeatable view of Harrisburg's July 4th fireworks and Labor Day Weekend's Kipona Celebration, which includes a street festival, chili Cook-Off, boat race, and amusement rides.
• City Island, . A unique park that sits in the center of the Susquehanna River, accessible by the east side of the Walnut St. Bridge, and is home to small shops, miniature golf, a restored carousel, train, carriage rides, and the Senators, a minor league baseball team. Home games for the Senators usually start at 6:35PM, and Sundays at 1:05PM, with box seats only costing $8 and general admission $5. The Riverside Village Park offers a variety of food from crab cakes to ice cream and is open daily from 11AM-8PM after May 13th. Water Golf, City Island's 18 hole miniature golf course costs $5.50 for adults and $4.50 for children.

• The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat

  phone: +1 717 234-6500
  Harrisburg’s authentic paddlewheel riverboat is docked on City Island and offers 45 min public cruises throughout the summer for $9 for adults and $4 for children. The Pride also hosts dinner cruises once a week or you may rent the boat for a private party. City Island also gives horse drawn carriage rides that tour the island and can be reserved for special occasions. Or you can choose to tour the island on The General, City Island's Civil War-Era steam train that is located next to the carousel. Harrisburg and City Island also have two working marinas to dock your boat, a sandy beach for swimming, volleyball courts, and a multipurpose grass field for sports and concerts that is available for rent.

• Pennsylvania Farm Show

  address: 2300 North Cameron Street, 17110
  Usually held about the second full week of January, the Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in America. See Champion Horse Pulling Contests, Sheep-to-Shawl Contest, Square Dance Contest, Arena Carriage Racing, Livestock judging and more. Many Pennsylvania Farm products are on display. Parking is offsite, often for a $5-10 fee. P.S: The best reason to go is the food!

Festivals and Parades

Harrisburg is known for its many parades and street festivals that take place, especially in the summer time.

• American MusicFestRiverfront Park and City Island, Harrisburg's Fourth of July celebration

• KiponaRiverfront Park and City Island, a three day festival of food, arts and family fun around Labor day.

• Patriot-News ArtsfestRiverfront Park,

• Italian Lake Concert SeriesItalian Lake, Sundays throughout the summer.

• 3rd in the BurgDowntown and midtown, the third Friday of every month Harrisburg's art galleries and shops stay open late and serve entertainment.

• Pride Festival of Central PADowntown and Riverfront Park, Central Pennsylvania's LGBT Pride Festival, held the last weekend of July

• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in high technology fields in demand.
• Harrisburg Area Community College, central Pennsylvania's community college with three campuses in the city.
• Temple University Harrisburg, located in the heart of downtown offering graduate and certificate programs.
• Dixon University Center, located in Uptown and is home to an array of undergraduate and graduate programs offered by way of other state universities.

• Strawberry Square

  address: 11 N 3rd St
  A major shopping complex in downtown Harrisburg, that has an open air feel with many food and specialty shops.

• The Shops on ThirdA little more upscale shopping than Strawberry Square. They include such shops as the famous Sparky and Clarks, as well as other one of a kind boutiques.

• Broad Street Market

  address: 1233 N 3rd St
  Comprised of two large historic buildings that house an array of foods from Amish produce and meats, to an international deli and cheese shop, to organic and whole foods. Located on Verbeke St and 3rd St.

• Midtown Scholar Bookstore and Cafe

  phone: +1 717 236-1680
  address: 1302 N 3rd St
  Large bookstore and cafe, also contains largest academic used bookstore between New York and Chicago.

During the week, you should have no problem finding a place to eat without much wait, but the weekends (especially in the summer) may require a bit of a wait at the popular restaurants during their prime time dinner crowd.

Restaurant Row and Downtown

• Neato Burrito

  phone: +1 717 232-7467
  address: 209 N. 2nd St
  Best mission style burritos outside of California. Has 5 locations around the Harrisburg area.

• Cragin's Brick Haus Restaurant

  phone: +1 717 233-4287
  address: 229 N 2nd St
  The Brick Haus offers authentic German and American cuisine including goulasch, sausages, seafood, and steaks.

• Ceoltas Irish Pub

  phone: +1 717 233-3202
  address: 310 N 2nd St
  Ceoltas provides an authentic taste of Ireland. Ceoltas also attracts bands from all around to play at their venue.

• Appalachian Brewing Company

  address: 50 N Cameron St
  ABC serves fresh innovative cuisine to match their handcrafted ales and lagers. Brewery tours every Saturday at 1PM.

• Passage To India

  phone: +1 717 233-1202
  address: 525 South Front St
  Passage to India serves excellent Indian cuisine, open seven days a week, with a great view of the river while dining.

• Bricco

  phone: +1 717 724-0222
  address: Corner of Third and Chestnut Streets
  Restaurant is run by and for culinary students of the local community college. Gourmet food at a very reasonable price. Also has an outstanding wine list!

Midtown

• Alvaro Bread and Pastry Shoppe

  phone: +1 717 238-1999
  address: 236 Peffer St
  Authentic fresh made Italian dinners, breads, pastries and desserts. An Olde Uptown neighborhood favorite.

• Anastacia's Restaurant and Bar

  phone: +1 717 233-2394
  address: 1535 N 6th St
  Cozy, great neighborhood spot for authentic Puerto Rican food and daily specials.

• Breads 'N Spreads

  phone: +1 717 695-7713
  address: 1419 N 3rd St
  Delicious home made soups, sandwiches and pastries. Daily specials and weekend brunch.

• Broad Street Market

  phone: +1 717 236-7923
  address: 1233 N 3rd St
  Nearly 40 vendors serving up fresh, local organic produce, meats, baked goods and freshly prepared meals.

• Cafe Di Luna

  phone: +1 717 695-9449
  address: 1004 N 3rd St
  Cozy coffee shop with great assortment of specialty coffees, teas and pastries

• Ciervo's Pizza

  phone: +1 717 238-5530
  address: 1435 N 2nd St
  Pizza, subs and sandwiches.

• Mercado's Pizza

  phone: +1 717 238-2280
  address: 937 N 3rd St
  Great authentic pizza, a neighborhood favorite

• Nonna's Deli Sioso

  phone: +1 717 232-6150
  address: 263 Reily St
  One of a kind Italian deli and restaurant. Creative menu and very popular lunch spot and BYOB.

• Uptown Chicago Grill

  phone: +1 717 233-7487
  address: 2101 N 2nd St
  Uptown Chicago Grill, formerly Da'Pits, is a Chicago-style grill is known for their delicious ribs. Everything is cooked over an open flame.

Harrisburg has a small, vibrant night life for those who enjoy good food, good company, and good drinks.

• Appalachian Brewing Company

  phone: +1 717 221-1080
  address: 50 North Cameron St
  Local Brewery.
• Cafe Fresco is the only spot in Harrisburg so far that is completely smoke free. Unlike other bars in downtown Harrisburg, it has a chic modern atmosphere with Asian inspired cuisine that goes along with their extensive wine and drink menu. The music has a laid back lounge feel and on occasion Cafe Fresco has a live jazz band trio that performs in the back corner. The decor matches a sountern California look that gives the place an upscale feel. Level 2 is an upscale lounge and bar above Cafe Fresco that features DJs, drink specials and a small menu.
• Molly Brannigans is a small chain of Irish Pubs with 4 other locations in PA besides the one in Harrisburg. They have an impressive menu that includes steaks, seafood, and salads. The happy hour crowd is older from 5-7, but later on the crowd turns younger and a band usually hits the stage, while people dance in front. It has a great authentic Irish feel.
• The Red Door is Harrisburg's only wine bar that is situated in the heart of downtown. They feature an array of wines both in varietal and price and a cozy atmosphere for a few friends or a date.

• Troegs Brewing Co.

  phone: +1 717 232-1297
  address: 800 Paxton St., 17104
  Local Brewery.

Harrisburg's downtown atmosphere dynamically changes throughout the day. During the day, you can explore the coffee shops and quickly prepared meals designed to accommodate the government and downtown workforce. Early evening you can hop between restaurants during their happy hour specials (typically 5-7PM). Stay downtown for dinner and you can enjoy a nice sit-down meal.

Accommodations in the Harrisburg area give you plenty of options at reasonable prices compared to larger metropolitan areas. More expensive hotels are located in closer proximity to Hershey and Baltimore.

Budget

• Motel 6 Harrisburg

  phone: +1 717-774-8910
  address: 200 Commerce Dr

Mid-range

• Comfort Inn - Harrisburg / Hershey

  phone: +1 717 540-8400
  address: 5680 Allentown Blvd

• Howard Johnson Inn Harrisburg/Hershey

  phone: +1 717 564-6300
  address: 473 Eisenhower Blvd

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Harrisburg

  phone: +1 717 558-0200
  address: 450 Friendship Rd

• Wingate Inn Mechanicsburg

  phone: +1 717 766-2710
  address: 385 Cumberland Parkway, Mechanicsburg
  Offers generously oversized accommodations and upscale amenities, including complimentary deluxe hot breakfast and free high-speed Internet service.

• Wyndham Garden Hotel

  phone: +1 717 558-9500
  address: 765 Eisenhower Blvd

Splurge

• Comfort Inn Riverfront

  phone: +1 717 233-1611
  address: 525 South Front St

• Crowne Plaza Hotel

  phone: +1 717 234-5021
  address: 23 S 2nd St

• Hilton Harrisburg

  phone: +1 717 233-6000
  address: 1 N 2nd St

• Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey

  phone: +1 717 564-5511
  address: 4650 Lindle Rd

Keep in mind that Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than the national average. However, most areas that tourists and out-of-towners frequent are completely safe. Typical street smarts should keep most people out of trouble.
Harrisburg is within range of Three Mile Island nuclear reactor. If you hear a siren, turn your radio on.

Nearby destinations suitable for day trips include:

• Allentown — Explore Pennsylvania's third-largest city, with an amusement park and casino action.
• Carlisle — Explore classic car country.
• Gettysburg — Explore Civil War country.
• Hershey — Explore chocolate country.
• Lancaster — Explore Amish country.
• York — Explore Central PA country.