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Allentown

Allentown travel guide

City in Pennsylvania, United States

Best time to visitMay to June and August to September
Nearest airportABE · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population125,845

About Allentown

Allentown is a city in eastern Pennsylvania, United States. The county seat of Lehigh County, it is the third-most populous city in Pennsylvania, with a population of 125,845 as of the 2020 census. It is also the most populous city in the Lehigh Valley metropolitan area, which had a population of 861,899 and was the 68th-most populous metropolitan area in the nation as of 2020.

Places to visit in Allentown

  1. Allentown Art Museum

    Allentown Art Museum

    Museum

    Downtown's main art museum displays European Old Master paintings, American art and textiles, plus a reconstructed library room designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, with changing exhibitions throughout the year.

  2. Liberty Bell Museum

    Museum

    In the basement of Zion's Reformed Church, where the Liberty Bell was hidden from British troops during the American Revolution, this small museum displays a full-size replica bell and tells the dramatic story.

  3. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

    Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

    Entertainment · 3 mi from centre

    A long-running amusement park on the city's west side with major roller coasters, gentler family rides and a large water park included in admission, popular for full summer day trips.

  4. Lehigh Valley Zoo

    Lehigh Valley Zoo

    Zoo · 9 mi from centre

    Set within a large nature preserve in Schnecksville north of the city, the zoo features animals such as wolves, penguins, giraffes and bison in wooded settings, with a petting area for children.

  5. America on Wheels Museum

    America on Wheels Museum

    Museum

    A downtown museum devoted to over-the-road transportation, displaying vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles, including heavy vehicles built by the Lehigh Valley's own Mack Trucks, plus an old-fashioned ice cream shop.

  6. Trexler Park

    Park

    A peaceful city park with a spring-fed pond, a paved walking loop and rolling open lawns, well suited to jogging, picnics and birdwatching, and connected to the Allentown Rose Garden area nearby.

Where to stay in Allentown

Popular hotels in Allentown, out of 44 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Allentown

Best time to visit Allentown

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Allentown is May to June and August to September, when average daytime highs are around 72–83°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 24° – 38° 10
Feb 26° – 44° 9
Mar 33° – 53° 12
Apr 42° – 63° 12
May 51° – 72° 11
Jun 60° – 81° 11
Jul 67° – 87° 12
Aug 64° – 83° 10
Sep 58° – 76° 9
Oct 46° – 65° 7
Nov 37° – 53° 8
Dec 27° – 42° 11

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Allentown weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 62° 37° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 65° 43° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 58° 45° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 60° 41° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 63° 43° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 67° 47° 1%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Allentown

These are the airports closest to central Allentown. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • ABE Lehigh Valley International Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Allentown

Once in the city, Allentown is relatively easy to navigate and most of it is even walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42.

By bus

Extensive public bus service in Allentown and South Whitehall Township is provided by Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA).

By cab

Multiple cab and limousine companies operate throughout Allentown and Lehigh Valley.

By car

Most visitors to Lehigh Valley will want to either rent a car or drive their own.

Allentown travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Allentown?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Allentown is May to June and August to September, when average daytime highs are around 72–83°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

What is the weather like in Allentown?

July is usually the warmest month in Allentown, with average highs of 87°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 24°F (-5°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 124 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Allentown?

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Allentown.

What time zone is Allentown in?

Allentown uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Allentown?

Once in the city, Allentown is relatively easy to navigate and most of it is even walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union.

What are the best places to visit in Allentown?

Top sights in Allentown include Allentown Art Museum, Liberty Bell Museum, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom and Lehigh Valley Zoo. Downtown's main art museum displays European Old Master paintings, American art and textiles, plus a reconstructed library room designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, with changing exhibitions throughout the year.

Where should I stay in Allentown?

Popular areas for hotels in Allentown include Allentown Area. Well-reviewed options include Homewood Suites Hilton Allentown-West/Fogelsville and Staybridge Suites - Allentown Bethlehem Airport.

How many hotels can I book in Allentown?

Destina Holidays currently lists 44 properties in and around Allentown, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.