Hidden Gems in Bethlehem
Huge events like Musikfest draw large crowds into Bethlehem, PA, but there’s more to this city than a music festival.
If you’re traveling to Lehigh Valley, PA for an event or simply visiting friends and family, make the most of your trip by exploring more of what the area has to offer. Discover these hidden gems in Bethlehem that even some of the locals haven’t found.
Cool Activities
The Steel Beam
4210 Fritch Drive, Bethlehem
The Steel Beam provides a gallery-like shopping experience while showcasing authentic, beautifully designed industrial artifacts. Browse the showroom before your scheduled workshop experience, where you can get creative and learn how to make clothing, custom jewelry, soaps and candles, and more!
Captured Lehigh Valley Escape Room
559 Main St #08, Bethlehem
Conquering an escape room is an exciting challenge that the whole family will enjoy. Dare to enter the Haunted Theatre, decode messages in the Mayan Temple, or venture through a deserted island to solve its mysteries. Your group will feel proud to have escaped these rooms and more at Captured Lehigh Valley Escape Room in Bethlehem.
The Pennsylvania Playhouse
390 Illick's Mill Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Attend a fantastic show put on at the historic Pennsylvania Playhouse. Their season is packed with plays and musicals that audiences love. These productions are bursting with local talent, and will bring you to your feet once the curtain closes.
Banana Factory Arts Center
25 W 3rd St #300, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Make your own souvenir to remember your trip to Bethlehem at the Ceramic Studio at Banana Factory Arts Center. Create handcrafted mugs during their date night workshop, bring a group to throw clay on a pottery wheel, or design and fire your own hot glass creation. Expert instructors guide you through these creative experiences that may just become your next hobby.
National Museum of Industrial History
602 E. Second St., Bethlehem, PA 18015
Jump back in time and see what it was like to work in the manufacturing industry! At the National Museum of Industrial History, guests can take a guided or self-guided mobile tour located inside the old electrical repair shop in the Bethlehem Steel Plant. You'll be able to take a look at factory artifacts dating back to the 1870s and learn more about how textiles, iron, steel and propane were made!
Godfrey Dainels Music Listening Room
7 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem, 18015
Lovers of folk music should head to Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem to experience a night filled with awesome live entertainment. The venue is BYOB, and you get a wooden nickel for 50 cents off at their snackbar. Go help celebrate their 50th year in business throughout 2026!
Eats and Treats
Lit Coffee Roastery and Bakeshop
26 E 3rd St, Bethlehem
Whether you’re meeting up with a friend or need a calm place to work, Lit Coffee Roastery and Bakeshop is a great spot, popular among Lehigh University students. With cozy seating, local art displays, and unique coffees and pastries (including gluten-free and vegan options), you can work diligently or connect with loved ones.
Art Cafe
5332, 3610 PA-378, Bethlehem
Want a delicious breakfast or lunch at a great price? Look no further than Art Cafe. This restaurant is owned by Lehigh Valley locals who prove that food is not only an expression of love, but a creative art form.
Travel Tip: After your meal, drive 4 minutes down the road and spend some time at Promenade Saucon Valley for entertainment, shopping, and more!
Fiamma Italian Grill
2118 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem
Stop by Fiamma Italian Grill for authentic Italian cuisine and crafted cocktails. The menu is packed with flavor and dishes that are perfect for dine in or to-go.
Vegan Treats
1444 Linden St, Bethlehem
Compassion has never tasted more delicious than at Vegan Treats. These cruelty-free desserts will satisfy your sweet tooth and have you coming back for more. Your taste buds won’t believe that their decadent cakes, fresh pastries, and even soft serve ice cream are vegan and just as scrumptious.
Five Maidens Cider Company
327 Polk St., Bethlehem
Enjoy a flight of specialty-crafted ciders at Five Maidens. Try an array of fun flavors all made from locally sourced apples and ingredients. This spacious venue often hosts live music and keeps plenty of games around for the whole family to play.
McCarthy's Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar
534 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Pay a visit to McCarthy's Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar for an authentic Irish dining experience! Located conveniently in Downtown Bethlehem, it's the perfect spot to sip on a Smithwick's while enjoying some Guinness fondue, potato leek soup, or a classic cottage pie. Whiskey lovers can sample and learn more about each pour at one of McCarthy's whiskey-tasting experiences!
Get Outdoors
Bethlehem SkatePlaza
1325 Steel Ave, Bethlehem
Looking for thrills or new skills? Bring your skateboard, bike, or rollerblades to shred at the state of the art Bethlehem SkatePlaza. Used to host lessons and even extreme sport competitions, this innovative skate park provides an unforgettable rush for riders and spectators.
Lehigh University Lookout
Intersection of Lower Sayre Park Rd. & Mountain Dr. N, Bethlehem
Take in the views at Lehigh Lookout, located just minutes away from Lehigh University’s Campus. Stop by at sunset for the perfect photo opportunity, or appreciate the beauty of the city lights at night.
Hoover-Mason Train Trestle
SteelStacks, 711 First Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
While you're taking in all that Bethlehem has to offer, make sure to stop by the Steelstacks and check out the Hoover-Mason Train Trestle! This piece of history was once a vital part of the railroad system that transported limestone and iron ore to the Bethlehem Steel Plant. Now, you can take a walk along the 2,000-foot-long pathway in front of the blast furnaces to get a close-up of the machinery while getting your steps in.
There is truly something for everyone in this lovely, historic city. Bring your friends and family to visit Bethlehem, PA to experience these hidden gems and more!
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