How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Moravian District
Historic district with charming shops and restaurants. Avoid peak hours for a more authentic experience.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices
- Local Shops: Support local businesses instead of tourist-oriented stores
- Explore Side Streets: Don't just stick to the main streets, explore side streets for hidden gems
2. America On Wheels Museum
Touristy transportation museum with high entrance fees. Visit during free admission days.
- Free Admission Days: Check for free admission days to save money
- Local Transportation Exhibits: Explore local transportation history rather than commercial displays
- Outdoor Displays: Enjoy the outdoor exhibits that are often free to view
3. Coca-Cola Park
Baseball stadium with overpriced food and merchandise. Bring your own snacks or eat beforehand.
- Bring Your Own Snacks: Pack your own food to save money on expensive concessions
- Eat Beforehand: Have a meal before arriving at the stadium to avoid high prices
- Explore Surrounding Area: Take time to explore the area around the stadium, which may offer cheaper dining options
4. Downtown Allentown Farmers Market
Popular farmers market with inflated prices. Visit off-season for lower costs.
- Off-Season Visits: Visit during the off-season when produce is more affordable
- Ask Local Farmers: Ask local farmers for their best deals and prices
- Shop Around: Shop around for the best prices before making a purchase
5. Baum School of Art
Art school with overpriced workshops and classes. Look for community art events instead.
- Community Art Events: Attend community art events that are often free or low-cost
- Art Gallery Visits: Visit art galleries for free or low-cost exhibitions
- Local Artist Interaction: Engage with local artists in their studios or at community events
6. Allentown Art Museum
Art museum with expensive admission fees. Look for free admission days.
- Free Admission Days: Check for free admission days to save money
- Temporary Exhibits: Focus on temporary exhibits that may have reduced admission fees
- Outdoor Sculpture Garden: Enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden, which is often free to view
7. Allentown Brew Works
Brewery with touristy atmosphere and overpriced beer. Visit during happy hour or off-peak hours.
- Happy Hour: Visit during happy hour for discounted drinks
- Off-Peak Visits: Avoid peak hours to save money and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere
- Local Brews: Try local brews instead of popular commercial beers
8. J.B. Reitz House Museum
Historic house museum with high entrance fees and touristy tours. Visit during free admission days.
- Free Admission Days: Check for free admission days to save money
- Self-Guided Tours: Opt for self-guided tours if available to reduce costs
- Local History: Learn about local history instead of generic tourist information
9. Lehigh Valley Zoo
Zoo with overpriced food and tickets. Pack your own snacks or eat beforehand.
- Bring Your Own Snacks: Pack your own food to save money on expensive concessions
- Eat Beforehand: Have a meal before arriving at the zoo to avoid high prices
- Explore Surrounding Area: Take time to explore the area around the zoo, which may offer cheaper dining options
10. Martin Tower
Tall building with a touristy observation deck and overpriced tickets. Visit during free admission days or find alternative views.
- Free Admission Days: Check for free admission days to save money
- Alternative Viewpoints: Find alternative viewpoints around the city for panoramic vistas
- Local Landmarks: Learn about local landmarks instead of focusing solely on the tower
11. PPL Center
Concert venue with overpriced food and drinks. Bring your own snacks or eat beforehand.
- Bring Your Own Snacks: Pack your own food to save money on expensive concessions
- Eat Beforehand: Have a meal before arriving at the venue to avoid high prices
- Local Concerts: Attend local concerts for a more authentic experience
12. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Park with overpriced food and amenities. Pack your own gear or explore nearby parks.
- Pack Your Own Gear: Bring your own equipment for fishing, picnicking, etc.
- Explore Nearby Parks: Discover nearby parks that may offer cheaper or free amenities
- Local Nature Reserves: Visit local nature reserves for a more immersive outdoor experience
13. Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Concert and event venue with overpriced food and drinks. Bring your own snacks or eat beforehand.
- Bring Your Own Snacks: Pack your own food to save money on expensive concessions
- Eat Beforehand: Have a meal before arriving at the venue to avoid high prices
- Local Events: Attend local events for a more authentic experience
14. Da Vinci Science Center
Science center with high entrance fees and overpriced tickets. Look for discounts or member days.
- Discounts: Look for student, senior, or group discounts
- Member Days: Check for member days when admission is free or discounted
- Self-Guided Exploration: Explore at your own pace to make the most of your visit
15. Liberty Bell Museum
Museum dedicated to the Liberty Bell with high entrance fees. Visit during free admission days.
- Free Admission Days: Check for free admission days to save money
- Local History: Learn about local history instead of focusing solely on the Liberty Bell
- Alternative Viewpoints: Find alternative viewpoints to see the Liberty Bell without paying admission fees