Visit Us FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Bethlehem

Quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about visiting Historic Bethlehem, from walking tours to directions to hours of operations.

What are your hours of operation?

Our Hours of Operation change throughout the year based on the season. For updated hours of operation for our sites, please click here. Guests should note that many sites are available for private tours by appointment outside of these hours. Please contact our Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center at 1.800.360.TOUR to learn more.

Do I need to purchase tickets ahead of time?

You may purchase tickets for most museums, sites, and walking tours either online, at the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center, or upon your arrival at the museum. Sites that require private tours will need to be booked in advance through the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center.

How can I learn more about Bethlehem before my visit?

Before your visit, here are a few helpful websites and resources to point you in the right direction:

How do I get to the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center?

From Philadelphia: Take the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (Route 476) to the Allentown exit and get onto Route 22 East.  Take the Bethlehem, Route 378 South exit. Take the Center City exit and turn left onto Third Avenue. At the light, turn left onto Broad Street. Once across the bridge, take a right onto Main Street. The Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center is about halfway down Main Street on the right, opposite Market Street.

From the Poconos: Take Route 33 South to Route 22 West. Take the Bethlehem, Route 378 South exit. Take the Center City exit and turn left onto Third Avenue. At the light, turn left onto Broad Street. Once across the bridge, take a right onto Main Street. The Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center is about halfway down Main Street on the right, opposite Market Street.

From NYC: Take I-78 West to Exit 67, Hellertown/Bethlehem. Turn right onto Main Street/Route 412 North. Continue following Route 412 North for 2 miles. Turn right onto the Minsi Trail Bridge/Stefko Blvd. Turn left at the first light onto Market Street. The Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center is on Main Street directly across from the end of Market Street.

From Harrisburg: Take I-81 North to Exit 89, I-78 East toward Allentown. Drive 50 miles and take the Route 22 East exit. Take the Route 378 South/Bethlehem exit. Take the Center City exit and turn left onto Third Avenue. At the light, turn left onto Broad Street. Once across the bridge, take a right onto Main Street. The Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center is about halfway down Main Street on the right, opposite Market Street.

Maps and directions to our other sites can be found on our website and at the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center.

Can I visit/tour on my own?

Visitors can walk through Historic Downtown Bethlehem, the Hoover-Mason Trestle at SteelStacks, the grounds of Burnside Plantation, and the Colonial Industrial Quarter without a tour guide. We give tours on weekends. We’re also happy to arrange a custom tour on any day of the week. Self-guided visitors will benefit from resources such as The Historic Bethlehem Guidebook, available for purchase online or at the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center at 505 Main Street.

Are walking tours all-weather?

Many of our tours are rain or shine, though not under thunderstorms or other dangerous conditions. Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is happy to reschedule tours that are cancelled due to storms. Winter weather decisions are made on a case by case basis for tours and carriage rides.

Do you offer discounts for groups?

Yes, we do! Please review our group tour options and call our Custom Tour Manager at 610-882-0450 x 13 to get started.

Is photography permitted?

Photography is allowed at our museums and sites, however, videography is strictly prohibited on guided tours. Our historic sites also make fabulous settings and backdrops for professional photography sessions. These sessions require a release of liability and a $50 fee for the use of the space. Please ask to fill out and submit a Professional Photography Session Form.

Is parking available at the different museums & sites, and where else can I park?

While most of our sites are located on city streets, street parking spaces are limited. There are parking garages and metered parking located throughout Bethlehem on both the North and South sides. For more information, please visit the Bethlehem Parking Authority website.

Are your museums & sites wheelchair accessible?

Historic buildings pose unique challenges for accessibility. Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites welcomes all guests and strives to make as many of our sites accessible to everyone as possible. Many of our sites including the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, the grounds of the Colonial Industrial Quarter, the Hoover-Mason Trestle, the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center, and the Luckenbach Grist Mill are fully wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions about accessibility, please do not hesitate to contact the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center at 1.800.360.TOUR.

Are pets welcome at your sites?

We welcome service animals to all museums and sites. However, we do not allow pets inside our historic buildings or museums. Friendly pets on leash are welcome on the grounds of Burnside Plantation and the Colonial Industrial Quarter. Please help us keep our spaces beautiful by cleaning up after your pet and disposing in the appropriate receptacles.

Where should I eat?

Click here for a great selection of restaurants in Downtown Bethlehem.