Historic Bethlehem is home to over 75,000 residents – Photo courtesy of Strong Mountain Media
Only seven miles from Allentown, Pennsylvania — made famous by the one and only Billy Joel — the city of Bethlehem is getting recognition of its own by winning the 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Main Street.
The beloved town, which is home to Leigh University and Moravian University, makes visitors feel as if they’re taking a step back in time. With brick buildings varying in red, white, and brown that line the main street, there’s something for everyone who visits this historic town.
I’ve only had the pleasure of strolling Bethlehem’s streets once when touring Lehigh, and to this day I remember the quaint coffee shop my parents and I stopped at and the prideful community who welcomed us. To find out more about what makes this Main Street so special, I asked members from the town’s chamber of congress for their recommendations. I also read up on the town’s extensive history and community member’s favorite spots to visit.
Gemeinhaus is a historical site built in the 1700s – Photo courtesy of Historic Bethlehem
Why our readers love Bethlehem, PA
“In some places in Bethlehem you’ll feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere, and in others you’ll feel as though you are smack in the middle of a bustling town,” Lehigh student Camryn Cohen wrote in her blog A College Kid Guide.
Bethlehem isn’t a hard city to love. With a variety of family friendly activities and nightlife options, there are plenty of reasons why USA TODAY readers voted for Bethlehem as the best main street.
The city is nicknamed Christmas City USA – Photo courtesy of Historical Bethlehem
Christmas City USA
Visitors from all over make the pilgrimage to Bethlehem during the holiday season to marvel at the German-inspired Christmas markets. The town was dubbed “Christmas City USA” in 1937 thanks to its 200-year old holiday traditions. During Christmastime, visitors are invited to explore the town’s staple Christkindlmarket, which has been recognized as one of the country’s top Christmas markets. Bethlehem’s main street is decorated in shining lights, offering a unique holiday experience.
Dates back 200-plus years
Walking the streets of Bethlehem, wanderers can feel the history in the streets. The town, which is home to over 75,000 people, was founded on December 24, 1741. Prominent residents and visitors included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, the Marquis de Lafayette, Winston Churchill, and Amelia Earhart. The city is home to 20 historical sites including homes from the 1700s where blacksmiths worked, colonial industrial quarters, and 18th-century churches.
Historic Bethlehem is home to 20 historical sites – Photo courtesy of Paul S. Bartholomew
Nearby universities
History aside, one of the biggest draws to Bethlehem is the two major universities nearby. Lehigh University is just one mile away from Bethlehem’s main street and attracts over 7,000 students. Lehigh is renowned for its engineering and business schools and has previously been ranked as the #46 in National Universities.
Moravian University is a private university that was opened back in 1742 by the Moravians Church as a boys’ and girls’ school but later reopened in 1863 as a university. The school has around 2,800 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Bethlehem’s main street is lined with small businesses and restaurants – Photo courtesy of Historical Bethlehem
Where to shop in Bethlehem
One essential component of every main street is the shops you pass along the way, and Bethlehem is full of both small businesses and massive shopping commons. Below are just a few of the top- ranked shops near Bethlehem’s main street.
The Shoppe at Hotel Bethlehem
For a uniquely Bethlehem souvenir, you must stop by The Shoppe at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. The hotel gift shop sells a variety of gifts including history books, travel mugs, candles, and home décor. During Christmastime, the shop sells Christmas-themed décor and memorabilia.
The Outlets at Wind Creek
For more upscale shopping, head to The Outlets at Wind Creek. Shoppers can treat themselves to a new Michael Kors or Coach bag. The outlet, which is in the Wind Creek Hotel, is surrounded by a large casino for customers with money to spare to entertain themselves at.
Main Street Commons
Bethlehem’s Main Street Commons underwent a huge historic rehabilitation in the 1990s and has since been the hub for shopping in the town. Shoppers can find a variety of stores, restaurants, and coffee shops while strolling through Main Street Commons.
The Bayou is known for its New Orleans-inspired comfort food – Photo courtesy of The Bayou
Where to eat in Bethlehem
Bethlehem may be a small city, but the food options are big. Whether you’re craving southern comfort food, pizza, or Vietnamese, there’s a place for even the pickiest of eaters.
The Bayou
A local favorite, The Bayou serves classic New Orleans cooking. The restaurant is meant to make diners feel at home, as if they’re going to dinner at their aunties’. Top local tips: try the Flash-Fried B.E.P, Bayou Cornbread, and BBQ Shrimp and Grits.
Twisted Olive
Those seeking a classic Italian dinner should stop by the Twisted Olive. The restaurant serves a wide range of pasta dishes, appetizers, and salads. Customers can also choose from four specialty pizzas and soups.
Apollo Grill
After opening in 1999, Apollo Grill has consistently ranked as one of the top restaurants in Bethlehem. The restaurant describes its atmosphere as casual yet upscale, serving a variety of cuisine ranging from steak to udon noodles.
Visitors are invited to explore the city’s Moravian district – Photo courtesy of Historical Bethlehem
What to do in Bethlehem
If you’re looking for something to do outside of catching a game at Lehigh or exploring the Bethlehem Christmas markets, you’re in luck. The town is jam packed with perfect weekend activities.
Revolutionary Pub walking tour
Anyone looking to learn about the pubs where Washington and Franklin most likely discussed top secret revolutionary ideas should sign up for the Revolutionary Pub walking tour. The 21-plus adult-only tour costs $30 per person and runs from June to August at 3 pm every Saturday.
Wander the Moravian District
Explore the Moravian Church Settlements, which were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024. The 18th-century communal, religious, and industrial structures have been a staple of the community since the founding of the city in 1741.
Explore the SteelStacks & Hoover Mason Trestle
Although Bethlehem is nearly 300 miles outside of Pittsburgh, the town has strong roots in the steel industry. The SteelStacks & Hoover Mason Trestle is one of the last remnants of Bethlehem Steel. The site first opened in 1907 to act as a bridge for cars to deliver the materials to make iron. Today, the trestle is an elevated park and pedestrian walkway open for the public to explore.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem is one of the top luxury hotels to stay at – Photo courtesy of Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Where to stay in Bethlehem
Bethlehem offers several hotels for visitors of all budgets. While prices vary every time of the year, note that anywhere you stay during Christmastime and graduation season is likely to cost more than other seasons.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
For a truly historic experience, check in to the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. The hotel was previously voted the No. 1 Historic Hotel in the 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. The hotel is across the road from the Moravian Church Settlements and is also near the Steel Magnolia Spa and Salon. Each week the hotel hosts a Thursday Night Jazz along with other themed dinners and seasonal events. The hotel currently averages around $250 per night.
Those seeking a homier bed and breakfast near Lehigh University should book a stay at The Sayre Mansion. The three-star hotel offers free breakfast and king bed suites in a historic building. A night at the mansion averages $146.
Wind Creek Bethlehem
Calling all partiers and gamblers! Wind Creek Casino has everything for a weekend getaway: a spa, nightlife, and a variety of dining options. Spend your day exploring Bethlehem’s innocent main street and nights gambling at Wind Creek’s decadent casino. A night at the casino averages $229, but rewards members are eligible for discounts.