![\"Historic](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Historic-Bethlehem-Photo-Credit-Strong-Mountain-Media_54_990x660.jpg\"\/ "\\"Historic")
Historic Bethlehem is home to over 75,000 residents \u2013 Photo courtesy of Strong Mountain Media<\/p>\nHistoric Bethlehem is home to over 75,000 residents \u2013 Photo courtesy of Strong Mountain Media<\/p>\n
Only seven miles from Allentown, Pennsylvania \u2014 made famous by the one and only Billy Joel \u2014 the city of Bethlehem is getting recognition of its own by winning the 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Main Street<\/a>.<\/p>\n The beloved town, which is home to Leigh University and Moravian University, makes visitors feel as if they\u2019re taking a step back in time. With brick buildings varying in red, white, and brown that line the main street, there\u2019s something for everyone who visits this historic town.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve only had the pleasure of strolling Bethlehem\u2019s 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\u2019s chamber of congress for their recommendations. I also read up on the town\u2019s extensive history and community member\u2019s favorite spots to visit.<\/p>\n Why our readers love Bethlehem, PA<\/p>\n \u201cIn some places in Bethlehem you\u2019ll feel as though you\u2019re in the middle of nowhere, and in others you\u2019ll feel as though you are smack in the middle of a bustling town,\u201d Lehigh student Camryn Cohen wrote in her blog A College Kid Guide.<\/a><\/p>\n Bethlehem isn\u2019t a hard city to love. With a variety of family friendly activities and nightlife options, there are plenty of reasons why USA TODAY <\/a>readers voted for Bethlehem as the best main street.<\/p>\n Christmas City USA<\/p>\n 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 \u201cChristmas City USA\u201d in 1937 thanks to its 200-year old holiday traditions. During Christmastime, visitors are invited to explore the town\u2019s staple Christkindlmarket<\/a>, which has been recognized as one of the country\u2019s top Christmas markets. Bethlehem\u2019s main street is decorated in shining lights, offering a unique holiday experience.<\/p>\n Dates back 200-plus years<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Nearby universities<\/p>\n History aside, one of the biggest draws to Bethlehem is the two major universities nearby. Lehigh University is just one mile away from Bethlehem\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Moravian University is a private university that was opened back in 1742 by the Moravians Church <\/a>as a boys\u2019 and girls\u2019 school but later reopened in 1863 as a university. The school has around 2,800 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.<\/p>\n Where to shop in Bethlehem<\/p>\n 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\u2019s main street.<\/p>\n The Shoppe at Hotel Bethlehem<\/a><\/p>\n 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 d\u00e9cor. During Christmastime, the shop sells Christmas-themed d\u00e9cor and memorabilia.<\/p>\n The Outlets at Wind Creek<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Main Street Commons<\/a><\/p>\n Bethlehem\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Where to eat in Bethlehem<\/p>\n Bethlehem may be a small city, but the food options are big. Whether you\u2019re craving southern comfort food, pizza, or Vietnamese, there\u2019s a place for even the pickiest of eaters.<\/p>\n The Bayou<\/p>\n A local favorite, The Bayou serves classic New Orleans cooking. The restaurant is meant to make diners feel at home, as if they\u2019re going to dinner at their aunties\u2019. Top local tips: try the Flash-Fried B.E.P, Bayou Cornbread, and BBQ Shrimp and Grits.<\/p>\n Twisted Olive<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Apollo <\/a>Grill<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n What to do in Bethlehem<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for something to do outside of catching a game at Lehigh or exploring the Bethlehem Christmas markets, you\u2019re in luck. The town is jam packed with perfect weekend activities.<\/p>\n Revolutionary Pub walking tour<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Wander the Moravian District<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Explore the SteelStacks & Hoover Mason Trestle<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Where to stay in Bethlehem<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Historic Hotel Bethlehem<\/p>\n For a truly historic experience, check in to the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. The hotel was previously voted the No. 1 Historic Hotel<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The Sayre Mansion<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Wind Creek Bethlehem<\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019s innocent main street and nights gambling at Wind Creek\u2019s decadent casino. A night at the casino averages $229, but rewards members are eligible for discounts.<\/p>\n![\"Gemeinhaus](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Gemeinhaus-in-Winter_54_990x660.jpg\"\/ "\\"Gemeinhaus")
Gemeinhaus is a historical site built in the 1700s \u2013 Photo courtesy of Historic Bethlehem<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/112-113_54_990x660.jpg\"\/ "\\"The")
The city is nicknamed Christmas City USA \u2013 Photo courtesy of Historical Bethlehem<\/p>\n![\"Historic](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/smithy-Paul-S-Bartholomew-copy_54_990x660.jpg\"\/ "\\"Historic")
Historic Bethlehem is home to 20 historical sites \u2013 Photo courtesy of Paul S. Bartholomew<\/p>\n![\"Bethlehem's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01-_54_990x660.jpg\"\/ "\\"Bethlehem's")
Bethlehem’s main street is lined with small businesses and restaurants \u2013 Photo courtesy of Historical Bethlehem<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/347c29bc-cadf-4137-ba6c-03c01de69693_54_990x660.jpg\"\/ "\\"The")
The Bayou is known for its New Orleans-inspired comfort food \u2013 Photo courtesy of The Bayou<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Visitors](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/98-99-New_54_990x660.jpg\"\/ "\\"Visitors")
Visitors are invited to explore the city’s Moravian district \u2013 Photo courtesy of Historical Bethlehem<\/p>\n![\"Historic](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/00-Cover_54_990x660.jpg\"\/ "\\"Historic")
Historic Hotel Bethlehem is one of the top luxury hotels to stay at \u2013 Photo courtesy of Historic Hotel Bethlehem<\/p>\n