Food Tours in Lancaster, PA

If you love discovering new cities through flavor, you'll love booking a food tour in Downtown Lancaster. Whether you’re a local looking for something fun to do this weekend or a visitor who wants to eat like a local, Lancaster’s walking food tours offer a tasty bite-sized view of the city’s rich culture, community, and cuisine.

Why Lancaster is a Hidden Foodie Gem

Lancaster has quietly become a culinary destination in recent years, with some of the finest restaurants in PA, a mix of global flavors tucked into every block. A Lancaster County Food Tour offers the best of both worlds! Amazing quality foods, and a chance to learn more about Lancaster.

Most of these tours will take you into one or more of the Country's oldest farmers' markets. These are now home to small business owners and local chefs. These walking tours last between 2 to 3 hours. You’ll stop at multiple restaurants or shops, meet chefs and owners, hear stories about the city’s history, and—of course—sample generous tastings along the way.

On the International Food Tour offered year round you’ll receive full size portions! Great value for your money!

1. International Food Tour (Personal Favorite)

Booking link: Book the International Food Tour
When: Most Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
What makes it special: This is the only tour in Lancaster focused entirely on International cuisine. Come hungry because there is a lot of food on this tour. Free for kids under 6 years old. Drinks included.

The only gluten-friendly food tour. Will also accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and halal. You’ll walk through downtown and eat PLENTY of food with flavors from 6 cultures, including Italian, Latin, Middle Eastern, European, and more. Plus, you’ll learn about Lancaster along the way. Private groups of 8-70+ available HERE.

2. Breakfast and History Tour

Booking link: Book the Breakfast and History Tour
When: every week on Tuesday, Fridays & Saturdays, and occasional Sundays 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What makes it special: This is the history tour that even people who don’t like history will love. It includes tea or coffee, Great food from a local Amish food stand, and much more. You’ll enjoy learning about Lancaster’s fascinating past. Includes stories of Prohibition, Lancaster’s settlement, and 18th-century architecture. Historic walking tour with breakfast available in Lancaster, PA year round!

3. Red Rose Walking Food Tour

Booking link: Book the Red Rose Food Tour
When: Most Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What makes it special: Small plates and local tastes highlight the city's iconic small businesses. From Amish pretzels to farm-to-table bites, it’s a mix of nostalgia and flavor. A great intro for first-time visitors. Does not accommodate gluten or plant-based diets.

Hello, World!

4. Sweet and Savory Tour

Booking link: Book the Sweet & Savory Tour
When: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:45am -1:45pm
What makes it special: This tour is a great balance of samples and local treats. It's a whole lot of sweets, so have your taste buds ready. Great for couples, families, or anyone with a curious palate. Does not accommodate gluten-friendly, vegan, or vegetarian. Includes Central Market.

5. Taste the World: Passport Experience

When: Quarterly
What makes it special: Taste the World is an event held quarterly that lets you visit local shops for samples on a self-guided adventure. Typically hosts 150+ guests within a. 3-hour period. Each experience is themed. Guests receive a tasting passport with participating locations marked, and can explore at their own pace. Perfect for groups and those visiting Lancaster City.

Image Provided by the Marriott. Stay in the center of the City and walk everywhere

Parking

Parking in Lancaster is very simple.

• Street Parking is about $5 for 2 hours, paid by kiosk or ParkMobile app. Also, it's free on Sundays and after 6:00 pm

• Make it simple and park in the Central Market lot, which is in the center of the city. You can access it on Prince Street or King Street.

• Get to the culinary exploration faster and park in the garage. They are all pretty much the same. Choose either Prince Street Garage or Steinman Garage. Both are a short walk to the Lancaster City Welcome Center.

All tours are hosted every week by friendly, knowledgeable locals who love Lancaster and its culinary scene. Many guides are chefs, entrepreneurs, or artists themselves, adding even more insight to your tasting journey.

9. How to Book

Find the walking tour above and click the link to select your date and time. These are small group tours, so make a reservation in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Some links are booked via Tripadvisor. You can book now and get a full refund if your plans change.

Private tours and activities available for groups over 8 people. Up to 100+ with discounts for groups.

10. Private Tours

Planning a bachelorette party, reunion, or corporate event? Private food tours are available for groups of 8 or more and can be customized with themes or special requests. Such as beers at the bar or birthday cakes, whatever you want.

Best Time of Year for a Food Tour

Only the International Food Tours run year-round, but spring and fall offer the best weather. October in particular is my personal favorite. In the winter, we bundle up and explore the city's beauty.

What to Wear

Comfortable shoes are a must, as most tours cover about a mile or so of walking. Weather-appropriate clothing and a small bag for water or leftovers are smart, too.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Tour(Your Money)

Ask questions, take photos, talk to your guide, and chat with fellow guests. Food tours are social, and you’ll get even more out of it when you’re open to the experience. Still not sure which tour to book? Contact us, and we will be happy to help.

Is Tipping Required?

Tips are not included in the tour price, but are always appreciated. A standard tip is 15–20% if you enjoyed your culinary exploration. A good tour guide should make recommendations for other things to do in Lancaster City on your visit. Including bars, live music, and more.

What Else?

If you are ready to walk, eat, and learn, you need to book one of these Lancaster tours. This town is a lot of fun. If you are visiting, plan to book a hotel or a neighborhood VRBO and stay for the night or the whole weekend! Bring your friends or family and eat some grub. We hope to see you out there enjoying the beauty of Lancaster.