Things to see and do around Harrisburg

There is more than meets the eye in Pennsylvania’s capital city. From morning jogs along the scenic Susquehanna River to bar-hopping on Restaurant Row by night -- plus a growing arts scene and historical treasures in-between —you’re sure to find a deluge of options during your stay with us.

Please take some time to peruse some of the links and sample itineraries we have prepared for you on this site. We’re happy to answer any questions or make personal recommendations for you, as well.

Innkeeper’s Picks:

Sunday Brunch: Mangia Qui

Casual Restaurant with Bar: FireHouse Restaurant

Casual Restaurant BYOB: Chicago Uptown Grill

Best Burritos: Neato Burrito

Best Tapas and Sangria:  Suba (above Mangia Qui)

Best Risotto:  Bricco

Fast links

SaraBozich.com - The Patriot’s “Out with Sara” columnist breaks down highlights for each weekend in her Thursday “Weekend Roundup.”

MidtownEats.com - Your guide to Midtown Harrisburg restaurants, with reviews for your easy choosing!

HarrisburgHello.com - The Harrisburg Visitors’ Information Center - your guide to dining, playing and businesses in downtown Harrisburg and beyond.

Friends of Midtown - Local group dedicated to enhancing Midtown living.

Breakfast/Coffeehouses

Alvaro Bread and Pastry Shoppe
Fresh Italian pastries, pizzas, gelato and more. A neighborhood gem.

Breads 'n Spreads
Coffee shop and luncheonette. Sample fresh pastries, soups, sandwiches and more.

Cafe di Luna
Serious love for the coffee bean at this eclectic shop. 

Cafe Fresco
Taking the coffeehouse vibe to a new level. Open for breakfast and lunch; by dinner, they become a full-service Asian-fusion restaurant.

Caffeine Connection
A great morning coffee stop right across from the state Capitol. 

Famous Reading Cafe
A nook of the Midtown Scholar bookstore, in the heart of Midtown, boasts fair trade teas and coffees made by skilled baristas.

Little Amps Coffee Roasters

A artistic cafe in the heart of Olde Uptown where you can enjoy free wi-fi while sipping your French pressed coffee. Baked goods & sandwiches available as well.

Roxy’s Cafe
The locals’ spot for a fast, inexpensive breakfast. 

Casual Dining

Carley's Ristorante
Cheerful Italian treats -- and piano bar -- from the makers of Stock’s on Second, one of Second Street’s longest-running venues.

The FireHouse Restaurant
Another long-running Harrisburg staple, The FireHouse delights with great cocktails and creative American cuisine.

Flow Buffet Cafe
A Midtown newbie serving lunch and dinner buffet style - but fresh.

Garrason's Tavern
The neighborhood gathering place - You’ll likely make a new friend here. Known best for its bar, but has great food, too. Order a Moscow Mule for an apertif with a kick. 

Jackson House
Arguably the best burgers and hoagies in town. A local favorite. Open for lunch only - get there early.

McGrath's Pub
Classic Irish fare in a cozy, inviting environment. Always new and interesting microbrews on tap. Smoke-free downstairs; smoking permitted upstairs. 

Molly Brannigans
DJ Mad Hatter transforms this Irish pub into a dance club on the weekends. Classic Irish fare and drinks.

Morgans Place
Casual riverfront restaurant and bar with live music on the weekends. Nice-sized deck in warm weather.

Neato Burrito
California-style burritos made fresh.

Sammy's Italian Restaurant
BYOB Italian dining across from the state Capitol building.

The Soup Spot
Serving fresh, hot and interesting soups all week. 

Stocks on 2nd
A grandfather of downtown restaurants. Serving American Eclectic cuisine daily. Check out their Loung and bar menus for less expensive treats.

Subway Cafe
More than 60 years of sauce-on-top pizza, lasagna, spaghetti and more. Their house-made peanut butter pie and eclairs are to die for. 

Zia's at Red Door
Modern Italian dishes in a wine bar setting. Try their Thursday Wine Tasting Happy Hours.

Fine Dining

Bricco
Fine dining focused on using Pennsylvania products. A star in downtown dining.

Hilton Harrisburg Restaurants
World-renown and highly acclaimed, the Hilton Harrisburg offers fine dining at its Golden Sheaf restaurant, and more casual fare - including an impressive Sunday brunch - at Raspberries. In the summer, dine outside at The Patio.

Mangia Qui
Old-world cooking of Sicily, Piedmont, Trentino and Campania, using locally produced ingredients. Best Sunday brunch in town.

Ethnic Cuisine

Arepa City
Venezuelan street food.

Dunes Harrisburg
Moroccan cuisine

El Sol Mexican Restaurant
Fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine— with a margarita menu to match.

Miyako on Second
Sushi and hibatchi.

New 2nd Wok
Chinese food.

Passage to India
Indian food. Lunch buffet, full menu and private dining rooms.

Taj Palace
Indian lunch buffet, full dinner menu.

Pubs/Taverns/Clubs

Appalachian Brewing Co.
One of two local breweries, ABC is known for its second-floor live music stage, the Abbey Bar, hosting local, regional and national acts throughout the week and weekend.

Bourbon Street Saloon
Cheap drafts and good times, Bourbon Street is a major hot spot on weekend nights.

Brick Haus
Good beers and good times in downtown Harrisburg.;

Ceoltas Irish Pub
Live music every weekend, trivia during the week. Book events or see small groups upstairs in the Rafferty Room. A hot spot on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Dragon Fly Night Club
Live music, DJs, dancing and more.

Harrisburg Hardware Bar
Always a great time - live cover bands play party music on the weekends. 

Level 2 - Nightlife Redefined
The area’s high end nightclub sits atop Cafe Fresco for a view of Second Street. Offer bottle service, nationally known DJs, tapas and more. 

The Midtown Tavern
Neighborhood go-to for wings, beer and games. Occasional live music on the weekends. 

Pints Bar & Grill
This cozy, off-the-beaten-path pub is home to all things Pittsburgh sports, plus musical entertainment some nights. 

Privado
Swanky nightclub featuring good beats and bottle service. 

Sam Bucca’s
Catch the game or play a game at Sam Bucca’s. Cheap beer and pizza to boot. 

Sawyer's Cantina
Come warm weather, this is the go-to for downtown revelers. The largest outdoor pub area, including California fireplaces and two outdoor bars. 

Shady McGrady's
A beer snob’s heaven. Countless varieties of microbrews available on draft or by the bottle. Two locations - Midtown (smoking) and the new downtown location (smoke free).

Tröegs Brewing Company
Two brothers who loved beer decided to brew their own. One of the most renown breweries in region. Stop in for tours on Saturday or just visit the tasting room during the week. 

Outdoor Activities

City Island
Perfect for date or a family night out - enjoy mini-golf, batting cages, plus the home of Harrisburg Senators Baseball and Harrisburg City Islanders Soccer. 

Fort Hunter
History and nature come together here. Check their events page for festivals and nature walks and more.

Harrisburg Bike Taxi
Save your legs and take the Harrisburg Bike Taxi from the Inn to downtown and back.

Pride of the Susquehanna
Tour the scenic Susquehanna by boat with a cruise up the river and enjoy the area’s natural scenic view. Dinner and theme cruises available. 

Museums/Historical Places

Fort Hunter
History and nature come together here. Check their events page for festivals and nature walks and more.

John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion

The home of city founder, John Harris Jr. and later of Simon Cameron, Lincoln's secretary of war, who turned it into an elegant High Victorian Mansion.

National Civil War Museum
A museum dedicated to the entire story of the American Civil War from both the sides of the Union and the Confederacy. 

The Capitol Building
Harrisburg is Pennsylvania’s state capital, and its capitol building is a national historic landmark. Called by Theodore Roosevelt, the “handsomest building” he ever saw. Tour available daily. 

The State Museum
Pennsylvania’s State Museum is home to a variety of exhibits, a planetarium and a hands-on activity center, Curious Connection.

Pennsylvania National Firehouse Museum
Captures the history of Pennsylvania firefighters through artifacts, photographs and more. 

Art/Culture

Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
Mantis/Moviate

Susquehanna Art Museum
Hosts four exhibits seasonally by globally acclaimed artists as well as smaller exhibits by both emerging and established local and national artists in its Doshi Gallery. 

3rd in the Burg
Held each third Friday of the month, local artists, artisans, musicians and vendors in Midtown and downtown Harrisburg host this event featuring new exhibits, food, music and a variety of other events.

ArtHouse Lounge
Located in the middle of busy Restaurant Row and hosts a range of unique exhibits. Open later during weekends. 

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The city’s highly acclaimed symphony performs at The Forum during its season. Features classic and pops series. 

Midtown Cinema
The city’s only independent movie house, showing films on three screens. Also boasts a cafe, wi-fi and meeting space. 

SPRAMA.design
Interior design shop with a juried art gallery featuring all media. 

Shopping
Strawberry Square
A variety of small shops, including the Dress Barn, Rae’s Tobacco and a large Hallmark store, plus a food court. 

Broad Street Market
Farmers’ market in the heart of Midtown Harrisburg. Two buildings are home to a variety of farmers, vendors and food purveyors. 

Midtown Scholar
One of the largest used bookstore of its kind in the country. Includes a cafe, gallery and regular events featuring musicians, local artists, political debates, author discussions and book signing events.

The HodgePodgery
Recycled and repurposed wares from local craftsman and artisans. Features classes like knitting, sewing and jewelry making.

Day Trips

Hershey
The home of chocolate magnate, Milton S. Hershey, Hershey is filled with activities for children and adults of all ages, from Hersheypark to the Chocolate Spa, fine dining, family friendly activities and so much more. Located just 12 miles east of Harrisburg. 

York
Known as the factory tour capital of the world, York offers a wealth of history and fun. Tour the Harvey-Davidson plant or the Snyder’s of Hanover potato chip and pretzel factory. In the fall, wine lovers will enjoy their UnCork York wine trail. Located just 25 miles south of Harrisburg. 

Lancaster
Hop on Amtrak for a scenic ride to Lancaster. Explore Amish heritage or explore the area’s covered bridges. Also known for its fine dining and great art scene. Located less than 40 miles southeast of Harrisburg. 

Gettysburg
The site of the turning point battle of the American Civil War, Gettysburg is home to rich history, ghost tours, incredible views, shopping and dining. Celebrating the Battle of Gettysburg’s sesquicentennial in 2013. Located less than 40 miles southwest of Harrisburg.