Lancaster Central Market — Attraction in Lancaster

We visited Lancaster from Pittsburgh for a night and this was the highlight of our trip. We loved it!!

Nice sized market, not big, but not too small. Maybe 8 or so long aisles. Here you'll find fresh meat and seafood, homemade breads, baked goods, home decor, food, drinks, spices, flowers, and more. We spent probably 3 hours here shopping and browsing.

There are a few tables and chairs to eat but not a huge amount. We had no problems finding a spot on a Friday morning. I don't recall seeing a bathroom but there may have been one.

Some of the highlights for us were: Armand, volunteering at the information booth. We got a magnet and a tote bag and he gave us a bunch of fun facts about the city and his own experiences since he grew up here and watched it change.

The African food stand. My partner had the beef curry over couscous and we got some pumpkin coconut soup to go. The curry and couscous were outstanding! This girl can cook.

Pickle stand! We had a great conversation about hot peppers and tried his hottest pickles to date. He has options ranging from not spicy to ranch to hot garlic to ghost pepper. Loved it! Great guy.

Spices/honey/soup mix stand! Such a sweet and helpful girl running it. Helped us pick out some soup mixes and other Christmas gifts. She even offered to hold our bag until we were finished browsing.

There were many more places we stopped at but there were the most memorable. If you get the chance, it's absolutely worth it to stop by and support local businesses!

The businesses are inside but there are many other businesses close by if you cannot find what you're...

The Lancaster Central Market is a family favorite for us. First of all, the location, including the building and the buildings around it, are beautiful with great walking spaces and room for kids to walk around and explore. The market itself is amazing. So many vendors (including Amish and Mennonite families) with different goods from fresh produce/preserves and herbs/spices to baked goods and fresh seafood shipped in daily from Iceland. You can also find prepped foods (subs, pasta, casseroles, salads, etc.) if your looking for a meal.

It is generally busy, but don’t let that deter you. Vendors are respectful and responsive, and many are willing to docs use their products (but be mi edil of their time if other customers are waiting to be served). The are some tables and chairs, but they are in high demand. We often make our purchases (which always include blueberry muffins, Amish pretzels, and homemade fudge), and the. Go out into the side streets to find a place to sit down and enjoy.

We have three children (11, 5, and 2). All of them enjoy the market; there are so many things for them to see. But as it’s crowded, keep your kids close or they can easily disappear into the crowd in search of the candy vendors. :)

Lastly, some vendors only accept cash, but there is an ATM in...

I enjoyed walking through the markets. Not all vendors were present on this Tuesday in March 2025 yet it was another joy being present to experience the history of these famed markets.

Returned on a summer Saturday and was pleased by the activity and choices. Once again- delighted to experience the historic significance of the Lancaster Markets.

A LEGACY OF FRESH FOOD & COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF LANCASTER For almost 300 years people have been coming together to meet at Market to enjoy the freshest local food, ready-made unique dishes, flavors from all over, and special finds you can only get at Lancaster Central Market. Our building is a historic structure with history and beauty around every corner located in the heart of downtown Lancaster. Whether you come to Market for your favorite coffee and local produce on a weekly basis or you’re a visitor to Lancaster for the first time – stopping by Market to experience the beauty of the building, the welcoming community of the standholders, and the memorable local fare – a visit to Lancaster Central Market will bring you joy and...