Allentown
Allentown is a Pennsylvania city about 48 miles north of Philadelphia, known for Pennsylvania Dutch food, a walkable Center City and large parks.
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Allentown is a city in eastern Pennsylvania and the county seat of Lehigh County. It is the largest city in the Lehigh Valley, about 48 miles north of Philadelphia. William Allen founded it in 1762 on the Lehigh River. The Lehigh Canal, completed in 1829, carried anthracite coal from the region, and the city later grew into a center of heavy industry, silk making and brewing. Most of its city, county and federal government buildings sit in Center City.
Visitors come for Pennsylvania Dutch food such as scrapple, chow-chow and shoofly pie, for the historic homes of The Wards, and for Miller Symphony Hall and the Allentown Art Museum. Much of Center City is walkable. The climate is hot-summer humid continental: summers are warm and muggy, winters are cold, and spring and autumn are mild. Add time for the large parks if you want to be outdoors.
Allentown in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Allentown
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
17
- Feels like
- 14°
- Humidity
- 48%
- Wind
- 11 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 3%
Allentown
05:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today18°4°3%Monday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Tue20°5°4%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Wed21°12°1%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Thu18°15°57%Thursday: Rain. High 18°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 57%.
- Fri19°13°57%Friday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 57%.
- Sat13°8°33%Saturday: Cloudy. High 13°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 33%.
- Sun13°5°8%Sunday: Drizzle. High 13°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 8%.
Updated 01:16 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Allentown
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Rules for Allentown, checked
- Check whether you need a US visa before you fly, using the US State Department travel site (travel.state.gov). Entry rules are set nationally, not by the city.Source
- If your country is in the Visa Waiver Program, apply for an ESTA on the official CBP site before you board. Apply only through that official site.Source
- Check current LANta fares and routes before you ride, since LANta runs the city's public buses.
- Public parking is managed by the Allentown Parking Authority. Check current payment rules with the Authority before you park.
- Call 911 for police, fire or an ambulance in an emergency.
Plan around Allentown
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideAllentown FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.