Culturally rich and cosmopolitan, Forbes rated Harrisburg as one of the best cities in the United States. Here you’ll find a multicultural population in touch with local history and ample outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy.

Things to do

In Harrisburg, foodies should head straight to Broad Street Market. It’s one of the oldest farmers markets in the United States, where farmers once traded and played a vital role feeding Union soldiers during the Civil War. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the brick and concrete buildings have been sensitively restored.

If you’re interested in Civil War history, you can visit the National Civil War Museum. The museum presents exhibits on the American Civil War, and its collection includes some 24,000 documents and artefacts, where a variety of maps, weapons, and uniforms are particular highlights. Tours are self-guided, but curators are always on hand to tell you more about the each item.

The museum is set within Reservoir Park, Harrisburg’s most popular outdoor space. In the summer, it serves as a location for numerous festivals and live performances, but is also a great spot for picnicking and jogging at any time of year.

Those looking for a dose of culture might want to check out Susquehanna Art Museum (SAM). The permanent collection and temporary exhibitions here reflect the diverse cultures of Harrisburg’s various communities, with an active outreach programme that promotes creativity amongst the city’s students.

Getting around

Harrisburg’s Capital Area Transit (CAT) provides public buses and rail services throughout the city, and are mostly used by commuters coming into the centre from suburban areas. Walking and biking trails run along the Susquehanna River and across the Walnut St. Bridge to City Island.