Overview
Scranton is a city in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is near Wilkes-Barre, and is the seventh most populous city in the state. Today, it is perhaps best known as the setting of the hit TV show "The Office" and the birthplace of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States.
10 sights · 9 things to do · 10 places to eat · 6 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Scranton
The University of Scranton
The university was founded in 1888, it is a nationally recognized Catholic and Jesuit university. It consists of approximately 5,600 students. The campus extends southeast from Central City throughout the Hill section. T…
The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple
It was built as the Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral. Over the years it has become a central hub for live performances in the area. The Scranton Cultural Center is a great place to see a concert (either in the …
Steamtown National Historic Site
The Steamtown National Historic Site offers tours of a train yard, locomotives, etc. A model train layout and other railroad memorabilia are located at Steamtown.
Electric City Trolley Museum
Cliff Street. On the site of the Steamtown National Historic Site. Offers trolley rides 9AM-5PM W-Su through October and on selected weekends afterwards. Check site for specifics. The Electric City Trolley Museum Associa…
The Houdini Museum
Open all weekends throughout the year, including Thanksgiving, Presidents Weekend, Fathers Day Weekend, Mothers Day Weekend, Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend 1-4PM. Reservations required. Open weekends in June and ev…
Nay Aug Park
The city's largest park; offering two Olympic-sized pools, multiple playgrounds, a waterslide park, walking trails, picnic areas, kid-friendly rides. Nay Aug Park grants residents and visitors a touch of nature amongst t…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Aug. (climate data from nearby Binghamton)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- AVP Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton — 6 mi away. Directions
- ABE Lehigh Valley International Airport, Allentown/Bethlehem — 54 mi away. Directions
- EWR Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark — 93 mi away (major hub). Directions
Scranton is within three hours driving distance from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, John F. Kennedy International Airport JFK and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley International Airport ABE in Allentown.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The University of Scranton, Scranton Iron Furnaces, William J. Nealon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
- Lunch Osaka Restaurant
- Afternoon The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, Scranton Cultural Center
- Dinner Pizza by Pappas
- Evening The Backyard Ale House
Day 2
- Morning Lake Scranton, Montage Mountain Ski Resort
- Lunch Vince the Pizza Prince
- Afternoon Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Toyota Amphitheater
- Dinner Granteed's Pizza
- Evening Whiskey Dick's
Day 3
- Morning The Houdini Museum, Scranton Ghost Walk
- Lunch Cooper's Seafood House
- Afternoon Psychic Theater's Hauntedǃ Mysteries of THE Beyond.
- Dinner Coney Island of Scranton
- Evening Cooper's Crab Shack
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The city grew vigorously in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a capital of coal mining and railroads, which were vital to the expanding industry in this part of the country. Prosperity subsided and economic distress followed for decades. Property values have since increased as Scranton is gaining employers and investment. From 2005 to 2013, Scranton entered American popular culture as the setting for the U.S. version of the TV series The Office (though only the opening credits were shot in the city).
Get in
By plane
Scranton is within three hours driving distance from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, John F. Kennedy International Airport JFK and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley International Airport ABE in Allentown.
By car
Scranton is accessible primarily by car (or by coach bus):
- I-84 west from New England.
- I-80 east to I-380 north from New York City; west from Erie, State College, and Pittsburgh.
- I-476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) north from Allentown and Philadelphia
- I-81 south from Ontario/Quebec and Syracuse; north from Washington DC via Harrisburg
By bus
Scranton is also served by multiple bus lines. All buses stop at Scranton Transportation Center, located a few blocks from downtown on Lackawanna Ave.
- Martz Trailways, operates routes to New York City and Philadelphia daily, and to other Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York destinations. Check website for schedules and fares.
- Greyhound Bus Line, has a stop in Scranton and travels to Harrisburg, Binghamton, Allentown, Philadelphia, New York City, and beyond. Check website for schedule and tickets.
- Uptown Vans offers service from Paterson and New York City.
By train
The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority is working with New Jersey Transit to bring a passenger railroad back to Scranton from New York City and its western suburbs.
Get around
By bicycle
The Electric City is a growing biker/commuter city. Gas prices going up help many to decide alternative means of getting to work, restaurants, and shopping. While Scranton does not provide cyclists with bike lanes popular to Philadelphia, New York City, and other big cities, some groups try to bring biker awareness and safety to light. The last Friday of every month, 6PM North Washington side of the courthouse, is where you can find bikers of all sorts gathering to participate in Critical Mass. It is a gathering of cyclists of sorts to participate in a huge group ride. The purpose of Critical Mass is to bring awareness of bicyclists to the public. Some forms Critical Mass have been used to protest certain events, be it political, social, and so on. Careful, you may see the car, but they don't always see you.
By car
Virtually all transportation throughout the city is by car. North Main Avenue and the North Scranton Expressway travel north to the Providence section and to the shopping centers of Dickson City. Green Ridge Street and the Central Scranton expressway travel east to the large suburb of Dunmore and I-81. Pittston and Cedar Avenues are the main routes through "South Side" to the Minooka section and beyond to the attractions of Montage Mountain. South Main Avenue and Keyser Avenue are likewise the main routes through "West Side".
Scranton Parking operates four daily parking garages in the city. The garages are Casey Garage (corner of Lackawanna Ave. & Adams Ave.), Linden Street Garage (corner of Linden St. & N. Washington St.), Medallion Garage (100 Block of Adams Ave.), and the Electric City Garage (with entrances on Spruce St. & Penn Ave.). Rates are $1.75/1st hour and about $0.75/hr afterwards. They're open daily from 7AM-11PM, with Linden St. open 7AM-2AM on Saturdays.
Private taxicabs such as Posten and McCarthy service the area as well. They are hired by telephone through central dispatch and cannot be hailed on the street as in larger cities.
On foot
Walking is also safe and practical in "Central City" (or "Central Scranton"/"Downtown Scranton"). This area of two dozen square blocks (approximately bound by Lackawanna Ave. and Jefferson, Vine, and Mifflin Sts.) contains a great deal of what Scranton has to offer tourists, so it may be best to just park at one of many garages for a reasonable day-long fee.
By bus
County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) also operates public buses throughout all parts of the city and a few Lackawanna County extremities. Rates are $1.25/ride, $11/10 rides (adult), $10/10 rides (student), or $40/31 day unlimited pass. Travel times are a little more than twice what it would take driving the same route. The system typically operates from 7AM-7PM, check the website for exact schedule. COLTS does not operate on Sundays or Holidays.
See
Scranton is host to many architecturally interesting buildings from the early 1900s, most notably the county courthouse in the middle of Central City. Also downtown:
- The former Lackawanna Train Station & Headquarters, 700 Lackawanna Ave., which has been converted to a Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel (See "Sleep" section for more information about the Radisson Hotel).
See The University of Scranton
The university was founded in 1888, it is a nationally recognized Catholic and Jesuit university. It consists of approximately 5,600 students. The campus extends southeast from Central City throughout the Hill section. The University of Scranton has a beautiful campus; there is plenty of green space, a combination of old and new buildings that have been merged to make up the campus. The University of Scranton offers as many as 56 undergraduate degree programs and 25 graduate programs.
See The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple
It was built as the Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral. Over the years it has become a central hub for live performances in the area. The Scranton Cultural Center is a great place to see a concert (either in the building ballroom or in the theatre). The venue can also be rented out for weddings, conferences, and other special events. The Scranton Cultural Center is approximately 180,000 square feet, the building houses 2 theatres, meeting rooms, a chapel, a grand ballroom as well as numerous other rooms and areas.
See Electric City Trolley Museum (ECTMA)
Cliff Street. On the site of the Steamtown National Historic Site. Offers trolley rides 9AM-5PM W-Su through October and on selected weekends afterwards. Check site for specifics. The Electric City Trolley Museum Association is a volunteer non-profit group that supports the activities of the Electric City Trolley Museum in downtown Scranton. The Electric City Trolley museum is closely affiliated with the Steamtown National Historic Site. During baseball season, trolley service is provided to PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders.
See The Houdini Museum
Open all weekends throughout the year, including Thanksgiving, Presidents Weekend, Fathers Day Weekend, Mothers Day Weekend, Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend 1-4PM. Reservations required. Open weekends in June and every day in July and August through Labor Day Weekend. A major 2½-3 hour event that includes a rare film, a guided tour, and an hour magic show with many live animals. Featuring nationally known television celebrity magicians Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz.
See Nay Aug Park
The city's largest park; offering two Olympic-sized pools, multiple playgrounds, a waterslide park, walking trails, picnic areas, kid-friendly rides. Nay Aug Park grants residents and visitors a touch of nature amongst the city's landscape, which may be hard to find in downtown Scranton. The Everhart Museum is also in Nay Aug Park. A rock-strewn gorge and waterfalls add to the allure and have been named a National Natural Landmark. In 2007, a pedestrian footbridge was constructed allowing access to the parkland across the Roaring Brook.
See Everhart Museum
Natural History, Science, and Art Museum on site of Nay Aug Park. Check site for special events. $5/adults, $3 seniors, $2/children, free/ages 5 & under. M Th F noon-4PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. The Everhart Museum is the largest public museum in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is collecting, preserving, and caring for a wide variety of artifacts. The Everhart Museum was founded in 1908 by Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart.
See Scranton Iron Furnaces
Blast furnaces built between 1848 and 1857. The Scranton Iron Furnaces is near the Steamtown National Historic Site. The Iron Furnaces represent the early iron industry in the United States. There are four massive stone blast furnaces that still remain at the historic site and are the sole remnants of a once extensive plant operated by the Lackawanna Iron & Steel Company.
See William J. Nealon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
The William J. Nealon Court houses the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and a U.S. post office. The building was constructed in 1930-1931 to accommodate the needs to the growing city of Scranton. At the time, the court house was much smaller than it is today. In 1981 the GSA (U.S General Services Administration) purchased the building from the post office. In 1999, additions to the Federal building were begun, including construction of the atrium. In the same year, the building was renamed in honor of the city's historic judge, William J. Nealon.
- Fans of the US version of The Office looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California.
Do
Do Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
A 1/4-mile walking tour of a defunct coal mine. Large museum of artifacts relating to anthracite mining and people of the region. Gift shop. Open April 1st through November 30th, except Easter and Thanksgiving. Enter the 400-foot deep mine in a winched railcar.
Do Toyota Amphitheater
This location used to be the Montage Mountain Amphitheater, a temporary structure designed to hold small concerts. In 1999, Lackawanna County built a permanent amphitheater next to the Montage Mountain Ski Resort (now Sno Mountain). This concert venue has seating for 7,000 people covered under the pavilion roof, in addition to room for another 10,500 on the lawn (a large grassy hill behind the pavilion). In 2002, The Montage Mountain Amphitheater was purchased from the county by Clear Channel Communications and the name of the venue changed to the Ford Pavilion. In 2006 the amphitheater changed ownership again, leaving Clear Channel behind and merging with Live Nation. The name of the venue changed yet again, becoming known as the Toyota Pavilion. On February 15, 2007, the tent roof of the pavilion collapsed. This occurred because of the weight of snow and ice from the previous day's blizzard. A new roof was completed in time for the summer 2007 concert season. The concert venue has hosted many large acts such as Dave Matthews Band, The Dead, REO Speedwagon, Kanye West, Rush, Meatloaf, the Vans Warp tour, The Allman Brothers Band, Sammy Hagar, Def Leopard, and many more.
Do Cinemark Theatres
A large movie theater right outside of Scranton. It has 20 different movie theaters in which they run new released movies day and night. Theaters vary in size from large to small scale. It's said to be the best seat in town!
Buy
- Dozens of small specialty shops throughout Central City: musical instruments, records, army/navy apparel, model trains (i.e Scranton Hobby Center), comics, day spa services...
Shop Keyser Oak Center
Anchored by Gerrity's supermarket and Ollie's Bargain Outlet. Other stores are, Hallmark, Thompson Title and Tags, A liquor store, Dollar General, Hollywood Video and several other store fronts.
Shop Green Ridge Plaza
Anchored by Giant supermarket and A.J. Wright discount clothing, Buona Pizza, Fashinon Bug, a liquor store, a Chinese Buffet.
Shop The Shoppes At Montage
There are 64 retail store fronts in the outside complex. A few of the major retails stores are: Ann Taylor Loft, J. Jill, Talbots, Chicos, Coldwater Ceek, Eddie Bauer, GAP, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, New York & Co., Limited Too, Lane Bryant, Aeropostale, Guitar Center, DSW Shoes.
Eat
Eat Cooper's Seafood House
Seafood fare. Extremely large selection of specialty beers (~15 on tap, over 200 bottles). A local landmark, Cooper Seafood House has been owned and operated by the Cooper family since 1948. The building used to be the passenger station of the Erie - Lackawanna Train Station. Over the years the exterior of the building has been remodeled to resemble a full-sized pirate ship. Cooper's houses the ship's pub, the lighthouse bar (most recent addition consisting of a giant lighthouse that extends upwards off the side of the building), the tiki bar deck, the whale room, the train room and the private coral room.
Eat Pizza by Pappas
10" specialty pizza, hoagies, pierogies, etc.
Eat Vince the Pizza Prince
Closed Monday and Tuesday. One of Scranton's best pizzas, since 1955.
Eat Osaka Restaurant
Japanese cuisine. Watch them prepare your food from the bar or have it served right to your table. Good sushi, half off on Sundays 1-9 PM.
Eat Glider Diner
Burgers, fries, shakes, all good. Also offers catering services.
Eat Coney Island of Scranton
The restaurant has been operating since 1923, when it was owned by Steve Karampilas. Over the years it has changed owners, but is still reputed to make the best Texas wieners in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They consist of a soft national roll, hotdog, spicy mustard, raw onions, and their own Coney Island sauce.
Eat Nickie's Fabulous Hoagies
This little "mom and pop" store has little aesthetic appeal from the inside or outside but what it lacks in looks it makes up for in taste. Takeout only, hoagies and pizza.
Eat Kelly's Pub & Eatery
Kelly's is best known for their wings and accompanying sauce. They have a $0.25 wing night on Wednesdays. Make sure you make reservations or go early because it is very popular, especially on Wednesday nights.
Eat Buona Pizza
Offers a variety of pizzeria-style food, but your best bet is sticking with the pizza. Their large trays are enormous, the pizza is delicious, but if you do not like greasy food then shy away from Buona Pizza.
Eat Granteed's Pizza
Classic pizza shop serving the community for over 50 years. Stop in for a pizza, hoagie, stromboli or calzone.
Drink
Being a college town it is not hard to find places to drink. Just walking around the Hill Section of town on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night you can find countless parties. Drink until the Keg is Kicked for $5.
Refer to the Electric City, the Scranton area's free entertainment weekly, for plenty of advertisements, listings, and reviews of nightlife.
Drink Cooper's Crab Shack
Local Tiki style bar with tropical music and cold drinks. The crab shack consists of four levels of outdoor decks. Live entertainment and no cover.
Drink The Bog
Small pub reminiscent of New York's East Village dive bars. Local music on many nights. $1.75 - $4 beers. Some specialty bottled beers available. Excellent jukebox.
Drink Northern Lights
For those interested in coffee. Plenty of couches/chairs & free high-speed internet.
Drink Zummo's Cafe
Serves Electric City Roasting Company coffee. Owned and operated by Mary Tellie, a certified Q Grader and nationally recognized roaster.
Drink The Backyard Ale House
Has a spacious interior with a large bar. In warm weather, opens a quaint patio behind that bar with tables, chairs, decorations, and two outside bars.
Drink Whiskey Dick's
Cozy, little bar in Downtown Scranton. Cheapest everyday prices. Knowledgeable, courteous bartenders. 60+ beers, very large liquor selection.
Sleep
Stay Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel
Housed in a neo-classical train station built in 1908. The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton, a six-story historic landmark. The historic building once served as a passenger train station, has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel has 145 rooms and suites, three restaurants in the hotel, gift shop, valet parking and exercise rooms. The hotel is in downtown Scranton, within walking distance to many retail stores, restaurants and bars..
Stay The Colonnade
Until 2006 the Colonnade was an eyesore, an abandoned building on the corner of Mullberry St. and Jefferson Ave. The building had been owned by a prominent local businessman, Col. Austin Blair. It was close to being condemned when it was purchased by Paul Blackledge and Joshua Mast with the intent of renovating the old building. Paul and Joshua turned the giant rundown building into a hotel/event space. The Colonnade can accommodate 120 guests in its banquet room and another additional 80 guests on a tent-covered outside patio.
Go next
- Lackawanna State Park is approximately 15 minutes away from Scranton in Lackwanna County. The park has facilities for camping, boating, canoe/kayak rental, a swimming pool, and walking/hiking trails. Most facilities are open April through October, check website for specifics.
- The Dietrich Theater, Bus. Rt. 6 Tunkhannock, +1 570 836-1022. Offers first run, foreign, independent, & classic films in a restored theater. Fall/Spring Film Festivals and cultural classes on site. Check website for movie times. Approximately 30 minutes from Scranton on Rt. 6. "More Than the Movies!"
- Sno Mountain, 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, +1 570 969-7854. Once known as Montage Mountain, Sno Mountain offers a wide range of winter and off season attractions and activities. Ski, snowboard, zip ride, tubing, golf, batting cages, water slides, and a Lazy River (being constructed) in addition to other fun and family friendly attractions. Average ticket prices, check out the web page for group rates and special deals.
- McDade Park is off Snake Road in West Scranton. The land was reclaimed by the city in the 1970s from the Lackawanna coal mining terrain. It has become one of the city’s top leisure destinations offering many different types of activities for visitors to enjoy. McDade Park has a fishing pond (stocked regularly), an Olympic size swimming pool with bath houses, basketball and tennis courts, two baseball fields, a pavilion, playgrounds, outdoor picnic areas with charcoal grills, open fields and rolling hills and a 1.8-mile cross-county ski or walking trail, The Lackawanna Coal Mining Tour and the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum. McDade Park is spread out over 200 acres of land, with free admission to outdoor enthusiasts and visitors. For more information about McDade Park please call +1 570 963-6764.
Nearby
Dunmore
City / town · 2 mi away
Clarks Summit
City / town · 4 listings · 6 mi away
Factoryville
City / town · 3 listings · 12 mi away
Sterling
City / town · 2 listings · 14 mi away
Wilkes-Barre
City / town · 6 listings · 16 mi away
Hawley
City / town · 8 listings · 26 mi away
Shickshinny
City / town · 31 mi away
Tannersville
City / town · 5 listings · 32 mi away
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