Lancaster Central Market

“Lancaster Central Market – My Review 🏛️ If you're in the Lancaster area, you have to check out the Central Market. It’s not just your typical farmers' market—it’s the oldest one in the U.S., and the vibe inside that historic brick building is awesome. Why it’s worth it: • Super Fresh: Everything comes straight from local farmers and the Amish. Whether it’s meat, cheese, or produce, the quality is way better than any grocery store. • The Food Variety: You get the best of both worlds—traditional Amish pies and preserves right next to amazing international street food (the empanadas and Asian stands are great). • The Vibe: The smell of fresh coffee and bread everywhere makes it the perfect spot for a quick lunch or a weekend grocery run. Quick Tips: • They’re only open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (closing at 3 PM). • Go early! It gets crowded, and the best stuff sells out fast. • Bring a little cash just in case, though most spots take cards now. The Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It’s a great place to support local business and get some real, high-quality food. Once you try the stuff here, it’s hard to go back to regular supermarket food!”

“The Lancaster Central Market is an absolute gem! The diversity of the vendors here is incredible—you can find everything from authentic, delicious empanadas to fresh Amish produce and incredible local farm items all under one roof. Beyond the amazing selection of food, what really sets this market apart is the people. Everyone I talked to was incredibly warm, welcoming, and more than happy to help out someone from out of town. The vendors take immense pride in what they do, and that hospitality made the experience unforgettable. Whether you are a local or just passing through, this historic market is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be back!”

“A beautiful, bustling market filled with people, featuring numerous stalls for both ready-to-eat food and fresh ingredients. You can also find stalls run by the Amish community. ​The main selection includes fresh vegetables, desserts, cheeses, meats, prepared meals, and sweets. Public restrooms are available on-site. ​While most visitors park in nearby parking lots, we found a spot on the street close by and used a parking permit.”

“This place is awesome. That’s it that’s all. Go, I drove from South Jersey, 2 times in 30 days. Ric’s Bread….chef’s kiss. I’m not gonna tell you what kind I like, but I’ll be back to get three loads at a time. The whole place is awesome. The place that I got the cheese from can’t remember the name, place that I got the honey from they’re awesome. I will eventually look at my receipts to tag everybody’s store and update this post.”

“Many vendors offer their home made goodies, home grown produce and flowers, as well as grass fed meats. As a visitor I wish I could buy the fresh items, but I have a 5 hour trip home. An interesting place to peruse the many items for sale. There is a small parking lot near the building as well as street parking that you pay with a phone app. They are only open a few days per week, so check their schedule before hand.”

“Great mixture of vendors. Not as many farmers stands as I had anticipated. Loved to see some Pennsylvania Dutch vendors and local artists. Parking was easy and the market was easy to navigate. Most vendors took Apple Pay which made things really convenient. Could have spent as much or as little time as I had wanted! We went on a cold day so the temp inside was great!”

“Stand 54, whoever you are... THANK YOU! The Egg & Truffle sandwich was the perfect start to my Saturday. And kind service with a smile is always appreciated. (Seriously, find them near the corner entrance at the corner of N Market St and William Henry Pl.)”

“Lancaster Central Market is an absolute gem and 100% worth the visit. It's open Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, and we stopped in on a Friday morning after breakfast on Prince Street. Let's talk logistics first: Parking can be a little tricky. It's 2 hour street parking, and since it's right in the center of the city, spots are at a premium. Add snowbanks into the mix and yeah it takes a little patience. The market itself is wonderful. There are so many different vendors packed into one space fresh flowers, meats, seafood, pickles, baked goods, breads, candles, and plenty more. It's one of those places where every aisle has something that makes you stop and say, "Oh... I need that." I came home with pickles, bread, red beets, and doughnuts, and honestly could've left with twice as much. Everything felt fresh, local, and thoughtfully made. The vibe is lively without being overwhelming, and it's just fun to wander, browse, and snack your way through. Parking might take a little effort, but Lancaster Central Market is absolutely worth it. We'll definitely be back probably hungry, probably leaving with bags again. Highly recommend.”