With so many hidden treasures in NEPA’s small towns, sometimes we forget that the area’s most popular and populous cities have their own secrets. The Electric City is no exception. Events like the famous Saint Paddy’s Day Parade and La Festa Italiana draw huge crowds, but if those are the only times you find yourself in Scranton, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Just one day wandering the historic downtown streets, without the parade and festival crowds, is enough to give you a sense of Scranton’s true spirit. Let us walk you through it with a few favorite local spots to add to your itinerary.

The Sights

History buffs, this is the city for you.

Scranton has maintained stunning decades-old architecture, lending to the city’s unique character. From the Victorian Lackawanna County Courthouse to the nearly 120-year old Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, simply passing by a few of these Scranton landmarks will take you on a trip through time.

But don’t just look from the sidewalk. Several of these sites go the extra mile and offer exciting tours, educational exhibits and live entertainment. You can even enjoy a meal in some locations. Because who said history has to be boring? Be sure to make reservations and book tickets in advance.

Get your retail therapy.

Alongside beloved spots that have been around for generations, cool, new businesses pop up across Scranton all the time. Whether you’re a browser or a big spender, you can easily spend an entire afternoon perusing a variety of shops. From retro thrift stores to trendy boutiques, you can fulfill your retail therapy around every corner.

Support your hobbies, refurbish your home or fill out your wardrobe. Let the kids wander a comic book store or skate shop. Get lost in a world of all things vintage. Or catch up on a little R&R with a spa day. Scranton’s got a bit of something for everyone.

This town is serious about its food.

A day filled with sightseeing and shopping is enough for anyone to work up an appetite. Luckily, there is no shortage of delicious food and drink in the Electric City. From fine dining to a quick, hot dog lunch to cold beers and live music, Downtown Scranton’s culinary scene is unmatched.

With a variety of cultures spread across the city, you can go on a world tour for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with an old-school Kosher breakfast, grab a warm bowl of ramen for lunch and end the day with tacos and margaritas.

And if you’re a music lover, Scranton is known for producing some of NEPA’s best live acts. Stop in any bar or pub on the weekend and you’re likely to catch a bangin’ show.

Document your visit with a few Insta-worthy pics.

No Scranton visit is complete without an Instagram story or post to show it off. When you visit Nay Aug Park, the Scranton Iron Furnaces, one of Scranton’s colorful mural masterpieces or that famous Electric City sign, be sure to snap some photos.

Quick tip: the best place to get a photo of that sign is by the Columbus statue at the corner of Spruce St. and N. Washington Ave.

And, as always, share your pics with us on social media using #DiscoverNEPA.