Downtown Harrisburg is the core business and government center which surrounds the focal point of Market Square. Harrisburg's downtown center city comprises the original 80-acre borough laid out in a grid pattern by John Harris in 1785. East-west streets are named and north-south streets are numbered. Market Street, running east-west, is the dividing point between north and south street designations. Many restaurants, shops and arts and entertainment attraction are downtown, and the area is very walkable. Forster Street is usually considered the boundary between Downtown and Midtown Harrisburg. City Island and its attractions, located in the middle of the Susquehanna River directly west of downtown, is typically considered part of Downtown Harrisburg.
SoMa Harrisburg, located within downtown, just south of Market Street and adjacent to Strawberry Square, is a vibrant and growing neighborhood in Harrisburg, blending local dining, shopping, and art. Enjoy delicious meals at El Sol Mexican Restaurant or Freshido in Strawberry Square, and explore unique shops like Found Collab and Tamara Boutique. The area is also home to a colorful mural by Sprocket Mural Works and hosts lively events like SoMa Block Parties, making it a hub of activity year-round.
Upcoming events at SoMa:
March 21: Strawberry Music Series
May 29: SoMa Block Party
Midtown Harrisburg is delineated by Forster Street to the south, Maclay Street to the north, 7th Street to the east, and the Susquehanna River to the west. One can find the historic districts of Old Uptown, Old Midtown, and Old Fox Ridge, which are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the Governor's Mansion, Broad Street Market and the oldest continually operated farmers market in the country. In addition to its many historic sites and interesting architecture, Midtown Harrisburg has many cultural and entertainment attractions, as well as restaurants, artists studios and unique shops. Learn more about Midtown Harrisburg here.
Uptown Harrisburg is bordered by the Susquehanna River to the West, Maclay Street to the south, North 7th Street to the east and Susquehanna Township to the north. The neighborhood is home to many beautiful mansions along Front Street and Italian Lake as well as homes that reflect the city’s early 20th-century architecture. With the Susquehanna River and Italian Lake within walking distance, Uptown Harrisburg is a beautiful example of relaxed, urban living.
Throughout the year, Italian Lake hosts a variety of events, including a Music Series, paint nights by Art Anywhere, fishing activities organized by the City of Harrisburg, and festive Christmas events by Bethesda Mission. Be sure to follow us on social media and check our calendar of events to see what's happening.
Photo: Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
Allison Hill is bordered by Arsenal Boulevard and Herr Street to the north, 19th Street to the east, I-83 to the south, and the bluff along Cameron Street to the west. The district is made up of three distinct neighborhoods: North Allison Hill, Central Allison Hill, and South Allison Hill.
It is home to Reservoir Park, where summer festivals draw hundreds each year to celebrate music and the arts. The park features the Levitt Pavilion, an open-air amphitheater that hosts free events like "Jazz Under the Stars," free movies, and "Shakespeare in the Park." The National Civil War Museum, which offers a deep dive into American history, is also located within the park.
The neighborhood’s cultural diversity shines through its food scene, with small stores and restaurants offering authentic Caribbean, Latino, African, and Asian cuisine. Community gardens and farmers markets provide locally grown produce, adding to the area’s vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.
Download the ParkMobile App to make it easy to pay for parking in Downtown and Midtown.
In downtown only, parking is free after 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.
If you have the ParkMobile App, you can get 4 hours of free parking on Saturdays only with the coupon "LUVHBG"
Contact Park Harrisburg for any issues with parking.