A Few Hours From Manhattan, a Different Century
It is hard to imagine a bigger contrast. Just a few hours from the skyscrapers of New York, in the farmland of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, horse-drawn buggies share the roads with cars and families work the land much as their ancestors did. The Amish are not a living museum, though: they are a real community with deep convictions, and understanding their story is the best way to visit them with respect.
In this guide we tell you who the Amish are, where they came from and how they live today, and then how to visit their region in one day from New York.
Last updated: October 22, 2026.
Who the Amish Are and Where They Came From
The Amish trace their roots to the Anabaptist movement of 16th-century Europe, which believed in adult baptism and the separation of church and state. In 1693, a Swiss leader named Jakob Ammann led a split within that movement, and his followers came to be known as the Amish.
Persecuted in Europe for their beliefs, many Amish families emigrated to Pennsylvania in the 18th century, attracted by the religious tolerance that William Penn had promised in his colony. Lancaster County became one of their main homes, and today it has one of the largest Amish communities in the United States.
How They Live Today
Amish life revolves around faith, family and community. They speak a German dialect known as Pennsylvania Dutch, from the word “Deutsch,” dress simply and choose carefully which technologies to adopt, so that they do not weaken family and community life. That is why many travel by horse and buggy and do without connection to the public electricity grid, although each community sets its own rules.
Their crafts and food are famous throughout the region: handmade quilts, furniture, homemade cheeses and desserts such as the whoopie pie and shoofly pie.
How to Visit With Respect
Remember that the Amish live in their homes and farms, not in a theme park. Many prefer not to be photographed, for religious reasons, so avoid taking pictures of their faces and always ask before photographing people. Drive carefully, since buggies travel slowly on rural roads, and support their work by buying in local markets.
How to Visit Amish Country in One Day From New York
Our Philadelphia and Amish Country tour combines the historic center of Philadelphia with a visit to Lancaster County. There you enter a traditional Amish house to learn how the community lives without electricity or modern technology, and you have time to explore the local markets, famous for their handmade products. The tour departs from the Hotel Riu Plaza, 305 West 46th Street, lasts about 13 to 14 hours and returns to Times Square around 7:30 p.m. It is guided in Spanish and English, and meals are not included.
Our Guides’ Tips
Bring cash for the markets, since some vendors do not accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the season: Lancaster County can be colder and windier than New York. And take the chance to try the local desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Amish?
A Christian community with Anabaptist roots, known for its simple way of life, modest dress and careful use of modern technology.
Why do the Amish live without some modern technology?
Because they choose carefully which technologies to adopt, to protect family and community life. Each community sets its own rules.
Can I take photos of the Amish?
Many prefer not to be photographed for religious reasons. Avoid photographing their faces and always ask before taking pictures of people.
How far is Amish Country from New York?
Lancaster County is about three hours from New York. Our tour combines it with Philadelphia in one day.
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Sources
Sources: Real’s Tours NYC, Philadelphia and Amish Country tour itinerary (realstoursnyc.com); Wikipedia, Amish and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Schedules and itineraries may change.
Real’s Tours NYC is not affiliated with any organization mentioned in this article. Schedules and itineraries may change, so please confirm current details when you book.
