Parking in Bethlehem

Bethlehem is essentially a city with two downtowns – historic downtown and South Side – and parking is different for each section. What both areas have in common is plenty of metered spaces… and even more cars trying to occupy them. Metered parking costs $.50 per hour, payable by quarters, tokens and cash keys, which are available at the Bethlehem Parking Authority, 85 W. North St., with a $20 deposit. Meters are enforced every day except Sunday and holidays, from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.

On South Side, several metered lots are available for public parking, but most have less than 20 spaces set aside for metered parking. Public lots are located at Fourth and Wyandotte streets, Third and Webster streets, Graham Street, Third Street, New Street Bridge and Mechanic Street. The Lehigh Riverport Garage on Second Street offers 150 metered spaces, though meters are enforced all day, every day. Other options include Lehigh University Campus Square parking garage on Morton Street, where the lower level is reserved for visitors between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Historic downtown Bethlehem is served by two city garages, one at 75 W. North St., and the other 33 W. Walnut St., which combined offer more than 1,500 parking spots. Both garages are a part of the city’s Park and Shop program, where participating downtown merchants will validate parking stubs, though sometimes a purchase is required. Look for the Park and Shop logo to see if a particular store participates.

Do you have any parking advice? Please post it!