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Pittsburgh panoramic view, Pennsylvania

Things to do in  Pittsburgh

Get connected to the City of Bridges

At the convergence of the Three Rivers, the once working-class city of Pittsburgh is having a renaissance of the same creative and industrious spirit that birthed prosperity in Andrew Carnegie’s day. The Steel City’s modern sports legacy and rich history dating back to General George Washington’s time are showcased in the Fort Pitt Museum and Carnegie Science Center. And resurgences of cycling and craft beer are just the start—the Burgh is so packed with attractions both new and classic, you’d think it was a Primanti Brothers stuffed sandwich.

Top 8 attractions in Pittsburgh

Heinz Field

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Home of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, Heinz Field can pack in more than 65,000 fans on game day. Seats in this stadium on the banks of the Allegheny River offer views of the city skyline and riverfront. The venue also hosts large concerts and University of Pittsburgh football games.More

Duquesne Incline

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The Duquesne Incline is a classic (and entertaining) way to get up to Mount Washington from Pittsburgh. In service since 1877, this pair of historic cable cars shuttles passengers from Pittsburgh’s South Shore neighborhood to an overlook with panoramic views of the city and its rivers.More

Pittsburgh Station Square

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At the center of Pittsburgh just across from its downtown, Station Square is one of the city’s most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment centers. Station Square is also the location from which visitors can take the historic Monongahela Incline, one of two funiculars headed up the hill to Mount Washington.Over 25 different restaurants call the square home, with a variety of cuisines served. The area also maintains an active nightlife with options for dancing and happy hours and a seasonal fireworks show. The amphitheater holds many festivals, concerts, and events year-round, with other smaller venues such as comedy clubs and sports bars adding to the fun. Station Square is a center of transportation for the city, including the Gateway Clipper Fleet of riverboats. A mile-long walking path along the river tells the history of Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage. The Station Square itself was built into the former Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Rail Station.More

Pittsburgh Mt. Washington

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Aside from being one of the most visited neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Mt. Washington offers some of the best views of the city skyline, having been named one of the most beautiful vistas in America. Rows of charming homes and Shiloh Street, the main district of shops, bars, restaurants, and boutiques also draw many to the area. Several of the restaurants offer an upscale ambiance with incredible views of the city and the three surrounding countryside and rivers. It is one of the premier neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.The mountain was once the home of many various coal mines, earning it the nickname of “Coal Mountain.” Grandview Avenue runs the length of the hill with four outlook decks in between homes and restaurants. At the edge of the mountain you’ll find the bronze statue of George Washington and Seneca leader Guyasuta staring at one another, marking the area’s history. Also be sure to check out the library and the city’s newest park, Emerald View, which feels worlds away from the city.More

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

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Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of America's most historic public gardens, full of exotic plant species since 1893. Its elaborate 15-acre (six-hectare) layout features mostly floral exhibits, as well as steel and glasswork Victorian greenhouse architecture. The conservatory was founded in the late 19th century by local steel magnate Henry Phipps and later given to the city of Pittsburgh. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as one of the greenest buildings in the country with a LEED-certified visitor center and production greenhouse.More

Carnegie Science Center

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With four floors of interactive exhibits, the Carnegie Science Center is both a museum and research facility with a planetarium as well as educational live shows. Here you’ll find a zero-gravity simulator and the world’s largest permanent collection dedicated to robotics. The center also holds the city’s largest movie theater screen called the Omnimax, a dome screen more than four stories tall showing classic films that change every month.Learn about Pittsburgh’s three rivers at the H20h! exhibit, or explore the USS Requin, a real submarine from the Cold War. Children can especially appreciate the Miniature Railroad and Village and Exploration Station built for preschoolers. The Exploration Station features classic science exhibits on sound, light, and magnetism.Want to see what it’s like to be a doctor? Check out the hands-on exhibit that allows visitors to learn about the skills and tools surgeons utilize. How about an astronaut? There is also a unique, real-sized replica of the International Space Station that recreates the experience for those of us on Earth.More

Cathedral of Learning

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Standing tall on the University of Pittsburgh campus, the Cathedral of Learning is a Late Gothic Revival structure that has become an icon of Pittsburgh listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Corners of the cathedral are decorated with elegant Gothic details. In fact, it is the second largest building with Gothic architecture in the world.With 42 stories made of Indiana limestone and more than 2,000 rooms, the tower serves as the main university building of both classrooms and administrative offices. 30 rooms in particular remain a draw for visitors; they’re called the Nationality Rooms. Each represents a piece of Pittsburgh’s history, celebrating culture and influence dating back to 1787 when the university was founded.The Nationality Rooms are themed with international heritage ranging in diversity from Early American and French to Chinese and Greek. They are fascinating to explore, almost like living museums, and often designed by architects abroad to reflect the art and traditions of each culture they represent. Collectively they tell the story of the many cultures that influenced the modern city Pittsburgh is today.More

Hard Rock Café Pittsburgh

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What began as an American cafe in London has spread around the world, and Hard Rock Café Pittsburgh is no exception to the classic food and rock ’n’ roll atmosphere found in the many restaurants. With a industrial interior as well as an outdoor patio, there are many comfortable places to sit and take in the energy. The exposed-brick stage always has some form of entertainment whenever classic rock ’n’ roll isn’t playing on the speakers. Frequently the space holds open mic nights and battle of the bands events.While the bar features specialty cocktails, the menu has burgers, chicken wings, nachos, and potato skins to start. Entree choices range from fresh salads, sandwiches, and hickory-smoked barbecue specialties. Memorabilia found specifically at this cafe includes costumes from legends such as Elton John, Elvis, and Michael Jackson, or see the instruments once played by The Who and Stevie Wonder. There is even a handwritten draft of lyrics written by Bob Marley.More
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All about Pittsburgh

When to visit

The cold tends to linger well into springtime in Pittsburgh, so summer arrives to much fanfare. Catching lightning bugs at Schenley Park and licking scoops at Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream are perfect ways to end a day spent riding bikes along the riverside trails, making a splash at Sandcastle Water Park, and taking a scenic boat ride on the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Good Ship Lollipop.

Getting around

Bus and light rail routes are the easiest ways to get downtown without a car. Many neighborhoods are walkable, offer ample parking, and are connected to bike trails. For exploration downtown and just across the rivers, public transportation will suffice. For travelers aiming to explore more of the Burgh, such as catching a rock show in Millville or shopping upscale boutiques in Shadyside, private cars and speedy highways are the most convenient modes of transport.

Traveler tips

Just outside of the city proper, Mancini’s Bakery in McKees Rocks has a century-old bread shop that’s worth the visit. (If you don’t want to venture outside of downtown, the bread is also used for Primanti Brothers sandwiches.) While most visitors head to the top of Mount Washington, the quiet Seldom Seen Greenway at the base of the mountain is a perfect place for photo ops, complete with graffiti murals and a charming brick archway.

Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English

People Also Ask

What is the best month to visit Pittsburgh?

Between September and October, Pittsburgh’s weather hits a sweet spot for those seeking outdoor fun—whether it’s attending a Steelers game or exploring bike routes like the Montour Trail. The lack of rainfall, changing autumnal leaves, and cool breezes make a great atmosphere for outdoor dining, neighborhood strolling, and riverside wandering.

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Is Pittsburgh LGBTQ-friendly?

While Philadelphia lays claim to being the most popular LGBTQ-friendly city in the Keystone State, Pittsburgh is certainly rolling out the rainbow carpet for the community. Pittsburgh Pride draws crowds in June, ReelQ screens LGBTQ films, and you can find plenty of gay-owned and -operated bars and clubs in the city.

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How can visitors have fun in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh’s tourist attractions are plentiful. Kennywood Park has roller coaster thrills and classic midway games, while the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has penguins on parade in the winter and red panda encounters year-round. Sports fans should huddle up downtown for a Steelers, Pirates, or Penguins home game with a passionate crowd.

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What is Pittsburgh famous for?

Championship sports teams, international neighborhoods, impressive architecture, and an evolving food scene are all hallmarks of the city. Historically, Pittsburgh is famous for its steel industry and hundreds of bridges. Today, beloved local creations like Heinz ketchup and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood are known around the world.

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What is the cool part of Pittsburgh?

Lawrenceville is quickly rising as the new trendsetter in the city, though foodies will more likely send you to the markets in the warehouse-laden Strip District. Between the two, a visitor is sure to find hip watering holes, high-end restaurants, and boutique shopping.

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Is Pittsburgh a walkable city?

Yes, Pittsburgh is a walkable city, particularly in areas like downtown, Oakland, the Strip District, and South Shore. Each area has restaurants, attractions, shopping, and entertainment venues in a condensed area. The 33-mile (53.1-kilometer) Three Rivers Heritage Trail is pedestrian-friendly and runs along both sides of each river through downtown, Station Square, and other popular neighborhoods.

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Pittsburgh information

Number of Attractions

8

Number of Tours

39

Number of Reviews

1,643

Currency

USD
Frequently Asked Questions
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