Pittsburgh

A Native Pittsburgh-er’s Guide to Visiting the Iron City

It’s true – I’m a Pittsburgh girl. Always have been and always will be despite having lived all over the place since leaving for graduate school in my early 20’s. Pittsburgh will always be home. It is bittersweet going back because I miss it terribly and inevitably re-visit my childhood and the memories of people who aren’t there anymore.

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Pittsburgh is an amazing town. Often overlooked as a tourist destination, it is a vibrant city with deep historical roots and the most dedicated sports fans anywhere. With so many attractions and things to do, this is a city break you need to have on your list!

I was recently in Pittsburgh in October during the peak fall colors. It gives New England a run for its money with a landscape covered in deciduous trees, rolling hills, and all the fall feels. Top it off with museums, historical architecture, a thriving food scene, and the best football franchise in the world. Okay, I am biased. But seriously, the ‘Burgh is the bomb.

Above photos: Greetings from Pittsburgh

This post will walk you through the top things to see, do, and eat over a weekend in Pittsburgh. There is a lot to pack in! To enjoy the sites at a more leisurely pace and explore the surrounding area, you many want to give yourself a couple extra days. There is certainly enough to do to fill up the time!

• Where to Stay in Pittsburgh
• Top 15 Things to See & Do in Pittsburgh
• Where to Eat in Pittsburgh
• Top Day Trips from Pittsburgh
• Additional Information & Resources

Where to Stay

When looking for a place to stay in Pittsburgh, you may want to consider if you will be spending more time at the museums and parks in Oakland or if you will be spending more time in the downtown area.

If the former, The Oaklander Hotel is a great option and less than a 10-minute walk from the Carnegie Museums, The Cathedral of Learning, and Schenley Plaza. Plus, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum is practically next door.

If you will be plowing around the downtown area more – or if you have coveted seats to a Steelers game – you may want to opt for a hotel that is in the center of the hubbub. I loved staying at The Industrialist Hotel during my recent visit.

The Industrialist Hotel is located in the Arrott Building in the Fourth Avenue Historic District. The building is old, ornate, and swanky. It has a business-y vibe, as the building was one of the city’s first skyscrapers and housed James Arrott’s bathtub and insurance business, which eventually became known as American Standard (perhaps you’ve heard of it?).

Above photos: The Industrialist Hotel

Top 15 Things to do in Pittsburgh

Something to keep in mind about Pittsburgh is that it is very neighborhood-y. You’ll pick up on it as you notice ethnic grocers, restaurants, and the names of businesses. This is because Pittsburgh was settled by various immigrant groups who kinda stuck together and formed ethnic enclaves. Generations later, some neighborhoods, such as Bloomfield and Polish Hill, still have strong ties and traditions from the past. It is one of the nuances that I truly love about Pittsburgh.

Below are the top things to do in Pittsburgh. Most of them aren’t especially touristy because these are all loved by Pittsburgh locals and are part of our day-to-day lives. The couple of exceptions might be the inclines and Mt. Washington – those are def a little touristy, but are still must-sees for every visitor!

• PPG Plaza
• Market Square
• Fort Pitt Museum & Block House
• Point State Park
• Historic Fourth Avenue
• Heinz History Center
• The Strip District
• Bridges
• Station Square
• The Monongahela & Duquesne Inclines
• Mt. Washington Overlook
• Oakland & The University of Pittsburgh
• Schenley Park
• Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History
• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

PPG Plaza

PPG Plaza is the square nestled in the center of the buildings that comprise PPG Place, considered to be the “crown jewel” of the Pittsburgh skyline. I witnessed it being built during the ’80s when the city was going through its second renaissance. PPG Plaza is iconic for Pittsburgers and has impacted the city beyond the beautiful buildings.

During the winter, PPG Plaza is adorned with a Christmas tree and the UPMC Ice Skating Rink. It is a magical place to visit during lunch hour or in the evening when lights twinkle and reflect in the castle-like glass buildings.

Above photos: PPG Place

Market Square

Market Square is adjacent to PPG Plaza. It is a small public square located at the intersection of Forbes Avenue and Market Street in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. It is filled with trees and surrounded by coffee shops and great restaurants. Market Square hosts outdoor pop-up shopping markets on Saturdays and various festivals throughout the year.

I passed through Market Square on my early morning walk while vendors were busy setting up their stalls. Other early risers were out walking their dogs, grabbing coffee, and enjoying the relative quiet. The bright yellow leaves on the trees had started to drop and were swirling around like confetti with every breeze. With my coffee now in-hand, I continued on to see more.

Above photos: Market Square

Fort Pitt Museum & Block House

The Fort Pitt Museum is an indoor/outdoor museum located within Point State Park. The exhibits focus on Pittsburgh’s role in the French & Indian War and the American Revolution. Every school-aged child ends up coming here on a field trip at some point to learn about Pittsburgh during frontier times. In the summer months, you might even get to see colonial re-enactors perform demonstrations of how life was lived during the 1700s.

Above photo: The Fort Pitt Museum

Situated just steps across from the Fort Pitt Museum is the Fort Pitt Block House, which is owned and maintained by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The Block House is the only remaining structure of Fort Pitt and marks the place where Pittsburgh began. Fort Pitt was one of the largest and most elaborate British forts in North America. After it was no longer needed for defense purposes, it became a trading post. While the rest of Fort Pitt was deconstructed so the materials could be re-used to build the growing city, the Block House was saved and has remained in the same location for over 250 years.

Above photos: Fort Pitt Block House

Point State Park

Point State Park is a 36-acre park located at at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, forming the Ohio River. I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl. My dad loved bringing the family down to walk through the park, and then ultimately caving to our pleas to play in the fountain. This is also where the entire city gathers to watch fireworks on the 4th of July.

Above photo: The Point Fountain

It was quiet on the morning I visited. The Steelers were playing out-of-town and the weather had turned cold enough to dissuade any crowds. It worked out pretty well for me because I had the place to myself for the most part, with the exception of a couple joggers.

The atmosphere in Point State Park can swing dramatically depending on the time of year and current events. This place can be busting at the seams with people and off-the-hook energy or…well, like I had it. Either way, the views of the rivers, bridges, and landmark fountain are unmatched.

Above photos: Views from Point State Park

Historic Fourth Avenue

The Fourth Avenue Historic District is part of Pittsburgh’s original street grid and was once the financial center of the city. Several prominent banks and financial institutions were located here in ornate buildings that still exist today and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The best way to see this area is on a self-guided walking tour. Some of my favorite notable buildings include:

• Arrott Building at 401 Wood Street
• Point Park University Center (Colonial Trust Company) at 414 Wood Street
• Point Park University Center (Commercial National Bank) at 315 Fourth Avenue
• Industrial Bank at 333 Fourth Avenue
• The Times Building (Magee Building) at 336 Fourth Avenue
• Pittsburgh Engineer’s Building (Union Trust Company) at 337 Fourth Avenue
• Dollar Bank at 340 Fourth Avenue
• Fidelity Building (Fidelity Trust Company) at 341 Fourth Avenue
• Standard Life Building (Pittsburgh Bank for Savings) at the corner of Smithfield Street and Fourth Avenue

Above photos: Fourth Avenue Historic District

Heinz History Center

I can’t believe it has taken me this long to visit the Heinz History Center. It was my first time and – WOW! What a throwback!! I felt like I was walking though a time capsule of my childhood. You will find old Pittsburgh signage, a street trolley, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood set pieces, an entire wing dedicated to Pittsburgh sports, and even an old wooden roller coaster train from The Racer at Kennywood Park.

Above photo: Heinz History Center

It seems everything that defined my memories of Pittsburgh was housed here in this amazing museum. The upper floors of the museum go deep and far in to Pittsburgh’s history, the role it played in our nation’s history, and how city life evolved over three centuries. Rather than leaving in tears of nostalgia, I felt so grateful and proud to be from this place.

The Heinz History Center is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is the largest history museum in Pennsylvania. It is located in the Strip District on Smallman Street. There is plenty of parking at the center, but you can also park at the metered parking further up on Smallman if you have plans to wander around the Strip District later (more on that next!).

Above photos: Heinz History Center

The Strip District

The Strip District is a one-half square mile area that extends from 11th and 33rd Streets along Waterfront Place, Smallman Street, Penn Avenue, and Liberty Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh. Once home to warehouses, mills, and factories, it is now a shopping district and major foodie scene.

Above photo: The Strip District Mural

I used to come to The Strip with my mother whenever she needed to buy anything in bulk. It would typically be a Saturday morning and we would make our way through produce stalls, Wholey’s fish market, the Macaroni Company, and flower stands. It was always a blast!

Many of the old ethnic grocers are still there, but many have disappeared and have been replaced with souvenir shops and hipster bars and restaurants. It is still a blast and a great place to visit! The sidewalks are lined with farmer’s markets, artisans and crafters, and street food.

Above photos: The Strip District

Bridges

They don’t call Pittsburgh the “City of Bridges” for nothing. There are a whopping 446 bridges that connect Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and residents. They are also some of most interesting and beautiful structures that define the Pittsburgh skyline and make it instantly recognizable.

The Fort Pitt Bridge connecting the south suburbs to the downtown area was the one most traveled for me. This bridge helped earn Pittsburgh another title, the only city with an entrance. This is because the Fort Pitt Tunnel exits onto the Fort Pitt Bridge, where travelers are smacked by a stunning view of the city. If you are driving from Pittsburgh Airport to downtown you will see exactly what I mean!

Above photo: The Fort Pitt Bridge

The more you get out and explore, the more you will find yourself crossing back-and-forth over these tresses of steel and cable. Some of the bridges are closed off to pedestrian traffic, but the ones over the Allegheny River connecting downtown to the North Side are especially perfect for walkers. In the Spring on game days for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Roberto Clemente Bridge (a.k.a. Sixth Street Bridge) closes as a walkway for fans headed over to the game.

The Sixteen Street Bridge is another great choice. If you are going to be in The Strip District, this bridge is close by and doesn’t have quite as much traffic as other downtown bridges.

Above photo: Sixteenth Street Bridge

Above photo: View of the Allegheny River and 31st Street Bridge

Above photo: The Smithfield Street Bridge

Station Square

Station Square is a large shopping mall and entertainment landmark on the shore of the Monongahela River. Once the hub of the P&LE Railroad (which you can see in the photo above to the right), the buildings have been converted and now house some of the best nightlife venues in the city.

Above photo: View of Station Square from Point State Park

The marina for the city’s sightseeing boats, called the Gateway Clipper Fleet, is also located at Station Square. This is a great way to get out and experience Pittsburgh’s rivers and see the city from the water.

Above photos: The Gateway Clipper Fleet marina and waterfront view

The Monongahela & Duquesne Inclines

Ah, the inclines. These historic funiculars were built around 1870 to provide passenger service to workers traveling the steep hills. Although most of the inclines disappeared once roads were built, the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines remain as iconic landmarks. There is no better way to experience the views over the city than riding an incline from the Monongahela lowlands up to Mt. Washington (and then back down, of course!).

Above photos: The Monongahela Incline

The base stations for the inclines are located at: Monongahela Incline, 1197 W. Carson Street; Duquesne Incline, 73 W. Carson Street. They run from around 5:30 am until midnight, but it is always a good idea to check operating schedules and closures ahead.

The inclines differ a little from each other, and most people will tell you that the Duquesne Incline has better views. But, the Monongahela Incline has a steeper incline. You can also take one up, walk for about 20 minutes along Grandview Avenue at the top, and take the other one down. It’s up to you and how much time you have!

Above photo: View of the Duquesne Incline from Point State Park

Mt. Washington Overlook

The Mt. Washington Overlook is a must for first-time visitors to Pittsburgh for the epic views of the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Nothing will put the layout and geography of Pittsburgh together for you better than this visual. Bring your cameras and selfie-sticks because this shot will undeniably tell people where you are.

Above photos: Mt. Washington Overlook

During the Spring, you will run into wedding and prom parties taking photos on the various overlook platforms before they head off to one of the upscale restaurants along Grandview Avenue. Parking can be a little tricky, but spot turn-over is quick since this is just a brief stop for most folks. Be prepared to demonstrate your parallel parking skills. As an alternative, you can take the incline up from Station Square.

Above photo: Mt. Washington Overlook

Oakland & The University of Pittsburgh

The Oakland neighborhood is home to The University of Pittsburgh. The campus is very walkable once you find parking. From here, you can also easily walk to other points of interest, such as the Carnegie Museum complex, which is located right across the street from the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Chapel.

College towns are almost always fun and full of cheap eats, dive bars, and off-beat shopping. There are also tons of entertainment events to catch, such as a Pitt basketball game, a live play, or festival. Check out this events calendar for more information.

Above photos: University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning (left) and Heinz Chapel (right)

Schenley Park

Schenley Park is a city park made up of 456 acres near the University of Pittsburgh. It is a hot spot on weekends and anytime the weather is nice. It is also a historical park and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The land was donated by heiress Mary Schenley in 1889.

Most people come to Schenley Park to enjoy the trails, woods, and attractions. The main trails that run through the park are in Panther Hollow. To access these trails, the best place to park is on Bartlett Street. The park also hosts major annual events such as the Vintage Grand Prix and the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure.

If you visit Pittsburgh during the winter months, one of the best things to do is go ice skating at the Schenley Skating Rink. Although the rink is very much weather dependent, it usually aims to open in late November.

Above photo: Schenley Park

Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is comprised of four museums, two of which are located in the Oakland neighborhood, within walking distance of the University of Pittsburgh. The Museum of Art and Museum of Natural History are joined and can be visited at the same time.

Above photos: The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

I suppose you can toss a coin to decide which side of the museum to visit first because both are equally impressive. The two museums are connected by a central Grand Staircase, which is practically an attraction of its own.

Above photos: The Grand Staircase at The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

The stand-out exhibits of The Carnegie Museum of Natural History are the dinosaurs and the gems & minerals hall. If you are traveling with kids, the dinosaurs will be a huge hit, along with the wildlife exhibits on the upper floors. The Wyckoff Hall of Arctic Life is another personal favorite.

Above photos: Dinosaurs at The Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The Carnegie Museum of Art includes over 34,000 works of art, architecture, photography, and design from the 19th century to the present. Artists with works on display include Monet, van Gogh, Cézanne, Boudin, Pollock, and Warhol. Floor after floor, room after room, you can lose yourself for an entire day in here.

Above photos: On exhibit at The Carnegie Museum of Art

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is in the same general vicinity of Oakland and Schenley Park. You might even just decide to walk 10-15 minutes from the Carnegie Museum if you don’t want to fuss with re-parking.

The glass building that houses the conservatory is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gardens were founded in 1893 by Henry Phipps, Jr. who gifted the gardens and 14-room conservatory to the City of Pittsburgh. Thematic rooms are meticulously planted and labeled for both entertainment and educational value.

Above photo: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Phipps is a life-long favorite place to visit. Each season the plantings and exhibits change so you can keep returning and see something new each time. I’ve been coming here since forever and have the fondest memories. My older sister was married here, too. So, of course, I had to visit for the Fall Flower Show and Garden Railroad.

Above photos: The Fall Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Garden Railroad is not a permanent exhibit. If you are a train person, you may want to keep an eye out for opening dates. The miniature world of trains, buildings and landscapes re-create the four season as experienced in Western Pennsylvania. It is precious!

Above photos: The Garden Railroad at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Fall and Spring Flower Shows have always been my favorites, but my kids liked the Christmas Show best because of the hands-on craft activities offered. Also, the outdoor Light Garden during the holidays is really magical! Before your visit, I do suggest looking at the exhibits and events calendar and reserving your tickets in advance.

Above photos; The Orchid Room at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Where to Eat

TBH, my restaurant expertise isn’t that great. Having not lived in Pittsburgh for a while, I consider myself out-of-touch with the restaurant scene. However, there are some classic eateries that everyone must try when visiting Pittsburgh.

Eat ‘n Park was founded in Pittsburgh in 1949 and expanded to into a chain of locations in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Their menu is something like an IHOP or Denny’s. It is a classic, diner-like sit-down restaurant that is very friendly on the wallet. They are known for their Smiley Cookies, which they now ship all over the globe!

Penn Brewery is Pittsburgh’s oldest craft brewery. Although it is a brewery, they also have a fantastic menu that includes “ethnic-Pittsburgh” fare such as wurst, schnitzel, pierogi, and goulash alongside contemporary Pittsburgh favorites. Located on the North Side, this is a great place to hit before/after visiting other attractions in the area such as the National Aviary, Andy Warhol Museuem, Carnegie Science Center, or a Steeler or Pirate game.

The Original Oyster House is Pittsburgh’s oldest bar-restaurant and is located right in Market Square. It first opened in 1870 and is still run by the same family. I used to grab lunch here from time-to-time while I was working a summer job downtown. Their menu includes all kinds of seafood dishes, but the Oyster House’s famous clam chowder was my absolute go-to fave.

Primanti Brothers is a world-famous sandwich shop and cultural icon that was founded in Pittsburgh in 1933. Their original location in The Strip District is the place to go, but they also have a locations all over the place now. With a menu catered towards truck drivers and shift workers, the sandwiches are piled high with grilled meat, cheese, french fries and coleslaw in between two slices of Italian bread. I always get the corned beef:) They are outrageously delicious!

Above photos: The original Primanti Brothers in The Strip District

Top Day Trips from Pittsburgh

If you are in Pittsburgh for an extended visit, you may be interested in getting outside the city to see some of the other neighborhoods, suburbs, and rural areas. You don’t have to go that far to find yourself in the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania. Below are a few of my favorite places to get outta town!

Kennywood Park is a traditional amusement park located southeast of Pittsburgh in West Mifflin. Everyone goes to Kennywood. The park opened in 1898 as an attraction at the end of the Monongahela Street Railway and is one of 13 trolley stop parks still in operation. Many structures dating back to the early 1900s are still there! The park is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The top rides include the three wooden roller coasters that we all grew up riding — Jackrabbit, Racer, and Thunderbolt — and also come with bragging rights.

McConnells Mill State Park is a 2500+ acre park located about 40 minutes north of Pittsburgh. The park boasts hiking trails, waterfalls, and a historic covered bridge. The star attraction is a gristmill dating back to the 1800s that used to grind grain for the community. But, be aware that the mill is only open from Memorial Day through late September on Wednesdays through Sundays.

Moraine State Park is another Pennsylvania treasure. The centerpiece of the park is Lake Arthur, a 3,225-acre lake with 42 miles of shoreline. My dad used to take us fishing here. It is also very popular for boating. The Moraine State Park Regatta is an annual 2-day event usually held in August and includes a vintage car show, recreational activities, and, eco-water events.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort is located about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh. It is a great ski resort at 3,000 ft elevation, which is pretty darn good for Pennsylvania. This family-friendly resort is a perfect place for new skiers to learn. During the summer, there are also a lot of outdoor adventure activities offered, such as horseback riding, an alpine slide, water sports, and hiking.

Fallingwater is located in Mill Run, a rural town about an hour and 15 minutes southeast from Pittsburgh. Fallingwater was the summer home of the prominent Kauffman family, who operated Kauffman’s Department Store in downtown Pittsburgh. They commissioned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to capture the nature of the Bear Run forest into innovative architecture. It eventually became one of the most widely acclaimed architectural triumphs of the 20th century.

To read more about my visit to Fallingwater, click here.

Above photos: Fallingwater

Additional Info & Resources

Pittsburgh is the City of Champions, and as such it would be negligent of me not to add a little information about Pittsburgh sporting events. Pittsburgh fans are hard core and you will see evidence of the fandom everywhere. Our teams are such a huge part of Pittsburgh culture. If you can swing it, attending a game would surely be the highlight of your visit.

• For MLB Pirates game tickets at PNC Stadium call 1-800-BUY-BUCS or visit pirates.com.
• For NFL Steelers game tickets at Acrisure Stadium visit steelers.com.
• For NHL Penguin game tickets at PPG Paints Arena visit nhl.com.
• For other Pittsburgh sporting events visit the calendar of events here.

Above photo: Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers

More information on planning your visit to Pittsburgh can be found at Visit Pittsburgh.

If you are visiting the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area and would prefer a guided tour there are several options available through Viator:

Thank you for reading my post! Please feel free to add friendly comments or questions below!