Pittsburgh is a popular city because of its rich industrial history, beloved sports teams, and more. If you haven’t yet been tempted to visit, you may not realize all it has to offer.
The city has everything you could want, from bustling urban areas to quiet parks. It also offers restaurants and bars with delicious menus, historic museums, and some of the most unique attractions in the US. You’ll never run out of things to do and, while you should bring some money along, many of its more open spaces are free to visit.
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Duquesne Incline
Pittsburg residents needed a way to get from their homes on the top of hills to the mills and factories where they worked on the bottom. Before cars became popular, they used inclines like this one which has been in operation since the 1870s. It was restored in 1963 and has become a popular spot for visitors. It’s over 140 years old and offers skyline views and perfect photo opportunities. It also has restaurants to eat at and a museum and gift shop where you can learn more about and take home mementos of its rich history.
Randyland
Randy Gilson hosts this exhibition of art made with repurposed trash. He purchased the two colorful buildings in 1995 with a credit card. Admission is free, and it’s open seven days a week except between December 24-26 for the Christmas holiday.
Phipps Conservatory
This is one of the best spots to experience natural beauty in Pittsburgh. You can gaze at its perennial flowers all year. There is a collection of green rooms focusing on a region or plant types, such as tropical forests, butterfly gardens, or bonsai trees. You can also come for its seasonal flower shows, two of the best of which are the Spring Flower Show from March to April and the Winter Flower Show from November to January. You can even rent it for a wedding, and it’s a wonderful place for students from the two nearby universities to come and relax. Children can enjoy the hands-on activities and play areas. Admission is $17.95 for adults and $11.95 for children, and the conservatory is open from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. every day with extended hours on Fridays.
Strip District
This former industrial neighborhood now packs plenty of attractions into its half-a-square-mile space. It has restaurants, international markets, museums, shops, and more. Most are family-owned. A few of the best food offerings are Pimanti Brothers’ french-fry topped sandwiches, breakfast at Deluca’s Diner, and pancakes from Pamela’s P&G Diner. A few of its non-restaurant vendors close at around 3 p.m., so be sure to come early.o
Andy Warhol Museum
Andy Warhol is absolutely one of the most famous artists of all time and, since he grew up right in Pittsburgh, this museum is dedicated to his work. It’s the largest single-artist museum in the United States, with seven floors of installations, reproductions, and educational exhibits. One of the best is the Cloud Room. It also hosts rotating exhibits and a range of daily and weekly events. Admission is somewhat high, but it’s a price worth paying for fans of the artist.
Point State Park
This park spreads over 36 acres. It sits at water level and provides views of the nearby riverboats, Mount Washington, and PNC Park. It also features a large fountain and the outline of the former Fort Duquesne. You can also visit the Fort Pitt Museum to learn about the park’s history as the site of Fort Pitt in the 18th century during the American Revolution and the French and Indian War.
Senator John Heinz History Center
This museum focuses on the history of the city of Pittsburgh. Its exhibits are spread over six floors and detail its early settlements, sports, local inventions, and more, including how it moved into the modern-day.
Carnegie Science Center and Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History
There are four Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh.
The Science Center is separate from the Museums of Art and Natural History. It features a planetarium and exploration station, a sports-focused venue, robotics exhibits, a submarine, and more. The entertainment comes from more than the exhibits; you can enjoy laser shows and screenings in the Rangos Omnimax Theater as well.
The Museums of Art and Natural History sit in the same building, and you only need one ticket to visit them both. You’ll enjoy dozens of rooms full of art and natural history exhibits, including Dinosaurs in Their Time, the Hillman Hall of Gems and Minerals, and the Hall of Architecture.
Fallingwater
Frank Lloyd Wright built this spot on the Laurel Highlands in the 1930s for a department store owner. It’s perched over a waterfall with plenty to see as long as you don’t mind a drive and can book tickets several weeks in advance.
Carrie Furnaces
This spot in Rankin is only open from late spring to early fall, but it’s worth visiting. It’s one of the last remaining blast furnaces and also serves as a museum commemorating Pittsburgh’s contributions to the steel industry.
You can take a tour of the grounds with a botanist or a guided tour of the machine shop, but be sure to get reservations in advance.
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Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Both of these spots in the Shadyside neighborhood are perfect attractions for families. The zoo houses over 400 animals and has a Kids Kingdom with a petting zoo. The aquarium has a stingray tank and a wide range of marine species.
PNC Park
This is the home field for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Visit on game days and get local craft beers to drink and hot dogs or perogies to eat. Visit on a fireworks night for a dazzling display. There’s also plenty to do outside of the park.
Heinz Field
This attraction houses the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s built on a waterfront that offers spectacular views, but it also doubles as an event space for concerts and other acts. Tickets are fairly pricey, but touring the field any time from April to October is more affordable at only $8 for adults and $7 for seniors and children. For 90 minutes, you’ll be guided through its most notable sites and be able to take photos with the river backdrop behind you.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Over 500,000 visitors and Pittsburgh residents use this trail every year. You can traverse the 24-mile-long path on foot or on a bike or roller skates. You’ll pass by several other notable attractions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, PNC Park, Heinz Field, and Point State Park.
Kennywood
This is one of the best amusement parks in Pittsburgh and one of the largest at 150 acres. It’s also one of only two amusement parks to ever be given the honor of becoming a National Historic Landmark. It began as a trolley park in 1898 built to entertain mill workers but now provides nostalgic fun for everyone. Fans love its most historic rides, such as the Thunderbolt built in 1924 and the Turtle built in 1927. It offers water rides such as the Pittsburg Plunge and huge rollercoasters like the Phantom’s Revenge which offers a 230-foot drop. It also has a Kiddieland for those too young to go on the larger, more intense rides.
Market Square
This open public space used to house the city’s first courthouse and jail. It’s now a common place for meetings and events. A few of the most notable are the summer farmers markets, outdoor yoga and dance classes, and the biweekly KidsPlay.
Mattress Factory
This 3-building museum in the North Side brought life back to several abandoned buildings. It was established in 1977 and now features contemporary art exhibits housed in 3 buildings. Two of the most popular exhibits are the Repetitive Vision and the Infinity Dots Mirror Room. The art on display rotates, giving you a reason to return, but be aware that not everything is child-friendly.
PNC Carousel
This attraction in Schenley Park is open from April to October. It was built in 1913 and moved to its current location in 2006. Its Victorian-style architecture, bright colors, and traditional organ music make it unique. Take a ride for only $2 or get a family season pass.
Bar 11
This bar gives you something that no other can; a toy with every drink. You may get a finger trap, candy necklace, rubber duck, or any number of fun distractions. Even if you’re not into the toys, Bar 11 has a great atmosphere for you to enjoy.
Liberty Magic
This spot on Liberty Avenue hosts magicians every month that show off a range of talents from close-up magic to magic-infused stand-up comedy. It’s BYOB, but dressing up in cocktail attire and enjoying a drink makes it even more fun and helps you get into the speakeasy feel that the location gives off.
The Original Oyster House
This is the oldest restaurant in Pittsburgh, and that’s saying something when speaking about such a historic city. It opened in 1870 and was designated a historic landmark. Old photos and memorabilia line the walls, but nostalgia and historic appeal isn’t the only reason to visit. It also offers delicious food, which includes, as you may expect, fried oysters.
The Big Mac Museum
The famous Big Mac sandwich was invented by Pittsburgh resident Jim MJ Delligatti. This museum dedicated to his contribution to the world of fast food seats 122 people and features a PlayPlace, McDonald’s memorabilia, and a statue of the creator.
Hofbrauhaus
This restaurant mimics the famous brewhouses of Germany with bier, live polka bands, and servers dressed in traditional lederhosen. It also offers views of the nearby river and a Biergarten if you want to eat outside.
Trundle Manor and The Weeping Glass
Trundle Manor in Swissvale looks like an average house until you enter in. It houses coffins, medical devices, and other morbid oddities. It relies on donations of either money or new items to exhibit. The Weeping Glass is more of a gift shop than a museum where you can purchase similarly odd items, have your Tarot Cards read, or watch this month’s Midnight Death Parlor performance.
Canton Avenue
A maximum grade of 37% makes this the steepest street in the United States. You can drive up and down it, but only the strongest cyclers should take it on.
Church Brew Works
St. John the Baptist Church was converted into a bar. Vats of beer sit on the former altar, and you can enjoy them while sitting on former pews. It’s only one of Pittsburgh’s historic buildings that were turned into bars; others include The Abbey, a former funeral parlor, and The Ace Hotel, a former YMCA.
Bob’s Garage
This spot is also known as the Christmas Bar thanks to its holiday lights and decor but changes its theme with every season. This gives it an inviting atmosphere, and the sandwiches and burgers on its menu are also worth experiencing.
Roberto Clemente Museum
This former Engine-House is now a museum dedicated to the most famous baseball player to ever come out of Pittsburg. Roberto Clement joined the Pirates in 1954 and rose to fame not only as a great player but a dedicated humanitarian who died in a plane crash on his way to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua. The museum features a range of baseball artifacts.
Inventionland
This site spreads over 60,000 square feet, and it needs that space to show off all of the important inventions to come out of Pittsburgh, including the Polio vaccine, the Big Mac, and Heinz Ketchup. It used to be a workshop but now hosts a range of exhibits and work areas for future inventors. You can also join a tour, but no flash photography.
Pranit’s Bakery
This spot claims that it’s burnt almond torte is the Greatest Cake in America. Visit and judge for yourself, and be sure to try its other delicacies, such as any of its over 60 flavors of Kauffmann’s Thumbprints cookies.
Grandview Park
This spot offers one of the best views of Pittsburgh’s landscape. It also hosts movies and music festivals in the summer.
Games N’ At
This game emporium calls itself “a Pittsburgh thing.” It hosts a range of activities, including duckpin bowling, video arcades, pinball, foosball, Skee-Ball, and more. It’s also a perfect place for the whole family, with adults allowed to bring their own beer.
Sup3Rivers, Surf’s Up Adventures, and Stand Up Pittsburgh
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the best ways to experience Pittsburgh’s three rivers. All of these locations will teach you how to do it.
Banjo and Bluegrass Night
This popular event has been held every Wednesday at the Elk’s Lodge for 30 years. It features great music and delicious food and drinks. It’s so popular that you should get reservations in advance.
Mineo’s and Aiello’s Pizza
These two pizza shops sit a few doors down from each other but have been rivals for decades. Most Pittsburgh residents have their opinions on which is better, but you should visit them both and make your own decision.
Construction Junction
This large warehouse features recycled materials and appliances. You can purchase them at reduced prices and get everything you need for your DIY projects or just browse the impressive selection.
Allegheny Wine Mixer
This Upper Lawrenceville bar is modeled after the 2008 comedy Stepbrothers. It features Incredible Hulk hands above the bar, cheese toasties, and drinks with names like Boats ‘N Hoes. It’s a must-see for fans of the film and a great place for anyone to get a drink.
Mellon Park Walled Garden
Artist Janet Zweig built an art installation in this park. It was a tribute to Ann Katherine Seamans, an artist, dancer, and ceramist who visited it often before dying in a car accident at the age of 19 in 1999. It features fiber-optic stars that cast the pattern of the sky onto the day of Ann’s birth.
Arcade Comedy Theater
This spot offers comedy shows every weekend. It also hosts Improve Pop-Up Night every 3rd Thursday of the month, where you can take a 2-and-half-hour class on improv comedy.
Square Café
This Braddock Avenue diner is the place to go if you want to enjoy a quality brunch. It also features local artwork and ceramic square mugs for your coffee. Try its unique dishes, such as smoked salmon crepes, lemon-berry ricotta pancakes, or Brussel sprout bowls.
Jerry’s Records
This spot earned the designation of “one of the best record stores in the United States. It houses over 500,000 albums, and viewing them is like being transported back to the past.
If you’ve already visited Pittsburgh, what was first on your list of things to do? Let us know in the comments below. Like and subscribe to ViewCation for more on how to get the most out of your vacation to the most famous cities in America.