Best Things to Do and See in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, which is in western Pennsylvania, is a dynamic city with a fascinating past and a range of interesting places to visit.

Pittsburgh’s famous skyline, which is best observed from the peak of Mount Washington, is one of the attractions of the city. To reach the top and take in the breath taking panoramic views of the city and its three rivers, visitors can ride the Duquesne Incline, a vintage cable car.

Pittsburgh is renowned for its museums, which include the Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museum of Art. Numerous universities, including the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, are located in the city, bringing a vibrant young culture to the area.

Foodies will enjoy Pittsburgh’s culinary scene, which offers a blend of regional delicacies like pierogis and Primanti Brothers sandwiches and international food. There is a burgeoning craft beer scene in the city as well.

Overall, Pittsburgh has something to offer everyone, from its beautiful landscapes to its museums, educational institutions, and thriving food and drink scene. In this article, we will give you what you should see and do when you visit Pittsburgh.

  1. Go Watch one of the Pittsburgh’s Professional Sports Teams

Pittsburgh is a city with a strong passion for sports, as seen by the presence of three top professional sports franchises there. The Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), and Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB) are these organizations.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lengthy and illustrious history, having played host to some of the best players in NFL history and winning six Super Bowl titles. Heinz Field, where the team plays its home games, is also a year-round venue for other sporting events and musical performances.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are a well-liked NHL team that has some of the top hockey players in the world and five Stanley Cup victories. PPG Paints Arena, a well-liked concert venue, serves as the team’s home field.

The Major League Baseball franchise Pittsburgh Pirates has been a mainstay in the city for more than a century. PNC Park, where the team plays its home games, has breath taking views of the Allegheny River and the Pittsburgh skyline.

In general, Pittsburgh’s professional sports teams are a source of excitement and pride for both locals and tourists. Attending a game or event is a terrific way to feel the passion and excitement of Pittsburgh’s sports culture, whether you are a die-hard fan or just seeking for a fun way to spend an afternoon.

If you would like to buy a ticket to a watch the Penguins, Steelers or a Pirates game, click here or on the Ticketmaster image below to select from one of our preferred suppliers. 

  1. Visit the Andy Warhol Museum

The biggest museum in the world devoted to a single artist is the Andy Warhol Museum, which is situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For those who enjoy pop art and modern art in general, it is a must-visit location.

The museum is located in a former industrial warehouse that was a favorite workspace of Andy Warhol’s. Warhol’s work is displayed on seven floors of displays, which span a variety of media, including sculpture, paintings, prints, photography, films, and more.

Visitors can peruse the vast collection of Warhol’s well-known creations at the museum, including his portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell’s Soup cans. The museum also holds workshops and events for visitors of all ages, as well as revolving exhibits presenting the work of other contemporary artists.

Through multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits, the museum provides information about Warhol’s life and career in addition to the artwork. It is possible for visitors to learn about his early years in Pittsburgh, his ascent to popularity in New York City, and his impact on the art world.

Overall, a trip to the Andy Warhol Museum is a singular and intriguing experience that offers insight into one of the most significant painters of the 20th century and his life and work. 

  1. Do a Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Pittsburgh

A terrific way to experience Pittsburgh’s many sights and neighborhoods at your own leisure is with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. These excursions often include several stops spread out across the city, allowing guests to alight and alight as they wish to fully explore each place.

The Pittsburgh City Tour is one of the city’s most well-liked hop-on, hop-off tours. With visits at well-known landmarks including the Phipps Conservatory, the Heinz History Centre, and the National Aviary, this tour provides a thorough insight of the city’s history, culture, and architecture.

Another choice is the Pittsburgh Double Decker Bus Tour, which includes a double-decker open-air bus and informative tour guides’ comments. This tour also includes several of Pittsburgh’s top sights, such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Cathedral of Learning, and the Carnegie Museum of Art.

A practical and cost-effective method to experience everything Pittsburgh has to offer is with hop-on hop-off bus tours. These excursions offer a fun and adaptable approach to experience everything Pittsburgh has to offer, whether you are interested in history, art, or simply admiring the city’s breath taking skyline.

If you would like to book a ticket on a hop on hop off bus tour in Pittsburgh, click here or on either the Big Bus Tours or CitySightseeing banners below to select from one of our preferred suppliers.

  1. Explore the Strip District in Pittsburgh

Just west of downtown Pittsburgh sits the dynamic and diverse neighborhood known as The Strip District. The Strip District is a must-see place for anybody touring the city because of its distinctive stores, eateries, and marketplaces.

The Pittsburgh Public Market, which has a range of local merchants offering anything from fresh fruit and meats to handcrafted crafts and artisanal goods, is one of the most well-liked attractions in the Strip District. Numerous specialized food stores, ethnic grocery stores and well-known Pittsburgh landmarks like Primanti Bros., known for its sandwiches stuffed with fries and coleslaw, are also located in the neighborhood.

In addition to restaurants and stores, the Strip District has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with a number of galleries and performance venues highlighting local artists. Additionally, the area is an excellent place to begin exploring other surrounding sites like PNC Park, the Andy Warhol Museum, and Point State Park because of its close proximity to downtown Pittsburgh and the shore.

Overall, the Strip District gives a distinctive and genuine taste of Pittsburgh, with something to suit every taste.

  1. Walk or Bike Along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail

The Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers all run through Pittsburgh and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail follows their banks for 24 miles. The trail provides access to some of Pittsburgh’s most well-known sites as well as breath taking views of the city skyline and its recognizable bridges.

One of the best ways to discover Pittsburgh’s varied neighborhoods and take in its rich history and culture is to walk or bike along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The path provides access to numerous museums, eateries, and shopping areas while passing through a number of parks and green areas, including Point State Park and the North Shore Riverfront Park.

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail offers activities for all types of people, whether you want to take a quiet stroll or an energizing bike ride. It is also simple to travel and take advantage of everything Pittsburgh has to offer along its scenic riverside thanks to its well-kept walkways and signs.

  1. Experience the Nightlife in South Side

Pittsburgh’s South Side is a well-liked neighborhood noted for its thriving nightlife. In this vibrant area of town, there are several pubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues, so there is always something going on.

East Carson Street, which is lined with various bars, pubs, and clubs, is one of South Side’s most well-known attractions. Every taste and interest may be satisfied, from live music establishments like Club Cafe to sports bars like Carson City Saloon.

In addition to drinking and dancing, South Side has a range of food options, from gourmet fare at acclaimed restaurants like Dish Osteria to traditional sandwiches made in the style of Pittsburgh at Primanti Bros.

Additionally, South Side has a lot to offer those seeking a more distinctive nightlife experience, including interactive gaming at the Looking for Group Lounge and comedy acts at the Arcade Comedy Theatre.

Overall, South Side is a must-go location for anyone seeking to partake in the greatest nightlife Pittsburgh has to offer.

  1. Festivals in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is renowned for its thriving and varied festival scene, with occasions taking place all year long to honor the city’s rich history, legacy, and arts.

The annual 10-day Three Rivers Arts Festival, which includes musical performances, art exhibitions, and food vendors, is one of Pittsburgh’s most well-liked festivals. The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, a classic vehicle show and race that takes place in Schenley Park each July, is another well-liked occasion.

Pittsburgh’s Irish Festival, Blues and Roots Festival, and Pride Festival, which honors the city’s LGBTQ+ community, are a few of the city’s other famous festivals.

A number of food festivals, including the Pittsburgh Taco Festival, the Picklesburgh Festival, and the Pierogi Festival, are held in Pittsburgh throughout the year. Each of these events offers a distinctive and mouth-watering culinary experience.

Pittsburgh is a place that festival fans should not miss because there is always something going on there, regardless of your interests in art, music, food, or culture.

  1. See the City from Mount Washington

Anyone visiting Pittsburgh must make sure to see Mount Washington. This picturesque hill, which sits on the city’s southern edge, provides stunning views of the downtown skyline, three rivers, and neighboring slopes.

The top of Mount Washington can be reached in a number of ways, including by automobile, bicycle, or foot. The Duquesne Incline, a vintage cable car that has been in operation since the late 1800s, is the most famous method to experience the hill, though. Visitors are transported up the hill by an inclination to the observation platform at the top, where they may take in the breath taking panoramic

In addition to the views, Mount Washington has a number of eateries, cafes, and retail establishments. Visitors can relax with a meal or beverage at one of the many restaurants while admiring the breath taking surroundings.

Overall, visiting Mount Washington is a must-do activity in Pittsburgh since it provides breath taking vistas and an uncommon window into the history and beauty of the city.

  1. Take a Tour of the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

Visitors can view a broad range of animals and aquatic life from all over the world at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, a well-liked attraction in the city.

Over 4,000 animals, representing 475 different species, live in the zoo, including polar bears, tigers, gorillas, and African elephants. Sharks, sea turtles, and jellyfish are among the marine species on display in the PPG Aquarium’s more than 50 displays.

To understand more about the animals and their habitats, as well as the conservation efforts being made to safeguard endangered species, visitors can join a guided tour of the zoo and aquarium. The zoo also provides interactive activities including touch tanks for stingrays, sea lion displays, and giraffe feedings.

The zoo offers numerous educational programmes and activities to enhance environmental awareness and responsibility for anyone who are interested in conservation and sustainability.

Overall, visiting the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is a fantastic chance to discover more about nature and take in the beauty and majesty of the animal realm.

If you would like to book a tour of the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, click here or on the Klook image below to select from one of our preferred suppliers. 

  1. Visit the Frick Art and Historical Center

In the Pennsylvanian city of Pittsburgh, there is a museum and cultural center called the Frick Art and Historical Centre. It bears the name of Henry Clay Frick, an entrepreneur and art collector who lived on the property in the mansion.

Several galleries in the center display works of art and artefacts from the Frick family collection, including furniture, decorative arts, paintings, and sculptures from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The Frick mansion and gardens has been conserved and renovated is open to visitors.

Along with its galleries, the Frick hosts talks, concerts, and educational programmes all year long that highlight the cultural importance of the institution and its holdings. The facility also holds unique exhibitions and activities, making it a well-liked hangout for both locals and visitors.

The Frick Art and Historical Centre offers a singular and educational experience that sheds light on Pittsburgh’s past and cultural heritage.