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 Mt. Washington

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Mt. Washington is a hilltop neighborhood directly south of downtown Pittsburgh. Towering 450 feet (137 meters) above the Ohio and Monongahela rivers, some of the earliest settlements in the city were here. The former Coal Hill was renamed Mt. Washington in the 1800s, a call back to when General George Washington first visited the area during the American Revolution.More

Cathedral of Learning

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A century-old structure on the University of Pittsburgh campus, the Cathedral of Learning features a late Gothic Revival design and a limestone exterior and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the second-largest educational building in the world and was partially funded by the people of Pittsburgh.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

Pittsburgh Station Square

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Station Square is a mixed-use complex featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment. Located in the South Shore neighborhood along the Monongahela River, the area was originally designed as a railroad complex for the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad in the late 1800s and was redeveloped in the 1970s as a commercial space. Today, it’s one of the city’s most popular gathering spaces for locals and visitors alike.More

Carnegie Science Center

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The Carnegie Science Center is a multi-floor museum and research center featuring family-friendly exhibits, a planetarium and observatory, and a huge cinema theater. Located next to Acrisure Stadium on the bank of the Ohio River, the center opened in 1991 as the third of the Carnegie Institute’s four museums in Pittsburgh.More

Hard Rock Café Pittsburgh

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What began as one American café in London has spread around the world. Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh offers the classic food and rock ’n’ roll atmosphere found in the franchise’s many restaurants. With an industrial interior and outdoor patio, the eatery offers a comfortable spot to grab a bite. Plus, its exposed-brick stage hosts live entertainment on a regular basis.More

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.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
8
Tours
44
Reviews
1,701
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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