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10 Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh sometimes gets overshadowed by the historic and larger city of Philadelphia. But there’s much more to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania than just its stereotype of a blue-collar sports town. The city is full of bridges that are each uniquely charming, and movie buffs will recognize that Pittsburgh has been the set of so many epic films over the years. There are some excellent museums and parks here, it has colorful neighborhoods, and is a culinary heaven for foodies. Festivals and live music shows are happening all the time in Pittsburgh, and it’s become one of the most livable places in the country.

So, whether you’re visiting the area for the first time or just looking for something different to do for your next trip, here are some of the best ways to spend your time in Pittsburgh.

Learn Pittsburg History at the Heinz History Center Heinz History Center
Credit: Heinz History Center by Heinz History Center

Learn Pittsburg History at the Heinz History Center

What Is It? To learn a bit of history about the area before you dive right into exploring it, start your journey at the Heinz History Center. 

Why Do It? Here you’ll find artifacts related to Pittsburgh’s history in the French & Indian War, sports memorabilia from the city’s baseball and football history, and even a bit about Heinz ketchup products. Pretty much everything that has to do with Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania’s history can be found here. The museum is also favored by first-time travelers because the layout is simple and easy to follow. 

Good to Know: There are six floors with ever-changing exhibits here, so it’s worth coming back to even if you’ve been in the past. There’s also a café at the history center if you want to grab a sandwich after seeing the exhibits.

Get to Know a Legend at the Andy Warhol Museum The Andy Warhol Museum
Credit: The Andy Warhol Museum by The Andy Warhol Museum

Get to Know a Legend at the Andy Warhol Museum

What Is It? Andy Warhol continues to be one of the most famous and beloved names in American Art, and the legend has his very own dedicated museum here in Pittsburgh. 

Why Do It? It’s considered to be the largest art museum in the country that’s dedicated to a single artist and has seven floors of exhibits. Warhol lived in Pittsburgh and became known for his colorful pop artwork. Come here to learn about the life of this fascinating painter, author, filmmaker, publisher, record producer, and eccentric personality. 

Good to Know: Inside, you can attend a daily gallery talk, watch the orientation film, browse the store and café, and check out a hands-on studio experience called the Factory.

Take a Distillery Tour at Wigle Whiskey Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse & Whiskey Garden
Credit: Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse & Whiskey Garden by Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse & Whiskey Garden

Take a Distillery Tour at Wigle Whiskey

What Is It? By far, Pittsburgh is one of the best places in the country for craft beverage fans. There are a ton of breweries and distilleries here that you can tour and sample. 

Why Do It? Wigle Whiskey, for example, offers tours to introduce you to its award-winning whiskeys, gins, rums, and vodkas. 

Good to Know: In addition to the distillery tasting room, you can also visit the Whiskey Garden and the tasting room and bottle shop inside the lobby at the Omni William Penn Hotel.

Admire Plants at the Phipps Conservatory Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Credit: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens by Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Admire Plants at the Phipps Conservatory

What Is It? To find a bit of peace and beauty in the city, head to the Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. 

Why Do It? Here you’ll find various rooms of plants, such as bonsai trees, Joshua trees, orchids, and even butterfly gardens. Families love visiting this place because it often hosts special activities for children. Check the organization’s website to see what events are happening when you’ll be in town. Guided tours are offered for visitors who want to learn more about the plant collections, the production greenhouse, and sustainable landscapes. 

Good to Know: One of the highlights that shouldn’t be missed is the 13-room Victorian glasshouse that changes with the seasons.

Explore and Eat at the Strip District View of outdoor diners in the Strip District
Credit: View of outdoor diners in the Strip District by Strip District Neighbors

Explore and Eat at the Strip District

What Is It? The city of Pittsburgh is full of diverse neighborhoods, so take some time to explore a few of them during your trip. 

Why Do It? One of the most popular and most visited areas of town is known as the Strip District. It’s located on the northeastern corner of the Golden Triangle by the Allegheny River and used to be a hub for the railroad. 

Good to Know: Today you’ll find lots of shops, restaurants, markets, and art galleries here.

See Inspiring Art at the Carnegie Museum Carnegie's Silver to Steel: The Modern Designs of Peter Muller-Munk
Credit: Carnegie's Silver to Steel: The Modern Designs of Peter Muller-Munk by Carnegie Museum of Art

See Inspiring Art at the Carnegie Museum

What Is It? There are quite a few museums in Pittsburgh that are worth checking out, but the Carnegie Museum of Art is by far one of the best. 

Why Do It? The famous Andrew Carnegie founded this museum in the late 1800s with a vision of creating an internationally recognized art destination. This is a great place to come if you enjoy Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings from America and Europe from the last couple of centuries. 

Good to Know: Inside, you can also explore sculptures, architecture, drawings, photos, and more. There’s also the Carnegie Science Center in town that both adults and kids can visit to explore through interactive exhibits. Some favorite features here are the Pacific Coral Reef Aquarium, the four-story IMAX theater, and the Miniature Railroad and Village.

Embrace Life on Two Wheels at Bicycle Heaven Bicycle Heaven
Credit: Bicycle Heaven by Bicycle Heaven

Embrace Life on Two Wheels at Bicycle Heaven

What Is It? Anyone who enjoys getting around town on two wheels needs to check out Bicycle Heaven in Pittsburgh. 

Why Do It? This is home to the world’s largest bicycle museum and shop, and it was established in 2011. 

Good to Know: You can see famous bikes that were featured in movies, historic and vintage bikes, get your own bike tuned up, or rent one to get around Pittsburgh.

Catch a Game at PNC Park PNC Park home of the Pittsburgh Pirates along waterfront of Allegheny River
Credit: PNC Park home of the Pittsburgh Pirates along waterfront of Allegheny River by bigstock.com

Catch a Game at PNC Park

What Is It? No trip to Pittsburgh would be complete without catching a sports game of one form or another or at least touring a stadium. 

Why Do It? PNC Park is where the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team plays and a beautiful park that showcases the natural and built landscape of the city.

Good to Know: If you’re looking for a spectacular riverside view, sit on the Left Field side. It provides one of the best city skylines in all of Major League Baseball.

Take a Trolley Up the Duquesne Incline Pittsburgh's Golden Traingle from the Duquesne Incline atop Mount Washington
Credit: Pittsburgh's Golden Traingle from the Duquesne Incline atop Mount Washington by bigstock.com

Take a Trolley Up the Duquesne Incline

What Is It? One of the best ways to get an overall sense of what Pittsburgh is all about is to take the Duquesne Incline up to Mount Washington. 

Why Do It? This trolley has been taking visitors to the top since 1877 to see the view where the three rivers of Pittsburgh come together. Plan to spend about an hour here to snap some photos from the viewing platform and gaze down at the illuminated city down below. 

Good to Know: There’s a little museum at the top where you can learn more about the city, as well as a gift shop and some restaurants.

Hike, Bike & Boat at Point State Park Trees and walkways at Point State Park
Credit: Trees and walkways at Point State Park by bigstock.com

Hike, Bike & Boat at Point State Park

What Is It? Pittsburgh is home to many beautiful parks because of its location at the junction of the Monongahela, Ohio, and Allegheny Rivers. Point State Park showcases this beauty, where you can see the fountains and enjoy the great outdoors.

Why Do It? The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset and is a great place to launch a boat. The Three Rivers Water Trail has a series of boat launch points and is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. 

Good to Know: You can also come here to go fishing and either bike or hike the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. This trail spans 37 miles along the three rivers and connects to other regional trail systems as well for long-distance journeys.

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