places to visit in pittsburgh pennsylvania

Pittsburgh   Travel Guide

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15 Best Things To Do in Pittsburgh

Updated February 11, 2021

Pittsburgh is full of fun things to do, especially for families. You and the crew can take in a baseball game at PNC Park or root for the Steelers at  Heinz Field . You can also get to know the animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium  or explore

• All Things To Do

Duquesne Incline Duquesne Incline

The Duquesne Incline is one of two uphill trolleys — and it has been carting visitors up Mount Washington since the 1870s. After falling on hard times, the Duquesne Incline was lovingly restored in 1963. But why should you visit the trolley in this area instead of the Monongahela one?

This one transports you to an ideal vantage point in Mount Washington, directly above where Pittsburgh's three rivers collide. There's a large viewing platform that extends just over the cliff and on a clear day, the view from the top makes for some excellent photographs. However, some recent visitors say you should wait and hop on the incline at night since it's less crowded and you can see the illuminated city below. Once you get to the top, aside from admiring the view, you can take some time to check out the small museum with some fun facts on Pittsburgh's history and photographs, or grab a souvenir from the gift shop. There are a few restaurants near the upper station as well, though travelers say they're pretty pricey and you're better off heading back downtown to grab a bite to eat.

Strip District Strip District free

What was once a primarily industrial neighborhood is now packed with restaurants, international markets, museums and shops. The Strip District, which runs alongside the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, measures only half a square mile, but it has plenty of attractions and eateries to fill up your day (and your stomach). 

Chow down on one of Pittsburgh's staple French fry-topped sandwiches at Primanti Brothers, wait in line for a tasty breakfast at Deluca's Diner or savor the famous pancakes from Pamela's P&G Diner. You won't find many national chain restaurants in this area, and visitors say the independently run and family-owned establishments give the neighborhood its authentic Pittsburgh charm.

Senator John Heinz History Center Senator John Heinz History Center

The  Senator John Heinz History Center  isn't your typical museum. Yes, there are artifacts from the city's role in the French & Indian War, but then there's the Western Pennsylvania Sports exhibit, detailing the city's football and baseball legacies, and the exhibit on Heinz Ketchup and other Heinz products. From the Civil War to the industry titans of steel, if it's got to do with Pittsburgh, it's here.

Most recent visitors enjoy the museum's wide variety of displays and said they left feeling pleased that they know a little more about Pittsburgh. Travelers also appreciated the sensible layout and organized approach of the museum, which made it easy to navigate.

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Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

The Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is a popular backdrop for local weddings and a haven for stressed undergrads, since two universities are just a short walk away. But the conservatory has plenty to offer visitors as well: You can explore the collection of green rooms, each of which is dedicated to a region or specific plant type. Phipps is home to everything from tropical forests and butterfly gardens to bonsai, Joshua tree and orchid plant and flower collections. Just beyond the main entrance, a small shop and a cafe invite travelers to relax.  Phipps is great for families, too. The conservatory offers different hands-on activities as well as play areas for children.  Most visitors say while the admission may seem a little steep, it's well worth the price tag.

You'll find the Phipps Conservatory adjacent to Carnegie Mellon University's campus on Schenley Park. Admission is $17.95 for adults and $11.95 for children between ages 2 and 18. Phipps is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on Fridays. Check out the conservatory's website for more information.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Nestled in the Shadyside neighborhood, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium can make an entertaining afternoon for young families. Everything from the petting zoo in Kids Kingdom to the stingray tanks in the aquarium is family-friendly. This zoo is home to more than 400 different species of animals, some of which are threatened or endangered. Animals are grouped in different habitats, ranging from the African Savanna (where you'll see elephants, lions and giraffes) and the Asian Forest (say hello to tigers, red pandas and snow leopards) to the PPG Aquarium (with penguins, sharks and colorful fish) and Water's Edge (home to sea otters and polar bears).

Recent visitors said they were impressed by the zoo and the number of animals that were on exhibit, noting that when the weather's nice it's a great attraction to explore. 

PNC Park PNC Park

Located on the southern shore of North Side district, PNC Park is the home base for Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates. Catch an afternoon game and enjoy the local craft beers, hometown hot dogs and pierogies, plus some awesome game play.

Most visitors praise the stadium for its views (and suggest visiting on a fireworks night for added fun), but many say it's the entire experience that sets this ballpark apart. "It's not just the stunning, first-class ballpark and fabulous view of the skyline that make it great. It's the total package of greatness: the pre-game street scene, entertainment, tons of bars, sidewalk cafes, beer trucks, riverfront, kayaks — and that's just outside!" said one TripAdvisor user.

Three Rivers Heritage Trail Three Rivers Heritage Trail

An asphalt link between some of Pittsburgh's most notable spots, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail lines the banks of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio waterways. The 24-mile-long path connects the downtown area to the surrounding neighborhoods and makes it easy for people to travel across the city without getting in a car or on a bus. It's also the perfect scenic recreation spot: You'll find people walking, running, biking and roller blading down the trail nearly every day. 

More than half a million people use the trail every year, as it's an active and fun way to see the best of Pittsburgh. A stroll down the North Side portion of the waterfront trail will bring you to the Andy Warhol Museum , PNC Park and Heinz Field . The downtown section traces the perimeter of Point State Park , where you'll find people enjoying the open park and the views of where the three rivers converge. 

Carnegie Science Center Carnegie Science Center

Offering a range of interactive exhibits covering a variety of topics, the Carnegie Science Center is a hit with adults and families with children. The science center, one of four Carnegie Museums in Steel City, is home to a planetarium, an exploration station with electricity and weather exhibits, a sports-focused venue, a robotics experience, a naval submarine and more. Within different areas of the museum, visitors can learn about energy through a kiosk game show, see what it feels like to be weightless on the zero-gravity climbing wall, understand the physics of sports and interact with the robots in roboworld.

Carnegie Science Center also offers entertainment options that are particular visitor favorites, including laser shows where neon lights and music combine (think: light shows set to Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd and Daft Punk hits) and screenings in the four-story Rangos Omnimax Theater (a massive domed IMAX theater).

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Heinz Field Heinz Field

Whether you're a Steelers fan or a devotee of another NFL team, Heinz Field is worth a visit. This modern stadium has one of the most unique views throughout the league thanks to its waterfront location. It also doubles as a concert venue for major acts throughout the year.

Although tickets for games and concerts are pricey, you can take a tour for much less. Tours last about 90 minutes, run from April through October and cost $8 for adults and $7 for seniors and kids ages 5 to 17. Recent visitors say the tour is a good consolation if you can't catch a game, noting the guides are informative and you still get the opportunity to take photos with the river backdrop.

Kennywood Kennywood

From the major splash at the bottom of Pittsburg Plunge water ride to the 230-foot drop on the Phantom's Revenge roller coaster, Kennywood has a thrill in store for everyone. Located on the banks of the Monongahela River, this 150-acre amusement park has roller coasters, water rides, carousels, bumper cars, 3D experiences, a 4D theater, paddle boats and more. Crowd favorites include Thunderbolt, a wooden roller coaster built in 1924, and Turtle, which was built in 1927 and provides picturesque views of the river valley. The park has a Kiddieland which is perfect for adventurous youngsters between 36 inches and 56 inches tall.  

Kennywood also has what many amusement parks do not: a rich history. It started as a trolley park in 1898 that offered entertainment for mill workers and their families. Now, it unites old-time nostalgia with contemporary fun, and it's one of only two amusement parks to be named a National Historic Landmark. The park even features Lost Kennywood – a section of rides which replicate the architecture and design of the park's rides decades ago. 

Randyland Randyland free

Randyland brings sunshine to Pittsburgh even on the dreariest days. Created by native Pittsburgh artist Randy Gilson, Randyland is a vibrant, intricate and eclectic experiential art museum in the city's North Side. It's been bringing smiles to visitors' faces since 1995 when Gilson originally bought the building using funds he had earned as a part-time waiter and proceeded to decorate it with repurposed trash. 

Pittsburgh's Market Square Pittsburgh's Market Square free

Market Square is an open public space surrounded by restaurants and shops, located at the intersection of Forbes Avenue and Market Street. The area has long been a meeting spot for Pittsburgh residents and it's where the city's first courthouse and first jail were built. Nowadays, the pedestrian-only square is the grounds for many community-building events and festivals.

Some of Market Square's typical summer events include farmers markets, fashion truck pop-ups, outdoor yoga classes, outdoor dance classes and KidsPlay – an active, educational program series for children hosted in the square twice a week. Residents and visitors appreciate that there is always something happening in the square, and they say it's one of the few places in the city conducive to outdoor strolling, shopping and people-watching. 

Andy Warhol Museum Andy Warhol Museum

Located a block east of PNC Park in the North Side, the Andy Warhol Museum is the largest single-artist museum in the country. Housed in a refurbished warehouse, it holds seven floors' worth of instillations, reproductions and educational exhibits dedicated to one of the most famous Pittsburghers. Fans will find originals like the Brillo Boxes sculpture and the Elvis Presley painting among other artifacts and exhibits.

And with all that space, visitors can easily get their pop art fix. Most museumgoers appreciated the colorful pieces and loved learning a little more about Warhol's life and creative process. However, some say this museum might only interest die-hard fans and note the admission is a bit pricey.

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Point State Park Point State Park free

Point State Park juts into the water at the spot where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers meet the Ohio River. The 36-acre park in downtown Pittsburgh is at water level and provides great views of the riverboats, Mount Washington and PNC Park. Near the water, there is a large fountain where visitors can lounge and admire the views, and behind it on the lawn is the outline of the former Fort Duquesne, traced in granite. 

Point State Park holds a lot of city history, as it was also the site of the 18th-century Fort Pitt. For those looking to delve further into the details, the Fort Pitt Museum sits in the back of the park and provides information about Pittsburgh's role during the French and Indian War, and the American Revolution. The indoor-outdoor museum is kid-friendly with engaging and interactive exhibits. 

Mattress Factory Mattress Factory

Immerse yourself in an unconventional art experience at Mattress Factory – a three-building museum on Pittsburgh's North Side featuring exhibits from both established and up-and-coming artists. Mattress Factory was established in 1977 and played a major role in bringing new energy and culture to the city's North Side, specifically to the historic Mexican War Streets neighborhood. The museum came to inhabit many previously abandoned buildings and, because it appeals to tourists, it has helped make the neighborhood a more attractive place to visit in Pittsburgh.

The museum specializes in contemporary installation art, and exhibits are specifically created for the space in which they're showcased. The displays will challenge everything you think you know about contemporary art with vibrant colors, visual illusions and thought-provoking themes. Everyone is encouraged to experience the art using all their senses, so visitors can feel free to walk around, examine and, in some cases, even touch the displays. "Perplexing," "mesmerizing" and "one of a kind" are just a few ways previous visitors described the eclectic exhibits. However, some warn the content is not always child-friendly, with some exhibits leaning toward risqué and macabre. While some exhibits are permanent, others rotate every so often to keep the museum fresh and to showcase a wider variety of artists' work. Some permanent crowd favorites are the Repetitive Vision exhibit and the Infinity Dots Mirror Room. 

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40+ Best Things To Do And See In Pittsburgh, From a Local

Heading to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for a visit or weekend getaway? Here’s my local’s guide to visiting the Steel City, with the 40+ top attractions and best things to do and see.

Rachel Carson Bridge with the Pittsburgh skyline

I also give you a rundown of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh and tips for visiting.

Pittsburgh is a town that was built on steel and the Steelers. But Pittsburgh’s reputation as a gritty city is as old as petticoats.

These days, the city thrives on culture as well. Formerly a Rust Belt baby, Pittsburgh is now a cultural and artistic hub. It’s also a foodie town.

Formerly, the go to meal in Pittsburgh was a French fry stuffed sandwich. Now, there are gourmet and international restaurants, from budget to expensive.

Pittsburgh is sometimes overshadowed by the much larger city of Philadelphia in the east. But Pittsburgh also has a wealth of fine art and architecture. Some of Pittsburgh’s top attractions are its world class museums and cultural centers.

To top that off, Pittsburgh is beautiful situated. This hilly city sits at the crux of three rivers — the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio. The city is a visual feast, with a rugged topography and an enviable skyline.

Pittsburgh’s not as ancient as places like Lisbon . But its natural setting –with rivers, viewpoints, and vistas — bear a resemblance. If Pittsburgh were in Europe, the city would be wildly popular.

Pittsburgh is also a city of many neighborhoods. There’s pockets of cuteness sprinkled all over the city. You need a car or Uber to explore them properly.

Hall of Sculptures in the Carnegie Museum of Art

Best Things To Do In Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Here are my picks for the 40+ best things to do and see in Pittsburgh. I take you on a tour of all the top must visit sites, attractions, museums, and landmarks in Pittsburgh.

You’ll discover all the best destinations in Pittsburgh — where to eat, stay, and play on your Pittsburgh getaway. I also give you a long list of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh by neighborhood.

It’s possible to hit the highlights of Pittsburgh in 2-3 days. A really thorough exploration could take a week.

1. Carnegie Museum of Art

You may not think the “Steel City” of Pittsburgh is an art mecca. But for a small city, the beloved Carnegie Museum of Art (“CMOA”) packs a surprisingly art punch, with international flair.

For art lovers, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh.

The Carnegie was founded by industrialist and philanthropist  Andrew Carnegie in 1895. This gorgeous museum is in Pittsburgh’s lively Oakland neighborhood near the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

There are many wings and dozens of galleries. The wide ranging collection is devoted to art from ancient times to cutting edge contemporary works.

Launched in 1974, the Scaife Galleries are CMOA’s crown jewel. Sarah Mellon Scaife was a sister of Pittsburgh tycoon Richard Mellon.

She gifted the massive Beaux Art galleries and a slew of important works to CMOA, nearly doubling its space.

The Impressionist works on display include pieces by top shelf names like Monet , Manet, Pissarro, Renoir, Degas, and Matisse.

A unique part of the Carnegie is the Hall of Architecture. As part of his effort to “bring the world to Pittsburgh,” Carnegie commissioned plaster copies of some of the world’s most iconic buildings and sculptures. 

They were created by master craftsmen. If the citizens of Pittsburgh couldn’t get to Europe, they could at least see what they were missing.

Architectural cast collections were incredibly popular in the late Victorian era. Their popularity subsequent waned. 

Now, the Carnegie has one of the world’s best collections, rivaling the Victorian & Albert Museum in London.

Here’s my complete guide to the Carnegie Museum of Art .

2. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is a top attraction in Pittsburgh for kids. The museum has an extraordinary collection of dinosaur fossils. It’s one of the best collections in the United States.

The permanent collection explores every facet of the natural world. You’ll see dinosaur skeletons, minerals, Egyptian artifacts, and sea creatures.

The premiere exhibit is the Diplodocus Carnegie . A bone digging crew financed by Carnegie dug the 84 foot skeleton out of the dirt in southwestern Wyoming.

The sauropod is nicknamed “Dippy.” The life size dinosaur sculpture in front of the museum captures Dippy as he would have looked in real life.

There are also exhibits that explore the flora and fauna of Pennsylvania and the United States.

The Museum of Natural History is housed in the same building as the Carnegie Museum of Art. There are two cafes onsite. One is quite chic. You can also lounge in the museum’s lovely sculpture garden.

3. Carnegie Science Center

The Carnegie Science Center is one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh for families.

Spread over four floors, the museum has hundreds of interactive exhibits. They explain everything from natural science, to artificial intelligence, to scientific principles, to human anatomy.

Aside from the displays, you can visit a submarine, the Blue Planetarium, the OmniMax Theater, and the sports center. At the later, you can zip line, rock climb, or take a virtual roller coaster ride.

One thing to keep in mind when you purchase your ticket is that there are separate charges for certain attractions. For example, a visit to the submarine is included in your ticket.

But you still have to book a time slot when you check in. Or, you’ll have to wait in line.

The planetarium and OmniMax are also separate charges. Check the schedule to see what’s playing every half hour to hour. Tailor your visit around those time slots.

4. Andy Warhol Museum

The Warhol Museum is my favorite museum in Pittsburgh. It’s a fabulous single artist museum that celebrates Pittsburgh’s hippest native son, Andy Warhol.

As the Prince of Pop, Warhol made himself a world famous artist. Warhol was a true iconoclast and performance artist. He was a hugely significant artist of the second half of the 20th century.

Warhol challenged traditional norms of what constituted art. He cannily merged superficial commerce and fine art.

Warhol was unashamedly obsessed with beauty and fame, how they were linked, and how to capture the duo in a shocking way.

Pittsburgh’s Warhol museum is the only one of its kind in the United States. It’s housed in a chic urban venue. It boasts a veritable treasure trove of Warhol art and archives.

Opened in 1994, the Warhol Museum is an immersive and well curated museum. If you’re a Warholic, you may think you’ve fallen into a fancified version of the factory.

The museum has 7 floors, with the art work displayed in chronological order. Four of them showcase a decade of Warhol art per floor. You start from the top and work your way down. You can see the entire evolution of Warhol’s oeuvre.

You’ll see seminal works from the 1940s to Warhol’s death in 1987, with explanations of Warhol’s creative process. The museum also has a permanent room on the 4th floor for viewing Warho’s films.

There’s gallery after gallery of paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and Warhol’s personal knickknacks.

Some of the drawings are by Warhol’s talented mother, Julia. The Warhol archives document his life with scrapbooks, newspaper articles, photographs, and Warhol’s time capsules (with 300,000 of Warhol’s possesions).

Click here for my complete guide to the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh .

For rabid Warhol fans, Warhol’s grave is also in Pittsburgh in the suburb of Bethel Park.

It’s an active shrine. People are constantly leaving soup cans, Coke bottles, and wigs. A local artist collects the notes people leave in languages from all over the world. 

5. The Mattress Factory

The Mattress Factory is a unique museum. It’s Pittsburgh’s premiere alternative art space and an unusual thing to do in Pittsburgh.

The museum is housed in a former industrial building. It’s become a mecca for wacked out installation art.

The Mattress Factory doesn’t even call itself a museum. Instead, it uses the phrase “Laboratory.”

The space provides an immersive experience, with engaging displays of modern and contemporary art. The museum aims to plunge you into “the creative vision of artists from around the world.” There are both temporary and permanent installations.

The light-bending Infinity Room (shown above) is wildly popular. To see it, you’ll need to don booties or socks because the floors need to be protected.

6. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Need some flower power? Set in beautiful Schenley Park, Phipps Conservatory is a beautiful and tranquil botanical garden. The glass, stone, and steel building is dubbed the “crystal palace.”

Phipps is definitely one of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful must visit attractions. The conservatory has staggeringly lush floral collections, glass art, and themed exhibits.

Phipps Conservatory is one of the few remaining public gardens that still produces full scale season flower shows year round.

The beautiful Outdoor Gardens are free to the public. Inside, the Victorian greenhouse has a wide ranging collection of 14 indoor gardens.

The well manicured exhibits range from rare miniature orchids to massive palm trees. There’s astonishing attention to detail in each room.

In addition to the permanent displays, Phipps has temporary exhibits celebrating each season. This makes Phipps a great place for repeat visits.

Phipps is especially twinkly and beautiful during the winter holidays when it hosts its annual Winter Flower and Garden Light Show .

Phipps also has a beautiful collection of glass art from renowned Seattle glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Phipps Conservatory .

Address : 1 Schenley Park, Pittsburgh PA 15213

7. First Presbyterian Church

The beautiful First Presbyterian Church is in downtown Pittsburgh. It was built in 1773. There’s still an active congregation.

The church’s claim to fame is its Tiffany stained glass windows. Tiffany Studios designed 13 of the church’s 26 foot x 7 foot stained glass windows (now insured for $2 million). The windows were hand-painted, making them unique among Tiffany windows.

The Tiffany windows, however, are just a few of the 253 stained and leaded glass windows throughout the sandstone church.

You’ll also find two 80 foot ceiling beams and a pair of 2 ton, 30 foot oak doors in the sanctuary. 

8. Cathedral of Learning

The Cathedral of Learning is one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic landmarks. It was built in a Gothic Revival style. The exterior was polished up in 2007.

The Neo-Gothic cathedral is over 42 stories high. It’s a lone skyscraper in the area that houses many of the University of Pittsburgh’s classes. And, in fact, it’s the second tallest university building in the world.

You enter into the stunning Commons Room. It’s a beautiful church-like three story foyer. The cathedral houses classrooms, administrative offices, and libraries.

The best part of the cathedral is the Nationality Rooms . They are themed class rooms from different time periods around the world. Each room is decorated to honor a specific ethnicity that contributed to Pittsburgh’s development. 

You can’t visit the classrooms when they’re in use. It’s best to visit on the weekend or during summer break. During the holidays, the rooms are dressed up in holiday finery.

9. Heinz Memorial Chapel

Heinz Memorial Chapel is right next to the Cathedral of Learning. It’s a tiny gem. But still one of the most striking churches in Pennsylvania.

The chapel was built between 1933-38. It’s an impressive ode to the Flamboyant Gothic style from the Middle Ages.

The chapel was built with funds donated by Henry John Heinz, the founder of the H.J. Heinz Company.

The chapel honors Heinz and his mother, Anna Margaretta Heinz. Today, it is used by the University of Pittsburgh for a variety of functions, both university related and religious.

The chapel was designed by the same architect responsible for the Cathedral of Learning. Inside are some of the world’s tallest stained glass windows. They’re simply breathtaking, reminiscent of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris .

Because it’s so beautiful, the chapel is a popular place for weddings.

The chapel is only open to the University of Pittsburgh community and not the general public. But you can book a small group tour by emailing the university.

Click here for a virtual tour of Heinz Chapel.

10. Frick Art & Historical Center

Another wonderful Pittsburgh attraction for art lovers is the Frick Pittsburgh . The Frick is a small free museum in the Point Breeze neighborhood.

It’s housed in a lovely Italian Renaissance style building. The museum was built by Helen Clay Frick to house her fine and decorative art collection.

The museum houses a collection of old masters. There’s a special emphasis on the early Renaissance and 18th century French painting. There are some masterpieces by luminaries such as Fragonard and Rubens.

There’s an extremely rare painting by Cimabue, a proto-Renaissance painter from Florence called The Flagellation of Christ . And a sweet nativity scene attributed to the Master of the Scrovegni Chapel Presbytery.

The Frick also hosts some great temporary exhibitions. I recently went to one on Frieda Kahlo and the Victorian Radicals.

11. Clayton Mansion

Along with his swanky NYC digs, Henry Clay Frick had a place in Pittsburgh. It’s an Italianate house called the Clayton Mansion . The house is on the corner of Penn and South Homewood avenues.

The Clayton House is not a grand Italian palazzo like you might find in Venice . But presidents have been entertained in this house-museum.

The museum consists of 23 meticulously restored rooms. There are more than 90% of the original period furnishings.

The only way to visit the museum is via a docent led tour. To take a virtual tour of the Frick, click here .

The Clayton House is undergoing restoration. At the moment, only the first floor is open to the the public.

12. Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall

Soldiers & Sailors is a museum in Oakland. Opened in 1910, it was originally conceived to honor the soldiers and sailors from Allegheny County who served in the Civil War.

The museum has since broadened its scope to include everyone who has served in the US military.

There are four exhibit-filled galleries. You’ll find a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and memorabilia that highlight the military history of the region — military uniforms, weapons, flags, medals, and photographs.

The Slave to Soldier exhibit in the Gettysburg Room is a highlight. It explores the experiences of African Americans in the military.

13. Saint Paul Cathedral

St. Paul Cathedral was established in 1834. It’s the principle Catholic church in Pittsburgh, home to over 600,000 Catholics. St. Paul is one of Pittsburgh’s architectural landmarks.

The pile of a church is located on Fifth Avenue between the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. It’s a popular wedding venue.

The limestone cathedral was built over 3 years, completed in 1906. St. Paul’s was built in a Gothic Revival style. It has a frilly triple portal like you would find in a cathedral in France .

Inside, there are 186 stained glass windows, double side aisles, and vaulted arches. The cathedral underwent an $8 million restoration in 2005.

14. Saint Anthony Chapel

Saint Anthony Chapel holds the world’s most extensive collection of publicly revered Christian relics outside the Vatican Museums .

The fantastic collection is displayed in handcrafted solid walnut reliquaries, arranged in altars and side areas.

The chapel has been designated by the Pittsburgh culture and foundation of monuments as a historic site. Except for Friday, visitors to Saint Anthony’s may take a one hour guided tour of the chapel each day.

15. PPG Place

The PPG Place Plaza is a one acre space in downtown Pittsburgh. It’s a year round attraction that’s akin to a mini Rockefeller Center.

The plaza is home to the PPG Building, the most interesting modern architecture in Pittsburgh. The beautiful Modern meets Gothic building is a veritable castle of shimmering glass.

During the winter months, there’s an ice rink during the winter months. The plaza is decked out for the holidays.

In summer, there’s a unique water fountain. Water pulses from the surface up to a height of over fifteen feet, with no barrier between the fountain and the rest of the plaza. The water disappears into the plaza surface and is recycled. 

16. Senator John Heinz History Center

The John Heinz History Center is housed in a former icehouse in the Strip District. The history museum is dedicated to telling Pittsburgh’s history from the pre-revolutionary era to the present day.

The museum is packed with kid friendly exhibits. It houses the original set from the TV show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood .

Another permanent exhibit is dedicated to the H.J. Heinz Company. It shows the company’s evolution from a horseradish manufacturer to one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies.

17. Roberto Clemente Museum

I don’t know about my readers. But, in my life, I’ve been a rabid baseball fan. I spent years in fantasy baseball leagues.

During that time, I had a mad crush on Roberto Clemente. Roberto is Pittsburgh’s favorite baseball player.

Deservedly, Clemente has his own museum. The Roberto Clemente Museum showcases the world’s largest exhibited collection of baseball artifacts. Naturally, there’s a focus on the great right fielder.

Clemente came to the Pirates in 1954. He was a great baseball player who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. But his story goes beyond his vaunted stats.

Clemente was a humanitarian. He lost his life en route to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

18. Randyland

This quirky Pittsburgh neighborhood is a psychedelic street art dream. Randyland is a recycled art kingdom. It’s a child-like world created by local artist and neighborhood renovator Randy Gilson.

It’s one of the most flamboyant — and free — spectacles in Pittsburgh. Gilson called it his “house of junk and joy.”

Essentially, every square inch of Gilson’s candy colored building is brightly painted and decorated with found objects — flamingos, mannequins, lawn furniture, banana plants, etc. The found object space functions as the home, garden, and artist space for Gilson and fellow creators.

But Randyland isn’t just confined to Gilson’s crazy house. Gilson has spread his artistic influence to all surrounding areas. Gilson’s “streetscapes” have transformed vacant lots into anti-depressant public parks and community gardens.

19. Benedum Center

The Benedum Center is your go to spot for Broadway shows or plays. It’s the centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s cultural district.

The Benedum Center was built in 1928. It was intended to be a “movie palace version of Versailles.”

The theater seats almost 3,000 people. It’s been perfectly restored.

The signature piece is the massive chandelier in the center of the theater. It’s 10 feet high and 12 feet wide.

As befitting a Versailles-wannabe, the Grand Lobby is also a pretty sparkler. There’s original marble and woodwork. The mirrors at the staircase landing are 18 feet high.

20. Heinz Hall

Heinz Hall is a stunning concert hall and showplace. The world class venue is home to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Like the Benedum Center, Heinz Hall is an architectural beauty.

Heinz Hall began life as a movie theater in 1927. Then, it was completely renovated and turned into performing arts venue in 1971.

Heinz Hall is designed and decorated in a French Court style. You’ll see marble, crystal, chandeliers, and gold leaf detailing everywhere.

21. Hike in Fall Run Park

Fall Run Park is a beautiful park north of the city. It’s an uncrowded hiking space.

The out and back trail is a mere one mile long. But the trail leads to a 25 foot drop waterfall.

The trail has been restored. Now, there are wide paths and bridges to help you along.

Not far from the park is the Aspinwall Riverfront Park. I’ve had some great food from a food truck there, Farmer X Baker .

22. Wander in the Strip District

Just shy of the city center is the Strip District. It runs from 11th to 33rd street. The Strip is a must visit attraction in Pittsburgh.

The Strip District was historically a wholesale produce district. Today, it’a a quirky and treasured market and food spot.

You’ll find meat purveyors, specialty shops, and popular bars and restaurants. You’ll also find the odd antique or crafts shop.

The Strip District has some of the same vibes you’d expect in Shoreditch in London . The shops and restaurant are a ragtag assemblage strung down Small Street and Penn Avenue.

The Strip District is a great place to go grocery shopping, especially if you like Italian or specialty ethnic ingredients.

Pennsylvania Macaroni Company is practically an institution. It’s a family run grocery with thousands of items, including a legendary selection of cheeses.

Enrico Biscotti Company is another good spot. If you have a sweet tooth, I love Peace, Love and Little Donuts .

Finally, for the best nightcaps, hop over to Bar Marco . It’s one of the best places to go in Pittsburgh for cocktails.

23. Explore Lawrenceville

Lawrence is a hipster mecca. It’s a gentrifying area of Pittsburgh.

Whenever I go, there’s something new. There’s a constant arts-driven urban revitalization. That makes the neighborhood one of the best places to visit in Pittsburgh.

Lawrenceville is an eminently walkable neighborhood. The main drag is Butler Street. You’ll find loads of vintage and one-of-a-kind shops, along with plenty of restaurants.

Lawrenceville is probably my favorite neighborhood to go for drinks and dinner, as you’ll see in my restaurant listings below.

24. Explore Shadyside

Shadyside is another must visit neighborhood in Pittsburgh. It’s a combination of restored Victorian mansions and student apartments in historic buildings. My daughter lives there right now in an apartment in a colorful Victorian complex.

Shadyside is one of the trendier neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. There are some beautiful places to stroll.

Walnut Street and Ellsworth Avenue offer up yoga studios, bookstores, boutiques, local eateries, and some galleries.

There are recognizable names like Apple, Lululemon, Banana Republic, and Athleta. But there are also independent local boutiques. Toadflax is an utterly adorable store with plants and cool gifts.

Be sure to check out Roslyn Place. It’s a short street off of Ellsworth Avenue.

Roslyn Place is one of the country’s only remaining wooden streets. The tiny cul-de-sac is “paved” using 26,000 oak blocks.

25. Explore South Side

The South Side is one of Pittsburgh’s cool neighborhoods. Not as hip as Lawrenceville, but still cool.

East Carson is the main drag and a designated historic landmark. But there are four micro-neighborhoods in this part of Pittsburgh.

The shopping options are endless. The South Side Works is a large open air complex with a move theater, the Cheesecake Factory, and the Hofbrau House.

You’ll also find class shops like Urban Outfitters, cocktail bars like Acacia , good eateries, and great music venues like The Smiling Moose .

Nine Mile Run, a stream in Frick Park

26. Hike in Frick Park

Frick Park is one of my favorite green spaces and a top attraction in Pittsburgh. It’s the perfect bucolic escape from the city. You can hike and bike to your heart’s content in this sanctuary.

The park has hundreds of acres. 644 to be exact. It stretches from the Pointe Breeze neighborhood down to the Monongahela River.

The park has miles of hiking trails, the famous “blue slide” playground, red clay tennis courts, etc. There are several entrances. There’s a parking lot by the tennis courts.

After you’ve got your nature fix, head to Pointe Brugge for a delicious brunch or lunch.

27. Duquesne Incline

Riding the Duquesne Incline is easily one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh. Especially if you want to experience a slice of the city’s long history. And enjoy one of the world’s best urban vistas.

The wooden cable cars were first used to transport workers back in the 1800s. They’ve now been renovated and are open to the public.

Once you arrive at Duquesne, there’s a small onsite museum. You can learn about the history of incline and many details about how the incline operates.

But the best part is the ride up. At the top, you’re treated to gorgeous views of the city from Grandview Overlook in the Mount Washington neighborhood.

Grandview Park probably has the best view Pittsburgh. During the summer, the park hosts movies and music festivals. But no matter what the view is worth it!

If you don’t want to take the incline, just drive up.

Directly across from the Monterey Bay restaurant is a life size bronze statue of George Washington and the Indian leader Guyasuta. The Point of View statue was unveiled in 2006.

28. Monongahela Incline

The other 19th century incline in Pittsburgh is the Monongahela Incline . It’s the oldest and steepest incline in the United States. The incline is three years older than its more famous counterparts in San Francisco.

The incline began operating in 1870. The incline creaks and groans like a wooden rollercoaster.

You hop on board at the lower station near the Smithfield Street Bridge and across the street from Station Square.

Like the Duquesne Incline, customers are deposited on Grandview Avenue.

29. Pittsburgh Bridges

One of the best things about Pittsburgh is that it’s set on three rivers. The city is known as the “City of Bridges.”

There’s over 446 bridges in Pittsburgh. That’s more than any city in the world including Venice .

The most famous golden bridges are an identical trio — the Andy Warhol Bridge, Roberto Clement Bridge, and the Rachel Carson Bridge.

Honestly, my least favorite bridge is the Fort Pitt Bridge. There’s a rapid merging of four lanes of traffic in a few hundred feet.

30. Canton Avenue

Canton Avenue is in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood. In a city full of hills, Canton is the United States’ steepest street. If a heart pumping hike is what you’re after, you can test your mettle here.

But, be forewarned, Canton Avenue takes no prisoners. This cobblestone beast has a 37 percent grade.

Bikers seem to like the challenge. At least my husband does. He says you need strong legs and a light bike.

Canton Avenue is part of the Dirty Dozen, a grueling bike race in Pittsburgh for hard core climbers.

31. Market Square

Market Square is the center of downtown Pittsburgh.

I think it’s most beautiful during the holidays. There are Christmas markets set up for shopping, just as in Paris or Vienna in the winter.

During the rest of the year, there’s plenty to do at this Pittsburgh attraction. There are art installations, pop-up events, and chairs for lounging and people-watching in the summer.

There are plenty of restaurants on Market Square too. Pizzaiolo Primo is a good Italian spot. Then, there are the classics like Morton’s Steak House and McCormick and Schmicks Seafood.

32. Brew Pubs in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh isn’t Bavaria Germany . By any stretch, having been there. But it still has quite a few craft breweries.

The top spot is the Hofbrauhaus in the South Side. It was designed to emulate the original brewhouse concept launched in Munich Germany .

You’ll be served German beer amids live entertainment from lederhosen-clad performers.

Another popular spot is the Church Brew Works . It’s a microbrewery and restaurant housed in a restored 1902 church. The setting is sublime. But it can be very noisy and crowded.

Click here for a guide to all of Pittsburgh’s craft breweries.

33. Kennywood

No Pittsburgh post would be complete without a mention of Kennywood . Kennywood is a large amusement park. It’s a favorite attraction in Pittsburgh for kids and teens.

Kennywood has been a Pittsburgh thrill for decades. Its classic rides were built in the early 20th century. A popular throwback is Thunderbolt, a wooden roller coaster. 

The other rides which you can enjoy here include the Pittsburgh plunge water, the Phantom’s Revenge roller coaster, carousels, water rides, a 3D experience, and a 4D theatre and paddle boats. 

You would need to spend at least an entire day here in order to truly enjoy this adventurous Park.

34. Point State Park

The “Point” is where the Monanghela and Allegheny rivers converge. Point State Park is known for its refreshing lush green gardens. It’s also a lovely place to watch the sunset.

The Point is also a historic site. It was a landmark during the French and Indian war of the late 18th century. 

The park contains beautiful riverfront promenades and a 150 tall fountain, which is a great photo opportunity. The park is home to festivals, picnics, and concerts.

The Fort Pitt Museum is situated within the vicinity. Its exhibits tell the story of the early history of Pittsburgh.

35. Schenly Park

Schenley Park is a pretty municipal park in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. In 2011, the park was named as one of the “America’s Coolest City Parks” by the popular travel magazine, Travel + Leisure. 

Schenley was created in 1889 with land donated by heiress Mary Schenley. She was a Pittsburgh-based heiress and philanthropist. 

The park has 456 acres of trails, woods, a lake, and a golf course. It’s surrounded by University of Pittsburgh campus and Carnegie Mellon University campuses. But it’s an oasis of quietude.

The park has many attractions. Those include a plaza, a large pond, a conservatory, tennis courts, soccer field, playgrounds, a public swimming pool, and a golf course.

In the winter, the action shifts to the Schenley Park Skating Rink . The rink is generally open from early November to late March.

36. Sports Venues

Are you a sport fan? Pittsburgh wears its sporting pride proudly with three centrally located arenas. On game days, the populace is clad in the trademark black and gold color scheme used by the Pittsburgh sporting teams.

Heinz Field stadium is the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. Founded in 1933 by Art Rooney, the Steelers are the fifth oldest team in the NFL.

PNC Park is home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team which dates to the late 1800s. The arena also hosts a variety of concerts and events.

Art Rooney had a lot of clout in the sports word. In the mid 1960s, he successfully made a bid for a National Hockey League franchise. The team was named the “Penguins” to match its PPG Paints Arena called the “Igloo.”

37. Mexican War District

The Mexican War Str e et s  is a beautiful and historic neighborhood with plenty to offer. It’s kind of a gentrified bohemian row house neighborhood with many writers, artists, eclectic personalities and interesting people.

The surrounding streets were named from people and places of the  Mexican-American War , hence the current name, the Mexican War Streets.

From the architecture to the artistic attractions, a whole day can be spent exploring this North Side neighborhood.

Attractions in this district include the Mattress Factory, Randyland, the beautiful architecture, and the popular Commonplace Coffee .

38. City of Asylum

City of Asylum is an organization that gives sanctuary to writers persecuted in their home countries.

A dissident poet from China, Huang Xiang, lived in one of the organization’s houses on Sampsonia Way. Now it’s called “House Poem,” because he painted his anthology on it in Chinese characters.

But the City of Asylum is more than just a writer’s sanctuary. It’s a thriving community that participates with the poetry, art, or music that’s being created in its living spaces.

The organization now has a neighborhood literary center. There, you can enjoy free performances, a cafe, a book store.

39. Canonsburg

Just southwest of the city lies the suburb of Canonsburg. The town is a small quaint borough with plenty to do.

Canonsburg is most well known for its Old Fashioned Christmas event . The state pitches it as “Holiday Hallmark Move-esque location.”

It’s a two day event. Festivities include a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas parade, food truck court, and live entertainment. Naturally, you can meet Santa at the North Pole.

40. Fallingwater

Fallingwater is UNESCO site in Pennsylvania. It was designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright . Fallingwater is likely the most significant building of the 20th century. 

Fallingwater is nestled in a bucolic setting. It sits atop a cascading waterfall.

Fallingwater is eye-grabbing and visually stunning. It’s a marriage of modern architecture and a wild landscape that blurs the line between the indoor and outdoor.

The house is the apotheosis of Wright’s long lasting obsession with nature and a must visit architectural site in the US.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Fallingwater . Fallingwater is about 1.5 hours from Pittsburgh. You need to make a reservation in advance.

>>> Click here to book a guided tour from Pittsburgh

41. Polymath Park: Wright Overnight

If you really want to live the Wright way, head 23 miles down the road to another Wright-designed house, Polymath Park . There, you’ll find four houses designed by Wright.

These homes reflect Wright’s Usonian ethos. The term “Usonian” refers to Wright’s concept of building planned communities of affordable homes.

Wright wanted the small homes to have the same design benefits as a grand mansion. The homes feature native stone, clerestory windows, and Wright’s trademark Arts & Crafts style.

You can stay overnight, go for dinner, or book a guided tour.

42. Boating

Naturally, as a city on three rivers, boating is a popular thing to do in Pittsburgh. There are approximately 30 marinas in Pittsburgh.

The city boasts the second largest number of registered pleasure boats in the country. There are mooring spots in the South Side and North Shore. The water is a great place to watch July 4th fireworks.

If you don’t have your own boat, take a ride on the Gateway Clipper Fleet . It’s based in Station Square. Gateway has five riverboats and an array of sightseeing cruise options.

43. Best Restaurants In Pittsburgh

I’ve lived in Pittsburgh nine years now. And I’m a real foodie.

Years ago, the coolest thing you could do in Pittsburgh was put French fries on your salad or sandwich. Those days are long gone.

Pittsburgh now has serious culinary cred, with a farm to table vibe moving in. In 2019, the city earned the title Food City of the Year.

You can eat your way through Pittsburgh like a herd of goats, the food scene’s that good. The restaurants alone are reasons to visit Pittsburgh.

Here’s a breakdown of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh by neighborhood. I also include some of the fun wine and cocktail bars around town.

You’ll find fine dining as well as hole-in-the-wall spots.

1. South Hills :

• Wild Rosemary (farm to table food in a cozy bistro setting)
• Cafe Io (casual sandwiches & comfort food)
• Pamela’s Diner (classic breakfast food at a Pittsburgh institution)

2. Shadyside :

• Senyai Thai (Thai)
• Soba (modern Asian)
• Mercurio’s (wood-fired Italian pizza and artisanal gelato)
• Noddlehead (Thai street food)
• Acacia (amazing cocktails)

3. North Side

• Siempre Algo (Spanish)
• Fig & Ash (wood-fired cuisine)

3. Strip District

• Bar Marco (Italian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients)
• DiAnoia’s Eatery (the “it” Italian place)
• Wigle Whiskey (whisky tasting spot)
• Kaya (Caribbean fare)
• Chicken Latino (Peruvian food)

4. Lawrenceville

• The Forge (craft cocktails and Mediterranean small plates)
• Pusadee’s Garden (Thai cuisine)
• Banh Mi & Ti (Vietnamese)
• Refucilo (Argentinian wine bar)
• Leo (ultra hip custom cocktail bar)
• Apteka (Eastern European, technically in Bloomfield)
• Chengdu Gourmet (Northern Chinese cuisine)
• Grapperia (Italian cocktail bar)

5. Downtown:

• Oaklander Hotel (glassed in sky bar with views)
• Eddie V’s (seafood and oysters)
• Tako (Mexican)
• Butcher & Rye (for carnivores)
• Meat & Potatoes (gastropub)
• Pizzaiolo Primo (Italian)
• Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse (steak & seafood)
• Speckled Egg (brunch food)

6. Mount Washington

• Atria’s (seafood with views)
• Monterey Bay Fish Grotto (seafood with views)
• Coughlin’s Law (bar food and tacos)

Tips For Visiting Pittsburgh

Here are some must know tips for discovering all the best things to do in Pittsburgh.

1. How To Get To Pittsburgh

If you’re coming from far afield, Pittsburgh has an international airport. From there, you can take a taxi or Uber into the city center. You can also book a one way private transfer or a round trip private transfer , for a quick and efficient trip.

2. Where To Stay in Pittsburgh

I’m a fan of the Kimpton boutique chain. So, I would recommend the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh . It’s a trademark Klimpton with some whimsy and a bold color scheme.

The Distrikt Hotel is another great option. At the District, historic meet modern and posh meet minimalism.

My previous favorite hotel was the Ace Hotel, a place I regularly went for brunch. But the hotelier closed during the pandemic.

The hotel has recently reopened with new management and a new name. It’s now called  Kasa at the Maverick . Of course, you’ll also find a Hilton Garden Inn and a Marriott .

If you want to stay in Oakland near the colleges, check out the Oaklander Hotel .

3. When To Visit Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has all four seasons to enjoy. So you can pick whichever one best suits you.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Pittsburgh is fall. The weather is perfect, sometimes even surprisingly mild. This year, we had fall colors and 70 degree temperatures in October.

Fall is also fairly dry too, without much rain. It doesn’t really turn chilly until mid November.

As you might expect, the summers are hot and sunny in Pittsburgh. You’ll have long days to get the most out of your sightseeing.

Winter isn’t actually a bad time to visit Pittsburgh either. Pittsburgh doesn’t get frigidly cold like other popular cities.

But you can expect gray skies in winter. Pittsburgh isn’t known for its winter sunshine.

On the upside, there are plenty of holiday activities and fun Christmas things to do in Pittsburgh in winter.

Late spring is a great time to see Pittsburgh’s many attractions. May is the best month. March and April can sometimes be rainy.

4. Getting Around Pittsburgh

I’m not going to lie … Pittsburgh can be a challenging city to get around in. There are hills, uncommon street grids, and loads of one way streets.

The myriad bridges can be insane to traverse. They seem to go everywhere except where you’re headed. If you get in the wrong lane or can’t instantly move four lanes over, you may well be detoured.

Use your phone GPS to get the most accurate directions.

Pittsburgh has limited public transportation. The subway, such as it is, is called the T.

But it doesn’t go to that many places. And the buses are slow. Another option is the hop on hop off tourist bus .

Don’t just hang out in the downtown area, no matter how convenient it is. Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods are what make the city’s “gritty but quirky” vibe shine the brightest.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best things to do and see in Pittsburgh. You may enjoy these other United States travel guides and resources:

• 2 day itinerary for Philadelphia
• 3 day itinerary for Boston
• 2 days in Washington D.C. itinerary
• 2 day itinerary for Cleveland Ohio
• 1 day in Denver itinerary
• 25 most beautiful towns in New England
• 45 amazing destinations in the United States
• Best places to visit in Massachusetts
• Hidden Gem Towns on the East Coast
• One week itinerary for southern New England
• Fall foliage road trip in New England

If you’d like to visit the top attractions in Pittsburgh, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “40+ Best Things To Do And See In Pittsburgh, From a Local”

Apteka is in Bloomfield, not Lawrenceville. We are trying hard to keep that neighborhood contained.

Thanks Sam. The neighborhoods are so close together, I lopped Apteka into my Lawrenceville list. I obviously need to do more research on Bloomfield! Any suggestions?

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Last Updated on July 7, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Discover the Burgh

A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh

Published by Jeremy . Last Updated on April 9, 2024.

Disclaimer : Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please check out our Terms and Conditions . Pricing, operating hours, or menus may have changed since our initial visit and may not be reflected in subsequent updates. Please confirm these directly with any business or attraction prior to visiting.

We've been doing our best here at Discover the Burgh to help you find new things to do in Pittsburgh, and since founding our site in 2015 we've published hundreds of articles of our experiences about what to see, do, and eat in southwest Pennsylvania.

Before starting our personal goal of doing everything in the region, we really weren't sure how much was out there. Now that we've been exploring for several years, we realized that there is truly an extraordinary amount of things to do- with enough to keep you busy from January 1st to December 31st and quite literally every day in between.

So whether you're looking for what to do in Pittsburgh today, things to do this weekend, events taking place three months from now, or a combination of everything, this guide to our great city will truly keep you busy 365 days of the year.

This guide features attractions, parks, nature, public spots, events, libations, and select food experiences like cafes, ice cream shops, and bakeries within Pittsburgh and the greater metro area (up to about 60-90 minutes away from downtown). We do not feature the best restaurants in Pittsburgh in this guide and recommend checking out our full restaurant feature at the previous link for more options!

Navigate Things to Do in Pittsburgh

This guide is broken up into multiple sections based off of your interests. To jump between each section, click the following links:

• Top 10 Pittsburgh Attractions

Attractions, Museums, and Experiences

Parks & nature, libations (bars, breweries, distilleries), cafes, ice cream, and bakeries.

• Music Venues

Seasonal and Annual Events

Notes: While Discover the Burgh features our quest to visit every spot in southwest PA, we are still working our way through doing them all. We have enjoyed the vast majority of the list below personally, and when available we link to full reviews of each spot so you can read more. Some of these are through dedicated articles for each attraction, others are via broader guides and will be noted accordingly. If we have not visited a spot yet, we'll link directly to the relevant website when available in some cases as well.

While this guide may not feature everything there is to do in Pittsburgh, we are focusing on highlighting some of the very best. No matter what you do, if you experience most of what is featured in this guide you'll end up with a wonderful appreciation for all things Pittsburgh!

The Top 10 Pittsburgh Attractions

Are you planning to visit Pittsburgh or want to make sure you've seen the very best the city has to offer? Our Top 10 list is where to start.

Out of hundreds upon hundreds of attractions visited, we think of these as our very favorites. These are the best places in Pittsburgh that should be ranked highly on anyone's list when exploring the city. Whether you live here or are simply visiting, our Top 10 will give a wonderful introduction to what Pittsburgh is all about. So if you haven't done these yet, now is the time.

Please note that the top 10 is presented in no particular order.

1. Duquesne Incline

Before cars became commonplace in Pittsburgh, workers needed a way to traverse the hillsides to get from their houses (typically on top) to the mills and factories (typically oriented along the river). During that time many funicular inclines opened to move people up and down the hills. But as cars became commonplace, many of the inclines closed and were dismantled. Today, two remain (both on Mount Washington ), and one, the Duquesne Incline , is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike- not just because it is over 140 years old, but also because the ride features one of the most breathtaking skyline views of Pittsburgh you'll ever see!

2. Phipps Conservatory

Phipps Conservatory is the premier conservatory and botanical gardens in the area and is one of our favorite spots in the city. Why is that? Apart from the fact that the conservatory offers beautiful flowers any time of year, they also put on many seasonal flower shows that are must-sees. While the shows are always excellent, we highly recommend the Spring Flower Show (March to Early April) and Winter Flower Show (late November to early January) for their vibrancy, themes, and overall ambiance. Truly a must see in Oakland!

3. Point State Park

Point State Park is an interesting spot for its geographical features and history. On the geographical side, the park is located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh at the confluence of Pittsburgh's three rivers- the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio. And on the history side was the site of several forts due to the strategic advantage of the location (of which only outlines of the forts, historical markers, and a blockhouse remain). Now the park is a great place to walk through as a reprieve from the bustle downtown, enjoy the beauty of the confluence and the fountain (seasonal), and learn a bit more about Pittsburgh's early history.

4. The Strip District

The Strip District is one of Pittsburgh's most vibrant neighborhoods. This section of the city was once home to heavy industry and produce terminals/markets, making for an interesting dichotomy. The mills ultimately left and the produce vendors and markets remained. Since then, many international markets, restaurants, and boutique shops have moved in which makes this neighborhood a great place to walk around and shop, eat, and drink. When visiting, keep in mind that many of the non-restaurant vendors close early (~3pm) even on weekends, so this one is definitely a spot to hit in the morning or early afternoon!

5. Warhol Museum

Many artists have come out of Pittsburgh, but none have works more prolific than Andy Warhol. To honor this iconic artist, the Andy Warhol Museum was opened in the North Side . This seven floor museum is the largest in North America dedicated to a single artist, and offers a glimpse into many different styles from Warhol's career- well beyond the iconic soup can. You may not like everything you see (you probably won't as his art is often unusual), but the museum does a great job highlighting this native artist's vast portfolio.

6. Heinz History Center

We can't have a Top 10 list about Pittsburgh attractions without featuring a museum all about the region, and the Heinz History Center will teach you everything you've ever wanted to learn about the area! This six-floor museum features nearly every aspect of Pittsburgh's history including its early settlements, modernization, industries that called the region home (such as glass, iron, and steel), sports history, local inventions, and so much more.

7. Randyland

Randyland is often considered to be Pittsburgh's most colorful spot, and once you arrive you'll quickly understand why that is. This attraction has been the passion project of Randy, a local artist who decided to bring color and happiness to the North Side in the mid-90s. He bought two houses on credit card and turned them to the wonderful work of art we know and love today. This one you really need to see to believe.

8. Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

You may not think of Pittsburgh being home to one of the country's top art museums, but the Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History are just that. While we treat this museum as two when talking about it, the museums are actually in the same building and able to be viewed with one single ticket! Visitors are treated to dozens of room with some of the world's best art exhibits and natual history collections.

Don't miss Dinosaurs in Their Time , Hillman Hall of Gems and Minerals , and Hall of Architecture – three of our favorites!

9. Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright is not a native Pittsburgher, but one of his most acclaimed works, Fallingwater , was built in the 1930s for a notable department store owner from the city. This house, located in the Laurel Highlands about an hour southeast of the city, is famous for its distinctive perch overtop a waterfall, with all of Wright's famed intricacies on display for all to see. A bit of a drive, but truly a must see. Be sure to book tickets to this one several weeks in advance if visiting!

10. Carrie Furnaces

We offer a number of great museums and attractions in this guide, and many focus on Pittsburgh's great history. But sometimes going to a museum is not enough and you need to see the history for yourself. The seasonal (late spring to early fall) tour of the Carrie Furnaces in Rankin is one of those places. Here you can see some of the last remaining blast furnaces in the city and learn more about how Pittsburgh became the epicenter of all things steel in the late 1800s and early 1900s- thus giving the city its nickname of The Steel City. Advanced reservations required.

Looking for more things to do in Pittsburgh? Scroll down to read the best spots by category. If you wish to learn more, be sure to click the link to be taken to our review or the official website!

If you are looking for an attraction, museum, or unique experience in southwest Pennsylvania, we have a number of options for you.

The following is organized loosely by location and attraction type. We start with well-known attractions in Pittsburgh proper, then branch out to sub-categories like sports, lesser-known/unusual museums, and regional attractions.

• Cathedral of Learning – Oakland – A skyscraper on Pitt's campus that features the Nationality Rooms- dozens of themed classrooms from around the world.
• Children's Museum – North Side – Pittsburgh's museum dedicated to children's activities.
• Carnegie Science Center – North Side – A science focused museum with multiple wings, special exhibits (extra ticket), and more.
• Rangos Giant Cinema at the Science Center – North Side – IMAX screen at the Science Center showing Hollywood movies and documentaries.
• USS Requin – North Side – A submarine open for tours at the Science Center. Included with Science Center ticket or available a la carte for visitors.
• Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium – Highland Park – Combination zoo and aquarium on a single ticket.
• Rivers of Steel PGH 101 – North Side – A ~90 minute river cruise by the Rivers of Steel Heritage Foundation.
• Gateway Clipper – South Side – A popular 60 minute river cruise for sightseeing.
• Free Pittsburgh Walking Tours – Downtown – Free walking tours of the city to learn its history, quirks, and charm. Neighborhood tours available as well!
• Discover the Burgh's Walking Tour – Many Neighborhoods – Take our five-mile, self-guided walking tour through Downtown, Station Square, Mount Washington, and the North Side!
• Primanti Brothers  – Strip District – The only restaurant featured in this guide as it is a local institution for fries and coleslaw on a sandwich. Best in the Strip District. Better when drinking.
• Explore the 90 Neighborhoods – Exploring a new neighborhood is one of our favorite activities, and Pittsburgh has 90 of them to choose from!
• Bicycle Heaven – North Side – The world's largest bicycle store and museum. Don't miss the 2nd floor showroom!
• Johnny Angel's Ginchy Stuff – North Side – A music store all about local musician Johnny Angel and his long career (right next to Bicycle Heaven).
• Moonshot Museum – North Side – This unique museum focuses on Astrobotic's work to take man back to the moon and beyond!
• Frick House – Point Breeze – Mansion tour for steel magnate Henry Clay Frick. Great to learn local steel history.
• National Aviary – North Side – All things birds at the Aviary with a few non-winged creatures as well!
• Roberto Clemente Museum – Lawrenceville – A small museum dedicated to the Pittsburgh Pirates legend.
• Fort Pitt Museum – Downtown – A modest museum at Point State Park dedicated to the history of the early settlements in the area.
• Wood Street Galleries – Downtown – A small two-floor gallery by the Cultural Trust in the T Station of the same name.
• Mattress Factory – North Side – A contemporary art museum that truly has something for everyone.
• Penguins Game – Downtown – Cheer on the Penguins for some hockey!
• Penguins Practice at the Lemieux Complex – Cranberry – Watch the Penguins at their public practices.
• Steelers Game – North Side – Find out why we're called Steeler nation at a football game.
• Steelers Training Camp – Latrobe – Pre-season training camp in July and August.
• Sunflower Festivals – Various Locations – Sunflower festivals, mazes, and other events in July and August.
• Pitt Panthers Game – North Side – Cheer on the Panthers during a college game at Acrisure Stadium.
• Pirates Game – North Side – Check out the Pirates while enjoying one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country.
• Riverhounds Game – South Side – Root for our local soccer team with some stunning city views in the background.
• PNC Park Tour – North Side – Take a tour of PNC Park and visit on a non-game, non-travel day to get into the Club House!
• Acrisure Stadium Tour – North Side – Take a behind the scenes tour of Acrisure Stadium.
• PPG Paints Arena Tour – Downtown – Take a behind the scenes tour of PPG Paints Arena
• Mario Lemieux Sports Complex Tour – Cranberry – Check out the practice rinks at the Lemieux complex for a behind the scenes tour or to simply watch the Pens practice during the season.
• Lumberjaxes Ax Throwing – Multiple Locations – Take some steam off by throwing sharp objects at a wooden target.
• Sliders Curling (Seasonal) – Millvale – Hit the ice for a variant of curling at this pop-up complex at Lumberjaxes Millvale.
• Kennywood – West Mifflin – Enjoy the rides at Pittsburgh's own amusement park.
• Sandcastle – West Homestead – A popular waterpark located just outside of the city.
• Idlewild & Soakzone – Laurel Highlands – A children's theme park and large waterpark located an hour southeast of Pittsburgh.
• The Big Mac Museum – North Huntingdon – A small museum inside a McDonald's to celebrate the Big Mac (which was invented nearby).
• Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour – Multiple locations – A popular food tour with many options in southwest PA.
• Ascend – South Side – A bouldering and rock climbing gym with stellar city views.
• Trader Jacks – Bridgeville – A popular flea market during the weekend with dozens upon dozens of vendors.
• Allegheny Observatory – North Side – An operational observatory with limited tours in the summer months with advanced reservation.
• Historical Allegheny Jail Museum – Downtown – A tour of the old jail cells at the historical Allegheny Jail. Only open Mondays with limited hours.
• Maxo Vanka Murals – Millvale – Historical artwork at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Millvale.
• Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology – East Liberty- A small museum at the Pittsburgh seminary about their excavations in the Holy Land as well as exhibits on the history of written language.
• Soldiers and Sailors – Oakland – A modest museum dedicated to those who fought for the USA in the many wars.
• Pittsburgh Glass Center – Garfield – Take a class to learn some glass working skills!
• Chop, Wok & Talk – Friendship – A popular cooking class program in Pittsburgh.
• CRAFT Chatham – Gibsonia – In-depth cooking classes at Chatham's Eden Hall campus.
• Sweetwater Center for the Arts – Sewickley – International and themed cooking classes west of Pittsburgh.
• Cooking Class at Market District – Robinson Township – Take a cooking class in the large kitchen at the Market District.
• Saint Anthony Chapel – Troy Hill – Check out the largest collection of Catholic relics outside of the Vatican at this chapel.
• Bayernhof Museum – O'Hara Township – Explore the unusual house of Charles Brown and hear one of the dozens upon dozens of self-playing musical instruments found inside!
• Photo Antiquities Museum – North Side – A museum dedicated to the history of photography. Be sure to get an extra ticket for the rotating show as well.
• PostNatural History Museum – Garfield – A small museum dedicated to all things genetically modified by man. Typically only open Sundays.
• Pittsburgh Tattoo Art Museum – Shadyside – A small museum focusing on the early history of traditional American tattooing.
• Steel City Jet Ski Rentals – Sharpsburg – Take a jet ski for a spin on the rivers!
• Trundle Manor – Swissvale – The private residence of two local artisans who have a collection that is, well, rather odd.
• Escape Room Pittsburgh – Greenfield and Homestead – Escape rooms in Pittsburgh with various themes.
• Zone28 – Harmarville – An entertainment complex with arcade games, laser tag, bowling, and more.
• Living Dead Museum – Monroeville – A small museum in the Monroeville Mall dedicated to all things zombie lore, inspired by the Night of the Living Dead movie.
• Troy Hill Art Houses – Troy Hill – Three private residences turned into art exhibits. What is inside each house? We're not allowed to tell you. Just book a tour for each respective property and go!
• Kunzhaus – Troy Hill – A second art house by the folks behind La Hutte Royal.
• Gallery Closed – Troy Hill – A 24/7 closed, 24/7 open art exhibit in Troy Hill that you can enjoy from the outside.
• Museum of Illusions – North Side – An international chain museum focusing on all things optical illusions.
• Arsenal Bowl – Lawrenceville – A popular bowling alley in Lawrenceville for playing, drinking, music, and more.
• Topgolf Pittsburgh – Bridgeville – A driving range with an added game element added in via sensor-tagged golf balls.
• Meadowcroft Rockshelter – Avella – An archaeological site that features nearly 20,000 of continuous human habitation found on-site.
• Sporting Clays at Nemacolin – Laurel Highlands – Go clay pigeon shooting in Ohiopyle!
• Kentuck Knob – Laurel Highlands – Tour a second popular Frank Lloyd Wright house near Fallingwater (in our top 10)
• Polymath Park – Laurel Highlands – A complex featuring two Wright homes and two homes from a former student open for tours and rentals.
• Buffalo Bill's House – Laurel Highlands – Restored house where Buffalo Bill scenes were filmed for The Silence of the Lambs . Open for periodic tours and as a house rental.
• Bushy Run Battlefield – Laurel Highlands – The site of Pontiac's Rebellion in southwest PA.
• Fort Ligonier – Laurel Highlands – A fort involved in the Forbes Campaign to retake what is now Pittsburgh in Ligonier.
• Fort Necessity – Laurel Highlands – The site of George Washington's famous battle that started the Seven Years War.
• Compass Inn Museum – Laurel Highlands – A historical 200+ year old inn that was once a stagecoach stop in the region.
• Ligonier Valley Railroad Museum – Laurel Highlands – A restored rail road station that preserves the history of rail in the region.
• The Lincoln Highway Experience – Laurel Highlands – A museum dedicated to the Lincoln Highway- the first coast-to-coast highway in the USA (1913).
• Playthings Etc – Butler – A popular toy store where the employees will play with you with almost every toy!
• Pinball PA – Aliquippa – A huge arcade with hundreds of classic games and pinball machines set to free play (charged by the hour).
• Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum – Gibsonia – A seasonal (Christmas) museum featuring model train cars showing Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, in the 1950s.
• Harmony Museum – Harmony – A local heritage museum and log cabins in the historic town of Harmony.
• Carnegie Historical Society – Carnegie – A heritage museum in Carnegie featuring a Honus Wagner exhibit.
• Donora Smog Museum – Donora – A local heritage museum with exhibits for the Donora Smog disaster.
• Westmoreland Museum of American Art – Greensburg – A free art museum in downtown Greensburgh with many themed galleries.
• Saxonburg Museum – Saxonburg – A local heritage museum in Saxonburg with exhibits for John Roebling, inventor of a wire that was used in many famous bridges.
• Latrobe Heritage Museum – Latrobe – A local heritage museum focusing on history of the city with exhibits for Mr. Rogers and Arnold Palmer- two natives.
• Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – Washington – A museum focused on maintaining streetcars and trolleys.
• Tour-Ed Mine & Museum – Tarentum – An educational coal mine featuring exhibits on how mining was done from the 1800s to present.
• Kerr Museum – Oakmont – A mansion styled in the 1800s.
• Hartwood Manor – Hampton Township – A mansion on the Hartwood Acres estate open for tours with prior appointment.
• Large Scale Systems Museum – New Kensington – A museum dedicated to collecting and restoring antique computers.
• Maridon Museum – Butler – A museum dedicated to East Asian art.
• Rachel Carson Homestead – Springdale – The childhood home of Rachel Carson, a famed environmentalist from the region.
• Depreciation Lands – Allison Park – A colonial park showcasing what life was like in early settlement days.

One of the things we love about Pittsburgh is that it is a very green spot. Pittsburgh parks are plentiful, the county parks are huge, and if you drive just 10-20 minutes in any direction odds are good you'll find yourself out in nature.

This section of our guide features cool places to experience nature and the great outdoors, including notable spots in the city, trails, outdoor activities, and city and county parks, and state parks / other nature areas to name a few.

Notable Outdoor Spaces

The following are some of our favorite outdoor spots in the Pittsburgh area. Many of these are not necessarily parks, but they're interesting spots to visit all the same.

• Canton Avenue – Beechview – The steepest public street in the USA, and by some measurements, the world.
• Roslyn Place – Shadyside – A historic street made entirely out of wood blocks.
• Color Park – South Side – A small parklet on the river trail in South Side full of colorful graffiti.
• Fineview Lookout – Fineview – One of the more popular public lookouts in Pittsburgh.
• Chatham Village – Mount Washington – A historic neighborhood nestled away from the bustle of Mount Washington. Great for a walk around.
• South Side Slopes – South Side – Staircase streets good for an urban hike and city views.
• West End Overlook – Elliott – The second most popular overlook in Pittsburgh.
• Point of View Statue – Mount Washington – A gorgeous statue of George Washington and Guyasuta meeting in the region, with a great skyline view (just steps from the Duquesne Incline).
• Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens – Oakdale – A paid, outdoor botanical garden with many themed zones to walk around.
• Rodef Shalom Biblical Garden – Shadyside – A small garden in Shadyside with Biblical verses and plants.
• Flight 93 Memorial – Somerset – Visit the memorial for the Flight 93 crash in Somerset County from September 11th.

Nature Activities

Looking to be active while in nature? The following activities are for you!

• Ride the Great Allegheny Passage – A bike trail that goes from Pittsburgh to Maryland, and connects onto another trail all the way to Washington DC!
• Washington County Covered Bridges – The county just to our south has one of the largest collections of covered bridges in the state, so go find them!
• Biking on the River Trails – North/South Side – Take your own bike or rent one at a POGOH station for a stroll on one of our great river trails.
• Kayak North Park and Rivers – Enjoy a ride on the rivers or lakes in the area by kayak.
• White Water Raft Ohiopyle – Laurel Highlands – Check out Class I/II or III/IV rapids with an excursion from Ohiopyle (go for the III/IV in the Lower Yough !).
• Stand Up Paddleboard at Moraine State Park – Portersville – Jump on a stand up paddleboarding (SUP) tour of Moraine State Park with SurfSUP Adventures.
• Laurel Caverns – Laurel Highlands – Explore this natural cave at the southern end of Laurel Highlands.
• Butler-Freeport Community Trail – Hike or bike a bit (or all) of the large trail that connects Butler to Freeport, PA!
• Ghost Town Trail – Take a ride out on the stunning Ghost Town Trail just outside Indiana, PA (one of our favorites)!
• Pittsburgh Bike Trails – Check out even more converted rail trails in southwest Pennsylvania.
• Laurel Highlands Trail – Complete some or all of the 70+ mile hiking trail in the Laurel Highlands.
• North Country Trail – Butler – Hike a portion of the trail that goes all the way from New York state to North Dakota!

Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Parks

Looking to get out an explore the popular city and Allegheny County Parks ? The following are some of the most visited nearby.

• Frick Park – Squirrel Hill / Regent Square
• Schenley Park – Oakland
• Riverview Park – North Side
• Deer Lakes Park – Tarentum
• Mellon Park – Shadyside
• Harrison Hills Park – Natrona Heights
• Settlers Cabin Park – Collier
• South Park – Bethel Park
• North Park – Allison Park
• Boyce Park – Plum
• Hartwood Acres – Hampton Township
• Highland Park – Highland Park
• Round Hill Park – Elizabeth
• White Oak Park – White Oak

Regional Parks, State Parks, and Conservation Areas

Looking to get out further to see state parks, lesser visited places, and/or nature reserves? Check out the following nature spots in southwest Pennsylvania!

• McConnells Mill State Park – Portersville
• Moraine State Park – Portersville
• Ohiopyle State Park – Laurel Highlands
• Laurel Hill State Park – Laurel Highlands
• Laurel Ridge State Park – Laurel Highlands
• Raccoon Creek State Park – Hookstown
• Fall Run Park – Glenshaw
• Dead Man's Hollow – McKeesport
• Braddock's Trail Park – Irwin
• Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve – Latrobe
• Cedar Creek Park – Belle Vernon
• Buttermilk Falls – Beaver Falls
• Todd Nature Reserve – Sarver
• Mingo Creek County Park – Finleyville
• Boyce Mayview Park – Upper St Clair
• Thornburg Conservation Area – Thornburg
• Trillium Trail – Fox Chapel
• Beechwood Farms – Fox Chapel
• Montour Trail – West of the City
• Beechview Seldom Seen Greenway – Beechview
• Panhandle Trail – West of the City
• Robin Hill Park – Coraopolis
• Hillman State Park – Burgettstown
• Crooked Creek Horse Park – Armstrong Township
• Loyalhanna Lake – Saltsburg
• Keystone State Park – Derry
• Glade Run Lake Conservancy – Valencia
• Succop Nature Park – Butler
• Bear Run Nature Reserve – Laurel Highlands
• Roaring Run Natural Area – Laurel Highlands
• Laurel Summit State Park – Laurel Highlands
• Linn Run State Park – Laurel Highlands
• Powdermill Nature Reserve – Laurel Highlands
• Barking Slopes Conservation Area – New Kensington
• Montour Woods Conservation Area – Moon Township
• Jennings Environmental Education Center – Slippery Rock
• Kane Woods Nature Area – Scott Township

If libations are your thing, Pittsburgh and southwest Pennsylvania will have something for you. Our grains make fantastic beers and spirits, and our grapes make some surprisingly delicious (albeit quite sweet) wine. Throw in some stellar cocktail bars into the mix, and those looking for a beverage will not have to go far to try something new!

The following is split up into sections based on libations type (breweries, distilleries, wineries, and unique cocktail bars). Organization within each category is arbitrary. For these, we recommend reading our larger guides linked at the start of each section versus individual articles (those are linked when available, but we do not do dedicated features for some categories). 

There are more than 70 Pittsburgh breweries all within an hour of downtown, which means that if beer is what you seek, craft beer isn't too far away no matter where you live. The following is a list of all of the breweries we know about in the region and their location (plus others coming soon). To read more about each we've visited so far, click the above link to read our brewery guide.

• Sly Fox Brewing
• Penn Brewery
• Southern Tier
• Allegheny City
• 412 Brewery
• War Streets Brewing
• Fat Head's Saloon
• Cinderlands Brewery
• Spring Hill Brewing
• Burgh'ers Brewing
• Eleventh Hour Brewing
• Trace Brewing
• Church Brewworks
• Hop Farm Brewing
• Arboretum Trail Brewing
• East End Brewing
• Hofbrauhaus
• Strange Roots
• Grist House
• Dancing Gnome
• Hitchhiker Brewing
• Insurrection Ale Works
• Headley's Brewing
• Mindful Brewing
• Spoonwood Brewing
• Voodoo Brewing
• Brew Gentlemen
• Pittsburgh Bottleshop
• Mastic Trail Brewing
• Inner Groove
• The Leaning Cask
• Invisible Man Brewing
• Cellar Works Brewing
• Unity Brewing
• Allusion Brewing
• Back Alley Brewing
• North Country
• Union Brothers Brewing
• Big Rail Brewing
• Butler Brew Works
• Missing Links Brewery
• Recon Brewing
• Fermata Brewing
• Full Pint Brewing
• Quinn Brewing
• Yellow Bridge Brewing
• All Saints Brewing
• On the Point Brewing
• Four Seasons Brewing
• Levity Brewing
• Noble Stein Brewing
• New Crescent
• Rivertowne Brewing
• Inner Groove Brewery
• Mondays Brewing
• Old Thunder Brewing
• Devout Brewing Company
• Conny Creek Brewing
• Helltown Brewing
• Firewhistle Brewing
• White Horse Brewing
• Washington Brewing Company
• Four Points Brewing
• Lincoln Avenue Brewing
• Acrospire Brewing
• Acclimation Brewing
• Abjuration Brewing
• Cobblehaus Brewing
• Helicon Brewing
• Coal Tipple Brewing
• Petrucci Brothers
• Beaver Brewing Company

Want to visit a brewery but do not want to drink and drive? Check out the brewery tours at City Brew Tours !

Distilleries

In the early days of America, Pennsylvania was well known for its alcohol. First, there was the Whiskey Rebellion, where farmers revolted against the government for enacting a tax on whiskey. The second was for Monongahela Rye, one of the whiskeys the region was famous for due to our great grains. That spirit fell out of favor and was only recently revived by many of our area distilleries (and is a real treat to try).

Now Pittsburgh's distillery scene is growing at a rapid pace, with some of the following that should be on your radar. Click each Pittsburgh distillery name to read more.

• Wigle Whiskey – Multiple Locations – The first craft distillery in Pittsburgh with multiple spirits and locations to enjoy.
• Boyd & Blair Vodka – Glenshaw – A vodka distillery growing into other spirits with classes and events.
• Maggie's Farm Rum – Strip District – A rum distillery with stellar products and cocktails.
• Liberty Pole Spirits – Washington – A distillery south of the city with a focus on local grains and great cocktails.
• Kingfly Spirits – Strip District – A distillery with a cool space in the Strip and live jazz weekly.
• McLaughlin Distillery – Sewickley – A moonshine and whiskey distillery in Sewickley with roughly 30 flavors!
• Lawrenceville Distilling – Lawrenceville – A distillery in Lawrenceville with limited options.
• 4Four6 Distillery – Sharpsburg – A distillery located in the heart of Sharpsburg.
• Lucky Sign Spirits – Millvale – A distillery located in Millvale.
• Ridge Runner Distillery – Laurel Highlands – A distillery in the Laurel Highlands with an array of flavored products.
• Bella Bambini Cello – Coraopolis – Not technically a distillery, but a spot that focuses on housemade infusions like limoncello and more.
• Big Springs Spirits – Seven Fields – Expansion tasting room and bar for Big Springs Spirits in Butler County.

Wineries, Meaderies, and Cider Houses

The greater Pittsburgh area is known for its grains and products for spirits, but we also have a modest wine region as well. It is true that most of the grapes in the area are on the sweet side (very sweet, to be honest), but if this is the kind of wine you like, you'll be in heaven in southwest Pennsylvania!

If sweet wine is not your thing, don't worry. We've also got a number of wineries that make exceptional dry wines using imported grapes and a few that work magic in their soil for 100% homegrown wine as well!

In this category, we not only feature Pittsburgh wineries , but also cider houses and meaderies too! So if wine or alternative libations are what you seek, click the previous guide to learn more as only a selection of our favorites are outlined below:

• Pittsburgh Winery
• Refucilo Winery
• Arsenal Cider
• Papa Joe's Wine Cellar
• Threadbare Cider
• EngineHouse 25
• Courtyard Winery
• Casa Narcisi
• Vinoski Winery
• Wooden Door Winery
• Kavic Winery
• Greendance Winery
• Greenhouse Winery
• Winfield Winery
• Raccoon Creek Winery
• Christian Klay Winery

Looking for Pittsburgh wine bars instead? Click the previous link to check out some of our favorites! These don't necessarily make their own products like those above, but they still serve up some stellar glasses all the same.

Craft Cocktail Bars

While we do not feature every bar under the sun in this guide, we do want to also highlight some craft cocktail bars as well. They may not make their own spirits, but the craft of making a good cocktail is enough of an art form on its own. So if trying a new cocktail is your idea of something to do in Pittsburgh, check out one of the following!

• Emerson's Bar
• The Speakeasy
• Leo. A Public House
• Bridges & Bourbon
• Ollie's Gastropub
• Bar Botanico
• Commerce Bar
• Hidden Harbor

Looking for a pick-me-up or something to satisfy your sweet tooth while out and about? This section of our guide features some great cafes, ice cream shops, and bakeries you really should visit!

Much like our libations section above, the following are broken up into their individual category types as per the above headline and the organization is arbitrary. We recommend reading our larger guide to each as listed at the start of each section for further reading as we do not feature individual articles for these spots at this time.

When it comes to ice cream in Pittsburgh , we have a number of options. For our full list of all the ice cream spots we've visited to date, click the previous link to check out our guide. A selection of some of our favorites are outlined below:

• Glen's Custard
• Page Dairy Mart
• Gus & Yia Yia's
• Dave & Andy's
• Milkshake Factory
• Sugar and Spice
• The Snowman

Much like ice cream above, the bakeries in Pittsburgh are also exploding at a rapid pace. A selection of some of our favorites are outlined below. To read more about each, click the previous link for our full guide!

• Madeleine Bakery
• Five Points
• La Gourmandine
• Grandview Bakery
• Allegro Hearth
• Butterwood Bake Consortium
• Priory Pastries
• Prohibition Pastries
• Jean-Marc Chetallier's French Bakery
• Bethel Bakery
• Potomac Bakery
• Lincoln Bakery

No matter which neighborhood or suburb you visit, odds are good you're going to find a Pittsburgh coffee shop . We're well underway in visiting them all, and a selection of popular spots outlined below. For our complete list, click the previous link to check out our cafe guide!

• Commonplace Coffee
• Redhawk Coffee
• Gasoline St Coffee
• Kaibur Coffee
• Orbis Caffe
• Biddle's Escape
• Espresso a Mano
• Colombino Farmers
• Anchor and Anvil
• Ineffable Ca Phe
• Black Forge
• California Coffee Bar
• White Rabbit

Music Venues and Theaters

Pittsburgh's music, theater, and performing arts scene has been exploding in recent years, and not a day goes by without several shows going on at our local theaters. In this section of our guide, we highlight some of the best spots to take in a show, be it at a small comedy club or all the way to the grand symphony at Heinz Hall downtown.

• Pittsburgh Symphony
• Pittsburgh Ballet
• Pittsburgh Opera
• Pittsburgh CLO
• Concerts at Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field)
• Concerts at PNC Park
• Concerts at PPG Paints Arena
• Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead
• Thunderbird Cafe
• City of Asylum
• August Wilson Center
• Texture Ballet
• Arcade Comedy Club
• Banjo Night
• Rex Theater
• Quantum Theater
• Kelly Strayhorn Theater
• Palace Theater
• Mr. Small's
• Liberty Magic
• Roxian Theatre

Looking to take in one of the many an annual events in Pittsburgh ? The following are some of the largest and most popular- with an expressed focus on the unique ones to the region!

Events are organized by the months they normally occur. Note that this list does not feature the exact dates for each event, which often varies from year to year, so we recommend confirming dates in advance.

• MessFest – January – A New Year celebration at the Science Center celebrating all things messy!
• Food Truck-a-Palooza – January – One of the largest food truck rallies of the year at the Monroeville Convention Center.
• Downtown Gallery Crawls – Quarterly – Late night gallery crawl at the many galleries and hotspots in downtown Pittsburgh.
• Unblurred Gallery Crawl – Monthly – Late night gallery crawl in Garfield on the First Friday of each month. Galleries, food trucks, music, and more.
• 21+ Nights – Periodically – Enjoy local museums like the Science Center , Children's Museum , and Carnegie Museums at their periodic 21+ events- no kids allowed!
• Skiing in the Laurel Highlands – Winter – Hit the slopes at Hidden Valley (beginner), Seven Springs (intermediate), or Laurel Mountain (advanced)!
• Tubing at Boyce Park – Plum – Looking to try high speed tubing instead? Head over to Boyce Park during winter to get into the fun!
• Imbibe North Side – Winter/Summer – A twice a year libations festival at the Mattress Factory with all North Side producers.
• Restaurant Week – Winter/Summer – Restaurant specials throughout the city.
• Pittsburgh Beerfest – Winter/Sunner – A twice a year beer festival featuring many local, national, and international producers.
• Good Wood Festival – February – Warm up with barrel aged beers at this intimate beer festival, hosted at Threadbare Cider.
• St Patrick's Day Parade – March – Celebrate with one of the largest St Patrick's Day parades and parties in the country.
• CMU Carnival – April – Reunion weekend and Carnival games at CMU. Go for the buggy races to marvel at engineering and athleticism combined.
• Banff Mountain Film Festival – April – An international touring film festival for adventure activities (a personal favorite of ours).
• Art All Night – April – A 22-hour art show where anyone can submit a piece without judging, censorship, or limitations.
• Fireworks Nights – Seasonal – Check out a fireworks show be it for Fourth of July, Light Up Night, First Night, or simply at one of the many Pirates fireworks nights!
• Pittsburgh Wine Festival – May – A popular wine festival typically taking place at Acrisure Stadium.
• Maifest – May – Celebrate spring at Teutonia Mannerchor German club in the North Side with German food, beer, and music.
• Pittsburgh Marathon – May – Run or cheer on the runners in the biggest race in Pittsburgh.
• North Side Sandwich Sampler – May – North Side restaurants competing to see who can create the best sandwich!
• Open Streets – May, June, July – An event where select neighborhoods shut down the main streets for walkers, bikers, and getting outside. Location changes per event.
• Kayafest – May – A street party in the Strip District put on by Kaya featuring Caribbean fare, music, and more.
• Mars Exploration Days – May/June – A celebration for the planet Mars in the town of Mars. Featuring speakers and exhibits from NASA to name a few.
• Pittsburgh Pride – June – A big party in the Cultural District to celebrate Pride.
• Three Rivers Arts Festival – June – A nearly two week arts show in and around Point State Park with performances, art sales, and more.
• Jazz Fest – A three day jazz festival in the Cultural District with many shows morning through night.
• Beers of the Burgh – Summer/Winter- The premier beer event in Pittsburgh showcasing only western Pennsylvania breweries. We like the summer one due to its location frequently at Carrie Furances!
• Pittsburgh Magazine's Best Restaurant Party – June – The premier food event of the year where Pittsburgh Magazine hosts their favorite restaurants at Acrisure Stadium.
• Pick Your Own Fruit – Spring/Summer – Find a fruit farm to pick your favorite fruits!
• Farmer's Markets – Spring/Summer/Fall – Visit the many area farmer's markets to buy local produce and more!
• Cinema in the Park – Summer – Live movies at many city parks.
• Music in the Park – Summer – Live music at many city and county parks.
• Anthrocon – July – Welcome the furries to Pittsburgh in what is often considered to be the largest congregation in the world.
• Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix – July – Check out the car shows throughout the city and races at Schenley Park during this nearly two week event.
• Deutschtown Music Festival – Enjoy hundreds of bands as they perform on dozens of stages during this two day (free) festival in the North Side.
• Picklesbrugh – July – Pack the bridge for the popular pickle festival. Just watch out for the crowds!
• Vine Rewind – July – A wine and live music festival in the Strip District hosted by Pittsburgh Winery.
• VegFest – August – A one-day event in the North Side celebrating all things vegan.
• Little Italy Days – August – Bloomfield shuts down to host this Italian festival!
• PedalPGH – August – A fun charity bike ride raising money for BikePGH.
• Barrel & Flow Fest – August – A top beer festival that pairs minority owned businesses and city leaders with local breweries to create new beers.
• Oktoberfest – September/Oktober – Celebrate Oktoberfest at Penn Brewery with lots of delicious beer.
• The Pittsburgh Irish Festival – September – Celebrate all things Irish heritage at the festival typically taking place at Carrie Furnace!
• Pierogi Fest – September – Head to Kennywood to enjoy some delicious pierogies from many local producers, food trucks, restaurants, and more.
• Renaissance Festival – Fall – Be transported back to Renaissance times at our annual Ren Fest.
• Smoketoberfest – October – A fall food and beer event with a smoke theme at the Roundabout Popup.
• Step Trek – October – Make new friends while climbing the stairs on South Side Slopes at this annual event.
• Haunted Pittsburgh Tours – Summer/Fall – Learn about the haunted side of Pittsburgh with these seasonal walking tours.
• Living Dead Weekend – October – Celebrate all things zombie in Evans City at this annual event.
• Dirty Dozen – October – Bike up the 13 steepest streets in the city or watch others try their best at this annual tradition.
• Haunted Houses – Get your scare on at ScareHouse , Phantom Fright Nights , and Hundred Acres Manor .
• Three Rivers Film Festival – November – Check out many short and feature films at the annual film festival!
• Light Up Night  – November – Kick off the Christmas season the Saturday before Thanksgiving (new night as of 2021). Christmas lights turn on, the holiday market starts, Santa arrives, fireworks, and more!
• Lawrenceville Cookie Tour – December – Support local Lawrenceville businesses over this weekend while also getting cookies at every stop!
• Handmade Arcade – December – Support hundreds upon hundreds of local artisans at this holiday shopping event at the convention center.
• AllClad Seconds Sale – December – A seconds sale for one of the best cookware producers in the country. Typically occurs the first full weekend of the month at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
• Christmas in Pittsburgh  – Check out the Christmas Markets , Kennywood Holiday Lights , Phipps Winter Flower Show , Overly's Country Christmas , Christmas at the Cathedral of Learning , A Christmas Carol by the CLO , and Nutcracker by the Ballet to name a few!
• First Night – December 31st – Ring in the new year with many events in the Cultural District and fireworks!

Phipps Spring Flower Show – Take a Closer Look

Three Rivers Beer Week

CMU Spring Carnival

Cheese & Wine Tasting at Nosh & Curd (21+)

Botanical Art & Garden Show

Kennywood Opening Day

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons at Heinz Hall

Quarterly Gallery Crawl Downtown

Art All Night

Pirates Fireworks Night

Events for march, phipps spring flower show – take a closer look ongoing, events for april.

Andrea Bocelli at PPG Paints Arena Expired

Pittsburgh pirates home opener expired.

Vintage Pittsburgh at the Heinz History Center Expired

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning (Iceburgh Plush Night) Expired

Solar Eclipse in Pittsburgh Expired

Three rivers beer week ongoing, events for may, find more things to do in pittsburgh on discover the burgh.

Looking for more on Discover the Burgh but don't know where to begin? Click the previous link to be taken to our ‘start here' page for more!

This guide is updated regularly as we find more things to do in Pittsburgh. If your favorite hasn't made the list, please contact us and we'll be happy to check it out! While you're at it, check out our web story on the top 10 things in Pittsburgh !

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Pittsburgh.

Our top 10 things to do in Pittsburgh are the Duquesne Incline, Phipps Conservatory, Point State Park, The Strip District, Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz History Center, Randyland, Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Fallingwater, and Carrie Furnaces.

Pittsburgh is best enjoyed over a weekend, 2-3 days, but you can get the highlights in a day or spend many weeks exploring it all.

The Heinz History Center, the Frick Museum, Carrie Furnaces, and the Fort Pitt Museum are all great spots to learn about Pittsburgh's rich history!

Point State Park, the Duquesne Incline lookout, and the River Trails are all great options.

The Children's Museum, Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, and Phipps Conservatory are all kid-friendly!

20 Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh, PA

You'll never be bored in Pittsburgh. Whether visiting for the first time, have been a resident for years, or are returning after time away, you'll love the variety of Pittsburgh tourist attractions and sightseeing opportunities available to you. Read on for more information on 20 of the best Pittsburgh attractions for visitors of all ages.

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1. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a must-see for nature enthusiasts, families seeking things to do in Pittsburgh, and friends looking for Instagram-worthy photo-ops. A learning landscape from start to finish, you can take a self-guided tour and explore the gardens on your own of their extensive collections of flora and artwork, or embark on a one-hour tour to get an explanation of the history of the astounding plant assortments. This option is perfect for exploring the gardens with a small group.

The Shop at Phipps is a great stop after you explore the grounds. You can find glass flowers, custom jewelry, and eco-friendly toys inspired by the Conservatory. By this point, you're probably feeling hungry, so stop by Café Phipps for salads, sandwiches, or other eats. The eatery has vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

For more information on all the exhibits, events, and other attractions, visit the Phipps Conservatory website. You'll want to buy your tickets online to secure your preferred date and time to explore this amazing destination.

2. The Duquesne Incline

Have your camera ready for fantastic photo ops of Steel City’s picturesque skyline and surrounding vistas with a delight-filled ride on the historic Duquesne Incline . Climb aboard the beautifully restored wooden cable car that has transported travelers to and from the top of Mount Washington for almost 150 years.

Be sure to stop in the museum at the incline’s top station to learn about this iconic mode of transportation. You can even see the original machinery with its wooden gear teeth and today’s machinery that propels the cable car along nearly 800 feet of rail line.

FYI: The Incline is a “cash only” operation, so be sure to have the exact amount of cash in hand because there are no ATMs on-site (although they do accept Port Authority of Allegheny County bus passes and tickets). You’ll want to stop in their gift shop to find fun and interesting mementos of your time on the incline.

3. Acrisure Stadium Tours

Immerse yourself in the world of Pittsburgh football with a behind-the-scenes tour of Acrisure Stadium , home of the Steelers and the Pitt Panthers. Considered one of the best football stadiums in the nation, they offer a variety of tour options with each providing an up-close view of stadium facilities.

You’ll get to see the Steelers locker room, the playing field, and the FedEx Great Hall showcasing some of the greatest moments of Steeler’s history on the Highlights and Ultimate tours. For a truly epic experience, book a Game Day tour where you’ll have pre-game access to the field and sidelines for amazing photo ops, along with other exclusive guided tours before game time.

Of course, you can also visit the stadium for a Steelers or Panthers game, concert, or private event, as well the annual Kickoff and Rib Festival where you can enjoy ribs from a variety of vendors, beverages, festival foods, games, and tour the FedEx Great Hall.

For more information on the tours and events, check out the Acrisure Stadium website.

4. 'Burgh Bits & Bites Food Tour

Enjoy a taste of Pittsburgh’s hottest culinary scenes with a 'Burgh Bits & Bites food tour, rated the city’s best! Each tour offers generous “bites” of the latest ethnic foods and traditional fare, accompanied by a delectable “side dish” of local history.

Tours are offered for the following locations, each accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, or create your own custom tour , ideal for groups and business events.

• Strip District
• Lawrenceville,

Whether you prefer your food paired with colorful and funky, artsy and historic, quaint and charming, or a simply delicious adventure, your taste buds will be thanking you. Book your guided food tour directly online at 'Burgh Bits & Bites.

5. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

If you're intrigued or simply filled with wonder by nature and the natural world that surrounds us, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one Pittsburgh destination you won't want to miss. With tens of millions of objects and specimens from throughout the world and down through the ages, nature’s finest is on full display and sure to delight all ages and interests.

Below is a sample of the fascinating and breathtaking galleries and exhibits you’ll find at this iconic natural history museum, known as one of the nation’s best.

• Dinosaurs in Their Time
• From Egypt to Pittsburgh
• Hall of Botany
• Discovery Basecamp
• Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians
• Hall of African Wildlife
• Wertz Gallery of Gems and Jewelry
• Bird Hall and Bug Hall
• Art of the Diorama

With so much to see and experience, be sure to purchase your timed ticket (s) to guarantee entrance for your preferred date and time. Don’t worry; once in with your confirmed ticket you can stay as long as you like!

6. Carnegie Science Center

With four floors filled with interactive exhibits, there is so much to see and experience at the Carnegie Science Center . From the earth’s waters to the stars and pretty much everything in between, this science museum is designed to captivate your mind and imagination.

The museum’s roster of live demonstrations and special exhibits guarantees you’ll find something new and exciting to explore, along with the many fun and engaging permanent exhibits and attractions including:

• Mars: The Next Giant Leap
• USS Requin (SS 481) (self-guided tour of actual submarine!)
• Buhl Planetarium & Observatory
• Rangos Giant Cinema (showing popular, science-related, and holiday movies)
• Highmark SportsWorks®
• Robot Hall of Fame
• H2Oh! (interactive waterways exhibit)
• NETL Energy Zone (National Energy Technology Laboratory electricity exhibit)
• Miniature Railroad & Village®
• Little Learner Clubhouse
• Bricksburgh (perfect for little ones and those who love building blocks!)
• Fab Lab Public Workshops

You’ll want to check out their calendar of special events packed full of fun and interesting activities and topics specifically geared to children, teens, and adults only.

Before visiting the science center, be sure to purchase your tickets online . Please note that while your General Admission ticket will give you access to most of the museum, there are a few areas where an additional fee is required.

7. Andy Warhol Museum

Embrace your artistic side with a visit to the Andy Warhol Museum . Housing the largest collection of Warhol art, films, and archives in the world, including his iconic “Campbell’s Soup Cans,” the museum is among the fun things to see in Pittsburgh.

The museum’s seven floors are filled with interactive experiences and displays. Stop in the 4 th floor to view a large selection of his film and videos, including screen tests he took of the famous and non-famous. Then, make your own screen test using their digital screen test machine . You can even create your own Warhol-inspired artistic masterpiece at the museum’s hands-on art studio, The Factory . Welcoming all ages, the studio is open on select days of the week

You can purchase your tickets online or at the door. Check out their public programs and performances webpage and events calendar for the latest news on all the exciting things happening at this one-of-a-kind art museum that is as unique as the artist who inspired its creation!

8. Cathedral of Learning Tour

Soaring 535 feet into the Pittsburgh skyline, the 42-story Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus is one of the city’s treasured landmarks. Housing the renowned Nationality and Heritage Rooms , the Gothic Revival-inspired skyscraper honors the many communities of people who have been instrumental in making Pittsburgh the great city it is today.

The following are just a sample of the ethnicities and heritages you can see on a guided tour of the cathedral’s 31 National and Heritage rooms.

• African Heritage Room
• Chinese Room
• Early American Room
• French Room
• German Room
• Indian Room
• Israel Heritage Room
• Italian Room
• Korean Heritage Room
• Syria-Lebanon Room
• Polish Room
• Czechoslovak Room
• Ukrainian Room

Each room is beautiful and reflects the rich ethnic history of this captivating city. The university offers both 30- and 90-minute tours, including an evening tour. Book your in-person guided tour of this iconic building. It’s almost like taking a trip around the world!

9. Bike the Burgh Tour

Experience Pittsburgh’s well-known and not-so-well gems in an entirely new way with a 6- to 9-mile Bike the Burgh Tour . Their three-hour tours will have you pedaling along low-traffic streets, designated bike lanes, and bike trails along the rivers. Best yet, it’s all along flat terrain, which means no strenuous hills to climb!

All tours are led by an experienced bike/tour guide and perfect for families, individuals, and groups of friends. You can bring your own bike, but no worries if you’re packing light. You can rent an eight-speed bike, helmet, and even a bike trailer for real little ones who aren’t big enough to pedal on their own. They offer a variety of tours, including

• the highly popular Beauty of the Burgh Tour
• the “insider” Pittsburgh's Hidden Treasures Tour
• the super scenic Bridges in the Burgh Tour
• the sports lover’s Bike to the Ballgame Tour that ends at PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium to enjoy a baseball or football game and a cold beer!

Speaking of beer… They also offer a four-hour, adults-only Bikes & Brews Tour where you’ll visit four of the area’s great craft breweries and be treated to some great brews, fantastic food truck fare, and fun souvenirs.

Choose your favorite, then book your Bike the Burgh Tour for a scenic bike ride through Pittsburgh!

10. Walk the Burgh Tour

Don your walking shoes (or sneakers) for a fun, interesting, and engaging tour of “the Burgh” with a Walk the Burgh Tour(s) . For close to a decade their intrepid guides have taken scores of visitors by and into the city’s landmarks, iconic buildings, storied neighborhoods, and adventure-filled stairways, including tours where you’ll find some of the city’s tastiest libations and eeriest venues.

Their selection of tours offered year-round includes:

• Best of the Burgh Tour , exploring the downtown’s most well-known and hidden gems
• Whiskey Tasting Tour , a delicious taste of the Burgh’s whiskey-filled past and present
• Black & Ghost Tour , an eerie downtown history lesson with a spooky twist
• Art N’AT Tour , a journey off the downtown’s beaten path to find hidden treasures of art
• Hollywood East Tour , visiting original film locations shot in and around the Burgh
• Discover Oakland Tour , an epicenter of museums, mansions, universities, and history

Hardier “soles” can experience a truly insider tour of the city with a Simply Steps: A City Steps Tour of Troy Hill & Spring Garden that takes you up and down a few of the city’s 800 or so stairways linking neighborhoods and cultures and offered May-Nov.

Each tour typically takes about two hours and most welcome all ages. With so many fantastic options, it may be hard to choose! Check out all their tours and book your favorite , including their nighttime Holiday Lights tour, for a super fun and interesting time with your friends or family.

11. Gateway Clipper Riverboat Cruise

Sail along Pittsburgh’s famed three rivers with a sightseeing cruise aboard one of the Gateway Clipper Fleet ‘s riverboats. The cruises take you on all three rivers: the Allegheny, the Ohio, and the Monongahela, as entertaining and informative guides share fun facts and captivating stories of each river’s history and landmarks you pass along the way. They operate a full-service bar and a snack bar on board.

Enhance your sailing experience with a luncheon, dinner, or 21+ specialty dining cruise. They also offer Halloween Fun and Haunted cruises on select dates in the fall, as well as a variety of seasonal themed cruises throughout the year.

Make the cruising experience extra special for the little ones with their kids themed cruises featuring some of their favorite princesses, comic book, and blockbuster movie heroes for a meet and greet and DJ dance party. Be sure to check their website to see when all these and all the extra-special cruises are being offered and availability.

Check the booking availability and secure your spot for a three rivers cruise!

12. Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar

No trip to Pittsburgh would be complete without a pilgrimage to Primanti Bros. ’ original, Strip District location. Named one of “America’s Classic Restaurants” by none other than James Beard, this classic has been serving up its “classic” Pitts-burger® sandwich since 1933.

Be sure to arrive hungry because this massive sandwich starts off with two thick slices of Italian bread piled high with your choice of grilled meat, a big slice of melted Provolone, a mound of hand cut french fries, sweet yet tangy cole slaw, and topped with two slices of fresh tomato. It is a true Pittsburgh experience all its own.

Afterwards, you might want to start planning a Primanti Bros. roadtrip. They have expanded from their humble beginnings so you can find this famed restaurant at more than 40 locations, each one featuring that classic taste of Pittsburgh.

13. Passport to Pittsburgh Tours

Don’t have a lot of time but want to see as much of Pittsburgh as you can?! Enjoy a whirlwind tour of Pittsburgh’s landmarks, attractions, and neighborhoods on the Pittsburgh 101 Tour offered by Passport to Pittsburgh . This “crash course” of the city’s environs is just one of the many delightful tours they offer both in the city and the surrounding areas, along with numerous special interest tours.

Whichever tour you choose, whether it’s one of their many food-centric tours (Pass The Pierogies Tour, for example), seasonal, or specialty tours (Brews and Pews tour of churches and microbreweries), you are guaranteed to have learned and experienced something new and leave with something to remember with a smile, i.e., their “Tourism Trifecta.”

Explore their Pittsburgh tours to find something perfect for your visit! These tours sell out quickly, so plan to book your spot before arriving in the Steel CIty!

14. Bicycle Heaven

Stop by Bicycle Heaven to see the world's largest bicycle museum and bike shop. Housing 6,000 antique, rare, collectible, and new and used bikes, this little slice of (bicycle) heaven is worth the trip just to see their special exhibit featuring the Schwinn DX Cruiser featured in the 1985 film classic, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” that starred Pee-wee Herman, along with bikes seen in movies “A Beautiful Mind,” “Super 8,” “Fathers & Daughters,” to name but a few.

Their expansive collection of bicycles includes a 19th-century “Boneshaker,” hundreds of bikes that date back to the early 1900s, and 17 of the 30 or so of the first fiberglass bikes ever made and known as the Bowden Spacelander. Add to that, their collection extends to a wide variety of bike memorabilia and bike-related, pop star merchandise.

You can even trade, rent, or purchase a new or used bike for yourself, get your bike tuned up, or find that really hard-to-find part your bike is missing. Bicycle Heaven is open daily, and owners Craig and Mindy offer free admission!

15. All Day Hop On, Hop Off Tour Pass

Hop aboard a bright red, double-decker bus and enjoy a day of Pittsburgh sightseeing with a “hop on, hop off” tour offered by The Pittsburgh Tour Company . The tour makes 21 stops and along the way, you’ll be entertained by friendly and funny guides who’ll share engaging stories about the city’s history, landmarks, art, and iconic buildings.

Hop off and indulge your cultural side at the Andy Warhol Museum, the Heinz History Center, or the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Take in a game at Heinz Field or PNC Park, grab a bite to eat in the bustling Strip District, or scope out spectacular views from the scenic overlook on Mount Washington. Explore on your own, then hop on a later tour bus.

They even offer haunted tours on Friday and Saturday nights in the fall if you want to explore Pittsburgh’s spooky side. It’s easy to plan your Pittsburgh trip when you book your all-day tour pass for a hop-on, hop-off adventure or opt for a shorter sightseeing trip only with their Just The Tour pass for a once-around, 2.25-hour tour of Pittsburgh’s cultural, historic, architectural, and shopping gems.

16. Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour

Calling all craft beer lovers! Enjoy VIP access to some of the best and biggest breweries in Pittsburgh on The Pittsburgh Signature Brew Tour offered by City Brew Tours. You’ll visit three of the city’s stellar craft breweries, each with its own unique ambiance and beer styles on your 3.5-hour tour.

Each tour is led by a guide who knows the Steel City and knows beer. Along with a behind-the-scenes tour of each brewery, up to 12 samples of fine craft beer, and a delicious local snack, you’ll get to expand your beer knowledge from the history of this storied beverage from ancient times to today’s modern brewing methods. Contact City Brew Tours to arrange your exclusive beer tour today.

After the tour, extend the “hoppiness” by subscribing to City Brew Tours’ monthly beer box. Each box is packed with eight craft beer samples from select breweries in a particular city from throughout the U.S. When the winter holidays roll around, surprise your beer loving buddies with a “12 Days of Christmas” or “8 Days of Hanukkah” beer box.

17. Pittsburgh Outdoor Escape Game

Explore Pittsburgh in a whole new and exciting way with Questo’s Discover Pittsburgh outdoor escape game. With intriguing clues and puzzles to solve, you’ll find some of the Steel City’s hidden gems as you make your way from the Strip District’s unique food markets, restaurants, and shops to the Heinz History Center where you’ll learn about the city’s amazing past and its impact on U.S. history.

Next stop: the fun interactive activities and exhibits at the Andy Warhol Museum housing the world’s largest collection of the amazing artwork of Pittsburgh’s favorite son, Andy Warhol. The game ends on the North Shore with its spectacular views of the city’s skyline and storied bridges.

To play, download the Questo game on your mobile device and follow the city-specific instructions. There’s no need to worry about time expiring because unlike typical escape room challenges there’s no time limit to complete this escape game and one of the most fun things to do in Pittsburgh!

18. Pittsburgh Scavenger Hunt

Bar crawling just got better with this twist on tradition! The Let’s Roam “Party Through Pittsburgh” Bar Crawl Scavenger Hunt will provide plenty of laughs and entertainment and fun evening out. The two-hour-long, eight-stop scavenger hunt is designed for maximum adventure, whether with a bunch of friends or groups looking for fun Pittsburgh activities with individualized roles and challenges for everyone.

The game begins when you start searching for clues as you walk to various bars on Carson Street. Discover clues found on statues, plaques, and other hidden sites as you traipse from bar to bar guided by the scavenger hunt’s interactive questions and photo challenges. Along the way, you might even learn some things about Pittsburgh you never know before!

Purchase single scavenger hunt tickets or an unlimited annual pass covering you and your entire posse for scavenger hunts at a wide variety of locations.

19. Pittsburgh Parks

Take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle and escape to the great outdoors at one of the city’s awesome parks without ever leaving the Burgh. First, get your Primanti Bros. sandwich to go (or food from one of the city’s other fantastic eateries!), spread out a blanket, and then sit back and enjoy a delicious al fresco lunch or early dinner surrounded by the sights and sounds of Mother Nature.

These are a few of our favorite parks in Pittsburgh:

• Schenley Park
• Point State Park
• Point of View Park
• West End Overlook Park
• Arsenal Park
• Highland Park
• Grandview Park

20. Local Pittsburgh Landmarks

There’s so much to see and do in Pittsburgh that we couldn’t limit the count to just 20, so below are some other of our favorite spots you might want to check out next time you’re in the Burgh!

• Water Steps and Canal Square in in the North Shore Riverfront Park
• Market Square
• Fort Pitt Block House
• The Tribute to Children, Fred Rogers Memoria l
• August Wilson Center for African American History
• Church of the Epiphany
• Inventionland
• Carnegie Museum of Art

We've highlighted some amazing things to do near Pittsburgh and in the city’s environs, but the greater Pennsylvania has so much more to offer. In-state and out-of-state travelers looking for unique overnight accommodations or day trip advice will find just what they're looking for on the visitPA website. From dining and wineries to events and outdoor adventures , visitPA can help you plan a Pennsylvania trip packed with excitement and help you plan the best experience in Pennsylvania.

Stay in the loop with upcoming events and the best bucket list destinations in Pennsylvania. Subscribe to our newsletter today and start planning your next trip to PA!

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30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: October 4, 2019  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

It turns out Philadelphia isn’t the only “P” city in Pennsylvania that’s worth visiting.

Pittsburgh is an industrious city with lots of character.

As the next-biggest city after Philly, Pittsburgh appeals to different demographics and interests.

These are 30 of the best things to do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

1. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock

One of the most fun things to do in Pittsburgh is to go to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History .

This is among the top museums in Pennsylvania.

It provides lots of fascinating insight into humans and one’s understanding of the world.

There are many unique things to see at this museum.

The exhibitions are amazing if you’re interested in humans and/or animals.

Some of the sights at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History are “Dinosaurs in Their Time” and “Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians.”

When you’re looking for what to do in Pittsburgh that’s related to science and natural history, a trip to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History should definitely be on your radar.

This museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Address:  4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States

2. Pittsburgh Zoo and PGG Aquarium

Hannah M Johnston / Shutterstock

If you’re hoping to come to the city this weekend, one of the top things to do in Pittsburgh is to go to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium .

You can see lots of great animals, on land and in the water.

Attractions like this make Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania one of the best places to go on vacation with your family.

The curators of the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium care about conservation and giving visitors the most pleasurable experience possible.

At the zoo, you must see the elephants, tigers, rhinos, and giraffes.

At the aquarium, there are piranhas, stingrays, and penguins.

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is where to go if you adore animals.

Consider making a visit with your friends or family tomorrow, especially if there any special events happening.

Hours and admission costs depend on what time of year it is.

Address:  7370 Baker St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, United States

3. Trundle Manor: House of Oddities

Trundle Manor

Anyone in Pittsburgh that’s into unique experiences has to go to Trundle Manor .

It definitely earns its name as a “House of Oddities.”

However, that title could also be “House of Fun” and it would be just as fitting.

Although it appears to be quite innocuous to passersby, Trundle Manor is a whole new world on the inside.

It’s for people who find haunted houses to be too hoo-hum.

Inside, you’ll find lots of amazing taxidermied animals.

Things kept here are like what you’d see in the spookiest horror movie imaginable.

Trundle Manor is one of the best places to go to Pittsburgh for creepy delights.

It’s a lot of fun being near all of these weird objects.

Visiting Trundle Manor requires scheduling an appointment.

Address:  7724 Juniata St, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, United States

4. Carnegie Museum of Art

HoboJones [ CC BY-SA 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

Going to this museum should solidify your opinion of Pittsburgh as a true arts city, even if you already leaned that way.

It’s got everything an art museum should have.

In the permanent collection at this museum are tens of thousands of beautiful pieces.

There are also stupendous temporary exhibitions, such as one focused on Los Angeles artist Margaret Honda.

More than 7,000 pages of works are available for online viewing.

If you’re looking for things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, going to the Carnegie Museum of Art should be a priority.

This museum is open from Friday to Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, $11.95 for students and children age three to 18.

Planning to visit other parts of Pennsylvania? Be sure to check out our lists of things to do in Erie, PA and things to do in Lancaster, PA !

5. The National Aviary

woodsnorthphoto / Shutterstock

Any bird lovers looking for what to do while in Pittsburgh need to come to the National Aviary .

This is one of the best bird refuges in the country.

Should you believe birds to be our feathered friends, you’re bound to love the National Aviary.

You might have grown accustomed to seeing sparrows or pigeons, but the National Aviary offers so much more.

There are more than 150 different birds to see.

You can even enjoy encounters with ones like owls and flamingos.

Non-bird species are also here and available for encounters, including armadillos and sloths.

A trip to the National Aviary is one of the most powerful activities you can enjoy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It opens every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission costs $17 for adults and $16 for children, age two to 12, and seniors.

Address:  700 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States

6. Mount Washington

f11photo / Shutterstock

For a Pittsburgh photo opportunity that’s worth more than a thousand words, you should come to Mount Washington .

This neighborhood on a hill has become a beloved spot in the city.

Arguably the biggest draw is how great downtown looks from here.

However, this isn’t just a place where you come up, take a photo, and then dip out.

Mount Washington has lots of awesome attractions.

You can appreciate the view even more when you’re eating at a great restaurant like Monterey Bay Fish Grotto.

Downtown Pittsburgh is a sight to behold, and sightseeing from Mount Washington is an amazing experience.

It’s truly fun to gaze upon the city like this.

The only warning is that there are so many things to see from Mount Washington that you’ll have to do your best to take your time to properly enjoy the moment.

7. Randyland

Jeremy Thompson / flickr

With a name that sounds like a beloved childhood board game, Randyland is one of the top attractions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It’s an artistic wonderland that offers invigorating siteseeing.

Founded by Randy Gilson, a local artist who also lives there Randyland gives you everything you’d want from a colorful neighborhood.

The focus of Randyland is renewal.

There are bricks that came from houses that were being demolished.

Attractions like the Randyland Mirror Wall really help to heighten how playful and special this environment is.

Randy himself is also quite the character, a free spirit who clearly loves to give without expecting anything in return.

Going to Randyland is one of the most fun things to do in Pittsburgh.

It’s what to see if you want to see just how resourceful the people of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are.

Being near this sort of innovation might rub off on you and get your creative energy relly going.

It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to dusk.

Admission is free.

Address:  1501 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States

8. Carnegie Science Center

EQRoy / Shutterstock

The Carnegie contributions to Pittsburgh continue with the fantastic Carnegie Science Center , one of the top 10 science institutions in the country.

When you’re at this Pittsburgh attraction, you can rediscover the fun of science as well as the educational aspect.

Coming here is also one of the most enjoyable activities for families.

Some of the exhibits at the Carnegie Science Center include “H2Oh!,” which is focused on water and rivers, “BodyWorks,” which is focused on the human body, and “SpacePlace,” which is focused on galactic exploration.

This is also the top place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to learn about robots thanks to the amazing “Roboworld.”

If you’re a science geek looking for places to visit in Pittsburgh, you should come to the Carnegie Science Center.

It’s open Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, and $11.95 for children.

Address:  1 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States

9. Phipps Conservatory

ismailbayram / Shutterstock

For plant fanatics, going to Phipps Conservatory is one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh.

It’s a lot of fun for anyone who enjoys a more tranquil experience.

Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory continues to bring people in today.

Plants that you can see at this Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania attraction include orchids, ferns, trees, and palms.

There are also many great events, such as “Fall Flower Shows.” Phipps Conservatory does a great job of getting in the holiday spirit with the inclusion of the “Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden.”

Phipps Conservatory is definitely among the top points of interest in Pittsburgh for its beautiful plants and great design.

It’s open from Saturday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission costs $17.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors, age 62 and up, and students, and $11 for children, age two to 18.

Address:  1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States

10. 4121 Main

Before you “stop and smell the roses” at Phipps Conservatory, you can “wake up and smell the coffee” at 4121 Main .

This is one of the best places to get a hot brew in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Whatever drink you get here, it’s one that you’ll really want to savor.

If you’re visiting from Oregon , the coffee at 4121 Main might taste somewhat familiar.

That’s because it comes from Portland ‘s Heart Coffee Roasters.

There’s also lots of stunning artwork to give this cozy shop even more charm.

4121 Main is the perfect place to stop in between siteseeing expeditions through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It’s also lots of fun to look around the space and admire how well-put-together it is.

4121 Main is open from Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address:  4121 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States

Going on a road trip around Pennsylvania? Check out our lists of things to do in Philadelphia  & things to do in Scranton, PA !

11. Frick Art & Historical Center

Leepaxton at en.wikipedia [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

Coming here is one of the most fun activities in Pittsburgh.

There are multiple buildings that make up the Frick Art & Historical Center, all of which are worth visiting.

You can spend a great day at Frick Art & Historical Center by seeing things like “The Historic Clayton Mansion,” home of Henry Clay Frick and his family.

Plus, check out vintage vehicles at the “Car and Carriage Museum” and thought-provoking pieces at “The Frick Art Museum.”

To cap off your day in a peaceful fashion by exploring the Scenic Gardens & Greenhouse.

When you care about culture, going to the Frick Art & Historical Center is a top example of what to do while in Pittsburgh.

It’s open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Some exhibitions cost money, but many attractions are free.

Address:  7227 Reynolds St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, United States

12. Wigle Whiskey Distillery

Wigle Whiskey

If you’re looking for things to do in Pittsburgh at night, you’ll definitely catch wind of the Strip District.

In this vibrant section is Wigle Whiskey Distillery, one of the best distilleries in the United States.

A great way to start your night in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is visiting the Wigle Whiskey Distillery.

Going to the Wigle Whiskey Distillery is one of the top activities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for people who are really serious about their love for this liquor.

Tours take place on Saturdays.

Otherwise, Wigle Whiskey Distillery is open Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address:  2401 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States

13. Canton Avenue

jefftakespics2 / Shutterstock

Visiting Canton Avenue is one of the most fun things to do in Pittsburgh.

However, you need to make sure you’ve got your balance, as there’s no street steeper in the country.

Trying to conquer Canton Avenue is perfect if you love exciting activities.

One of the coolest things about this Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania street is how people will try to conquer it on bike in the yearly “Dirty Dozen” race.

This is one of 13 steep hills to mount.

Anyone who tries this needs to make sure they have a stable bike and that they’re willing to accept the risks.

Making your way up a dangerously steep hill might not seem like one of the most obvious Pittsburgh activities, but the adventure can seriously add to the fun.

As long as you’re responsible and know your limits, Canton Avenue will be good to you.

If you come back to Pittsburgh, it might be to ride in the “Dirty Dozen” race.

Address: 1601 Canton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA

14. Three Rivers Heritage Trail

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A fun way to get exercise and enjoy the beauty of Pittsburgh is by going on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail .

You’ll see why Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is considered one of the most beautiful places in the United States after trekking down this trail.

This is also one of the best ways to experience the community character of Pittsburgh.

Walking on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail lets you see how breathtaking the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela rivers each are.

You can also use your walk as a chance to see some really amazing areas of the city.

If you want to get on the water in a motor-less boat, take the Three Rivers Water Trail.

Should you be coming to Pittsburgh this weekend and want to do right by your body and soul, you better come to Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

It’s a key part of the undeniable loveliness that makes up Pennsylvania.

Your heart will be flowing with love just as these rivers flow with water.

15. Heinz History Center

Alex Liivet / flickr

The biggest museum in Pennsylvania, the Heinz History Center is about more than just ketchup, although that beloved condiment certainly gets some attention.

This one of the most educational Pittsburgh attractions.

At the Heinz History Center, you can get an understanding of the past that might’ve never previously occurred.

One of the best exhibits at this Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania museum is “Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation,” which shows how crucial this city has been when it comes to developing great ideas that still stick with us.

The eponymous famed ketchup brand also has an exhibit.

A more serious but absolutely necessary exhibit to see is “From Slavery to Freedom.”

Visiting the Heinz History Center is what to do if you want to grow your knowledge of Pittsburgh in fun and insightful ways.

This museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission costs $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, age 62 and up, and $9 for students and children, ages six to 17.

People who serve or have served in the military receive a $2 discount.

Address:  1212 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States

Exploring other areas of Pennsylvania? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Hershey, PA & some of the things to see in Gettysburg ?

16. Burgh Bits & Bites Food Tour

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Some of the best Pittsburgh attractions are restaurants, and the “ Burgh Bits & Bites Food Tour ” helps you to find the top ones.

No matter which tour you choose to go on, you can look forward to seeing some very cool restaurants and enjoying some scrumptious meals.

As you go around Pittsburgh, you can further increase your appreciation for the city.

Tours bring you around different areas of Pittsburgh.

Ones you can choose from include Strip District Market, Allentown, and Lawrenceville.

You can also schedule a private tour with a group of 12 or more people.

Eating shouldn’t just be done out of necessity. It should also be a lot of fun.

If you’re in or near Pittsburgh and want to enjoy dining at its most smile-inducing, you need to go on a Burgh Bits & Bites Food Tour.

Make sure that you purchase your tickets in advance.

17. Andy Warhol Museum

jpellgen (@1179_jp) / flickr

The art world and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania were both shaken up by the influence of Andy Warhol, who was native to the city.

Today, one of the best places to visit in Pittsburgh for understanding a complex mind is the Andy Warhol Museum .

You might consider coming to Pittsburgh this weekend and browsing the exhibitions dedicated to this amazingly creative individual.

There are five floors of exhibitions featuring Warhol’s art at this Pennsylvania museum.

These include “Campbell’s Soup Box” and “The Chelsea Girls.”

Anyone who comes here should be able to leave with a better understanding of what drove Warhol and why he’s such an influential figure in the art world.

The Andy Warhol Museum is one of the most important places to visit in Pennsylvania if you care about pop art.

It’s open from Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students, seniors, and children.

Address:  117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States

18. Center for PostNatural History

Center for PostNatural History

The Center for PostNatural History is one of the most unusual Pittsburgh attractions but also one of the best.

It stands in sharp contrast to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, as it focuses on natural-occurring species that have since been altered by humans.

This isn’t just scientists playing God for no reason, as the Center for PostNatural History illustrates how much can be gained from delving into science this way.

At the Center for PostNatural History, you can see genetically-modified specimens like BioSteel™ Goats and Triploid Atlantic Salmon.

There are also highly intriguing exhibits like “Domestication of the Dinosaur” and “Making Nature: How We See Animals.”

If you have a child who is interested in biology, this would be a great place to take them.

If you desire places to see in Pittsburgh that show how much scientific curiosity matters, you should go to the Center for PostNatural History.

It’s open on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Address:  4913 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States

19. Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts

Popscreenshot [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

When making plans for what to do at night in Pittsburgh, Heinz Hall immediately stands out as one of your best choices.

Heinz Hall has hosted many incredible artists since it was first dedicated in 1971.

In the last few years, Steely Dan, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Lauryn Hill, and Ringo Starr have performed here.

There could even be something amazing happening tonight.

Should you be wondering what to do in downtown Pittsburgh that will scratch an itch for culture, you should come to Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts.

Night activities like this help you to see how special of a city Pittsburgh is.

There could even be a great show with tickets still available this week.

Address:  600 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States

20. Penn Brewery

Brook Ward / flickr

Enjoying a cool glass of beer can be one of the best aspects of your trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Penn Brewery has become known as one of the best microbreweries around thanks to its fine roster of German beer.

It’s also got quite an inspiring story to go along with the beers.

Even if beer isn’t always your drink of choice, Penn Brewery has such a varied selection, it’s hard to imagine that you won’t find at least one that works for you.

Among the brews on tap include the Nut Roll Ale, the Chocolate Meltdown, and the Tangerine Swirl.

There’s also delectable food to go with your beer, including lots of hearty sandwiches.

Coming down to Penn Brewery this weekend for a delicious pint is one of the smartest decisions you can make in Pittsburgh.

The fun of sipping on these quality beers is furthered by getting it right at its point of origin.

Penn Brewery is open from Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tours are at 1 p.m. on certain Saturdays.

Address:  800 Vinial St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States

21. Monongahela Incline

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If steep heights give you a serious thrill, you’re going to love Pittsburgh.

Monongahela Incline is among the best Pittsburgh attractions for vertical adrenaline junkies.

It’s a wonderfully unique experience that only gets better the further up you go.

There’s so much stuff to do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that gets you out of your shell and shows you what fun is really all about.

The Monogahela Incline runs from Monday to Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. and on Sunday and during holidays from 8:45 to 12 a.m.

It’s $2.50 for a one-way trip and $5 for a roundtrip experience.

Children age 11 and younger ride for half the cost, and children five and younger and seniors ride for free.

Address: 8 Grandview Ave, Port Authority of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA 15211, USA

22. Pittsburgh Tours & More

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Rather than worrying about which Pittsburgh sites to see, Pittsburgh Tours & More provides lots of help with figuring out the ideal points of interest.

Through this service, you can get maximum fun from seeing the sites of the Steel City.

These tours are especially great if you’re traveling with your family or another group.

The guide gives you lots of interesting details about the city and its story.

You might be delighted to learn about all of the great movies that were filmed in this city.

The stops selected for Pittsburgh Tours & More are very cool and show how excellent this Pennsylvania city is.

Pittsburgh Tours & More provides you with an easy solution to sightseeing quandaries.

After you return home, you’ll have lots of great Pittsburgh information to share thanks to these tours.

23. Jean-Marc Chatellier’s French Bakery

Jean-Marc Chatellier’s French Bakery

The name Jean-Marc Chatellier might ring a bell if you follow the culinary industry, as he’s one of the most famed pastry chefs in the world.

His French bakery, located near Pittsburgh in Millvale, Pennsylvania, shows just how good Chatellier at his craft.

Anyone with a sweet tooth will recognize as one of the greatest tourist attractions in the area.

Some of the things you can get at this bakery include marvelous macaroons, cherishable cakes, and pristine pies.

If you’ve never had a Hungarian nut roll before, this bakery is the place to be.

Additionally, if you want something light but still filling, Jean-Marc Chatellier makes wonderful croissants.

You could come to Jean-Marc Chatellier’s French Bakery tomorrow and have your view of pastries fundamentally altered.

Anyone wanting to start their own bakery today needes to come to Jean-Marc Chatellier’s French Bakery for some inspiration.

It’s open from Tuesday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Address:  213 North Ave, Millvale, PA 15209, United States

24. The Weeping Glass

The Weeping Glass

Allentown, Pennsylvania is full of eccentric and fun tourist attractions.

The Weeping Glass , located there, is a store the likes of which you’ve never seen.

There are plenty of delightfully unsettling things to see at The Weeping Glass.

While it might seem like a place that’s been around for a very long time, The Weeping Glass actually opened in the second half of 2017.

You can buy some beautifully weird art and knick-knacks that you might not want to send to your mother.

However, that could change if you think your mother would love animal bones for a Christmas gift.

When you want to find places to visit that don’t just give you the same old thing, The Weeping Glass is the most excellent option.

You may come across things that repel and draw you in equal measures.

The Weeping Glass is open from Wednesday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Address:  817 E Warrington Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, United States

25. Historic Market Square

Downtown Pittsburgh feels as vivacious as it does thanks in part to Historic Market Square .

One of the most spirited points of interest in Pennsylvania, Historic Market Square comes across as absolutely timeless.

It fuses together the most awesome aspects of Pittsburgh into a terrific and diverse area.

The Historic Market Square is the home of the fabulous downtown farmers market, which operates seasonally and on Thursdays.

It’s also got the legendary Oyster House.

During the winter, a skating rink is introduced.

If you’re looking into how to plan a trip to Pittsburgh, you need to include going to Historic Market Square.

It’s great to come for specific events or just to see what’s happening during your trip.

Historic Market Square deserves to have its legacy as an essential part of Philadelphia cemented.

Address: 23 Market Place, Intersection of Forbes Avenue and Market Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA

26. PNC Park

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Pittsburgh residents love their sports and their teams.

Anyone who loves baseball should try to see a Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park .

Situated by the Allegheny River, PNC Park lets you see Downtown Pittsburgh is one of the most extraordinary ways as well as enjoy lots of great athletics and engaged fans.

On a nice day, there’s nothing better than being at a baseball game, and you must see what it’s like at PNC Park.

Tickets to see the Pirates in action are quite affordable.

Even if they’re not your home team, you can tap into the excitement of rooting alongside the diehard fans.

Address:  115 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States

27. Sienna on the Square

Sienna On The Square

If you don’t want to feel like you’re stumbling around trying to find the finest places to eat in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, you should look into booking a table at Sienna on the Square .

A fantastic night on the town in Pittsburgh can definitely be going to this wonderful downtown Italian restaurant.

Sienna on the Square has a menu that takes the comfort of Italian cuisine and focuses on building great flavors, which helps you to remember your meal even months later.

Some of the things you can order include Mafalde Bolognese, Rock Shrimp & Crab Risotto, and Beef Braciole.

To help make your dining experience even better, ask your server about what wine would go best with your chosen dish.

Going to Sienna on the Square is something you must do if you love Italian food.

However, it’s not the same old dishes you could get at any Italian eatery.

Sienna on the Square is open from Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address:  22 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States

28. The Church Brew Works

Mike (Theaterwiz) Criswell / flickr

Everyone’s heard the biblical story of water being changed into wine, but how about a church being changed into a brewery?

To be fair, the Church Brew Works turned into a church out of nowhere.

Instead, this house of suds came about from people realizing the potential for the building, following its closure as a church in 1993.

Revived as a brewery, The Church Brew Works has made excellent usage of its home.

The stained-glass windows provide the perfect atmosphere.

Plus, there are the amazing beers, including the Pious Monk Dunkel, the Pipe Organ Pale Ale, and the ThunderHop, IPA.

If you’re hungry, The Church Brew Works has menus for lunch and dinner.

One of the most impressive microbreweries in Pennsylvania, the Church Brew Works is also one of the neatest places to see in Pittsburgh.

It’s open from Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m., Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Happy hour is Monday to Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Address:  3525 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, United States

29. Primanti Brothers

Primanti Bros.

The best sandwich you’ve ever had could be one you get at Primanti Brothers .

This establishment has become the stuff of legend in Pennsylvania and beyond.

When you’re tired from site seeing and need to refuel, Primanti Brothers has some of the most delightful sandwich combinations around.

The first Primanti Brothers opened in the city’s Strip District.

Since then, it has grown throughout the area and in nearby states, including Maryland and Indiana .

Excellent sandwiches you can get here include the famous “Pitts-burger” and the “Angus Sirloin Steak and Cheese.”

There are also many great non-sandwich options, including salads and wings.

Just being near the menu at Primanti Brothers can have your stomach rumbling.

Take a look at the menu tonight and have fun deciding what you most want to order.

Primanti Brothers has six locations in Pittsburgh, including one at the Pittsburgh International Airport.

30. Schenley Park

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Schenley Park is a marvelous place for fun in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It’s been a part of the city for more than a century.

Spending some time at Schenley Park is what you must do if you love the peace that nature brings.

A fine day at Schenley Park can be spent doing things like going for a hike, riding a bike, going on a picnic, or just sitting in the shade with a novel.

The world can feel like a kinder and gentler place when you’re here.

The origins of Schenley Park are also quite kind, as it was made possible by a donation of land from the wealthy Mary Schenley in 1889.

Some of your best times in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania can be had at Schenley Park.

You can make the most of both the warmer and the cooler months when you’re here.

Schenley Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Address:  Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Pittsburgh

A trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a great way to show appreciation towards yourself and any loved ones.

You can find attractions that are moving, weird, and everything in between.

When you want to visit a city that residents have a ton of rightful pride in, Pittsburgh is one of the best places to be.

You’d have to have a heart made of literal steel to not be able to enjoy a trip to this amazing city.

14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Pittsburgh, PA

Written by Lana Law and Lura Seavey Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Pittsburgh sits on the northwestern Allegheny Plateau , surrounding the point where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to form the Ohio. Once a gritty center of industry, Pittsburgh is no longer the soot-encrusted coal and steel town of the past.

The rivers define the city's layout and character, a picturesque metropolis that seems to rise up directly from the water. The city center is known as the Golden Triangle, named for its position on the point where the rivers meet. Here, you will find the historic Point State Park and the lively Strip District with its numerous markets, boutiques, eateries, and other attractions.

The Golden Triangle is also home to Pittsburgh's downtown, as well as the Cultural District , where you will find a mixture of theaters and performance venues. The rivers are lined with parks and gardens, and river tours provide a lovely way to see the skyline from many angles.

A legacy of the city's industrial wealth, the Carnegie museums are some of the best in the country, including the Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Carnegie Museum of Art. Find more great places to visit with our list of things to do in Philadelphia.

See also: Where to Stay in Pittsburgh

1. Phipps Conservatory

2. carnegie museum of natural history, 3. andy warhol museum, 4. pittsburgh zoo & ppg aquarium, 5. carnegie museum of art, 6. carnegie science center, 7. national aviary, 8. children's museum of pittsburgh, 9. point state park, 10. frick art and historical center, 11. senator john heinz history center, 12. duquesne incline, 13. cathedral of learning, 14. strip district, where to stay in pittsburgh for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in pittsburgh, pa, pittsburgh, pa - climate chart.

Real estate baron Henry Phipps donated these botanical gardens to the city in 1893. Set in Schenley Park, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers visitors a variety of things to see and do.

Be sure to see the extensive outdoor gardens that surround the central building, a 13-room Victorian glasshouse with rotating seasonal exhibits, including orchids, bonsai, and other delicate plants. Dedicated to the environment and sustainability, the gardens also include a Tropical Forest Conservatory and the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, which explore topics like water conservation and energy use, as well as an educational film about urban farming. Even kids will enjoy a visit.

The Discovery Garden offers free, hands-on children's activities and in the Garden Railroad, they can explore and interact with the tropical Treasure Island as a visiting pirate.

Address: 1 Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.phipps.conservatory.org

One of four Carnegie Foundation museums in Pittsburgh, the Museum of Natural History is dedicated to educating and entertaining visitors, so they can gain a deeper understanding of our natural world. Exhibits explore the science behind the discovery and understanding of the earth and its inhabitants, both past and present.

The museum's central exhibit is a collection of authentic dinosaur fossils and some reproductions, including a Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. The Cretaceous Seaway exhibit shows the life of dinosaurs who lived under water. The museum's extensive galleries also include exhibits about earth sciences like geology and gems, animal life in various parts of the world, and cultural history including Native American and Ancient Egypt.

Kids will find plenty of things to do at Discovery Basecamp, an interactive exhibit that encourages kids to get hands-on, and also at the Bone Hunter's Quarry, where they can dig and uncover their own replica fossils.

Official site: www.carnegiemnh.org

The museum contains the largest collection of work by Andy Warhol, the city's most famous artist and American pop-art pioneer. Exhibits cover all facets of Warhol's prolific career as a painter, filmmaker, record producer, stage designer, author, magazine publisher, and celebrity-gazer.

Opened in 1994, the museum is housed in a restored warehouse, and displays many of Warhol's drawings, paintings, prints, and multimedia installations, as well as presents several of his films and video clips. This large space is also used to host events and classes, and the museum is committed to promoting contemporary art by sponsoring research and scholarships.

Address: 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.warhol.org

The Pittsburgh Zoo has five unique habitats and an aquarium that house its wide variety of animal residents. The PPG Aquarium is home to water dwellers, from seahorses to sharks, including a flock of penguins that play in the snow during winter.

The Water's Edge area is dedicated to education about coastal wildlife and environmental concerns, and is home to sea otters and polar bears.

The Tropical Forest area is full of fascinating animals, including two-toed sloths, lemurs, poison dart frogs, and capuchin monkeys among many primate species.

The Islands exhibit focuses on endangered species of tropical climates, including Galapagos turtles and clouded leopards. The African Savanna section houses some of the zoo's most popular residents, including Masai giraffes, lions, rhinoceroses, African elephants, and zebras.

Address: 7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.pittsburghzoo.org

The Carnegie Museum, one of Pittsburgh's most internationally recognized institutions, houses extensive collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings, American and European paintings over the past two centuries, sculpture, decorative art, and architecture.

Wander past the other exhibits dedicated to Japanese prints, Pittsburgh area artists, and contemporary glass work, as well as extensive photography collections, including an archive of negatives by renowned photographer Charles "Teenie" Harris.

The museum also has several rotating exhibits that showcase specific artists, media, and themes. The museum is named for its founder Andrew Carnegie, who embarked on his vision for an art center in the late 1800s.

Address: 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.cmoa.org

On the north bank of the Allegheny River is the huge Carnegie Science Center, which offers more than 250 hands-on exhibits. While visitors are exploring, they will learn about the ways that science and technology influence every aspect of our lives, from energy use, food production, and industrial processing to space exploration.

The museum also offers plenty of things to do, like the Ropes Challenge indoor climbing and zipline course, with its sibling SkyTykes ropes course for little ones; the four-story Rangos Omnimax Theater; and the Henry Buhl Jr. Planetarium and Observatory.

Meanwhile, the Miniature Railroad and Village document the state's history and culture with tiny horse-drawn carriages, cars and trucks, trees, and airplanes complete with animation. Also on site is the USS Requin, a World War II submarine that held a crew of 80. Guided tours are given by former submariners.

Address: One Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.carnegiesciencecenter.org

Visitors to the National Aviary are immersed in the habitats of birds from around the world, from bright tropical beauties to imposing birds of prey. There are also exhibits throughout the museum that educate visitors about avian biology, their environments, and how these animals are vital to understanding our own human environments.

Larger birds like bald eagles, Steller's sea eagles, and Toco toucans among other species can be found at Eagle Hall, and a large outdoor habitat is home to Andean condors, which can have a wingspan of 10 feet across.

Flamingos can be found in the wetlands habitat, and visitors can spot snowy egrets and macaws in the rainforest habitat. There is also a grassland habitat that is home to a wide variety of smaller birds, as well as a colony of endangered African penguins.

The aviary also offers bird-watching classes, as well as a variety of animal encounters with some of its favorite residents, including falcons, owls, and penguins, with the opportunity to have a private penguin feeding session.

The aviary is also home to two special residents who aren't birds: a pair of Linnaeus's two-toed sloths named Vivien and Valentino. Guests can book special up-close experiences and even watch the sloths create paintings.

Address: 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.aviary.org

Located near the National Aviary, the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is the perfect place for families to bring younger children while visiting Pittsburgh. One of the most popular areas of the museum is its multimedia art studio, a well-equipped space that allows kids of all ages to experiment with paint, drawing, sculpture, fiber arts, photography, and even various methods of printing.

Another top exhibit is the "makeshop," where kids can, with the help of staff, use tools to create and investigate. Here, they can experiment with woodworking, inspect the inner workings of toys, try out sewing, and much more. Kids can do even more creating in the Garage, where there is the opportunity to build a race car, fix a clock, build, and play with a Rube Goldberg machine.

Other favorites are the water-play area, with plenty of interactive stations that teach kids about water's properties, a seasonal outdoor learning garden, and an outdoor play space with musical swings, a sandbox, and even a clubhouse.

Kids who need to get some energy out of their systems will find plenty of opportunities to climb and explore, and there is also a dedicated nursery area where the youngest visitors can play, and parents can take a well-deserved rest.

Address: 10 Children's Way, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: https://pittsburghkids.org

The heart of Pittsburgh is the "Golden Triangle" at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. At the tip of the triangle is Point State Park, with one of the country's largest fountains, symbolizing the birth of the Ohio.

This was the site of Fort Pitt, of which there now remains only a blockhouse. The fort's original appearance is shown in dioramas in the Fort Pitt Museum, a re-created eighteenth-century bastion of the famous British fort. The 36-acre park commemorates the British settlement of the frontier outpost in 1754 until the French seized the area. Later, the British regained supremacy and erected a new fort.

Address: 101 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/point/

The Frick Art and Historical Center is a complex of museums and historical buildings located across five acres of lawns and gardens in Pittsburgh's residential East End. The highlight is the Frick Art Museum, which displays the art collection of Helen Clay Frick.

It is located in the Clayton, which was Henry Frick's mansion and the only surviving one on Millionaire's row. On display are pictures ranging in date from the early Renaissance to the end of the 18th century. The collection contains Italian, French, and Flemish paintings through the eighteenth-century; sixteenth-century tapestries; and Chinese porcelains.

Also on-site is the Car & Carriage Museum, including a 1914 Rolls Royce and 1931 Pierce Arrow 43 Club Sedan.

Address: 7227 Reynolds Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.thefrickpittsburgh.org

After spending time on the Strip, wander over to the Senator John Heinz History Center, and brush up on your Pittsburgh history. Spread over six floors is everything you could ever want to know about this great American city.

Over 370,000 square feet of exhibits will keep you and your family entertained and educated. Be sure to check out the beautifully preserved street car, giant ketchup bottles, Mister Roger's Neighborhood, and the innovation and glass exhibits. Of course, the Heinz Ketchup Company is not to be missed.

Two entire floors of the museum are dedicated to the sports franchises of Pittsburgh. Exhibits and important memorabilia from the heroes of football, ice hockey, and baseball all figure prominently. Teams featured include the local favorites: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Address: 1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.heinzhistorycenter.org

Since 1877, this funicular railway has served the residents and businesses of the Duquesne Heights and Mount Washington sections of Pittsburgh. From the cars there are great views out over the city. Using two original 1877 cable cars, the Duquesne Incline is a working museum, with the upper station providing photos and displays on the history of the incline. You can also see the inner workings of the incline.

The Mount Washington neighborhood is one of the city's most popular areas for its grand homes and excellent fine restaurants and can also be accessed by the Monongahela Incline, which departs from Station Square.

Address: 1220 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Official site: www.duquesneincline.org

At the University of Pittsburgh, the Gothic Revival skyscraper known as the Cathedral of Learning towers above the campus at 535 feet tall. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 42-story building is the world's second-tallest university building.

Construction began in 1926, and classes were held inside as early as 1931 while the exterior was still being completed - a task that was not finished until 1934. Home to many of the university's current educational facilities, it also has a food court where visitors can grab a bite while exploring the impressive building's interior.

Location: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Strip District, on the Allegheny River at the north-east corner of the Golden Triangle, was formerly occupied by warehouses and railroad installations but is now one of the city's main tourist attractions and a scene of lively activity throughout the day.

The area is home to shopping, art, dining, and all kinds of markets to buy produce, meat, and a variety of other foods. Visitors may want to come down here to simply enjoy a meal or spend a whole day wandering in and out of the small boutiques lining the Strip. Saturdays are particularly busy but also a fun time to visit.

Downtown Pittsburgh is relatively compact with many of the top attractions, as well as restaurants and shops, all within easy walking distance of each other. The most convenient option for travelers is to stay right in the city center. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations .

Luxury Hotels :

• In the heart of the city center is the historic and elegant Omni William Penn Hotel , first opened in 1916. This grand landmark hotel, which still offers a traditional afternoon tea service, has hosted many famous people over the years.
• The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel is a boutique hotel, also housed in a beautiful historic building in the downtown area, but complemented with contemporary décor.
• The Fairmont is another good luxury option, with a prime location and 185 bright rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, many with a view of PNC Park. This is a pet-friendly hotel, although an additional fee is charged for your four-legged friend.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• A good mid-range option in the city center is the Courtyard Pittsburgh Downtown , in a renovated historic building in the Cultural District and near the Strip District.
• Just a few minutes outside the downtown core on the North Shore, but still in a good location, is the historic boutique hotel, The Priory . A former monastery, this is a hotel with character and charm, and a variety of room sizes and rates.
• A good option in the trendy Strip District is the Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh-Downtown . The hotel is conveniently located close to the Senator John Heinz History Center.

Budget Hotels :

• The best budget options are just outside the city center. The Comfort Inn & Suites is a short drive north of the city center and offers comfy rooms.
• A little further afield is the Econo Lodge Pittsburg I-79 , with basic rooms but usually good prices.
• The Red Roof Plus+ is also well outside the city center but offers decent rooms at reasonable rates.

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Home » North America » Pittsburgh

14 BEST Places to Visit in Pittsburgh (2024)

Pittsburgh Pennsylvania isn’t the sort of destination that’s usually on people’s bucket lists. But if you enjoy great food from every corner of the world, picturesque cityscapes, watching any sport played in the US, or an ever-growing art scene, then you’ll find lots of great places to visit in Pittsburgh.

You might think that Pittsburgh is an ordinary, everyday city that can’t compare to some of the more popular tourist attractions. And truth be told, it isn’t as popular as certain international destinations. But there’s still a lot to see and do when you travel to Pittsburgh. And to help you find it all, we’ve created this list.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Pittsburgh:

These are the best places to visit in pittsburgh, faq on the best places to visit in pittsburgh.

Located where the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers meet is downtown Pittsburgh. The historic, cultural and economic centre of the city, downtown Pittsburgh is a neighbourhood characterized by its tall skyscrapers and stunning views.

• Feel like a kid again at Toonseum, a museum dedicated to cartoons
• Marvel at the U.S. Steel Tower, the tallest building in the city
• Savour one of the best fish sandwiches in the city at Patty Kraus

You’ll need to stay in one of Pittsburgh’s coolest areas to really make this a memorable trip. I mean, it WILL be memorable, but with the right accommodation in the right neighbourhood for you, even better! Have a gander and then continue to scroll on down into the fun!

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#1 – Phipps Conservatory – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Pittsburgh

• A beautiful and varied botanical garden located in the heart of the city.
• The gardens are extensive and offer a nice break from the busyness of the city when you’re visiting Pittsburgh.

Why it’s so awesome: These gardens were donated to the city in 1893 by real estate baron Henry Phipps. They offer an amazing variety of different landscapes and things to do, which makes them a Pittsburgh must-see. It’s also a great place to take the kids as the gardens offer exhibits and exhibitions that are both fun and educational.

What to do there: Put aside a couple of hours to escape the city and immerse yourself in mother nature. Check out the outdoor gardens first, including the Victorian glasshouse that contains seasonal plants and flowers. There’s also a Tropical Forest Conservatory and Center for Sustainable Landscapes where you and the family can learn about the importance of water conversation and energy use. The Discovery Garden is a Pittsburgh must-do for kids, as it offers free, hands-on activities that will keep them occupied for hours.

#2 – The Strip District – A great place in Pittsburgh if you love to shop!

• Once a warehouse district, this has now become the city’s hub for shopping and eating and a great place to spend a couple of hours
• Aside from the stores and restaurants, keep an eye out for the markets that pop up in the area for some great produce and snacks.

Why it’s so awesome: The Strip District was once filled with warehouse and railroad paraphernalia but has been given a facelift. It’s now one of the most popular places to visit in Pittsburgh for tourists and locals who are looking for boutique shopping and lots of food options.

What to do there: Take half a day, or a whole one, and prepare to spend some money. Wander the streets and duck in and out of the boutiques, grab a meal at one of the many restaurants when you get hungry, and people watch along the way. If you head down on a Saturday it’s usually really busy, but you’ll have an even more fun and vibrant outing!

#3 – Cathedral of Learning – A great place to see in Pittsburgh if you love architecture

• A gothic revival skyscraper that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• This building is the second tallest university in the world, making it one of the most striking landmarks in Pittsburgh.

Why it’s so awesome: This building started taking classes in 1931, while it was still under construction and it still contains lots of the university’s educational facilities. It’s 42 stories high and is the second tallest university building in the world. Aside from that, it’s also a neo-Gothic masterpiece, and the rooms were designed in the style of all the nationalities that influenced the founding and growth of the city. This means that you can see rooms that represent everywhere from Russia to Lithuania and China! The East Coast of the USA was at the center of the skyscraper boom so come and learn all about it here.

What to do there: You can explore the interior of the building and its architecture before settling down in the food court for a snack. During your explorations, make sure you seek out the 29 rooms that are themed to different countries and see if you can guess which country influenced each room.

#4 – Carnegie Museum of Natural History – A fascinating educational place to visit in Pittsburgh

• Get a deeper understanding of the natural world at this museum when you travel to Pittsburgh.
• The exhibits cover everything from dinosaurs to earth sciences and cultural history.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum is a gem and one of the most popular hotspots in Pittsburgh for tourists. It offers a comprehensive view of the natural history of the world from space to the earth and the animals and people that have walked on it.

What to do there: You’ll need a few hours to explore this museum and take the kids along with you for a few hours of happy quiet. Check out the central exhibit on dinosaurs as well as the Cretaceous Seaway exhibit, which explores the lives of these underwater giants. Take the kids along to the Bone Hunter’s Quarry, so they can dig for their own fossils, and the Discovery Basecamp exhibit as well.

#5 – The Andy Warhol Museum

• This museum contains the largest collection of work by Andy Warhol.
• Learn more about this city’s favorite son and the incredible variety of work he produced.

Why it’s so awesome: Andy Warhol is an icon. A painter, record producer, author, filmmaker, stage designer, and magazine publisher, he touched almost every aspect of modern life. And you can explore his influence and his prolific work at this museum, which is what makes it one of the most popular landmarks in Pittsburgh. You may even get lucky with an Andy Warhol themed Pittsburgh Airbnb !

What to do there: Explore the museum and its many displays of Andy Warhol’s movies, artwork, prints, and multimedia installations. The museum also hosts events and classes, so check out what’s on while you’re in the city and show up to anything that sounds fun or interesting.

#6 – Duquesne Incline

• A funicular railway that’s been in operation since 1877 and still uses two original cable cars, making it a moving museum.
• The railway will give you access to the Mount Washington neighborhood, one of the most popular areas for sightseeing and fine restaurants.

Why it’s so awesome: It isn’t often that you actually get to be a part of history, and yet when you ride this railway you’re sitting in it. The railway functions both as transport and as working museum, with photos and displays of its history at the upper station. It also offers stunning views out over the city.

What to do there: Make sure you take your camera along and take pictures of the views as the cable car moves upwards. At the upper station, take the time to examine the photos and displays on the history of the incline as well as its inner workings. And then head out to explore the neighborhood. Mount Washington is particularly popular for its stately houses and fine dining options.

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#7 – Carnegie Science Center – One of the most amazing places in Pittsburgh!

• A huge museum of science with more than 250 hands-on exhibits.
• Learn about the ways that technology impacts every aspect of human life.

Why it’s so awesome: This science museum is simply huge, with more than 250 exhibits that have been deliberately designed to be fun and interactive. And there’s more to do than just look at technology too, with lots of activities in the building that includes indoor climbing and a zipline course.

What to do there: Kids will love this museum, but so will adults. Check out the four-story Rangos Theater, the Skytykes rope course for small children who aren’t old enough for the bigger zipline course, and the Planetarium and Observatory. You can also learn more about the state’s history and culture at the Miniature Railroad and Village and explore an actual submarine!

#8 – St. Anthony’s Chapel – One of the most religious places to see in Pittsburgh

• This chapel contains the largest display of religious icons outside of the Vatican.
• The outside of the chapel is relatively ordinary, so don’t be put off. Instead, just focus on the treasures within.

Why it’s so awesome: This chapel is a Pittsburgh must-see for the number and quality of the religious relics that it contains. The founder, Father Mollinger, was an immigrant from Belgium who collected homeless relics all around Europe. When he had gathered too many to keep in his home, he built the chapel and stored them in it.

What to do there: The church is still used, so be respectful while you’re there. However, if there aren’t any services on, the attendants will sometimes broadcast an audio tour into the church at your request. This is the best way to understand what you’re looking at and where it came from. There’s also a gift shop across the street when you’re done looking at the relics, which include skulls, teeth, and even a piece that’s supposedly from the crown of thorns used in Jesus’ crucifixion. You will have to make a small donation to visit and to light a candle if you feel the need to do so.

#9 – Homewood Cemetery – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Pittsburgh

• This cemetery, which dates back to 1878, is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Pittsburgh.
• Don’t be surprised at the wildlife you’ll see in the area.

Why it’s so awesome: This tranquil cemetery is a haven inside the busy city. It’s also a great thing to do in Pittsburgh itinerary if you love animals. The beautiful natural surroundings are home to frogs and whitetail deer who are used to the presence of humans. Don’t try to approach them too close, and you’ll be treated to the sight of them picking their graceful way through the gravestones.

What to do there: A walk through this cemetery is one of the best and unusual things to do in Pittsburgh. It’s quiet and peaceful, and you can see animals milling around including whitetail deer and turkeys. If you want a slightly spooky time, try going early in the morning on misty days, but you’ll have to get up early to get there before the mist dissipates. And while you’re there, have a look around for graves with famous names on them such as Henry P. Ford, Chuck Cooper, Teenie Harris, Henry Clay Frick, Errol Garner, and Henry John Heinz.

#10 – PNC Park – Cool place to see in Pittsburgh with friends!

• You can’t explore Pittsburgh without seeing one of the iconic sports teams, and this is the best place to do it.
• If you’re visiting Pittsburgh during the summer or spring, make sure you stop by and catch a game.

Why it’s so awesome: Pittsburgh locals love their sports, whether it’s hockey or baseball in the spring and summer. And if you want to catch a game, then this sporting arena will offer you lots of chance if you’re in the city in the right season. It’s the home of the city’s Major League Baseball Team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

What to do there: This is a huge stadium that seats around 38,000 people, so you should be able to get a seat to see a game. In fact, watching the teams fight for supremacy is the perfect summertime activity. And you’ll get to eat lots of delicious, fattening food too!

#11 – Kennywood Amusement Park – Awesome place to visit in Pittsburgh with kids!

• This is one of the oldest amusement parks in the US, but it’s constantly updating to stay relevant.
• Forget about your diet and recapture your childhood at this park.

Why it’s so awesome: There’s nothing like a day at the amusement park with cotton candy, lots of fattening and deep-fried foods, clowns, and roller coasters. So, if you want to bring back treasured childhood memories, spend a day exploring this Pittsburgh must-do.

What to do there: This is one of the best places in Pittsburgh for kids and for adults who’ve held onto their sense of fun. It contains 6 roller coasters and a kids’ area with 14 rides that are safe and fun for the little ones. It also has a new attraction coming in 2019, the Steel Curtain, which will be the state’s largest roller coaster.

#12 – Federal Galley – A must-see for foodies!

• An innovative eating hall with a full bar and four different restaurant concepts.
• One of the best places to eat in Pittsburgh If you’re looking for delicious food to suit every taste.

Why it’s so awesome: Located in the North Shore, this food hall is dedicated to innovative dining and eating. This is where the top restaurateurs and cooks in the city show off their wares and bring their creativity to the table, and you’ll be the happy beneficiary of the results.

What to do there: When you’re looking for a tasty meal, grab some friends and show up at the food hall to see what’s on offer. There are four kitchens and over 200 seats available, so show up early or make a booking to ensure that there’s room for you. Have some Mexican food, eat a pizza, or just enjoy the local brews at the bar and have a great start to your night out in Pittsburgh.

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#13 – Market Square – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Pittsburgh

• This area is the center of all the action in Pittsburgh, and there’s always something going on there.
• You could spend a whole day in this area, shopping and eating and taking in the crowds.

Why it’s so awesome: Market Square is the center of the action in Pittsburgh’s downtown. During the holidays, it’s usually filled with markets where you can buy souvenirs or anything else that catches your eyes. And during the rest of the year it hosts a variety of events and art installations.

What to do there: Take an afternoon or a day to just explore. Check out any special events that are on in the area, wander through the shops, and grab a meal or snack. There are always chairs set up so you can just lounge around and people watch on hot summers’ days when it’s too hot to do anything more energetic.

#14 – The Original Oyster House – A great place to visit in Pittsburgh at night

• This is the oldest bar and restaurant in the city.
• The restaurant is one of the most popular landmarks in Pittsburgh and is an absolute must-do!

Why it’s so awesome: Located in Market Square, this restaurant first opened in 1870 and has been serving fresh oysters since that day. It’s been designated a historic landmark and represents the respect for the past and for good food that is the spirit of the city. Coming to this restaurant is an absolute must when you travel to Pittsburgh.

What to do there: Take some friends with you and show up for a meal. The restaurant walls are covered with old photos and memorabilia from Pittsburgh’s past, and give a nostalgic air to the old walls. Order the oysters and just let yourself be a part of that atmosphere. You’ll feel like a local, while still enjoying the excitement of being in a new city.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Pittsburgh

What are some fun places to visit in Pittsburgh?

Take the historic Duquesne Incline FUNicular railway up to the Mount Washington neighborhood where there’s great views and heaps of restaurants.

What are the best places to visit in Pittsburgh for free?

Hang out with the locals at Market Square. It’s right in the heart of the action and it’s often filled with some great markets too.

What are some great places to visit in Pittsburgh in the summer?

Catch a ballgame at PNC Park and watch the Pittsburgh Pirates play the nation’s pastime in some really cool surroundings.

Where are the best places to visit in Pittsburgh at night?

Have a meal out at the fantastic Federal Galley. Here you can choose between a myriad of different cuisines, all expertly cooked to perfection!

Final Thoughts on the Coolest Places to Visit in Pittsburgh

Like any other city in the US, Pittsburgh has its problem areas. However, this shouldn’t dissuade you from exploring this up-and-coming city. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the excitement and comradery of the sport culture, and you’ll also be able to eat some amazing food. So, if you’re looking for the most interesting places to visit in Pittsburgh, start with the attractions on this list and then let the city be your guide!

Looking for some budget accommodation in the city, check out the hostels in Pittsburgh for your stay.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mary Beth Skylis

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20 Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is a beautiful, dynamic city full of sights and attractions sure to please the avid sports fan, history enthusiast, and culture maven. Whether you're in town for a visit, or just looking for something new to try, these must-see Pittsburgh spots offer something for everyone.

Ride to the Top of Mount Washington

No visit to Pittsburgh is complete without a ride on one of the restored 1800s inclines to the top of Mount Washington, just across the river from downtown Pittsburgh. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from on top of this former "Coal Hill" and each has stunning views of downtown (especially beautiful at night). It's one of the best places to snap photos of the skyline.

Visit the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh History Center

This former ice house has been reborn as a seven-story museum, with interactive exhibits that bring more than 250 years of Western Pennsylvania history to life. Discover how immigrants shaped the region, uncover the myths of the Underground Railroad, or climb aboard a 1940s Pittsburgh trolley. Two floors are dedicated to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. After all, what's the history of Pittsburgh without Franco Harris, Mario Lemieux, Roberto Clemente, Arnold Palmer, and the gang?

See Incredible Birds at the National Aviary

Just across the Allegheny River from the History Center is the National Aviary, where over 600 of the world's most incredible birds are displayed in naturalistic exhibits and walk-through habitats. Marvel at hummingbirds the size of a thumb or Andean Condors with giant 10-foot wingspans at the nation's premier bird zoo! Penguin Point is among the most popular exhibits.

Stroll Through the Strip District

Join locals for a Saturday tour in Pittsburgh's popular warehouse district. Grab a great cup of coffee and a fresh biscotti before taking a stroll through this combination farmer's market/street fair. Vendors, shops, and exotic grocery stores offer everything from kitchenware to costumes and Steelers merchandise to fresh flowers and fish.

Check Out the Andy Warhol Museum

Campbell's soup cans anyone? Continue your exploration of Pittsburgh at the Andy Warhol Museum, an ultramodern tribute to the founder of pop art. The most comprehensive single-artist museum in the world houses more than 4,000 works of art, including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, films, and videos, from this native Pittsburgh artist. While dedicated to Andy Warhol, the museum also hosts rotating exhibits by artists who push the boundaries of art, just as Warhol did.

Learn About the World at the Carnegie Museums of Art & Natural History

The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History combine two world-renowned museums in one unforgettable visit. Same day admission to both museums provides a wide variety of things to explore, and many sections include hands-on activities where children are encouraged to touch as well as look. Enjoy one of the best dinosaur exhibits in the world, breathtaking gems and minerals, and an extensive Native American gallery.

See Unique Plants at Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Zolashine / Getty Images

Stroll through one of the largest Victorian "glass houses" in the country to see towering tropical plants that were the original seedlings at the 1890 Exposition, including beautiful orchids, indoor and outdoor gardens, and a fabulous bonsai collection. Children will revel in the Discovery Garden, where they are invited to exercise their green thumbs and explore the world of plants and flowers, worms and all. Seasonal exhibits include a butterfly garden, flower shows, and a miniature railroad display.​

Interact with Science at the Carnegie Science Center

It's an "amusement park for the mind" at this large science museum, where more than 250 hands-on, interactive exhibits bring together science and fun for all ages. Explore a WWII submarine, marvel at a four-story Omnimax film, or tour Southwestern Pennsylvania via miniature railroad.

Visit a One-of-a-Kind "Mattress Factory"

Popscreenshot/WikiCommons

The beds are gone, and this former mattress factory is now home to a one-of-a-kind art experience. The Mattress Factory museum of contemporary art features some of the best installation art in the United States, all created by in-residence artists. The avant-garde art is sometimes a bit bewildering, but always interesting.

Learn About Pittsburgh's Diversity

Located in the inspiring Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus, each of the 24 classrooms reflects the culture and heritage of one of the area's diverse ethnic groups and represents that nationality's contribution to the fabric of Pittsburgh.

Test Your Sporting Mettle at Highmark SportsWorks

Photojunkie/WikiCommons

Highmark SportsWorks is a unique space next to the Carnegia Science Center. Here, you can learn about physics, anatomy, and the life sciences through a series of interactive exhibits—race against an Olympic sprinter, try out your fastball, or climb a rock wall, all at the place where science and sports come together.

Watch Hilarious Improv at Arcade Comedy Theater

Pittsburgh's Arcade Comedy Theater was founded in 2013 and offers an intimate performance space (just 75 seats!) that showcases improv performances and plays. The venue even offers comedy classes if you want to try your hand at making the masses laugh.

See a Baseball Game at PNC Park

Justin Berl /Getty Images 

PNC Park is home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the city's Major League Baseball team. The classic ballpark seats 38,000 and is located right on the banks of the Ohio River. The season runs from early spring through fall, making for a great summertime activity.

Visit the Pittsburgh Zoo

seele/Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is one of only six zoo-aquarium combinations in the U.S. Housing more than 4,000 animals, the zoo represents nearly 500 different species, many of which are endangered. It's located in Highland Park.

Drink Local Beer in an Old Church

ctj71081/Flickr

Church Brew Works was founded in 1996, but the building dates back much further. Housed in a church built in 1902, the popular brewpub has four core beer brands, all with fitting names like Celestial Gold and Pious Monk Dunkel. Come for the beer and stay to admire the space's incredible architecture—including original stained glass.

Try the "Greatest Cake in America"

Prantl's Bakery is a Pittsburgh tradition for more than 50 years. While they're famed for their burnt almond torte cake, Prantl's also offers more than 100 other sweets, sure to satisfy any dessert lover.

Ride Rollercoasters at Kennywood Amusement Park

Richard T. Nowitz/Getty Images 

Kennywood is among the oldest amusement parks in the United States, having opened in 1899. This popular attraction now has six roller coasters and a kid's area with 14 different rides. As of early 2019, the park is building the Steel Curtain, which will be the state's largest roller coaster.

Enjoy the Outdoors at Point State Park

npage/Getty Images 

Point State Park sprawls across 36 acres in downtown Pittsburgh. It opened in 1974. The park is well-known for its iconic fountain, in addition to remains of Pittsburgh's two oldest buildings, Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne. The National Historic Landmark has stunning views and is a great way to spend time outdoors.

Get a New Book at City of Asylum

Pittsburgh's City of Asylum is a unique non-profit with multiple venues throughout the city. As its name suggests, the organization supports exiled writers in residence and also sells an assortment of international literature at its North Side bookstore.

Try New Foods at Federal Galley

This North Shore food hall has four different restaurant concepts, plus a full bar that focuses on local brews. Whether you're interested in Mexican food at El Lugar or pizza at Michigan & Trumbull, there's something for everyone at Federal Galley.

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The 21 Best Things To Do In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Are you trying to find great activities and attractions in Steel City? Our guide to the best things to do in Pittsburgh is all you need to plan the perfect trip!

Widely known as “the Steel City,” Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is not only home to over 300 steel-related businesses, but it is also home to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the World Champion major-league professional American Football team. 

And that’s not the only sports team either! Pittsburgh is also the home of two other World Champion major-league professional teams – the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team and the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. So it’s no surprise the city is a popular spot for sports lovers and athletes.

Pittsburgh is also known as the “City of Bridges.” With 446 bridges and counting, Pittsburgh is filled with skyscrapers, two inclined railways, a confluence of three rivers and historical significance. 

Travelers come from all over the world to explore the arts, culture, history, and attractions of this encapsulating city that many call home as one of the top most livable cities in the United States. 

And you can experience what Pittsburgh has to offer as a travel destination and city through each listed top things to do in Pittsburgh. So pack your bags and make room for plenty of photos on your phone. It’s traveling time! 

Don’t forget to check out our list of the best things to do in Philadelphia !

Table of Contents

1) Soar To Distant Galaxies At The Carnegie Science Center

2) go on an adventure at the pittsburgh zoo & ppg aquarium, 3) take on downtown pittsburgh , 4) embrace pop art at the andy warhol museum , 5) step back in time at the fort pitt museum , 6) discover 250 years of history at the senator john heinz history center, 7) travel back to the time of carriages at the car and carriage museum , 8) survey art at the miller institute for contemporary art museum , 9) watch the pittsburgh pirates play at pnc park , 10) indulge your senses at the phipps conservatory & botanical gardens , 11) satiate your curiosity at the children’s museum of pittsburgh, 12) satiate your appetites at the strip district , 13) visit the carnegie museum of natural history & the carnegie museum of art, 14) soak in fresh air at schenley park , 15) snag scenic photos of the city at west end overlook park , 16) explore mount washington, 17) hand feed protected species at the national aviary , 18) travel the three rivers heritage trail , 19) take on the outdoors at highland park , 20) look through the lens of history at the photo antiquities museum of photographic history, 21) feel the thrill at sandcastle water park , best cheap hotel in pittsburgh, pennsylvania, best mid-range hotel in pittsburgh, pennsylvania, best luxury hotel in pittsburgh, pennsylvania, the best things to do in pittsburgh, pennsylvania.

We’re here to help you figure out what to do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This list combines only the most fun things to do, including riding a historic cable car up to a lookout over the city, exploring Market Street and downtown, catching a sports game, and more. 

Boasting the 2003 National Award for Museum Service, the  Carnegie Science Center  is committed to connecting science and technology with everyday life while providing educational and scientific experiences. 

With four floors of interactive exhibits, the science center promises to engage and surprise its visitors with an experience like no other. 

Visitors can work on a space station in SpacePlace, take a walking tour of western Pennsylvania’s history on the world-famous Miniature Railroad & Village, soar to distant galaxies in Buhl Planetarium, and much more!

• Address:  1 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
• Hours:  10am – 5pm, closed Tuesdays
• Cost:  $20

One of only six major zoo and aquarium combos, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium first opened its gates for the zoo in 1898 and the aquarium in 1967. 

At the time of the aquarium’s opening, it stood as the second largest aquarium in the United States and the only public aquarium in Pennsylvania. 

With 77 acres of space dedicated to spreading educational and interactive fun, guests can explore the habitats of unique animals like polar bears, otters, Visayan warty pigs, siamangs, and clouded leopards. 

Take in over 8,000 animals and 600 species homed at this incredible zoo and aquarium that brings together land, sea, and sky!

• Address:  7370 Baker St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
• Hours:  9:30am – 5:30pm daily
• Cost:  $19.95 during peak season (April 1 – Oct. 31) and $15.95 during off-season (Nov. 1 – March 31)

Related: Don’t miss out on all of these great day trips from Pittsburgh !

Bustling downtown Pittsburgh is full of the best local attractions with loads of aesthetic eateries and top-notch restaurants, walking and cycling trails, and nightclubs to live it up during your stay!

Locals and tourists come to explore all downtown Pittsburgh has to offer, including the Pittsburgh Cultural District. This district is home to bars, nightclubs, performing arts centers, public art displays, restaurants, and more. 

Be sure to check out the historic Market Square. As a historical landmark, Market Square is a popular gathering spot and is the beating heart of downtown. 

As the economic center of Pittsburgh, downtown hosts many fun things to do, including attractions like Point State Park, a 36-acre National Historic Landmark fondly known as the Golden Triangle, and the Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail, one of two of the oldest standing buildings in the city. 

From eating to partying and exploring to learning about the history, downtown has plenty of fruitful activity options. 

To learn more about Pittsburgh’s history, join this  guided tour  to learn about the legacy of the city’s industrial past, notorious billionaire residents, and enigmatic architecture. 

Honing an extensive collection of art, archives, and artifacts from Pittsburgh-native pop art icon Andy Warhol, this museum is the largest museum in North America dedicated to an artist. 

As the place of Andy Warhol’s birth, it’s no wonder that the  Andy Warhol Museum  is committed to celebrating the major icon. 

Andy Warhol was one of the most prolific artists of his time and gained notoriety for his well-known paintings of Coca-Cola bottles and Campbell’s soup cans. 

Warhol often utilized familiar images from consumer culture to inspire his work, resulting in one of his most famous pieces consisting of 32 canvases of different varieties of Campbell’s soup cans. 

At this unique museum, visitors can learn about the life and art of Andy Warhol, along with the impact they had on contemporary culture. 

• Address:  117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
• Hours:  10am – 5pm (Closes at 10pm on Fridays, Closed Tuesdays)

Step back in time to discover Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution at the Fort Pitt Museum. 

Using interactive exhibits, artifacts, and realistic-looking historical figures, the museum is committed to educating others on Pittsburgh’s vital role in forming the United States. This is done through exhibits like the Pittsburgh, Virginia, exhibition dedicated to the events of 1774. 

As an outdoor and indoor museum, the Fort Pitt Museum is located in a recreated bastion of Fort Pitt, which was built in 1758 and played a critical role in the French and Indian War. 

Head over to this museum to learn more about the roles Fort Pitt played during the Whiskey Rebellion, the American Revolution, the French and Indian War and the founding of Pittsburgh. 

• Address:  Point State Park, 601 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Hours:  10am – 5pm daily
• Cost:  $8

The Senator John Heinz History Center stands proudly as a Smithsonian affiliate with six floors of historical exhibits, artifacts, and archives. Discover 250 years of history at Pennsylvania’s largest history museum, spanning 370,000 square feet. 

Presenting compelling stories of American history and the ties Western Pennsylvania plays, the Senator John Heinz History Center offers an interactive environment that welcomes and inspires all ages. 

You can also check out the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and relive the iconic moments of famous athletes. 

This is another one of the most fun things to do in Pittsburgh, particularly for those who love history. 

• Address:  1212 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Hours:  10am – 5pm
• Cost:  $18

For more ideas in Pennsylvania, check out this 3 days in Philadelphia itinerary !

At this unique museum, visitors can travel back in time to witness the ages of carriages and the transition to automobile usage for transportation. 

Established by the well-off Frick family, the  Car And Carriage Museum  preserves the Frick family possessions to educate people worldwide. The museum collection features some of the first automobiles, like the awe-inspiring Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. This vehicle cost $4,800 in Frick’s age and now runs at around $125,000 today.

The museum allows free access to the public so that everyone can inspect and admire these luxurious carriages and automobiles!

• Address:  7227 Reynolds St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
• Hours:  11am – 5pm (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
• Cost:  Free

Dedicated to promoting transformative experiences through contemporary art exhibitions and conversation, the Miller Institute For Contemporary Art Museum obliges free admission to the public for an open and welcoming space of art, education, and creativity. 

Split between three floors, the museum offers a range of interactive and non-interactive collections through rotating exhibits. 

This explores the creativity of artists of diverse backgrounds, cultures, art styles, etc. So look for yourself at this top-notch art museum!

• Address:  Purnell Center for the Arts, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
• Hours:  12pm – 6pm (Closed Mondays)
• Cost:  Free

The fifth home of the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball, PNC Park settles along the shore of the Allegheny River. This location promotes scenic riverfront and downtown views at a one-of-a-kind urban sports venue. 

Known as one of the best ballparks in America, this spot is also one of the smallest ballparks in professional baseball. Some may think this is disadvantageous, but it is the opposite. PNC Park was designed with an intimate setting, meaning that every seat at the ballpark is a good seat!

Grab a seat to watch the Pirates play at one of the top ballparks with guaranteed prime seating, a stimulating atmosphere, scenic views, and great food and drinks at the inclusive bars and restaurants.

Check the  team website  to see when games are and how much tickets cost. 

• Address:  115 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a world-class garden experience to all who enter its grounds. 

Running since 1893, the botanical gardens are one of many unique Pittsburgh attractions that are a worthwhile visit during a trip to the city. 

Stretching across 15 acres, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens combine 23 distinct gardens, a 14-room glasshouse, exclusive exhibits, seasonal flower shows, and the Tropical Forest Conservatory and the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, standing as one of the greenest buildings on Earth. 

The Tropical Forest Conservatory and the Center for Sustainable Landscapes use 40% less energy than traditional glasshouses thanks to state-of-the-art and unconventional design to save energy. 

This stunning glasshouse is 12,000 square feet and filled with ethnobotanical displays, vibrant greenery, and cascading waterfalls that will impress you. 

• Address:  1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
• Hours:  9:30am – 5pm (Closes at 10pm on Fridays)
• Cost:  $19.95

Read next: The Best Things To Do In Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

The  Children’s Museum Of Pittsburgh  is a full-on hands-on interactive children’s museum, 80,000 square feet of fun!

With the mission to inspire creativity, curiosity, and kindness for all learners, the museum connects with artists, neighbors, and community partners to transform education. 

Named one of the country’s top ten best children’s museums by USA Today’s 2022 10Best Readers’ Choice awards, the Children’s Museum Of Pittsburgh uses interactive exhibits and experiences to engage curious minds. 

• Address:  10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
• Cost:  $18 for adults, $16 for kids

Join the locals at the Strip District, where culture and style meet in an eclectic neighborhood!

Likened to a Strip mall but with the lid off, the Strip District dates back to the early 1900s as a wholesale produce district. Now the district is famous for its low prices and unique selections.

Pittsburgh’s local and tourist favorite is stocked full of produce stands, fish markets, meat markets, sidewalk vendors, ethnic grocers, bakeries, coffee shops, and much more! 

A fun way to explore the area as well as other neighborhoods of Pittsburgh is by  booking a guided bike tour . This 3-hour tour takes you through the city by bicycle so you can learn about the sights and Pittsburgh’s rich history. 

The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh consists of four uniquely different museums. These include the Carnegie Science Center, The Andy Warhol Museum, and the Carnegie Museum Of Art and Natural History. 

The Carnegie Museum Of Natural History stands among the top natural history museums in the country due to its exceptional and extensive collection of artifacts and scientific specimens. 

Generating new scientific knowledge and advancing science literacy, the Carnegie Museum Of Natural History inspires and educates guests of all ages in this outstanding museum. 

The Carnegie Museum Of Art remains in history as the first museum in the United States dedicated to contemporary arts as its primary focus. Connecting people through ideas, art, and each other, the Carnegie Museum Of Art features a collection of over 30,000 objects that include sculptures, prints, photographs, renderings, drawings, film, and more. 

These museums combine with The Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Science Center to create a family of four immaculate museums that are guaranteed to open up inquisitive minds to the arts, history, and sciences and their impact on culture, history, and society! 

• Address:  4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
• Hours:  10am – 5pm (Closed Tuesdays)

Set on the National Register of Historic Places, Schenley Park is a historic district that was named one of “America’s Coolest City Parks” by Travel + Leisure. 

Established in 1889, the park was donated by Heiress Mary Schenley and consisted of 456 acres. The expanse of the acreage includes trails, attractions, and plenty of woods to explore. 

Many people come to this famous park as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it is a fond spot for active and outdoor enthusiasts to explore the trails with gusto. 

The park hosts major events like the Vintage Grand Prix and the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure. 

Other attractions include the Phipps Conservatory, Schenley Park Cafe, the PNC carousel in Schenley Plaza, the Bob O’Connor Golf Course, the swimming pool, and the Schenley Oval Sportsplex, that’s popular for summer and ice skating sports. 

Either way, exploring Schenley Park is one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh!

Heading north? Check out our list of the best things to do in Boston !

Offering stunning views of Pittsburgh in all its glory, West End Overlook Park boasts some of the best scenic views in all of Pittsburgh. 

Featuring head-on perspectives of Pittsburgh’s skyline, at the park, visitors can also witness views of Pittsburgh’s three rivers that include the Allegheny, Ohio, and the Monogahela. 

We highly recommend checking out the park around sunset or sunrise for picturesque views and to avoid the crowds at this popular Pittsburgh attraction. 

Grab a spot at the park to watch fireworks shows or simply bask in the undeniably gorgeous views of this encapsulating city. 

Another one of the top things to do in Pittsburgh is explore this lush neighborhood of Pittsburgh. 

Mount Washington actually refers to an entire area of the city that is packed with fun things to do. 

Head to Emerald View Park and stroll along the trails, check out the George Washington statue in Point View Park, or go out to eat at some of the local restaurants. 

The best activity in Mount Washington is riding the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines up to Grandview Overlook. These funiculars are fun to ride and you get a spectacular view of the city at the top. 

The country’s largest aviary, the National Aviary, presents an opportunity for visitors to interact with unique species and see free-flying bird habitats.

As the only independent, indoor, nonprofit aviary in the United States, the aviary homes more than 500 birds and 150 species. Many of these species are either endangered or threatened, encapsulating the true purpose of this enigmatic facility that conserves these birds and their respective habitats. 

The walk-through habitats promote a unique and interactive experience for visitors to witness these impressive species up close and personal. 

Guests can also get the chance to hand-feed and meet most of the species homed at the National Aviary for a memorable experience like no other. 

• Address:  700 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
• Hours:  10am – 5pm (Closed Tuesdays)
• Cost:  $17.95 (Be sure to  reserve tickets in advance on the website !)

Running parallel to the riverbanks of Pittsburgh, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is an urban rail trail that promotes stunning views of the city. It’s one of the best hiking and biking trails in the state. 

Designated as a National Recreation Trail, this 33-mile trail offers different segments on all three rivers that travel throughout Pittsburgh—Ohio River, Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River. 

Popular with outdoor enthusiasts and active goers, this trail is popular with locals and tourists, helping to promote an active lifestyle as trail goers traverse through Pittsburgh neighborhoods, attractions, and river town business districts. 

Home to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium,  Highland Par k is settled within a quaint residential area. At the park, visitors have plenty of activities and attractions to explore. 

In 1879 the park was opened next to a reservoir that offers drinking water for the city. Surrounded by spacious greenery, this park immediately became a hit and an iconic attraction in Pittsburgh. Popular with walkers, joggers, and runners, the Reservoir Loop is a hit with outdoor enthusiasts and those who wish to see the scenic views of the area. 

Visitors can access the reservoir through the Entry Garden, a picturesque Victorian-style gathering place with a reflecting pool, fountain, and gardens. 

In Highland Park, visitors can also explore other enticing activities such as the sand volleyball courts, swimming pool, bike track, and more.

The Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History is an independent store and gallery that presents vintage photographic equipment while offering educational and informative tours. 

At this museum, guests can step back in time to experience history through a camera lens. Using original photographic equipment and images, this museum preserves the history of photography. 

One memorable example of photography’s impact is photographs of the golden age of flying. The era of aviation history began between 1919 and 1940. And during this period, bi-places soared through the skies of Western Pennsylvania, with many of the pilots being women. 

This is one of the coolest art museums in the city, and one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh. 

• Address:  531 E Ohio St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
• Hours:  11am – 4pm (Closed Sundays and Tuesdays)
• Cost:  $10

Also check out our list of the best things to do in Washington DC !

One of the best family-friendly Pittsburgh attractions, Sandcastle Water Park, is nestled between the wooded hillside and a boardwalk that overlooks the Monongahela River. 

With fifteen popular waterslides, a lazy river, two children’s play areas, a Scenic Mushroom Pool, a Mon Tsunami Wave Pool, and more, Sandcastle Water Park is packed with family-friendly activities. Body slide down a seven-foot free fall. Feel the thrill on tube slides like Tubers Tower and Blue Tubaluba. 

Sandcastle Water Park welcomes all ages for a day packed with fun! 

Where to Stay in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Now that we know the top things to do in Pittsburgh, it’s time to see the best places to stay! There are options for every budget. There are no hostels in the area, but there are cheap accommodations available.

Situated right in downtown,  Stay Pittsburgh  is near many of Pittsburgh’s top attractions. During your stay, guests have the luxury of a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi for convenient accommodations to enjoy while living it up in the heart of Pittsburgh. 

An all-suite hotel,  Staybridge Suites Pittsburgh Airport, an IHG Hotel , features free shuttle service, a daily breakfast buffet, spacious suites with full kitchens, and free Wi-Fi.

Jump in the indoor pool for a relaxing swim or simmer in the hot tub to let loose after a day of exploring the most popular Pittsburgh activities. 

Kasa South Side Pittsburgh  is a stunning luxury hotel equipped to provide the utmost appealing accommodations to its guests. From the soothing garden to the indoor swimming pool, leaving this luxury hotel will take tooth and nail once your vacation to Pittsburgh is over! 

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Pennsylvania (PA) » 15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Pittsburgh

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh, the city’s financial and business core, is three-quarters of a square mile stacked to overflowing with impressive skyscrapers. At first glance, Downtown appears to be an ultra modern metropolis, but Pittsburgh was founded in the mid-18th century, and still retains many of its original historic features.

The district is bounded by two rivers, the Allegheny and the Monongahela, which merge on the western point of the Downtown peninsula to form the Ohio River. With ten bridges in Downtown Pittsburgh alone and over four hundred more within the city limits, Pittsburgh has rightfully earned its nickname – the City of Bridges.

Surrounded by water as it is, there’s an abundance of diverse aquatic activities as well as lots to do on dry land. Don’t miss any of these fifteen best things to do in Downtown Pittsburgh because they’re all fantastic fun.

1. Just Ducky

Explore Downtown Pittsburgh by land and water on a Just Ducky amphibious vehicle. The tours depart from Station Square on the city’s South Shore which is reached from Downtown by crossing the Smithfield Street Bridge.

Hit the Monongahela River to float past Downtown’s stunning skyline before emerging onto terra firma once more to drive around the streets taking in the mainsights.

The tour takes around one hour and is narrated by the driver-guide. Expect some duck and quack-themed jokes along the way; they’re all part of the Just Ducky fun.

Another fun way to get around:  Pittsburgh Segway Tour

2. Benedum Center For Performing Arts

The Benedum Center For Performing Arts on 7th Street is the place to go to see a Broadway show, opera, ballet or top artist.

The Center is a renovated cinema with tiered balconies and has a seating capacity for almost three thousand spectators.

Expect world-class performances of dance classics like the Nutcracker Suite or the contemporary version Hip Hop Nutcracker as well as international stars like Celtic Woman and Mariah Carey to be gracing the stage.

3. Fort Pitt Museum

Step back in time to the founding days of Pittsburgh at the Fort Pitt Museum in Commonwealth Place in Point State Park.

The museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibits demonstrating the city’s important role in America’s independence. A first-floor gallery allows visitors to experience life in the 18th century with interactive exhibits and live military reenactments.

Adjacent to the museum in Point State Park is the Fort Pitt Blockhouse which is the only part of the original fort remaining.

4. PPG Place Plaza

No matter what time of the year it is, there’s always something happening at the PPG Place Plaza.

In the summer, the plaza’s central focus is a cooling display of one-hundred and forty water jets shooting fifteen feet up in the air. The fountain is illuminated in the evenings and the jets dance to a choreographed light show.

In winter, from November through to the beginning of March, the plaza is turned into a spectacular outdoor ice rink with skate rental on site.

5. Andy Warhol Museum

Cross the Andy Warhol Bridge from Downtown Pittsburgh to the city’s North Shore to visit the Andy Warhol Museum.

The museum only exhibits works by the late twentieth century master of pop art. The prolific collection of Andy Warhol works at the museum fill seventeen different galleries spread over seven floors covering a total exhibition space of over eighty thousand square feet.

The museum also houses several interactive workshops which invite visitors to try their hand at using some of Warhol’s famous techniques to create their own unique artwork.

6. Olive Or Twist

The Olive or Twist is a classy cocktail bar on 6th Street. The bar’s specialty is the Martini and adding unusual twists to traditional cocktail blends.

The two-story bar has an upstairs lounge with a VIP area and is decorated throughout with bare brick walls and dark wood furniture making it both warm and stylish.

The Olive or Twist present live music at the weekends and have a food menu featuring up-market pub grub.

Related tour : Pittsburgh Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner

 7. Bike Pittsburgh

Pick up a bicycle from Golden Triangle Bike Rental on First Avenue in and explore the district on two wheels.

Cycle along Downtown Pittsburgh’s traffic-free Three Rivers Trail which runs through the district for several miles starting at the Monongahela Wharf Landing all the way to the Riverfront Plaza Convention Center. If that’s not enough mileage, the trail also runs along the adjacent North Shore.

For those who don’t want to cycle solo, Golden Triangle Bike Rental run organized tours lead by a qualified guide.

Prefer driving by bus? Try the hop-on hop-off: Hop On & Hop Off Tour Pass

8. Heinz Hall

Heinz Hall on Penn Avenue is home to both the city’s Symphony Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Youth Orchestra.

The venue originally opened as a luxury cinema in the late 1920s, underwent extensive renovations in the mid-1990s and although the building is externally plain, inside it’s the height of opulence.

Heinz Hall hosts around two hundred live performances annually which include solo artists, entertainment stars and stand up comedians as well as orchestral works.

9. The Original Oyster House

The Original Oyster House on Market Squarehas been serving food to the DT community for almost fifteen decades. Any restaurant open for nearly one hundred and fifty years survives for one reason – a top-notch reputation for first-class food and hospitality.

While the restaurant name may lead customers to believe oysters are the main item on the menu, they’d be mislead, as cod and shrimp take prime place though a Key West Oyster Dinner does star as a special.

It’s not just good food which draws people to the Original Oyster House, the premises have been used as film set locations in twenty-five movies including Night Of The Living Dead.

10. PPG Paints Arena

The PPG Paints Arena on 5th Avenue is a multi-purpose indoor venue for major league sports events and live concerts.

The arena serves as a home base for Pittsburgh’s NHL Ice Hockey team the Pittsburgh Penguins who regularly fill the nineteen thousand seat stadium to maximum capacity.

A plethora of international stars have performed at the arena including Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry since its opening just under a decade ago.

11. Mellon Square

Mellon Square on Oliver Avenue when it first opened in the mid-1950s was an innovative green space the likes of which had not been seen before. The one and a half acre garden plaza was created on the rooftop of a subterranean parking lot and after extensive renovation work in 2014 has become a mini social hub where locals and visitors gather to relax outdoors.

The square has geometrically patterned pathways, illuminated fountains, and benches ideal for sitting down to read the latest bestseller. Throughout the summer months there are regular meditations sessions in Mellon Square, plus Tai Chi and Yoga classes, live music sessions and line dancing classes.

12. City Lights Segway Tour

Ride a Segway through Downtown Pittsburgh at night to see the district in all its nocturnal splendor.

Meet the guide on Station Street Drive on DT Pittsburgh’s South Shore and have a brief instruction session before heading back over Smithfield Street Bridge to explore the best parts of Downtown at night.

Tours last for around ninety minutes, and there are several daytime options available too.

13. Lock and Dam Dinner

Enjoy a barbecue while floating past on a one hundred and twenty-foot long paddlewheel riverboat.

Experience passing through a lock while tucking into the Gateway Clipper’s tasty spice rubbed pork ribs and Texas Mop chicken legs with some mac and cheese on the side. Then take in the Downtown sights as the dessert of cinnamon spiced apple pie is served.

The barbecue cruise lasts for about two and a half hours, has a full on-board bar service plus a DJ playing dance music.

14. Howl At The Moon

For a fun night and drinks by the bucketful, drop in at the Howl At The Moon on 7th Street. Be prepared for a lively night out in a spacious and modern venue.

Howl at the Moon is a dueling piano bar, with lots of other instruments too, which favors party and popular music animated enough to get all their customers up off their chairs and boogying along with the songs.

Cocktails in Howl in at the Moon are served in buckets. Don’t leave without trying Sex on the Moon or Adios Mofo. A good night is guaranteed.

15. Duquesne Incline

If there’s one thing everyone should do when it has to be the Duquesne Incline.

Head over to the South Shore to take a ride on a funicular railway which has been in operation since 1877. The track is less than eight hundred feet long, and the cars move at just six miles per hour, so it might not sound like the most exciting thing to do, but believe it, the views of Downtown Pittsburgh from the Duquesne Incline are seriously breathtaking.

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Pittsburgh:

• Benedum Center For Performing Arts
• Fort Pitt Museum
• PPG Place Plaza
• Andy Warhol Museum
• Olive Or Twist
• Bike Pittsburgh
• The Original Oyster House
• PPG Paints Arena
• Mellon Square
• City Lights Segway Tour
• Lock and Dam Dinner
• Howl At The Moon
• Duquesne Incline

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Today, much of this industry has disappeared, but it has been replaced with futuristic industries, and many industrial sites have been turned into great tourist attractions and rail trails, meaning there are many great things to do in Pittsburgh and its suburbs.

The titans of industry that once lived in Pittsburgh have also left the city rich in museums and cultural attractions . In fact, Pittsburgh has more high-quality museums than most cities twice its size. It’s also one of the most photographable cities in the world .

Outside of Pittsburgh, the region is filled with many great small towns that are fun to explore.

There’s also a lot of beautiful scenery to be seen, with state parks like McConnells Mill State Park and Moraine State Park being some of my favorites in Pennsylvania. There are also many great waterfalls near Pittsburgh to explore.

Of course, you can also sit back and enjoy the many delicious restaurants and great breweries in Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities.

No matter what you decide to do, however, you are sure to have a fantastic time exploring Pittsburgh and its suburbs.

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Your guide to the solar eclipse in Pittsburgh. The forecast, where to watch, and a KDKA playlist

By Heather Lang , Michael Guise , Madeline Bartos

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 11:57 AM EDT / CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- When the moon's shadow darkens the sun on Monday afternoon, it will be visible to millions of people across the United States, including here in Western Pennsylvania

While Erie, Pennsylvania, is in the eclipse's path of totality; here in Pittsburgh, 97% of the sun will be blocked out by the moon. 

If you can't make it to Erie or don't want to brave the heavy crowds this rare celestial event will bring to our northern neighbor, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the eclipse here in Pittsburgh.

Here is what you need to know, starting with the eclipse timeline for Pittsburgh, courtesy of the Carnegie Science Center.

Eclipse starts: 2 p.m. Eclipse ends: 4:30 p.m. Maximum eclipse: 3:17 p.m. For the full eclipse timeline across the U.S., click here .

For more solar eclipse content on KDKA.com, click here .

What is a solar eclipse?

First Alert Meteorologist Ray Petelin breaks it down in this Hey Ray! segment . And, visit this link , for more on the science behind solar eclipses.

The moon is passing between the sun and the earth. You likely knew that. You likely also know that everyone doesn't get to see the total solar eclipse. That is reserved for people in a very distinct path. 

That distinct path of totality happens because of how the moon casts a shadow toward Earth. You can see this shadow from space. 

For a total solar eclipse, the umbra is the part of the shadow you want to be in. This is the dark, inner shadow the Moon is casting toward Earth. Everyone in this shadow can see the total solar eclipse. This is where the Sun is completely blocked.

The penumbra is the lighter, outer shadow cast by the Moon toward Earth. This is where you can see a partial eclipse. This encompasses a much larger area because the penumbra gets larger as it moves away from the Sun toward Earth. The umbra gets smaller. 

Total solar eclipses are rare, and there is a reason for that.  According to the  National Weather Service , a solar eclipse only can happen during the New Moon phase. 

Also, the Moon's orbit is tilted five degrees from Earth's orbit as they travel around the Sun. This means that, from Earth, it appears that the Moon is often passing above or below the Sun when it is passing between them. 

Putting this all together, you need to time out a new moon phase with the Moon being in the correct orientation to pull off a solar eclipse!  

The 200-mile path of totality

About 31.6 million people live in the 200-mile path of totality — the path where the total solar eclipse will be visible,  according to NASA . 

After passing over Mexico in the early afternoon, southern Texas will see the full total eclipse around 1:40 p.m. local time. Parts of Oklahoma will see the full eclipse starting at 1:45 p.m., then Arkansas at around 1:51 p.m. and southeast Missouri around 1:56 p.m. 

The total eclipse will hit Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana around 2 p.m. and Ohio around 3:13 p.m. 

Parts of Pennsylvania will then start to see the total eclipse around 3:16 p.m. and parts of northwestern New York will see it shortly after at 3:18 p.m.

It will then move over parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before hitting Canada around 4:25 p.m. 

Now that we've covered the basics, what are some Pittsburgh solar eclipse events?

For Monday's solar eclipse, the Carnegie Science Center has activities for the whole family . 

At the Rangos Giant Cinema, "Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit" has screenings that start at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. The film "explores the ways in which NASA uses underwater environments to simulate life and work in space, offering a fascinating look into the high-tech world of astronauts."

Guests can also explore the chemistry of ice cream at the BodyStage. 

At the Works Theaters, you can learn space chemistry, partake in explosive experiments or watch a live stream from NASA of the solar eclipse! 

If none of these is the right event for you, check out the other eclipse-themed demos throughout the Carnegie Science Center on Monday. 

For eclipse fun for the kiddos, the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh  has plenty of activities. Beforehand, families can make pocket pinhole projects, celebrate the sun with cyanotypes and draw shadows outdoors. During the eclipse, museum staff will share glasses with visitors so they can safely watch the eclipse in Buhl Park. 

The Allegheny Observatory  will also host a viewing in Riverview Park from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing glasses while supplies last. 

Primanti Bros. is offering free beer to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime event.

The CEO says they are celebrating both the eclipse and the men's and women's NCAA finals. The giveaway is happening Sunday and Monday at participating locations. Each customer is limited to just one free beer.

Oakmont Bakery is also making eclipse-themed treats.

Your Pittsburgh solar eclipse forecast

Starting at 2:01 p.m., the Partial Eclipse begins with 97% visibility in Pittsburgh at 3:17 p.m. The partial Eclipse ends at 4:30 p.m. with decreasing clouds through the evening. Temperatures are expected to drop several degrees during this time as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on Earth and partially blocking out view of the sun -- Mary Ours ' Monday forecast

Full forecast here .

Solar eclipse glasses

First, you never want to look directly at the sun. This can cause permanent damage to your eyes. To be clear, "permanent" means looking at the sun without protection could result in lifelong vision problems. When viewing the sun or the eclipse, you need to protect your eyes with special glasses made specifically for viewing an eclipse!

Sunglasses are NOT sufficient to protect your eyes.  You will want to use solar eclipse viewing glasses. These shade out everything so you can only see the sun. As the eclipse occurs, you will be able to clearly see it in these glasses. You can even get a shade to protect your electronic equipment, and better see the eclipse. 

These can be found online, and are relatively inexpensive if you buy them early enough. The closer you get to the eclipse, the more expensive they get and the harder they become to find!  When you get these glasses, you want to make sure to get ones that are specifically rated to look at the sun.

• For more on these glasses, check out this Hey Ray! segment .  
• Planning to take photos? For tips on how to protect your camera during the eclipse, click here .

Why the solar eclipse is important to our First Alert Meteorologists

Ray Petelin -- "I like that total eclipses are rare and all the math involved to predict them. We can predict these way out in advance because of math and our understanding of our motion in the solar system!"

Kristin Emery -- "It's such a rare event, it's fascinating to learn about and study the science behind it and it's something people can enjoy no matter what their age."

Hey Ray! tell us about the solar eclipse

KDKA-TV Meteorologist Ray Petelin has everything you need to know before heading outside. including safety tips and things to look for!

• Make sure you sound like an expert when watching the solar eclipse
• Is there anything to do if it is cloudy during the total solar eclipse?
• Don't forget to look for weird-looking shadows during the solar eclipse
• Why are glasses needed for the solar eclipse? 
• Now is the time to brush up on how to make solar eclipse pinhole viewers
• Taking a closer look at the specifics of the total solar eclipse

For more Hey Ray! segments, click here .

The KDKA Solar Eclipse Playlist

We asked our First Alert Meteorologists what they'd put on their solar eclipse playlist.

Ray Petelin is rocking out to "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden and "The Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd. 

Kristin Emery will be jamming to "Walking on Sunshine" (she says it always makes her dance) by Katrina and the Waves and "King of Pain" by The Police, because growing up, she loved the lyrics "There's a little black spot on the sun today."  

Ron Smiley's pick is the classic "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers.

You can listen to their picks here, as well as some other suggestions by the KDKA-TV staff. 

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Weather forecast calls for mostly sunny in pittsburgh region.

As communities across the country prepare for the solar eclipse on April 8, residents in western Pennsylvania will see plenty of buzz around their towns for the celestial event.

Several communities in Pennsylvania will be in the path of "totality" during this eclipse, which means that the sun will be fully blocked by the moon and create several eerie and ethereal visual effects. According to historical records, the last time that Pennsylvania was within the path of totality for a solar eclipse was over 217 years ago, occurring in the summer of 1806.

Communities in Crawford, Erie, Mercer and Warren counties will be the best to see the totality of the eclipse, but other communities will still be able to view the event with a reduced impact. Residents in the greater Pittsburgh region will only experience a 95% totality during the eclipse, but there will still be significant visible effects from the partial eclipse in the area.

More: What time is the total solar eclipse on April 8? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide

Viewers will start to see shadows slowly creep across the sun, limiting the amount of light in the sky, around 2 p.m. April 8. The totality is scheduled to occur between 3:15 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. as the moon passes the sun, creating a "dawn- or dusk-like" atmosphere for communities. Even if weather conditions are cloudy that day, the skies will still grow noticeably darker during this time.

The eclipse effects are expected to fully end by 4:30 p.m. in Pennsylvania. While early forecasts from the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh are calling for "mostly sunny" weather in the Pittsburgh region, meteorologists at AccuWeather have also warned that potential weather disruptions and cloud cover could affect eclipse viewing in Ohio and several areas along the path of totality.

Eclipse viewers being advised to practice eye safety during solar event

While solar eclipses can make for a fun viewing experience for families, doctors are reminding the public to take the necessary steps to stay safe during the event. For those looking into the skies to view the eclipse, a set of eclipse filter glasses will be necessary to ensure audiences are protected from the damaging UV rays that are created during the solar phenomenon.

“Although we’re excited to witness a solar eclipse, we want to ensure that our eyes are well-protected from any damage it could cause,” said Sarah Zambotti, an optometrist at Allegheny Health Network. “Looking at the sun without protective eclipse glasses supported by the American Astronomical Society could cause solar retinopathy or photokeratitis – retinal injuries caused by a photochemical reaction.”

While the paper glasses may not seem impressive at first glance, eclipse filters are 100,000 darker than normal sunglasses and filter out damaging UV rays to protect viewers' ocular health. People who view the eclipse with no protection or standard sunglasses can experience serious eye damage from looking at the sun during this time.

While it is possible to take pictures during an eclipse with proper preparations, filters are needed for cameras' lenses to protect the equipment from high UV light exposure. Viewing an eclipse through a lens like this can also cause serious damage to users' retinas, as the light is magnified through viewfinders.

Those with existing eye conditions are advised to stay inside, avoiding any further damage to their vision. Children can be particularly vulnerable to eye damage during an eclipse, so parents are advised to ensure their children have the necessary protective glasses if they are viewing the solar event.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has also issued a consumer alert that scammers are selling fake solar eclipse glasses that may not provide protection. Legit imitate filters will have the international safety standard certification number of ISO 12312-2 on their frames.

“This is a fun and exciting global event, and that widespread anticipation has attracted scammers looking to make a buck without consideration of potential harm,” Henry said. “Do your research to make sure the glasses you buy will thoroughly protect your eyes and allow you to safely view the solar eclipse.”

Verified sellers of solar viewing glasses and additional safety information for the eclipse can also be found on the American Astronomical Society's website .

Driving conditions in Pennsylvania to be impacted by eclipse, motorists advised to use caution and instructed to not stop along highways

While the solar event is taking place, officials remind Pennsylvania residents and visitors to remain aware of their surroundings while driving.

Throughout the day, higher-than-usual traffic is expected on the most popular roadways across the state, with over 200,000 visitors expected to be traveling to Erie County throughout the day. While all lanes of traffic will remain open on Interstate 79 and additional maintenance staff will be available for potential accidents, they say one of the best ways to keep things moving is to use extra caution while driving.

“Pennsylvania is lucky to be one of only 13 states in the path of totality for this eclipse, bringing residents and visitors a unique viewing opportunity in our own backyard," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. The high number of expected visitors is an opportunity to showcase our state and also requires partnership among state agencies and travelers alike. We are coordinating across agencies as well as with local governments and regional organizations to plan for the likelihood of traffic congestion that day with an emphasis on safety for our residents and eclipse tourists.”

Motorists are being advised to not stop along highways during the eclipse and all disabled vehicles will be removed by Pennsylvania State Police, who will be posting troopers at each exit to keep traffic moving. PennDOT said they will also ask people gathering at rest stops to leave and direct audiences to other spots for viewing the event.

“Our primary concern is public safety,” said Christopher Paris, state police commissioner. “Troopers will have an increased presence in the area and zero tolerance for distracted, aggressive and intoxicated drivers. This eclipse should be a once-in-a-lifetime event with fond memories, not an experience marred by tragedy.”

Safety experts have recommended drivers leave their headlights on and put down their sun visors if driving during the eclipse conditions, being especially careful to watch for any nearby pedestrians who have stopped to look at the sky. Drivers should not wear their eclipse glasses while driving, as they can limit visibility and create unnecessary danger.

According to AAA East Central, many families traveling to view the eclipse are making a long weekend out of the eclipse viewing, as many schools will be on spring break. With this in mind, traffic is also expected to be extra busy in the region on Saturday as families travel to their destinations.

PA Department of Education allowing early dismissals during eclipse for 'inclement weather'

As the unique celestial event returns to communities across Pennsylvania, some local schools are weighing an adjustment to their dismissal plans for student safety. The unique environmental conditions will occur around the time of dismissal for the majority of Beaver County's districts, creating some discussion over what can be done to ensure student safety.

In a memo sent to educators on March 26, the Pennsylvania Department of Education said that they would not count these early dismissals against schools and the day would still count as a full day of instruction for districts. According to the organizational rules, an eclipse counts as an "inclement weather" condition and will not impact the 180 days of instruction required in the state.

As of Monday morning, several local schools had publicly announced on their district websites they would have a half-day or flexible schedules for the day. Districts that have announced early dismissals or modified instruction include:

• Aliquippa School District
• Ambridge Area School District (classes being held virtually as a Flexible Instruction Day)
• Beaver Area School District
• Blackhawk Area School District
• Central Valley School District
• Ellwood City Area School District (lunch will still be provided to students before dismissal)
• New Brighton Area School District
• Riverside Beaver County School District
• Rochester Area School District
• Western Beaver County School District

Individual dismissal times for each school in affected districts, as well as details on afterschool programs, can be found on each school district's website.

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9 Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania, According to Local Real Estate Experts

From historic hamlets and charming small towns to bustling metropolitan areas, the Keystone State offers something for everyone.

pabradyphoto/Getty Images

Pennsylvania has always been a land of pioneers and freethinkers, and it continues to be a welcoming place for newcomers of all backgrounds. With a strong economy — Pennsylvania has one of the largest GDPs in the country — a long history, low taxes, lush landscapes, and bustling cities, the state continues to be a popular choice for newcomers. Its thriving cultural scene, great food, charming small towns, trendy hotels, and scenic natural spots add to its allure and make Pennsylvania not only a great vacation destination but also the perfect place to call home.

Here, we rounded up nine of the best places to live in Pennsylvania as recommended by local real estate experts.

Philadelphia

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

As the nation's sixth-largest city, Philadelphia is a major economic hub in the Northeast, so it certainly doesn't lack urban amenities in addition to all of its historical and cultural landmarks. The city's prime location in the region is, according to Abby Trimborn, the co-founder of Philly Property Group , one of its biggest advantages. With New York City and Washington D.C. less than two hours away from downtown Philadelphia, residents enjoy access to two more major job markets while living in a city with a much more affordable cost of living.

Trimborn also explained that the demand for homes in Philadelphia has decreased by 14 percent, which is good news for buyers. "We are currently positioned in 'lower demand,' which means it's more favorable for buyers in this market," she said. She highlighted the family-friendly Northern Liberties neighborhood, which has experienced a building boom in recent years, with over 5,200 residential units built or currently in development. According to data from Zillow, the median home value in the city is $215,593.

Courtesy of Discover Lancaster

Lancaster's cost of living hovers around the national average. However, median home prices are about $50,000 lower at around $337,233, according to Zillow. This is one reason the city is a wonderful place to retire; Lancaster ranked third in U.S. News & World Report's most recent list of the best places to retire in the U.S., thanks in part to home affordability and access to quality health care. The region blends urban and farm landscapes, giving residents a choice between distinct lifestyles. And since it sits at the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country, Lancaster also has a vibrant blend of cultures, reflected in its rich arts scene.

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

You don't have to be a fan of The Office to appreciate this beautiful Pennsylvania town that has become incredibly popular with newcomers. A combination of outdoor recreation, a small-town feel, proximity to cities like New York and Philadelphia, and affordable housing (the median home price is $156,435) led to a 45 percent increase in inbound migration in 2022 , the second largest nationally after Miami.

"Scranton has a lot more to offer than just the backdrop of The Office ," Virginia Rose, president and CEO of Lewith & Freeman/Luxury Portfolio International , said. "Scranton has seen an increase in home values, up over 17 percent this year. Our realtors have found that when relocating to the Scranton school district, ease of walkability and access to state park lands have been the largest driver of location."

Clarks Summit, just north of the town, and downtown Scranton, known for its historic mansions, are two neighborhoods Rose recommended potential buyers look into.

The Poconos

Jon Lovette/Getty Images

This lush area in Northeastern Pennsylvania has always been a popular weekend getaway for New Yorkers, but since the pandemic, the region has also emerged as a coveted place to call home among remote workers. The draws are many: endless mountain views, clean air, small-town living, and tranquility. If you're lucky, you can even wake up to beautiful lake views every morning.

Rose explained that potential buyers can find waterfront homes here for under $1 million, which is rarely the case nationwide. "Hawley is the quintessential small Pennsylvania town, and their downtown partnership has created activities all year long, including summer/fall farmers markets, Lake Fest, Winter Fest, and much more. There are several communities between Lake Ariel and Lake Wallenpaupack that offer ease of living and amenities like private pools, lakes, golf, and more," she added.

Kennett Square

Leigh Vogel/Visit Pennsylvania

Located 40 miles west of Philadelphia, Kennett Square borders Delaware and is part of Chester County, known for its excellent schools. Nestled in the Brandywine Valley, Kennett Square residents benefit from many outdoor activities and access to miles of hiking and biking trails. Annual events such as the Mushroom Festival (the town is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World because it is home to many mushroom farms) and the many museums and historic landmarks make it a popular destination with visitors and a social hub. That doesn't mean, however, that residents have only historic homes to choose from. 

"New townhomes and apartments are popping up around the town with easy walkability to local restaurants and pubs, parks, and exercise facilities," Paul Greenholt, real estate agent at Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate , explained. The median home price at Kennett Square is currently $566,196 , up six percent since last year.

Harrisburg is so much more than Pennsylvania's administrative hub. The capital is rooted in history; it’s home to the National Civil War Museum and it’s less than an hour away from Gettysburg National Military Park. With the Susquehanna River running through the city and the Appalachian Trail just north of it, residents are treated to an abundance of activities like hiking, water sports, and camping. U.S. News & World Report also recently ranked Harrisburg the best place to retire in the U.S. and 38th in its ranking of the best places to live in the country.

Courtesy of Visit Delco, PA

While many people choose to settle in Glen Mills because of its proximity to Philadelphia, there are plenty of things to do in this small town, one of the most sought-after communities with great schools.

"There are many fun and popular attractions in [the] Glen Mills area — Grace Winery, Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride, Newlin Grist Mill Park, The Golf Course of Glen Mills, and the Palmer and Tyler Arboretums, just to name a few," Karen Johnson, real estate agent at Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , suggested, adding that one of the largest shopping malls in the country is just a short drive from town.

Chadds Ford

John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

Bucolic vistas, historic charm, highly-rated schools, and a tight-knit community make Chadds Ford, a small town just 30 miles west of Philadelphia and 10 miles north of Wilmington, a great place to live. The area is home to several wineries, museums, and historic sights.

"The Brandywine River runs through the middle of Chadds Ford and past the historic Brandywine Battlefield. As a result, a large portion of the area remains protected from further development via conservation easement," Victoria Dickinson, a broker with Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , explained. She said that some neighborhoods that continue to attract buyers are nearby Knolls of Birmingham for its many communal amenities like a pool and tennis courts and Cossart Creek.

Angelina Pilarinos/Travel + Leisure

Pittsburgh may be known as Steel City for its role in the country's steel industry, but the city's arts scene is a lot more impressive. It has over 40 museums, including the Andy Warhol Museum and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and 30 concert venues, plus it ranks first nationally in direct spending for the arts . Pittsburgh is also a technology hub, attracting AI and robotics graduates and highly educated professionals seeking career development in education, finance, and healthcare services.

Lastly, although housing prices have been rising here, they remain much more affordable than in other Northeast cities, with median home values at $222,433 , according to Zillow.

Look up, then look down: After the solar eclipse, a double brood of cicadas will emerge

After millions of Americans in the path of totality look up for the solar eclipse on Monday , prepare to look down: A rare double brood of cicadas is set to emerge in a few weeks.

Two different groups, or broods, of cicadas will emerge across multiple states this year in the first such emergence in 221 years . The 13-year Brood XIX will emerge in 14 states across the Southeast and Midwest, and the 17-year Brood XIII will emerge in five Midwestern states around the same time, according to the website  Cicada Mania .

And like the next solar eclipse, which isn't expected to be seen in the contiguous U.S. until 2044, the next double-emergence of these two broods won't happen again for a while, next predicted in 2245.

Here's what to know about the two cicada broods emerging this year.

Cicadas: This fungus turns cicadas into 'zombies' after being sexually transmitted

When are the cicadas emerging?

Brood XIX (19) and Brood XIII (13) are estimated to emerge beginning in mid-May and last through late June. The two broods will begin to emerge when the soil 8 inches underground reaches 64 degrees, and are often triggered by a warm rain.

What are Brood XIX cicadas?

Brood XIX is  estimated to emerge  in these states beginning mid-May and last through late June, according to Cicada Mania:

• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• South Carolina

The brood last emerged in 2011 and has a 13-year life cycle.

What are Brood XIII cicadas?

Brood XIII will  emerge these states  in mid-May and end in late June:

The brood may also appear in Michigan, Cicada Mania says.

Unlike the other brood, these cicadas have a 17-year life cycle. They last emerged in 2007.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region.

Emily Alfin Johnson

Visitors look through a pair of oversized eclipse glasses set up in the town square on Sunday in Houlton, Maine. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

Visitors look through a pair of oversized eclipse glasses set up in the town square on Sunday in Houlton, Maine.

On Monday, a solar eclipse will cross from Texas to Maine, putting over 30 million people in the path of totality , with a partial eclipse visible briefly for millions more.

Monday's weather forecast for the path of totality

Totality in the U.S. starts around 1:30 p.m. CT/2:30 ET and continues until 2:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. ET, lasting for a few minutes in each location.

The folks at NASA have a detailed breakdown for anyone in the U.S. Just pop in your ZIP code .

If you're lucky enough to find yourself in the path of totality, you can also find a minute-by-minute breakdown of when totality begins in your area, here.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans?  Check out these  kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides  from Vermont Public's  But Why,  and this great explainer from KERA Kids on  the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse .
• Feeling whimsical?  Here are three ways to  sprinkle a little magic into your eclipse experience .
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view?   Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye  on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time.

When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on Monday, one of the most hotly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years.

Weather permitting , millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada will have the chance to see the moon slip between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light .

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “path of totality” that measures more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent. Along that path, the moon will fully obscure the sun, causing afternoon skies to darken for a few minutes.

Follow live updates on the solar eclipse

In all other parts of the continental U.S., a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. Exactly how big a bite depends on the location.

The first spot in North America that will experience totality on Monday is on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA .

After moving northeast across Mexico, the eclipse’s path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Slivers of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

In Canada, the eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

The timing of the eclipse and the duration of totality varies by location. Most places will experience around 2 minutes of darkness, but the longest periods of totality are typically in the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest stretch of totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in an area northwest of Torreón, Mexico.

Below is a list of timings for some U.S. cities along the path of totality, according to NASA .

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m. CT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Partial eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT and totality at 1:45 p.m. CT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m. CT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Partial eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT and totality at 1:56 p.m. CT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 2:00 p.m. CT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 1:59 p.m. CT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Partial eclipse begins at 12:45 p.m. CT and totality at 2:02 p.m. CT.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. ET and totality at 3:16 p.m. ET.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Burlington, Vermont: Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m. ET and totality at 3:26 p.m. ET.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.
• Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET and totality at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Other resources can also help you figure out when the various phases of the eclipse will be visible where you live, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com .

If you plan to watch the celestial event, remember that it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, including through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Special eclipse glasses are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent permanent eye damage.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.