10 Top Things to Do In Pittsburgh Pennsylvania And Where To Stay

Discover the top things to do in Pittsburgh, plus where to stay, dine and explore in our Pittsburgh travel guide.

Pittsburgh is a vibrant riverside city that has undergone an impressive transformation in recent decades. Once defined by its industrial past, it has experienced a cultural and economic renaissance, emerging as one of the most exciting cities to visit in the United States. Today, its historic neighbourhoods boast a thriving food and arts scene, all set against a backdrop of striking skyline views where three rivers meet. From world-class museums and lively food markets to passionate sports culture, there is plenty to experience here. This guide highlights the best things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, along with some of the best places to stay.

I asked multi-award-winning travel journalist Isabel Conway to write a travel guide to Pittsburgh and share her perspective on this revitalised destination. During her visit, she explored many of the top things to do in Pittsburgh, sampled some of the city’s best restaurants, and gathered a selection of insider tips to help you visit the best Pittsburgh attractions.

About Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is written into history as the centre of American blue collar industrial power, in contrast to big sister Philadelphia’s allure as the ‘birthplace of the nation’. The most westerly city of Pennsylvania finally closed the last heavy steel foundries, sparking a miracle of revitalisation.

Back in the old days, it is said, industry bosses always put a fresh white shirt in their brief cases for afternoon appointments and business dinners due to all the grime swilling around the nation’s steel capital.

Pity Pittsburgh’s housewives too. “Every time my mother hung out the washing it came back dirtier than when it went into the tub”, Isabel’s Uber taxi driver recalls. “Most days you couldn’t see across the water with all the smog”, he adds, pointing down at the shimmering expanse of water.

A planning renaissance has since transformed Pittsburgh, creating green spaces, making the most of the city’s beautiful riverside locations. An Impressive high rise skyline has replaced belching chimneys and the old industrial eyesores are converted into residential lofts, urban renewal, hotels, restaurants and entertainment centres.

Today, Pittsburgh is among the cleanest, greenest, and most environmentally conscious of American cities, one which combines big city amenities, world class museums and a vibrant culinary and cultural scene making it a great city break destination.

Top 10 Things to do in Pittsburgh

1. Take in the Views from the Duquesne Incline Funicular

A great first introduction to bond with the city’s history and view some of Pittsburgh’s 446 bridges, (even more than Venice), is to take the Victorian era Duquesne Incline funicular up 450 feet to Mount Washington. The summit can also be reached by a daunting 1,000 steps.

After enjoying a spectacular panorama of the city and its three rivers and  lovely homes of the sought after neighbourhood the funicular station observation deck is a good spot for selfies against the awesome skyline below. The round trip fare is $5, making it one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh, especially if you are on a budget.

2. Bike the City

Exploring any American city’s modern downtown precincts on two wheels would normally fill me with apprehension. But a morning on a Bike the Burgh historical bike tour convinced me that there is no better way of discovering the city’s hidden gems including the waterfront and riverside bike trails, and it is certainly one of the fun things to do in Pittsburgh.

A new downtown dock on the waterfront offers rental of kayaks and stand up paddle boards to explore the Allegheny River backwater.

Our Bike the Burgh guide David stopped to direct traffic and pave our way through busier thorough fares and delivered key points on the birth of Pittsburgh such as how the colonists succeeded in fighting off the French and British, and how the important metropolis was born.

3. Book a Brewery Tour

Pittsburgh’s brewery scene is growing rapidly, with at least 77 breweries open to visitors. Exploring them is one of the top things to do in Pittsburgh pa, whether that means joining a pub crawl, enjoying a tasting, or visiting a brewery.

Choose a brewery with a difference, the Church Brew Works is a brewpub in Lawrenceville that is located in the restored St. John the Baptist Church. Built in 1902, it was used as a church until 1993 and is on the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation’s List of Historic Landmarks. Now, it is frequently listed as one of the best breweries in Pittsburgh featuring award-winning beer, eclectic cuisine, and decadent desserts. 

4. Visit the Andy Warhol Museum

I made a beeline for the museum dedicated to psychedelic rebel pop artist extraordinaire Andy Warhol.  The Warhol museum in the Pop District is at the centre of a $60 million expansion project now underway. Warhol’s hometown shrine explores his career and legacy through the largest collection of Warhol art and archives in the world.

Spanning seven floors it traces his humble beginnings, born to Slovenian immigrants, to his rise as a household name displaying his famous portrayals of Marilyn Monroe, Mick Jagger and many more who could afford a sitting or were special friends. Be sure to visit the gift shop afterwards for funky replica Brillo Pads, Campbell’s Soup posters and other Warhol souvenirs.

5. Choose from Pittsburgh’s Many More Museums

Some of the best Pittsburgh attractions are its museums, many of them philanthropic creations established by Scottish born Andrew Carnegie and fellow industrial titans. Andrew Carnegie had left school at 13, educating himself by reading and determined to help others without a formal education he established libraries and museums all across the US.  

I chose to visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, a paradise for children, with countless interactive exhibits and a vast wealth of engaging knowledge for all ages. Spanning 20 galleries and housing around 22 million specimens, it stands out as one of the top things to do in Pittsburgh with kids.

A further stop was made at the Heinz History Center, Henry Heinz built an empire from his Heinz 57 tomato ketchup. The tycoon treated his mainly female workforce to a weekly manicure (for hygiene reasons) and a daily change of uniform, ensuring his popularity with the employees.

Pittsburgh is a technological front runner, first to pioneer driverless taxis, and the onetime steel city is leading the way in robotics and other high tech developments. Opened in 2022 the Moonshot Science Museum on the North Shore is the only place in the world where you’ll see real lunar spacecraft under active assembly and go on your own simulated lunar mission.

6. Explore the Pittsburgh Strip District After Dark

Pittsburgh in the past was not renowned for her pulsating nightlife, but there has been a coming of age with new dive bars, cocktail lounges, jazz and other live music clubs popping up all the time.

The ‘Strip’ is a former gritty logistical centre that once linked the Mid-West with the Eastern seaboard, its transport depots and warehouses are meticulously restored, reopening in phases for entertainment, retail and dining options, over a five block neighbourhood. This is one of the best places to visit in Pittsburgh.

The former warehouse ‘Strip’ and South Side, Lawrenceville and East Liberty neighbourhoods are best for experiencing Pittsburgh after dark. The city is noticeably safe, walkable and welcoming but like elsewhere, care should always be exercised.

7. Catch a Sports Game

Pittsburghers love their sports, and catching a Pirates baseball game at PNC Park is a great way to experience local culture. The park is often referred to as one of the best baseball parks in America, thanks to its stunning views of the Pittsburgh skyline. If baseball isn’t your thing, head to an NFL Pittsburgh Steelers game at the Acrisure Stadium. If you are looking for stuff to do in Pittsburgh, catch a game.

8. Book a Food Tour

Pittsburgh claims to have the second highest concentration of pizza shops in the United States, after Miami. Enjoy a small group half-day food tour, you can sample everything from regional favourites inspired by the city’s working-class roots, to modern fusion dishes as you explore the bustling streets. You will try Pittsburgh’s most iconic sandwich, homestyle pierogies, and finish with some delicious hand-printed cookies.

9. Visit Point State Park

Point State Park is a National Historic Landmark located in downtown Pittsburgh at the joining of the three rivers, is at the tip of Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle.” The park commemorates and preserves the strategic and historic heritage of the area during the French and Indian War. Enjoy a bike ride around the park or find yourself along the many hiking trials.

10. Explore the Laurel Highlands

For those looking for day trips from Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands offer a wide range of outdoor adventures, from hiking through scenic trails to skiing down well-groomed slopes in the winter months. White water rafting provides an exhilarating way to experience the region’s rivers, while lakes are ideal for kayaking, fishing, or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings.

The area is dotted with charming small towns, waterfalls, historic sites, and numerous state parks, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers or families looking for adventure.

Where to Eat and Drink in Pittsburgh

Primanti brothers

Having their own back on big sister Philadelphia’s famed Philly sandwich , Pittsburgh came up with a version of the chip butty, and there’s no better spot for one than famous Primanti brothers that has been going strong in Pittsburgh since 1933.

At lunchtime I was served up a delicious calorific bomb of a sandwich, stuffed with fresh cut fries, pastrami, provolone, coleslaw and tomatoes for under $9 at the original Primanti Bros cafe  on 18^th St & Penn Ave in the Strip district.

Eleven Contemporary kitchen

Another popular lunch and dining spot that’s light on the pocket and fun, Eleven Contemporary kitchen in the Strip District fills up from 4pm to 6pm Mon to Fri for Happy Hour when bites, wines by the glass and cocktails cost $9 each.

Try out the Eleven Mule, a favourite house cocktail, mixed cucumber vodka, fever tree ginger beer, lime and cucumber into a refreshing pick me up that was oh so welcome after a long day’s sightseeing.

Speckled Egg Elevated Diner

Start your day with some brunch classics at this neighbourhood diner which offers omelettes, sandwiches, cocktails and espresso in a friendly atmosphere.

Bakersfield – Tacos.Tequila.Whiskey

Bakersfield serves authentic Mexican street food and a selection of over 100 tequilas and American whiskeys. Inspired by the country western music of Bakersfield Sound, the food is simple and boasts a great weekend atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Pittsburgh

From leading modern chains to historic preserved properties and boutique hotels, Pittsburgh offers the full gambit of accommodation. These are all recommended by Visit Pittsburgh and are highly-rated on TripAdvisor.

The Industrialist ****

The Industrialist Hotel, Pittsburgh is situated in the city centre, offering easy access to attractions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, Point State Park, and PNC Park.

Guests can enjoy the complimentary Maker Menu, with daily DIY projects like leather stamping and candle making in the social lounge. The signature restaurant The Rebel Room, serves a new take on American food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Rebel Room is known for its strong drinks menu with inspired cocktails, local brews and stunning blue tile and millwork bar. 

Kimpton Hotel Monaco ****

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a stylish boutique downtown hotel in Pittsburgh, just 500m from the Cultural District. The hotel features bold interiors that create a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can dine at The Commoner, which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, or enjoy drinks and light snacks at the seasonal rooftop bar which has one of the best views in the city.

Complimentary bike rental is available, as is an evening wine reception in the hotel lobby. TripAdvisor reviews are very positive, with the hotel earning a score of 4.6 out of 5. This is one of the best hotels in Pittsburgh.

Joinery Hotel ****

Situated in the centre of downtown on Boulevard of the Allies the Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh has a number of amenities including a fitness centre, a library, bike rental and a 10th floor outdoor terrace with a unique view of the city.

Attractions in the area include David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1km away, or Cultural District is located a short walk away from the property. This is a great place to stay in a convenient location in Pittsburgh.

Omni William Penn Hotel ****

Open since 1916 the luxury 4 star Omni William Penn Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Pittsburgh, hosting movie stars, politicians, heads of state, and leaders of business and industry. It offers a convenient location with Point State Park and the Andy Warhol Museum just 12 minutes away by foot. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center is 600m nearby, while PNC Park lies 1.2 km from the property.

The family-friendly restaurant serves American and Mediterranean cuisines with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Guests can enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner, complemented by a bar offering great cocktails.

How to get to Pittsburgh

Aer Lingus new four times weekly direct flights between Dublin and Pittsburgh start from May 25th and now access to this impressive city ‘of bridges’ as it’s known will never be easier.

Newcomers have a treat in store during the 30 minute  drive to downtown from Pittsburgh International Airport. Exiting the Fort Pitt Tunnel in my taxi I gasped in wonder at a stunning city skyline, sandwiched between its three rivers – the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio.

How to get around Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) buses and light rail connect Downtown with neighbourhoods and surrounding areas across the region. The light rail system, known locally as the T, runs between the North Shore, Downtown and the South Hills.

Bus service to the airport is available on the 28X Airport Flyer, which links Pittsburgh International Airport with Downtown and Oakland.

I hope you enjoyed this travel guide on the top things to do in Pittsburgh and it will inspire you to book a trip soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, accommodation facilities and attractions are subject to change. Note some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.

Multi-award-winning travel Writer Isabel Conway is one of Ireland’s leading travel journalists. Isabel was the 2022 long haul winner at the Ireland Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year Awards and has also been both a winner and commended in the annual awards of the British Guild of Travel Writers.