Pittsburgh Travel Guide (Allegheny County/Pittsburgh Region/Pennsylvania/Mid-Atlantic/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to Pittsburgh
List of Places to Visit in Pittsburgh
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Pittsburgh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Pittsburgh
Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Pittsburgh
Food and Drink Scene of Pittsburgh
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Pittsburgh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Pittsburgh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Pittsburgh
Best Time to Visit Pittsburgh
Do’s and Don’ts of Pittsburgh
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Pittsburgh
- Health in Pittsburgh
Getting to Pittsburgh: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Pittsburgh
Where to Go Next from Pittsburgh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Pittsburgh, also known as the Steel City, is located in western Pennsylvania. This vibrant city is home to numerous museums, parks, and landmarks, making it a great place to visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and outdoor activities. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Pittsburgh.

Introduction to Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and is home to over 300,000 people. Founded in 1758, the city served as a key industrial hub during the 19th and 20th centuries and is now a modern metropolis with a thriving cultural scene.

List of Places to Visit in Pittsburgh

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh - This group of museums includes the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Andy Warhol Museum. Each museum is dedicated to a different area of interest and offers a unique experience for visitors.
Heinz History Center - This museum showcases Pittsburgh’s rich history, from the Native American era to the present day. Exhibits include artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive experiences.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - This botanical garden showcases over 17 acres of beautiful gardens and greenhouses. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including a tropical rainforest and a desert garden.
Fort Pitt Museum - This museum is located in the historic Point State Park and explores the history of the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the founding of Pittsburgh.

Natural Attractions of Pittsburgh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mount Washington - This hill offers some of the best views of the city skyline and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and sightseeing.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail - This trail spans 24 miles along the waterfronts of Pittsburgh’s three rivers and provides a great opportunity for biking, walking, and jogging.
North Shore Riverfront Park - Located on the Allegheny River, this park offers stunning views of the city skyline and is a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and boating.
Schenley Park - This park covers over 456 acres and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, golfing, and tennis.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pittsburgh

If you’re looking to explore the city on foot or by bike, Pittsburgh has plenty of great options. In addition to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Schenley Park, here are a few other routes worth checking out:

Eliza Furnace Trail - This trail follows the path of an old railroad line and connects downtown Pittsburgh to the South Side.
Great Allegheny Passage - This trail spans over 150 miles and connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. It’s a great option for a multi-day bike trip.
Panhandle Trail - This 29-mile trail runs from Carnegie to Weirton, West Virginia, and offers scenic views of the countryside.

Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh: Activities and Tours

Pittsburgh offers a variety of activities and tours for visitors of all ages. Here are a few of our favorites:

Gateway Clipper Fleet - Take a scenic tour of the city by boat on the Three Rivers!
Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium - This zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world and provides a fun and educational experience for visitors.
Pittsburgh Pirates Game - Catch a game at PNC Park, one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country.
Duquesne Incline - Climb aboard this historic cable car and take a ride up to Mount Washington for stunning views of the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pittsburgh

If you’re planning on spending a week in Pittsburgh, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Explore the cultural attractions, including the Carnegie Museums and the Heinz History Center.
Day 2: Take a bike ride on the Eliza Furnace Trail and visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Day 3: Spend a day in Schenley Park, hiking and enjoying the outdoor activities.
Day 4: Visit the North Shore Riverfront Park and catch a game at PNC Park.
Day 5: Take a tour of the city by boat on the Gateway Clipper Fleet.
Day 6: Visit the Fort Pitt Museum and explore Point State Park.
Day 7: Take a ride on the Duquesne Incline and spend the day exploring Mount Washington.

Food and Drink Scene of Pittsburgh

No trip to Pittsburgh would be complete without trying some of the local cuisine and beverages. Here are a few must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

Primanti Brothers Sandwich - This sandwich is a Pittsburgh classic and includes meat, cheese, coleslaw, and French fries all between two slices of bread.
Pierogies - These delicious Polish dumplings can be found all over the city.
Chipped Ham BBQ - A Pittsburgh-style barbecue made with chipped ham, ketchup, and brown sugar.

Local Beverages

Iron City Beer - A Pittsburgh classic since 1861, Iron City Beer is a must-try for beer lovers.
Wigle Whiskey - This local distillery offers a variety of whiskey and gin options for visitors to try.
Pittsburgh Punch - This non-alcoholic drink is made with fruit juice and ginger ale and can be found at many local restaurants and cafes.

Where to Stay in Pittsburgh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of options for accommodations in Pittsburgh, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are a few options to consider:

Fairmont Pittsburgh - This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of downtown and offers luxury accommodations.
Hyatt House Pittsburgh/Bloomfield/Shadyside - This hotel offers comfortable rooms and is close to many of the city’s attractions.
Pittsburgh Hostel - This hostel offers budget-friendly accommodations with a variety of room options.

What to Buy in Pittsburgh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to bring home a unique souvenir or gift from Pittsburgh, here are a few options to consider:

Steelers or Pirates Gear - Sports are a big part of Pittsburgh culture, so consider picking up some gear from one of the local teams.
Andy Warhol Artwork - As a Pittsburgh native, Andy Warhol is a beloved figure in the city. Visit the Andy Warhol Museum to purchase prints and other artworks.
Pierogi Pillow - Yes, you read that right. These fun pillows can be found at local gift shops and make for a great conversation starter.

Local Culture and Customs of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a friendly and welcoming city, with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions. Pittsburghers are proud of their city and happy to share their recommendations with visitors.

Best Time to Visit Pittsburgh

The best time to visit Pittsburgh depends on your personal preference. The summer months are the busiest and offer plenty of outdoor activities and events. Fall is a great time to visit for the colorful foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter can be cold, but it’s a great time to visit if you’re interested in winter sports and activities. Spring is a great time to visit for the mild weather and beautiful blooms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pittsburgh

Do:

Do try the local cuisine, including Pierogies and Primanti Brothers sandwiches.
Do take a ride on the Duquesne Incline for stunning views of the city.
Do explore the cultural attractions, including the Carnegie Museums and the Heinz History Center.

Don’t:

Don’t leave without trying some Iron City Beer.
Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for exploring the city on foot or by bike.
Don’t skip the North Shore Riverfront Park for some of the best views of the city.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a safe city for visitors. However, as with any city, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and use common sense when traveling.

Health in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has a variety of hospitals and medical facilities, including the UPMC Hospital System. Visitors should have health insurance and be aware of their coverage when traveling.

Getting to Pittsburgh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is served by Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), located about 20 miles outside of the city.

Bus Stations Near Pittsburgh

Greyhound Bus Lines and Megabus both offer service to Pittsburgh.

Other Options

Pittsburgh is also accessible by car and train.

How to Get Around in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has a variety of transportation options, including buses, light rail, and taxis. Biking and walking are also great options for exploring the city.

Where to Go Next from Pittsburgh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time to explore the area around Pittsburgh, consider visiting:

Cleveland, Ohio - Located about 2 hours away, Cleveland is home to numerous museums, parks, and attractions.
Ohiopyle State Park - This state park is located about an hour away from Pittsburgh and offers hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting.
Laurel Highlands - This scenic region is located about an hour and a half away and offers hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Pittsburgh has plenty to offer visitors. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and make the most of your stay in the Steel City.