what to do in pittsburgh

What to Do in PittsburghCourtesy of Carnegie Science Center
Introduce yourself to Pittsburgh by visiting Point State Park (601 Commonwealth Pl.), an urban green space with a dramatic view—this is where the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers converge. Visit the Fort Pitt Museum , stroll along riverside walkways or take a seat by the fountain at the park's edge, where you'll spy such sites as PNC Park, Acrisure Stadium and the Carnegie Science Center across the water.

Wondering where to eat? Head to the Strip District (around 21st St. & Penn Ave.) and explore its mom-and-pop groceries, bakeries and restaurants touting everything from homemade lasagna to first-rate espresso. Do as the locals do and grab a hearty breakfast at Deluca's Diner (2015 Penn Ave.), shop for culinary specialties at the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company (2010 Penn Ave.), and enjoy the circuslike atmosphere at Wholey's (1711 Penn Ave.), a fish market.

See a game. Whether you prefer hockey (Penguins), football (Steelers) or baseball (Pirates), this town comes to a standstill when its beloved sports teams are playing. And Pittsburgh has definitely earned bragging rights: the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2009, with the Penguins following suit by nabbing the Stanley Cup title in June 2009, 2016 and 2017.

Explore Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle area in the heart of downtown. The cultural district presents an assortment of trendy restaurants and nightlife —the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts (237 7th St.) hosts ballet and Broadway performances, while the Cabaret at Theater Square (655 Penn Ave.) offers year-round musical productions.

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Ride the city's 2 remaining inclines—there were once 15 scaling the steep hills. The Duquesne Incline (1197 W. Carson St.), facing the Ohio River, offers dramatic views of the city. The Monongahela Incline (W. Carson & Smithfield sts.), is the steepest in the United States.

Tour the Cathedral of Learning (4200 5th Ave.) at the University of Pittsburgh. You can't miss the Gothic Revival structure—the 42-story behemoth is said to be the world's second tallest educational building. Inside, explore some 30 nationality classrooms and learn about the culture and heritage of Pittsburgh's ethnic communities.

Immerse yourself on Carson Street in “the Burgh's” South Side. Lined with funky shops, nightspots and eateries, Carson has a bit of a bohemian flair. The main drag is sandwiched between two large shopping complexes, Station Square (near the Smithfield Street Bridge) and SouthSide Works at the east end.

Cruise Pittsburgh's three mighty rivers—the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio. The riverboat captains of Gateway Clipper Fleet (350 W. Station Square Dr.) provide historical anecdotes as well as information about various landmarks during your sightseeing trip.

For fun things to do with friends, head to the city's museums. View thousands of stunning art and science objects at the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh (4400 Forbes Ave.). Discover the world of pop art at The Andy Warhol Museum , experience American and European works at the Carnegie Museum of Art , gaze at dinosaur fossils at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and see a laser show, visit the planetarium or explore the USS Requin submarine at the Carnegie Science Center .

Celebrate the city's ethnic diversity by visiting its vibrant neighborhoods. Traces of Germany are reflected in the schnitzel, sausages and tasty brews of the North Side; Bloomfield's “Little Italy” houses an assortment of Italian groceries; and while Squirrel Hill is the epicenter of the city's Jewish population, you'll also find Chinese, Middle Eastern and Greek culinary offerings.