Pittsburgh, located in southwest PA, is the state's second-largest city (after Philadelphia). Once a traditional industrial city, it has since transformed itself in the 21st century into an arts center with a burgeoning craft beer and food scene, as well as a technology hub. Pittsburgh has a charm all its own, seamlessly blending remnants of the 19th-century industrial age with the modern. Visitors to Pittsburgh can enjoy the popular major league sports teams, the city's many museums and parks and the collection of pocket neighborhoods, each with its own flavor.
This guide to Pittsburgh will tell you what you need to know to get the most out of your visit to the "Steel City". Whether you're looking for an exciting weekend or a quiet, relaxing visit, Pittsburgh has plenty to offer.
How to Get Around Pittsburgh
Getting around Pittsburgh is easier than you might first think. The city has an excellent public transportation system of buses and light transit trains. You can even take one of the two funiculars up Mount Washington.
Although Pittsburgh has abundant public transportation and the downtown area is very walkable, most visitors will want a car at their disposal. That means renting a car if you haven't traveled to the city by car. Below are the transportation options offered in Pittsburgh.
Public Transportation
Pittsburgh Regional Transit Company operates the public transportation system in Pittsburgh. This system includes buses and light transit trains, as well as the funiculars that climb Mount Washington. You'll save money on travel by loading money on your phone via the Pittsburgh Regional Transit app. You can typically save even more by purchasing a day, week or monthly pass. Note that seniors (age 65 and older) ride for free with a Senior Connect Card (available online).
Walkability
While downtown Pittsburgh is walkable, the hills that dot the Pittsburgh landscape make it difficult to navigate on foot. The city's WalkScore is 62/100, with downtown having a 92/100 rating. The city also has 400 bridges and more than 700 outdoor stairways. Unless you are planning on staying in the immediate downtown area, it's wise to rent a car.
Rideshares
Uber and Lyft are popular transportation options in Pittsburgh and drivers are generally readily available. Keep in mind when planning rideshares that "surge pricing" can raise the price substantially during bad weather or peak demand periods (like after a sporting event).
Car Rentals
Renting a car makes it easy to get to the outer-ring suburbs and to travel outside of the city on day trips. All of the major car rental outlets are represented at Pittsburgh International Airport. You can also rent a car downtown or have one delivered to your hotel.
Bikeshares
Bikeshares are quickly becoming an affordable transportation option in Pittsburgh. POGOH offers both traditional and e-bikes at a network of 60 bike stations throughout the city. You can pay as you go or buy flex, weekly or annual pass. Once you download the POGOH app, you can rent a bike at any station. The coverage area is pretty good, although the most stations are found in the downtown area and near Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
Best Time to Visit Pittsburgh
The best time to visit Pittsburgh is subject to a bit of debate. For the best weather, spring and fall are ideal. Both seasons offer mild temperatures and colorful seasonal trees and flowers. Summer is when most of the city's festivals and activities are scheduled. It can also be hot and humid and, since schools are out, can be more crowded. Winter in Pittsburgh can be snowy and cold, but there are fewer crowds and the landscape has a wintery beauty of its own.
Annual Pittsburgh events to consider planning your trip around include the Picklesburgh Festival, a celebration of all things pickle, held in downtown Pittsburgh at the end of July; the Three Rivers Arts Festival, a ten-day festival in early June; the Covered Bridge Festival in nearby Washington and Greene Counties in mid-September; and Light Up Night, the start of the holiday season in Pittsburgh.
Top Things to Do in Pittsburgh
One of the best things about Pittsburgh is the diverse array of attractions the city offers. You can explore world-class museums, spend a relaxing day in one of the city's many parks and even cheer on a championship major league sports team.
Andy Warhol Museum
The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is the largest museum in the United States dedicated to a single artist. The 88,000-square-foot museum is a top LGBTQ+ attraction and home to over 900 paintings and thousands of other works by the Pittsburgh-born pop-art icon. The Museum is open Wednesday through Monday. Discounts are offered for children, seniors and students.
Sporting Events
Pittsburghers take their sports very seriously. The city is home to an NFL team (the Steelers), an MLB team (the Pirates) and an NHL team (the Penguins), not to mention several NCAA contenders. Cheer on your favorite team at Heinz Field, PNC Park or PPG Paints Arena.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is located on 15 acres of park land, adjacent to Carnegie Mellon University. The gardens, established in 1893 were a gift to the City of Pittsburgh from business tycoon, Henry Phipps Jr. The site is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Highlights of the gardens include the 14-room glass conservatory, a prime example of 19th century Victorian greenhouse architecture, the more modern Dale Chihuly glass and plant collection and the children's discovery garden. The Phipps Conservatory and Gardens is open daily. Admission discounts are offered for children and seniors.
Duquesne Incline
One of the most iconic Pittsburgh attractions is the Duquesne Incline. The funicular climbs Mount Washington from Pittsburgh's South Side, across from downtown. The car travels up 400 feet at a 30-degree incline. The Duquesne Incline runs 365 days a year, from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History opened in 1896 and houses more than 200 million items. The museum, located in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, features one of the most extensive paleontological and entomological collections in the world. Highlights include the dinosaur exhibit, the mummies from ancient Egypt and the Hillman Hall of minerals and gems. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is open from Wednesday to Monday. Admission discounts are offered to seniors and students.
Where to Stay in Pittsburgh
The "Steel City" offers a diverse collection of accommodations, ranging from classic to modern, from traditional hotel rooms to suites. Below are a few of our favorite places to stay near downtown and major visitor attractions.
Westin Pittsburgh
- Address: 1000 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Amenities: Starbucks, onsite restaurant, workout room
The Westin Pittsburgh is located in the heart of downtown, adjacent to the convention center and within walking distance of multiple restaurants and retailers. It's a great location for those attending a function at the convention center and those who want to be in the heart of downtown. For those traveling with pets, it's also a pet-friendly hotel.
Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square
- Address: 300 W Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Amenities: Full-service restaurant, swimming pool, workout room
Located at the base of Mount Washington, near the Dusquesne Incline funicular station and Station Square shopping and dining center, the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square is great for those looking for a comfortable south shore hotel. Some rooms have scenic views of the Monongahela River and the downtown Pittsburgh skyline beyond.
Pittsburgh Marriott City Center
- Address: 112 Washington Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Amenities: Full-service restaurant, Starbucks, business center, workout room
Located at Chatham Center, on the north side of downtown Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center is a pet-friendly hotel that's ideal for those attending a Penguins game at PPG Paints Arena next door.. The hotel offers free WiFi and valet parking.
Hyatt Place Pittsburgh - North Shore
- Address: 260 N Shore Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Amenities: Full-service restaurant, coffee shop, business center, workout room, breakfast and WiFi
If you'd prefer to stay near the Andy Warhol Museum and other North Shore attractions, then the Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore is a good choice. This hotel is pet-friendly and is in a great location for those exploring the sights and museums on the North Shore and/or attending a Steelers or Pirates game.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown
- Address: 1410 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Amenities: Full-service restaurant, breakfast and WiFi, heated indoor pool
Located near the Strip District on the north side of downtown, four blocks away from the convention center, the Homewood Suites by Hilton offers spacious accommodations with big hotel amenities. Each suite features a full kitchen, a living area and a bedroom or sleeping area. The rooms are great for families or those desiring more spacious accommodations.
Where to Eat in Pittsburgh
Dining is one of the pleasures of visiting Pittsburgh, as the city is known for its wide range of eateries as well as its craft breweries. Below are a few of our favorite Pittsburgh restaurants.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
- Address: 501 Grant St # 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Phone number: (412) 391-1714
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Cuisine: Seafood
This three-diamond restaurant serves top-notch seafood and steaks in a club-like, cozy atmosphere. Eddie V's Prime Seafood, located in downtown Pittsburgh, is open for dinner daily. Menu highlights include the shellfish tower, Chilean sea bass, a 22oz bone-in New York strip and cold water lobster tails.
Altius
- Address: 1230 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
- Phone number: (412) 904-4442
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Cuisine: Contemporary American
Altius is a four-diamond fine-dining restaurant, located atop Mount Washington. The restaurant specializes in seasonal, sustainable, local food products, served in a sleek, modern dining room that doesn't detract from the beautiful views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline. Menu highlights include locally-farmed duck breast with sweet potato risotto and locally-farmed chicken breast supreme with bacon cheddar pierogies. Altius is open for dinner Monday through Saturday.
Church Brew Works
- Address: 3525 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15201
- Phone number: (412) 688-8200
- AAA Diamond-designation: Diamond Approved
- Cuisine: Brewpub, pizza
For a more casual dinner, the Church Brew Works is a good choice. This eatery, located, located in Lawrenceville, midway between downtown and Schenley Park, is housed in the former St. John's the Baptist Church and the owners have kept the stained-glass windows, columns and ornate brickwork of the original building. The menu here includes things like lobster and shrimp mac and cheese, chicken and biscuits and jubilee hilltop ranch meatloaf. Of course, the beer is a highlight here and the brewery has won Church Brew Works is open daily for dinner and Friday, Saturday and Sunday for lunch/brunch.
Primanti Bros
- Address: 46 18th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- Phone Number: (412) 263-2142
- Cuisine: Unique Sandwiches
For a true taste of Pittsburgh, visit Primanti Bros in the historic Strip District. This iconic sandwich shop is known for its signature creations stacked with grilled meat, provolone cheese, coleslaw and fresh cut fries, all tucked between thick slices of Italian bread. With a casual atmosphere and late-night hours, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This original location is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
LeMont
- Address: 1114 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15211
- Phone number: (412) 431-3100
- Cuisine: Continental fare
LeMont, another restaurant on Mount Washington, has been delighting diners with meticulously-prepared classic continental cuisine for more than 60 years. The dining room offers spectacular views of downtown Pittsburgh and menu items include pecan-crusted salmon, roasted raspberry duck and steak Diane. LeMont is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
Pittsburgh Photo Spots
One of the best things about a trip to Pittsburgh is taking memorable photos to help you remember the trip years from now. Fortunately, the "Steel City" offers numerous scenic photo spots. Below are just a few of our favorites:
1. The top of Mount Washington. The top of Mount Washington offers spectacular views of the downtown skyline and the confluence of the three rivers below.
2. Schenley Park. Located between Pittsburgh's Oakland and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods, Schenley Park is 456 acres of green space and home to miles of hiking trails as well as multiple interesting bridges and monuments.
3. The North Shore Riverwalk. This 11.25-acre park and riverwalk is located along the north shore of the Alleghany River, at the headwaters of the Ohio River. The scenic pathway offers abundant city and water views.
4. Union Station. Pittsburgh's Union Station was constructed in 1904 and features a beautiful, Beaux-Arts rotunda and an intricate clock that are perfect for taking interesting vacation photos. The rail station, also sometimes called Penn Station, is located on the north side of downtown.
Day Trips from Pittsburgh
While exploring the city is fun, no trip to the Pittsburgh area would be complete without taking in one or several of the interesting day trips from the city. From historic houses to pristine forests, Western PA offers it all.
Kennywood
Located in West Mifflin, PA, southeast of Pittsburgh, Kennywood is a traditional amusement park with rides, a kiddieland and a variety of themed areas, such as Steeler Country and Thomas Town. Opened in 1898, Kennywood is one of two amusement parks in the United States listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Kennywood is located about 30 minutes southeast of downtown Pittsburgh.
- Kennywood offers discounts for children under 12 and seniors. They also offer season passes.
Fallingwater
Fallingwater, located in the Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania, is one of two unique homes built by Frank Lloyd Wright. Fallingwater was built in 1935 for department store owner Edgar J. Kaufman and his family. The design incorporates a waterfall into the floor plan of the house. Today, Fallingwater is open to visitors Thursday through Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm.
- Fallingwater is located about 90 minutes southeast of downtown Pittsburgh.
- The house offers a variety of tours or you can opt for a grounds pass and explore the property on your own.
Cook Forest State Park
This 8,500-acre state park is surprisingly uncommercial and features miles and miles of hiking trails among the old-growth forest. The art center offers summer theater and a regular schedule of festivals. Other highlights include the iconic firetower, canoeing or tubing down the Clarion River and hunting for treasures in the area's many antique stores. Stay in a cabin or bring your camper to the State Park campgrounds. There is limited cell service and internet access here, but for many, that's part of the charm.
- Cook Forest is located about an hour and 45-minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh.
- There is no entrance fee to the park. Campground spaces and cabins are fairly reasonably priced.
Seven Springs
Seven Springs is a popular regional ski resort in the winter months (roughly late November to mid-April) and a scenic place to go hiking, golfing, biking or zip-lining in the summer. The resort features a lodge overlooking the ski slopes.
- Seven Springs is located about an hour's drive southeast of Pittsburgh.
- Seven Springs offers a number of seasonal passes.
Meadville
Visiting Meadville is an escape into small-town America. The charming town, located about two-hours north of Pittsburgh, features several craft breweries, as well as a delightful, independent bookstore and other downtown shops and several historic homes that are open for tours.
- Meadville is about a two-hour drive north of Pittsburgh.
- Exploring the town on foot is free. Brewery and house tours carry a modest fee.
Flight 93 National Memorial
Located approximately 90 minutes southwest of Pittsburgh, the Flight 93 National Monument honors the 40 passengers and crew who lost their lives on that flight during the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 and their actions that thwarted the intended attack on the US Capitol Building that day. Visitors can hike through the field, view a multi-media presentation about that day and see the unique Tower of Voices windchime.
- The Flight 93 National Memorial is located about 90 miles by car from Pittsburgh.
- There is no fee to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial.
Visiting Pittsburgh on a Budget
Traveling to Pittsburgh doesn't have to break your travel budget. There are a number of free attractions in the city, as well as other ways to save money while still having fun. Make sure to ask your AAA Travel Agent about member discounts that might apply to your Pittsburgh trip.
1. See the free attractions. There are a myriad of free things to do in and around Pittsburgh. Just a few of these include exploring art galleries during the quarterly downtown art crawl, hiking in one of the more than 70 parks within 90 minutes of downtown Pittsburgh and touring the intriguing Alleghany Conservatory.
2. Use senior discounts, if applicable. Pennsylvania values its citizens, ages 65 and older. Discounts for this group include free rides on public transportation (with the PA senior citizen connect card), discounts at major museums like the Andy Warhol and Carnegie Museum of Natural History and restaurant discounts at chains like Applebee's and Waffle House.
3. Take advantage of AAA member discounts. Being a member of AAA comes with a myriad of perks. Among these are car rental discounts, discounts on admission tickets and hotel discounts. Make sure to ask your travel consultant about these valuable membership perks.
4. Park for free. Parking is free downtown on Sundays and during the holiday shopping season.
5. Take a free walking tour. Free Pittsburgh Walking Tours is just one of several companies that offer interesting, guided walking tours, in and around Pittsburgh. Current offerings include a downtown walking tour and a walking tour of Pittsburgh's north shore. Just make sure to tip your tour guide if you enjoyed the tour.
Plan Your Pittsburgh Vacation with AAA
Traveling to Pittsburgh doesn't have to be confusing or stressful. Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Pittsburgh trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.