Things to do and see in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Activities
Visitor Information
Pop City
Pop City is a weekly e-magazine on people, neighborhoods, and current cultural events happening in Pittsburgh.
A fun article on sights to see is “Top 10 Unique Things to Pittsburgh.”
Pittsburgh Walking Tours
Pittsburgh Walking Tours, including Historic Districts, Historic Interiors, City Legacies, and Public Art, are presented by the Pittsburgh Department of City Planning. Here is more walking tour information, including self-guided tours, park trails, and guided tours, compiled by the Carnegie Library.
Outdoor Adventures
Pittsburgh Nightlife
Pittsburgh Nightlight is an information source for evening events around the city.
Oakland and East Pittsburgh (map)
University of Pittsburgh
The Cathedral of Learning is the 2nd tallest education building in the world, housing the University of Pittsburgh's administrative offices and classrooms for many liberal arts departments, including the Nationality Rooms.
- The 27 Nationality Rooms represent authentic aspects of various cultures.
Tours are available to visit these unique classrooms.
- The Stephen Foster Memorial houses the Center for American Music, which is part of the University Library System..
- Heinz Memorial Chapel, a non-denominational chapel modeled after the Sainte Chapelle in Paris.
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University: Hunt Institute has books, plant images, manuscripts, and portraits on the history of botany. The University Libraries' Fine & Rare Book Room is available by appointment only.
Carnegie Museum Complex
The Carnegie museum complex includes the following buildings:
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s main branch is located in the heart of Oakland, established in 1895.
- Carnegie Museum of Art
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Philpps Concervatory and Botanical Gardens
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, one of the nation's oldest and largest Victorian glasshouse botanical gardens located in Schenley Park, provides exhibits, events, and programming that celebrate flora.
South Side (map)
The South Side: Carson Street
The South Side provides an eclectic mix of shops & restaurants on the main thoroughfare that is Carson Street. Among tattoo parlors, vintage and antique stores, book stores and boutiques, you can shop for cigars, records, pet paraphernalia, guitars, jewelry, and more. If you enjoy people watching, the South Side is a great place to take a stroll. Restaurant cuisine is equally vibrant on the South Side, from pub fare to the upscale; you can find Thai, Lebanese, Italian, Japanese, French, and even American. This neighborhood provides a wide variety of fashion, food, or fetish.
Inclines
Duquesne & Monongahela Inclines provide spectacular views of downtown Pittsburgh from the neighborhood of Mt. Washington, which sits atop the steep ride along the Monongahela River. A trip to Pittsburgh isn’t complete without a ride on the funicular railway. Catch your ride at the Station Square or across from downtown.
The incline schedules are available from the Port Authority, with directions and bus connections included.
Station Square
Station Square is a riverfront complex of dining, boutiques and entertainment where you can catch the Gateway Clipper, a surf n’ turf experience on the Just Ducky Tour, the Pittsburgh inclines, horse and carriage rides, and so much more.
North Side (map)
Andy Wahol Museum
Andy Warhol Museum is one of the four Carnegie museums of Pittsburgh, maintaining permanent collections and archives of the famous native Pittsburgher, including his film, sculpture, paintings, drawings, prints, video, photographs and more.
The Mattress Factory Art Museum
The Mattress Factory Art Museum is a contemporary art museum dedicated to room-sized installation projects. Located in the historic Victorian-era Mexican War Streets of the North Side and named in 1848 for the battles and generals of the Mexican-American war, you can stroll amongst examples of almost all types of Victorian architecture, including Italianate, Empire, Queen Anne, and Gothic Revival.
Sports Statiums
PNC Park & Heinz Stadium. See the home of the Steelers and the Pirates.
Carnegie Science Center
Carnegie Science Center is another Carnegie museum of Pittsburgh.
You’ll find interactive exhibits, the Omnimax theater and more.
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh celebrated its 25th birthday this year. Exhibits include a replication of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, an art studio, and much more to explore.
The National Aviary
The National Aviary has over 600 birds from around the world, along with exciting programs and events.
Penn Brewery
Penn Brewery is an authentic German brewery in the historic Deutschtown section of the North Side. Enjoy Vorspeisen (appetizers), Sauerbraten, Wienerschnitzel, or a salad with one of the brewery’s German-style beers.
Downtown and Strip District (map)
Senator John Heinz History Center
Senator John Heinz History Center is Pennsylvania’s largest historical museum featuring traveling and permanent exhibitions that reflect the history of sports, industry, and people of Western Pennsylvania.
Society for Contemporary Craft
Society for Contemporary Craft shows work from around the world in metal, wood, clay, found objects, fiber, and glass. Great for finding unique gifts
The Strip District
On the Strip, explore different ethnic food stores, produce markets, coffee shops and restaurants during the day, but at night you can find live music and clubs for entertainment.
"Golden Triangle" and Point Park
Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle” is the confluence of three rivers: the Monongahela River, the Ohio River, and the Allegheny. This triangle of land is downtown Pittsburgh. At the western tip is Point Park, which is the original site of Fort Pitt. The 36-acre park includes the Fort Pitt Museum and the Fort Pitt Blockhouse, where you can find historical information on the significance of the site. The Blockhouse was built in 1764 by Colonel Henry and is the oldest authentic building in Western Pennsylvania.
