Pittsburgh

Travel Guide
Pittsburgh
The Steel City shimmers with natural beauty, architectural flair and cultural panache.

Pittsburgh, often on America’s list of “most livable cities,” was built on innovations in the steel industry. That legacy can still be seen today in the downtown skyline, with its towering modern buildings.

The city is also defined by its geography. Two separate rivers — the Monongahela and the Allegheny — meet to form the Ohio River. The waterways divide the city into nearly 100 distinct neighborhoods built on and around steep, picturesque hills. For the best views of the city, trace the routes of Pittsburgh’s early immigrant miners and take the Monongahela Incline or the Duquesne Incline to the top of Mount Washington.

You’ll see that there’s a good reason Pittsburgh is known as a cultural hub of the East Coast. Steel baron Andrew Carnegie, once the richest man in the world, gave his hometown four major cultural institutions. The Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Science Center are all located in the neighborhood of Oakland. Learn about another famous Pittsburgh son at the fourth Carnegie institution: The Andy Warhol Museum, located at the city’s North Shore.

Pittsburgh also offers plenty of outdoor attractions. Check out Point State Park, where the three rivers meet, or take a stroll along the tranquil wooded paths at Riverview Park. Head to the Phipps Conservatory at Schenley Park for displays of botanical splendor, or the National Aviary to encounter more than 200 species of rare and exotic birds.

If you’re traveling with children, you’ll find plenty to keep them busy and happy. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh offers a variety of opportunities to stretch young minds while Kennywood has acres of amusement park fun.

Summer is the best time to visit Pittsburgh. The city comes alive with festivals such as the Three Rivers Arts Festival and the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Basing yourself in the downtown areas will give you quickest access to all the major sights and attractions. The city’s winding, narrow streets can take some getting used to, but the public buses are frequent and reliable.

Where to stay in Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Downtown Pittsburgh

4.5/5(187 area reviews)

Discover the urban downtown center, home to historic sites like Point State Park and the Cultural District. Enjoy diverse shopping options and easy access to public transportation, including the "T" light rail and bus networks.

Downtown Pittsburgh
North Shore showing a river or creek, a bridge and a city

North Shore

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Heinz Field, PNC Park, and The Andy Warhol Museum await in this vibrant area, connected to Downtown Pittsburgh by the iconic Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson Bridges. Enjoy easy access to two light rail stations.

North Shore
Oakland showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and signage

Oakland

4/5(22 area reviews)

Academic and healthcare hub, Oakland boasts museums, shopping venues, and diverse dining options along Forbes and Fifth Avenue. Explore historic districts and easily navigate the area via the distinctive city steps and public transportation.

Oakland
This place is great! Great beer selection and pub menu. I tried the Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Served with Tomato Soup and Homemade Garlic-Parm Fries. So delicious! You have to check out their grilled cheese menu! #delicious

Shadyside

Victorian mansions and modern apartments create a diverse residential atmosphere. Explore upscale stores on Walnut Street, dine at local eateries like Pamela's Diner, and easily walk between the three business corridors. Public transportation is accessible.

Shadyside
Senator John Heinz History Center which includes interior views and signage

Strip District

4/5(1 area review)

Brimming with specialty shops, unique boutiques, and ethnic food purveyors, the Strip District offers a lively atmosphere with art studios, antique dealers, and the historic St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. Enjoy open-air markets and vibrant nightlife during summer months.

Strip District
South Shore showing a city, landscape views and a river or creek

Mount Washington

Consider a visit to Patrick Fagan Overlook and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Mount Washington. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at South Hills Junction Station or Palm Garden Station.

Mount Washington
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
3.5 out of 5
600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA
The price is CA $203 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $203
CA $232 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.4/10 Good! (2,721 reviews)
"The bed and pillows were comfortable and the view was nice. The bathroom was very small and the towels a bit worn."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Homewood Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown
Homewood Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown
3 out of 5
1410 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA
The price is CA $192 per night from Jun. 3 to Jun. 4
CA $192
CA $219 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Very nice hotel. Within walking distance of PNC Park and in a very nice neighborhood. Look forward to returning to Pittsburgh, and will look to book at this hotel."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Homewood Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport
2.5 out of 5
8507 University Blvd, Coraopolis, PA
The price is CA $105 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $105
CA $119 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Coraopolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,510 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly. Room and property were very clean. Felt safe while there. We were only there for about 10 hours or so because we were there to catch a 2:30 shuttle to the airport."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay Pittsburgh
Stay Pittsburgh
2 out of 5
100 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC Park are ...
7.4/10 Good! (26 reviews)
"Great staff and management. Extremely clean property. In the middle of downtown!"

Reviewed on Apr. 30, 2024

Stay Pittsburgh
Kasa South Side Pittsburgh
Kasa South Side Pittsburgh
4 out of 5
2626 Tunnel Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a business center. Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (51 reviews)
"Fantastic property!! Very clean and well stocked. Lots of extras that made our stay enjoyable. Only downfall was that our apartment unit was a long walk from the parking garage but otherwise everything was perfect. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Mar. 5, 2024

Kasa South Side Pittsburgh
Abode Pittsburgh - Downtown Convention Center
Abode Pittsburgh - Downtown Convention Center
3.5 out of 5
Liberty Avenue 1100, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC Park ...
7/10 Good! (53 reviews)
"At night the property was very quiet, and the people that we encountered were very friendly👍"

Reviewed on Jan. 7, 2024

Abode Pittsburgh - Downtown Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Pittsburgh

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
130
" "5 - Excellent 49.42965779467681%
4 - Good
109
" "4 - Good 41.444866920152094%
3 - Okay
23
" "3 - Okay 8.745247148288973%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.38022813688212925%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Mar. 17, 2020

Nice city. Downtown be vigilant. Typical homeless of any large city. Outside of downtown the area grows on you. Great character and amazing scenery. Worth the visit.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Feb. 28, 2020

Just passing through.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 21, 2020

Easy 5 hour drive from Woodstock, Ont., cheap hockey tickets, Drury only 10 minute walk to Arena.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 20, 2020

Andy Warhol's Museum, Carnegie Science Center, Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Aviary, The Strip

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Dec. 17, 2019

Friendly people, hotel was close to hockey arena and football stadium, strip zone.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Nov. 28, 2019

Love the city. Felt very safe walking around. Very clean and friendly.

Cities near Pittsburgh