Things To Do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Activities, attractions and tours
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Attractions

Sitting in southwest Pennsylvania, this city of steel may have a history deeply steeped in the metal industry, but these days it is teeming with everything from art to sports. Things to do in Pittsburgh include visiting an elaborate waterfront complex brimming with restaurants and shopping, cheering on the local baseball team, and learning something new at one of the many local museums. Of course, Pittsburgh activities can also appeal to your stomach, since the city is no stranger to ethnic cuisine from around the world.

Areas & Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh each boast their own unique charm and appeal. While the city’s reputation may paint it as a bit of a rough and tumble character, make no mistake: Pittsburgh is also soft around the edges in many respects. It’s not just sports and steel that thrive here. Art and culture are also a huge part of the landscape in many Steel City neighborhoods.

Downtown — Naturally downtown Pittsburgh is teeming with lots of activity; this is the place where more than 20 miles of riverfront trailway, tons of shopping, and the historic Market Square make a home. While you’re downtown, you can also explore the nightlife when the sun goes down.

Oakland — In the mind of a foodie, the most fun things to do in Pittsburgh reside in a neighborhood called Oakland. In this district you are met with restaurants are serving up authentic cuisine from countries including Malaysia, China, and India.

Strip District — Don’t miss a chance to visit the Strip District, which is replete with sidewalk vendors and local sandwich shops. While the dining may not be fancy here, it is definitely delicious.

North Shore — This river city couldn’t be replete without a thriving riverfront neighborhood, and the North Shore fills the niche. Including venues like Heinz Field, PNC Park, and a local casino, this part of Pittsburgh can keep you very busy.

Of course, day trips from Pittsburgh let you explore western Pennsylvania, but you may find you have no desire to leave the city.

Things to See in Pittsburgh

Before you get busy taking Pittsburgh by storm, consider slowing down and visiting some of the best things to see in the city. Marvel at the works inside the Carnegie Museum of Art, take a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens in the Phipps Conservatory, and pay homage to a world-class artist at the Andy Warhol Museum. Keep your camera handy, because you never know when Pittsburgh will present you with an excellent photo opportunity.

Things to Do & Attractions in Pittsburgh

From the great outdoors to thumping music festivals, The River City has many things to offer a traveler. Of all the things to do in Pittsburgh, PA, perhaps the most quintessential is a trip up the Duquesne Incline. The railway affords an unparalleled view of the city as it travels up the steep hillside. You can also go on a river boat tour, bike along the Great Allegheny Passage, or spend the day in nearby Kennywood®, where rollercoasters and other thrill rides are calling your name.


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Downtown Pittsburgh which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Downtown Pittsburgh

4.5/5(187 area reviews)

Abundant dining options, interesting museums and live music are just a few top things to explore in Downtown Pittsburgh. A visit to PPG Paints Arena or Benedum Center might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Wood Street Station or Steel Plaza Station to get around town.

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

North Shore

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

Visitors often come to North Shore for its stunning river views, but many stay to explore sights like PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at North Side Station.

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

Oakland

4/5(22 area reviews)

Oakland is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Petersen Events Center and Carnegie Museum of Natural History while in the area.

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

Unique features of Shadyside include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Walnut Street or Mellon Park while you're exploring the area.

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

Strip District

4/5(1 area review)

Travelers come to Strip District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Senator John Heinz Regional History Centre and Pittsburgh Opera while you're in town.

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

Day trip destinations from Pittsburgh