What to do in Pittsburgh, PA

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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Most fun & popular experiences in Pittsburgh


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Pittsburgh

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Downtown Pittsburgh

4.5/5(15 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
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North Shore

4.5/5(2 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 take a ride at North Side Station.

North Shore
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Oakland

3.5/5(3 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
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Shadyside

5/5(1 area review)

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 Regional History Centre featuring signage and interior views

Strip District

Strip District is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Senator John Heinz Regional History Centre or Pittsburgh Opera.

Strip District
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Mount Washington

Spend some time visiting places like Patrick Fagan Overlook while getting to know Mount Washington, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at South Hills Junction Station or Palm Garden Station to see more of the area.

Mount Washington

Day trip destinations from Pittsburgh