The 10 Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh, United States

October 28, 2017 Vivienne Hutton

Pittsburgh has been remade and reimagined. Think 24 miles of riverfront trails, beautiful parks and historic attractions. Home to 90 neighborhoods, the ‘Burgh feels authentic and unpretentious. No visit is complete without a trip to the Strip District or PNC Park, a ride up the Duquesne Incline or a stop at The Andy Warhol Museum. Architecture buffs love Pittsburgh for the amazing downtown buildings. Hollywood producers, do, too—the city has even been called the “Hollywood of the East."
Restaurants in Pittsburgh

1. Bicycle Heaven

1800 Preble & Columbus Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 +1 412-734-4034
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 562 reviews

Bicycle Heaven

Bicycle Heaven is the World's largest bicycle museum and bike shop.

Reviewed By ZanderAustralia - Australia

After reading about this establishment on TripAdvisor we felt compelled to visit and we were absolutely delighted we chose to do so. The building is unassuming but step inside and I felt transported to a different world. There were bikes everywhere, of every description and vintage. The ether smelled of bikes. My memory was taken back to my childhood and cycling in the hills with my pals on their Raleigh Choppers. Over 3000 bicycles crammed into every nook and cranny. I felt the passion of the person who had amassed this wonderful collection. What a place, what fun, what nostalgia.

2. PNC Park

115 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5724 +1 412-323-5000
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 5 reviews

PNC Park

This retro, yet modern, urban park incorporates classic design elements with modern amenities for both spectators and athletes.

Reviewed By Traveling1994 - Rochester

Went to the Pirates opening day as a part of our MLB Stadium tour and was not impressed. Pirates fans were great and created a good atmosphere but the facility itself was a disappointment. Stale, cold pretzels on opening day at the start of the game, Summer Shandy for $13.50/can. Multiple bathrooms had over flowing toilets.... was not managed well. Expect more from an MLB stadium....

3. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3830 +1 412-622-6914
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. Visit to discover breathtaking seasonal flower shows and special exhibits, a nationally-recognized orchid collection, butterflies, botanical gardens, fun family activities, and much more.

Reviewed By mjpk25 - Parkersburg, West Virginia

wow!...the smell of springtime is amazing and phipps captured it in lovely themed rooms...benches were everywhere to take a break and really experience the beauty...the chihuly sculptures were artistically placed thru out the conservatory...stunning!...gift shop was large, but as with most gift shops in this setting, a bit overpriced...our only beef was the parking...instead of allowing guests to have prime parking, they have staff w/prime parking...walking is not an issue for us, per say but we did see several people exhausted from the long walk from parking...maybe offer an open air shuttle or better yet, have your staff park far away from the building instead of you patrons...

4. Mount Washington

Pittsburgh, PA 15211 +1 412-381-1391
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Mount Washington

Located directly south of downtown Pittsburgh, this lively neighborhood boasts an active business district in addition to scenic parks and recreational activities.

Reviewed By Katherine G - The Villages, Florida

We took the Monongehela Incline up and walked aways to spectacular outlook point of the Pittsburgh skyline. The fountain were the rivers meet was not working (cold-n-snowy) but on a sunny day I imagine that spot combined with looking out at the "yellow" bridges that line the rivers is spectacular. Monterray Bay Restaurant is located there. Shiloh Street was a local neighborhood street with shops, bars, a diner, and bakery. Pretty area.

5. Heinz Hall

600 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3209 +1 412-392-4900
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 241 reviews

Heinz Hall

Reviewed By foodlovercocolo - Pittsburgh, PA

Heinz Hall is a beautiful theater in the cultural district in Pittsburgh. Said to be styled after the famous La Scala in Milan. A wonderful venue for anything.

6. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-4007 +1 412-622-3131
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Carnegie Museum of Natural History is the place for kids to discover science and the wonders of the natural world. Dig for bones in Bonehunters Quarry, get hands-on with real and replica specimens in Discovery Basecamp, grind corn in a Hopi home, and more. Dinosaurs are just the beginning! Free family-activities, touchables, and Bonehunters Quarry available each weekend and weekdays during the summer.

Reviewed By bardgirl1 - New York City, New York

Everyone knows the dinosaurs are the reason to head to the Carnegie, so I'll cut to the chase.

First off, Dinosaurs in their Time offers unparalleled presentation, right down to recreation of the plant life of the time. I've never felt so immersed in the Mesozoic, and that's a selling point in itself.

Then, there's the fossil collection. Although there are nice little Triassic and Mesozoic Ocean Life sections bookcasing the exhibit, the big focus will be on the Jurassic and Cretaceous sections. While the Cretaceous section can more than hold it's own against many others, the centerpiece being dueling T-Rexes, it's the Jurassic section that is the museum's claim to fame.

With access to many of the best dig sites the Utah section of what is now Dinosaur National Monument had to offer during the Bone Rush, the Carnegie is home to what is probably the greatest Morrison Formation dinosaur collection in the world. Ceratosaurus attacks a Dryosaur. Stegosaurus and Camptosaurus amble about. Allosaurus terrorizes and disturbs the peace. But the highlight - and the reasons this is one of the great dinosaur collections - are the three stunning sauropods: A juvenile Camarasaurus which is the most complete sauropod ever found, a gorgeously robust Apatosaurus Louisae, and the museum's mascot - the original, world famous, Dippy the Diplodocus - which might still be the world's most famous dinosaur thanks in part to casts that Carnegie himself had sent to other natural history museums around the world.

An essential dinosaur collection, especially if the Jurassic is your period of choice.

7. Heinz Memorial Chapel

1212 Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260-6124 +1 412-624-4157
Excellent
76%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 209 reviews

Heinz Memorial Chapel

Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, Arizona

As an architecture buff, I found myself fascinated with this lovely Gothic-Revival chapel on the University of Pittsburgh campus. It appears austere on the exterior with its walls of gray Indiana limestone. But when I entered, the morning sun spilled through the 23 magnificent stained-glass windows, bringing warmth and beauty to the space. Rich oak wood glowed throughout, making up the pews, pulpit, choir stalls and more. Stone vaults, high ceilings and repeated arches also contribute to the overall effect.

At 146-feet in length, 55-feet wide and 100-feet high, this is one of the largest chapels I have visited on a university campus. Its 73-feet-high transept stained-glass windows are among the tallest in the world. But I still felt a sense of intimacy when I sat for a while in one of the pews, looking around in appreciation at what the builders have achieved.

A gift to the university from Henry John Heinz, founder of the H.J. Heinz Company, the nondenominational chapel opened in 1938. It stands opposite the iconic Cathedral of Learning, another campus building that I consider well worth visiting. A wide expanse of grass flanked by shade trees stands between the two structures.

To reach the campus, I took a public bus from Downtown Pittsburgh and got off at the Cathedral of Learning.

8. Wigle Whiskey

2401 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4673 +1 412-224-2827
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 407 reviews

Wigle Whiskey

Wigle is the first distillery in Pittsburgh since Prohibition and makes all of its spirits from scratch from local, organic ingredients. Stop by the Strip District distillery for cocktails, a sample flight or tour. Our tasting room is open Monday thur Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sundays 10-4. Tours of the distillery are given on Saturdays and are limited in size; please sign up for tours in advance on our website to guarantee a spot.

Reviewed By morvidas - minnesota

Yes, Gin! We had several hours to kill before our flight, so we stopped in for some cocktails o' the patio. There are plenty of games to play while you navigate around the several EXCELLENT spirit options. We were surprised to see Gin on the list....so G&T it was. We were at a loss to explain why it was SO GOOD! Likewise for everyone else we have shared our purchases with at home. We already ordered more. Go for the fun and bring some home.

9. Heinz Field

100 Art Rooney Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5729 +1 412-697-7150
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Heinz Field

Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, this horseshoe-shaped stadium opened in 2001, and offers spectacular views of the city and riverfront.

Reviewed By James A - Windsor, Canada

I went here twice last year to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers' beat the Cincinnati Bengals 29-14 in October and then they beat up the Titans 40-17 in November. I really enjoyed watching the NFL games at this stadium and will look forward to more of...MoreThank you for your review. We appreciate your feedback!

10. Cathedral of Learning

University of Pittsburgh, 4200 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, PA +1 412-624-6000
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 825 reviews

Cathedral of Learning

Reviewed By LTRtraveler - San Diego, California

The nationality classrooms on ground and 3rd floors are the main draw here, although the building itself is a thing of beauty as well (Harry Potter fans, look down to the main lobby area from third floor railing, could you see Hogwarts?). It is fun and fascinating to go into each classroom to learn a little about each country. I found the coolest thing is that these classrooms are modernized and used today even though they were built between 1938 and 1957. Try to avoid Sundays during school breaks as the building belongs to and is operated by Pittsburgh University and the classrooms are locked (the first time we tried going).

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