What to do and see in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Free Things to do

September 25, 2021 Agatha Simes

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 [email protected] http://www.bicycleheaven.org
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 859 reviews

Bicycle Heaven

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

Reviewed By bridgetteb531

Free parking in a gated lot and free entrance to the museum and working bike repair shop. Amazing collection of bicycles and other items in fantastic condition! We met the owner/collector Craig and enjoyed chatting about his fun "hobby" - nice guy and truley passionate about bikes. Great trip down memory lane and seeing unique items that just put a smile on your face. If you're looking for something different to do rain or shine, pop in and visit - make sure to go to second floor to see it all! Vending machine snacks available, a nail salon/masseuse on premise and restrooms. Our 1st time in Pittsburg - We did trifecta tour of Bicycle Heaven, Music museum next door, and Randyland nearby. Fun way to spend a few hours!

2. Strip District

between 11th & 33rd Streets, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,969 reviews

Strip District

Located on a narrow strip of land in a flood plain, scenic neighborhood features historic points of interest such as Senator John Heinz Regional History Center and Pennsylvania Railroad Fruit Auction Building.

Reviewed By JamesDR1117 - Fayetteville, United States

Went to the Strip District again on a family weekend outing. I live the multicultural shops and restaurants. Lots of great things to do, buy, taste and see. Good prices in the shops. Gotta always go the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, Primanti Bro’s, and get a cannoli fresh from the vendors on the street near their bakery, My Sweet Lilly. The place has it all. Must see area if you live in Pittsburgh, passing through or are visiting. I’ll definitely be back.

3. Point State Park

601 Commonwealth Pl Bldg A, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 +1 412-565-2850 [email protected] http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/point/
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 914 reviews

Point State Park

Serving as a key strategic spot during the French and Indian War, this National Historic Landmark and park offer stunning views of the city and a variety of outdoor recreation.

Reviewed By phillyloverbhm - Philadelphia, United States

It is a short (10 minute) walk from downtown Pittsburgh (Cultural District area) to the golden triangle or tip where 3 rivers meet. This free park is bustling with families, joggers, people walking or biking. From Point State Park, you can see across the river to the sports stadiums, and view the Warhol, Carson and Clemente bright yellow sister bridges. There is a historical section for Fort Pitt open during the day.

4. Mount Washington

Pittsburgh, PA 15211 +1 412-381-1391 http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/about-pittsburgh/neighborhoods/mt-washington/
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,995 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 RiverwoodWriter - Toms Brook, United States

We took the Duquesne Incline up Mount Washington and enjoyed the spectacular and panoramic view of the city looking down on the confluence of the three rivers (Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio) and Point Lookout Park.

5. Allegheny Cemetery

4734 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201-2951 +1 412-682-1624 http://www.alleghenycemetery.com/
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 95 reviews

Allegheny Cemetery

Instituted in 1844, this 300-acre cemetery is the final resting place of such notables as Lillian Russell, Stephen Foster and General John Neville.

Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States

Wonderful historical cemetery featuring the final resting place of such notables as Stephen Foster, J.B. Ford, Lillian Russell, Josh Gibson, Harry Thaw, Stanley Turrentine, plus many political, military, and business figures. Love the historical entrances with their towers. The art and architecture throughout the cemetery are beautiful. Enjoy the rolling hills and scenic views within the grounds. Be sure to check the cemetery's website for the Resources tab under which you can find brochures for self-guided tours of the cemetery and more information about some notables.

6. Shadyside

Suite 205, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 +1 412-682-1298 http://www.shadysideacademy.org/
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 170 reviews

Shadyside

Filled with many shops, boutiques, cafes and bars, this neighborhood is home to many Carnegie Mellon college students during the school year.

Reviewed By misopiso88 - Seattle, United States

Located just north of CMU campus, Shadyside is a nice part of Pittsburgh with lots of great restaurants, coffee shops as well as big box retail like Target and Whole Foods. A good area to consider staying if you are looking for a hotel.

7. Cathedral of Learning

University of Pittsburgh 4200 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, PA +1 412-624-6000 http://www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 963 reviews

Cathedral of Learning

Reviewed By PGHLauren - Pittsburgh, United States

Oakland is home to many of Pittsburgh's gorgeous museums, and the Cathedral of Learning should definitely be included in any visit to the city. The nationality rooms are unlike anything I've ever seen, and this campus building is truly a unique gem that is worth exploring!

8. Schenley Park

Pittsburgh, PA 15213 +1 412-682-7275 [email protected] http://www.pittsburghparks.org/schenley-park
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 173 reviews

Schenley Park

Situated in the heart of Oakland, Schenley Park has come to be Pittsburgh’s civic park. Created in 1889 with land donated by heiress Mary Schenley, the park now contains 456 acres of trails, woods, and attractions. A daily destination for university students, business-people, and outdoor enthusiasts, the park also hosts major annual events such as the Vintage Grand Prix and the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure. Visitors to Schenley Park can spend a morning at the remarkable Phipps Conservatory, enjoy lunch and a concert at the Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center, relax on Flagstaff Hill, play a round at the Bob O’Connor Golf Course, head to the Schenley Oval Sportsplex for ice skating or summer sports, or take a dip in the swimming pool. And of course, the trails offer a refreshing and convenient escape from the city. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy restored the Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center in 2001 and operates the space today with event and culinary partners, Eat'n Park Hospitality Group. In 2005, the Parks Conservancy worked with City of Pittsburgh crews to rehabilitate the Phipps Run stream channel that stretches from behind the Visitor Center down to Panther Hollow Lake. Restoration of the Panther Hollow Watershed is continuous, with the ultimate goal of restoring Panther Hollow Lake to a water quality that will once again allow for recreational use.

Reviewed By jaredh889 - Scenery Hill, United States

I live very close to Schenley, absolutely love it. It is a great place to walk and exercise. It is kept well by the city. The bridle trail is the best to walk on, also check out the Panther Hollow area.

9. Roberto Clemente Bridge (Sixth Street Bridge)

Pittsburgh, PA http://pghbridges.com/pittsburghW/0584-4477/sixth_st_br.htm
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 404 reviews

Roberto Clemente Bridge (Sixth Street Bridge)

Reviewed By BrianCB62 - Pittsburgh, United States

The Roberto Clemente bridge, which is also known as the Sixth Street Bridge, is on the North side of Pittsburgh and crosses the Allegheny River. Construction started in 1925 and was completed in 1928. The bridge closes on game days when the Pirates are home and this is a very cool local thing to be able to walk over the bridge to get to your car or go to dinner. The bridge has a section where people hang locks bestowing their love for one another and it’s cool to see. Clearly the best tome to see the bridge is at night viewing the cityscape beyond it.

10. Heinz Memorial Chapel

1212 Cathedral of Learning University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260-6124 +1 412-624-4157 http://www.heinzchapel.pitt.edu
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 254 reviews

Heinz Memorial Chapel

Reviewed By kelseybundra12

This chapel is a must see if you are in the University of Pittsburgh area. It’s very close to the campus. Please go on the days it is open because it’s beauty is breathtaking.

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