Pittsburgh is my hometown. I have been living in this city for about 8+ years now, and I am in love with the area. I personally think Pittsburgh has the big city feeling without having to live in one. We have lots of museums, restaurants, universities, events, and of course sports! Yes, sports! We are big in sports in this city! Have you ever heard of the Steelers (football) or the Penguins (hockey) or the Pirates (baseball)?
I get the question about "what to do in Pittsburgh?" all the time. Here are some of my top ten things to do in Pittsburgh:
(Note: not everyone has the same preferences but this list should give an idea for any kind of preferences).
1. Duquesne Incline & Mount Washington View of the city
The incline is a funicular ride located near Pittsburgh south side. If you take the trip up in the incline you will get to Mount Washington which is one of the best views of the city also (photo of the view displayed)
2. Randyland
Randyland is becoming one of my favorite spots in the city. Mostly because I love taking photos and it is a great spot for photos. Randyland is an art museum (it is free to enter but they accept donations) widely regarded as one of America's most colorful public art landmarks. The museum was created by Randy Gilson and is dedicated to his outsider art.
3. Primantis Bros.
This is where you can find the famous sandwich with the fries, better known as the Pittsburger. They are located all around Pittsburgh, including at market square or the waterfront at Munhall.
4. Kennywood
This is a favorite for the kids and many adults. Kennywood is a theme park in the Pittsburgh area that has been around for over a 100 years. It has a "retro" feel to it, but they have some new rides opened in the last few years. Since I am a local, I have season passes, so we go all the time. The steel curtain ride opened this year (2019) and it looks amazing!
5. Museums & Botanical Garden: Heinz History Museum, Andy Warhol, Natural History Museum, Art Museum, Science Center, Children's Museum, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, Aviary, Clemente Museum...
You cannot go wrong with museums, in my opinion. There are options for any kind of person, whether you like art or science or you have kids... there is pretty much a choice for any preference. I would like to point out that the Clemente Museum does require a reservation ahead of time but it is worth it if you want to hear about the baseball player Roberto Clemente. Perhaps, even if you are not super interested in baseball, this place could also interest someone who is into photography, history or wine... I recommend it!
6. Pittsburgh Zoo
My kids love the Pittsburgh zoo. This is an option just outside the city and you can visit it all year around. One interesting aspect of the Pittsburgh zoo is that they have an aquarium combined with the regular zoo, which is included in the same visit. Most of the aquarium is indoors which is a great option for the cold season in the area.
7. PNC Park Tours (Pirates' stadium) or Heinz Field Tours (Steelers' stadium)
I did the tours recently with a friend visiting from out of town and I was not disappointed. Make sure you look at the schedule for the tours because they are not offered all the time (they have specific schedules for the tour). If you are into sports and cannot make it to a game, this is a great option to see the stadiums, some history of the teams and what they are all about.
8. Cathedral of Learning & Nationality Rooms
I love the cathedral of learning! It is a Pittsburgh landmark, and in my opinion, it looks like a building that could be part of Harry Potter movies (Hogwarts kind of look). The building is the centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh's main campus and it is beautiful. You can visit the Nationality rooms within the building which are rooms representing different nations across the world. The Nationality Rooms are available daily for public tours as long as the particular room is not being used for a class or other university function.
9. Station Square & PPG Place
Pittsburgh's Market Square is a public space located in Downtown Pittsburgh at the intersection of Forbes Avenue and Market Street. The square was home to the first courthouse, first jail and the first newspaper west of the Atlantic Plain, the Pittsburgh Gazette. There are many events hosted at Market Square year around with plenty of restaurant options. In the winter time, you will find Christmas shops; while in the summer you may find free yoga days and all kinds of cultural events at the square.
PPG Place (adjacent to Station Square)
PPG Place is next to Station Square. It is the "shinning" building complex home of many Pittsburgh finest firms. The buildings are beautiful for photos and it is a very peculiar set of "Pittsburgh buildings" that you must see. In the middle of PPG place, you can find the winter Ice rink during the winter time and the "Wintergarden", which is an all glass garden environment that can be rented for private receptions. In the warmer days, you will see a very nice fountain that my kids love to play with.
10. "The Point"
Last but not least is the Point. Point State Park is located at the confluence of three rivers (the Allegheny, Monongahela, forming the Ohio River). It is at the tip of Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle”. Point State Park is a National History Landmark that commemorates and preserves the strategic and historic heritage of the area during the French and Indian War (1754-1763).
I loved learning your personality and what you like and I truly do love these places