Top 10 Things to Do in Pittsburgh

If you are planning to visit Pittsburgh, you will be amazed by the diversity and richness of this city. Pittsburgh has a lot to offer to its visitors, from cultural and historical landmarks to natural and recreational attractions. In this article, we will show you the top 10 things to do in Pittsburgh for independent tourists, families, and fun seekers.

Whether you want to admire the stunning views from the Duquesne Incline, explore the exotic plants and art at the Phipps Conservatory, or enjoy the nightlife and cuisine in the vibrant neighborhoods, you will find plenty of reasons to love the city. Use our list to create your itinerary or download our self-guided audio tour to follow the expert's fun and insightful commentary of the best things to do in Pittsburgh.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

What is it?
A botanical garden set in Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Phipps features a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens showcasing a variety of plants from around the world.

Why should you go?
It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and wonders of nature, as well as learn about the importance of sustainability and conservation. You can also experience seasonal flower shows, art exhibitions, educational programs, and special events at Phipps. Whether you are a plant lover, an art enthusiast, or a curious explorer, you will find Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh.

Mount Washington

What is it?
A hilltop neighborhood in Pittsburgh that offers stunning views of the city skyline and the rivers below.

Why should you go?
Mount Washington is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who can enjoy the scenery from several observation decks or ride one of the two historic inclines that transport passengers up and down the steep slope. The neighborhood is also home to many restaurants, bakeries, and shops that cater to different tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner, a sweet treat, or a fun adventure, Mount Washington has something for everyone.

Duquesne Incline

What is it?
A funicular located near Pittsburgh's South Side neighborhood and scaling Mt. Washington in Pennsylvania, United States. It was opened in 1877 and was rescued and restored by a group of local residents in 1963.

Why should you go?
The Duquesne Incline allows you to experience a century-old cable car ride and see the best views of downtown Pittsburgh and its three rivers. At the upper station, you can also visit the Museum of Pittsburgh History, which displays photos and information on inclines from around the world. The Duquesne Incline is a historic and scenic attraction that you don't want to miss.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

What is it?
A natural history museum in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It was founded by Pittsburgh-based industrialist Andrew Carnegie in 1896.

Why should you go?
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History holds 22 million specimens, of which about 10,000 are on view at any given time. The museum features one of the finest paleontological collections in the world, including dinosaurs, fossils, and minerals. It also has exhibits on anthropology, birds, botany, mammals, mollusks, and more. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is a place where you can discover science and the wonders of the natural world.

The Andy Warhol Museum

What is it?
An art museum located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist.

Why should you go?
The museum tells Andy Warhol's story and explores his legacy through the largest collection of Warhol art and archives in the world. The center has seven floors of galleries that display Warhol's paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, films, videos, photographs, and other works. The Andy Warhol Museum also hosts rotating exhibitions that feature contemporary artists that resonate with Warhol's life and work.

Cathedral of Learning

What is it?
A 42-story skyscraper that serves as the centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh's main campus in the city's Oakland neighborhood. It was commissioned in 1921 and completed in 1934 with a late Gothic Revival style and a limestone exterior.

Why should you go?
The Cathedral of Learning is the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere and the second-tallest university building in the world. It functions as a primary classroom and administrative center of the university, as well as a cultural and architectural landmark. The Cathedral houses many specialty spaces, including a studio theater, a food court, study lounges, offices, computer and language labs, 31 Nationality Rooms that represent different cultures around the world, and a half-acre Gothic study hall that resembles a medieval cathedral.

Strip District

What is it?
A neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that is known for its diverse and vibrant shopping and dining scene.

Why should you go?
The Strip District is a narrow strip of land between the Allegheny River and a railroad, where many ethnic grocers, produce stands, meat and fish markets, and sidewalk vendors are located. You can find a variety of foods and goods from around the world, as well as local specialties such as Primanti Brothers sandwiches, Penn Mac cheese, and Wigle Whiskey. The district also has many restaurants, cafes, bakeries, bars, and breweries that offer delicious and authentic cuisine. Experience the history and culture of Pittsburgh through your taste buds.

Heinz History Center

What is it?
A history museum and a proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, located in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. The center is named after U.S. Senator H. John Heinz III from Pennsylvania, who died in a 1991 plane crash.

Why should you go?
The Heinz History Center is the largest history museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The museum presents the most compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection. The Heinz History Center has six floors of permanent and changing exhibitions that cover topics such as the French and Indian War, the Industrial Revolution, sports, pop culture, and more. The museum also includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, the Fort Pitt Museum, and the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village.

Point State Park

What is it?
A state park located at the confluence of three rivers in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It is at the tip of Pittsburgh's "Golden Triangle."

Why should you go?
Point State Park is a National Historic Landmark that features a 36-acre park with scenic views of the city and the rivers, a 100-foot fountain that marks the spot where the rivers meet, a museum that tells the story of Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne, and a block house that is the oldest structure in Pittsburgh. It commemorates and preserves the strategic and historic heritage of the area during the French and Indian War.

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

What is it?
A children's museum located on the North Side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and one of the most fun things to do in Pittsburgh with family. The museum has three floors of interactive exhibits that cover themes such as art, science, technology, health, and more.

Why should you go?
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is a place where children can play, learn, create, and explore through hands-on exhibits and programs. Some of the museum's highlights include the Makeshop, where children can make things with real tools and materials; the Waterplay area, where they can experiment with water flow and movement; and the Nursery, where they can care for realistic baby dolls. The center also has an outdoor space called MuseumLab that offers more opportunities for learning and fun.

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