Pittsburgh Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh featuring modern architecture and a square or plaza
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh which includes a high-rise building and a city

Culture, sights and history – the Steel City has it all!

Pittsburgh has been blessed by its natural resources and position on key trade routes, which established it as a dominant industrial city in the nineteenth century. Unlike many similar cities, the loss of heavy industry has provided the momentum for new industries to arrive here, and the resulting cultural mix from immigrant populations and positive spirit, combined with beautiful natural surroundings has led to Pittsburgh being named “most liveable” city in America several times.

Tourists will immediately be struck by the presence of water. Pittsburgh sits at the point the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers combine to form the Ohio River. The best place to enjoy this confluence is from Point State Park, or from one of the 446 bridges that cross the water, such as Roberto Clemente Bridge, which enjoys a carnival atmosphere from sports fans on home match days. Head out of town up the slopes of Mount Washington on the Monongahela Incline or the Duquesne Incline for a panorama across the city.

Pittsburgh’s industrial success has led to philanthropy, and culture thrives here. The Senator John Heinz History Center is a great place to discover the city’s past. Steel magnate Andrew Carnegie founded the institute that bears his name which runs four museums in Pittsburgh: the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Science Center, along with the The Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the famous local artist. For a different type of museum entirely, families should visit the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, where fun, play and creativity are the order of the day.

Animal lovers are well served in Pittsburgh. The National Aviary is one of the best in the country and boasts more than 200 inhabitants with indoor flying displays. Land- and water-based creatures can be found at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, where big cats prowl and polar bears swim for their supper. Visitors with green fingers will be amazed by the range of plants on display at Phipps Conservatory.

Kennywood amusement park is the place to go for all your thrills, while a more laid-back way of life can be enjoyed in Schenley Park.

Pittsburgh is a great destination all year round, but it comes alive in summer when there are regular outdoor festivals. The city has an excellent public transport network.

Where to stay in Pittsburgh

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Downtown Pittsburgh

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 Allegheny County Courthouse 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

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
Southwest Pennsylvania

North Side

While you're in North Side, take in top sights like PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at North Side Station or Allegheny Station.

North Side
Senator John Heinz Regional History Centre featuring signage and interior views

Strip District

4/5(1 area review)

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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Oakland

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

Unique features of Shadyside include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Walnut Street or Gallerie CHIZ while you're exploring the area.

Shadyside
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
3.5 out of 5
600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA
The price is NZ$254 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$254
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,931 reviews)
"Husband thought the bed was very uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Omni William Penn Hotel
Omni William Penn Hotel
4 out of 5
530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA
The price is NZ$269 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$269
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy 3 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,531 reviews)
"The staff at the Omni was super friendly. The rooms were clean and quiet. The valiet parking was quick and very well done. I was very happy with my stay here."

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Omni William Penn Hotel
Wyndham Garden Pittsburgh Airport
Wyndham Garden Pittsburgh Airport
3 out of 5
1 Industry Lane, Pittsburgh, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$166 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$166
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,000 reviews)
"Fair price with fair look, horrible breakfast option."

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Wyndham Garden Pittsburgh Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay Pittsburgh
Stay Pittsburgh
2 out of 5
100 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC Park are ...
7.6/10 Good! (143 reviews)
Baseball trip
"Room was great. Clean. No issues."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Stay Pittsburgh
Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh
Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh
4 out of 5
1100 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC Park ...
7.4/10 Good! (9 reviews)
"Everything about the property was great except the check in procedure. This was a little complicated for us being from Canada. Thank goodness there was a person in the lobby that was able to assist us. Room was great."

Reviewed on 13 Jun. 2025

Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh
Abode Pittsburgh - Downtown Convention Center
Abode Pittsburgh - Downtown Convention Center
3.5 out of 5
Liberty Avenue 1100, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena ...
7.4/10 Good! (78 reviews)
"Location nice"

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

Abode Pittsburgh - Downtown Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Pittsburgh