Southwest Pennsylvania Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southwest Pennsylvania
Southwest Pennsylvania
Southwest Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium featuring zoo animals, bird life and a pond
Phipps Conservatory featuring flowers, interior views and modern architecture

Get swept up in trendy Pittsburgh, pay respects at the Flight 93 National Memorial and discover military and architectural history in Laurel Highlands.

Southwest Pennsylvania is a delightful mishmash of attractions. Its appeal stems from the main city of Pittsburgh, with military history, natural beauty and avant-garde art. Discover all aspects of this unique corner of the large state of Pennsylvania.

Stop first in Pittsburgh. Pleasant parks, quirky museums, trendy galleries and a varied food scene make the city a surprising rival to Philadelphia. Visit The Andy Warhol Museum, which pays homage to the Pittsburgh native.

The Mattress Factory museum is an art space spread across several buildings, displaying avant-garde works and temporary exhibits. The Carnegie Museum of Art is one of the nation’s premier contemporary art galleries. Choose a child-friendly visit to the neighboring Carnegie Museum of Natural History, inhabited by a huge Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

Near the river, ride the Duquesne Incline or Monongahela Incline, speedy funiculars which have become city icons. Appreciate city views from the top of Mount Washington.

Visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in the Laurel Highlands, once just another Pennsylvanian field before the crash of Flight 93 in the 9/11 terror attacks. The 40 passengers and crew thwarted the planned attack on the U.S. Capitol. The serene and beautiful memorial is in their honor.

Also in Laurel Highlands is Fallingwater, a masterpiece home designed in 1935 by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright for Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar Kaufmann. Tour the house and beautiful gardens or enjoy a meal.

Step back in time at Fort Ligonier in the town of Ligonier. This British garrison, dating to the 18th-century French and Indian War, is today a fully reconstructed fortification. Explore the grounds and learn more about daily life during the war.

International flights land in Pittsburgh, which has quick and easy connections into the city center. Rent a car to get out into the Southwest Pennsylvania countryside. If you’re staying in the city, enjoy the freedom of walking or hop on local buses or subway and light rail trains.

Where to stay in Southwest Pennsylvania

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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 Benedum Center 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
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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
Senator John Heinz Regional History Centre featuring interior views and signage

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 Ohio River Valley.

Strip District
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Mount Washington

Spend some time visiting places like Ohio River Valley while getting to know Mount Washington, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at South Hills Junction Station or Palm Garden Station to see more of the area.

Mount Washington
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

3.5 out of 5
600 Commonwealth Pl Pittsburgh PA
The price is NZ$215 per night from 19 Dec to 20 Dec
NZ$215
19 Dec - 20 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,210 reviews)
Friendly staff and great location! If needed, there’s public parking across the street, daily rates apply, but very convenient.

Reviewed on 24 Nov 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$333 per night from 12 Dec to 13 Dec
NZ$333
12 Dec - 13 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy 3 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,794 reviews)
This hotel is amazing

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

Omni William Penn Hotel
Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton

Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
453 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh PA
The price is NZ$197 per night from 7 Dec to 8 Dec
NZ$197
7 Dec - 8 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,398 reviews)
Good times

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2025

Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
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.
Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh at The Pennsylvanian

Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh at The Pennsylvanian

4 out of 5
1100 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh PA
Stay at this apartment in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC ...
7.4/10 Good! (38 reviews)
All is well except for the communication. You can rarely get a hold of anybody at the front desk.

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025

Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh at The Pennsylvanian
Stay Pittsburgh

Stay Pittsburgh

2 out of 5
100 Smithfield St Pittsburgh PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC Park are ...
7.8/10 Good! (211 reviews)
Unmatched Service & Attention to Detail This is where StayPGH transcends a typical booking. Their communication was immediate, polite, and genuinely helpful. The check-in process was effortless, and the little details made all the difference: • A personalized welcome message. • A meticulously organized ...

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

Stay Pittsburgh
The Hobbit House - Romance Straight From The Shire

The Hobbit House - Romance Straight From The Shire

Farmington PA
Stay at this cabin in Farmington. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fort Necessity National Battlefield and The ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
Cozy little hobbit house in a nice secluded area The house is a little on the small side but perfect for a couple's getaway...will definitely stay again!

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2025

The Hobbit House - Romance Straight From The Shire
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.

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Cities near Southwest Pennsylvania