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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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
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 Pittsburgh Opera.

Strip District
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

3.5 out of 5
600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA
The price is NZ$257 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$257
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (2,946 reviews)
"Great location……clean and friendly staff…loved the valet parking!!"

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 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$274 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$274
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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! (1,587 reviews)
"Wonderful and elegant!"

Reviewed on 9 Aug. 2025

Omni William Penn Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center

Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center

3.5 out of 5
100 Lytton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
The price is NZ$249 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$249
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (399 reviews)
"Very convenient to UPitt and Carnegie Mellon"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University 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.
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! (165 reviews)
Great stay at Stay PGH
"Great location. Room is adequate for a short stay, especially if you will be out and about most of your time there. Easy check and out. Would love to stay here again if I come back to town."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Stay Pittsburgh
Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort

Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort

4.5 out of 5
777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion, PA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Champion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (303 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort
The Hobbit House | 1BR,1BA, Hot Tub, Dog Friendly

The Hobbit House | 1BR,1BA, Hot Tub, Dog Friendly

Farmington
Stay at this cabin in Farmington. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fort Necessity National Battlefield and The ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"The check-in and check-out process were both super easy, all the information was sent in advance for our stay and communication was excellent. We were given the option to extend our stay in advance if we wanted, there were optional add ons. Easiest process ever! The stay was amazing, everything was ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

The Hobbit House | 1BR,1BA, Hot Tub, Dog Friendly
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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