Map Of Downtown Pittsburgh Travel Guide

Introduction

Pittsburgh is a city that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is known for its steel industry, bridges, and sports teams. The city has undergone a transformation in recent years, and it has become a hub for technology, education, and healthcare. Downtown Pittsburgh is the heart of the city, and it is home to many attractions that are worth exploring. In this travel guide, we will take you through the top things to see and do in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Top Attractions

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is a great place to spend a day with the family. The zoo features over 4,000 animals, including elephants, lions, tigers, and bears. The PPG Aquarium is home to over 400 species of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.

Carnegie Science Center

The Carnegie Science Center is an interactive museum that is fun for all ages. The museum features hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and an IMAX theater. Visitors can learn about space, robotics, energy, and more.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to visit year-round. The conservatory features 14 indoor rooms, including a tropical forest, desert, and orchid room. The outdoor gardens feature a variety of plants and flowers.

Hidden Gems

The Strip District

The Strip District is a historic neighborhood that is located just outside of Downtown Pittsburgh. The area is known for its food scene, and it is home to many restaurants, cafes, and specialty shops. Visitors can also find street vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.

The Mattress Factory

The Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum that features installations that are created on-site by artists. The museum is located in a historic building and features a unique collection of art that is worth seeing.

The Frick Pittsburgh

The Frick Pittsburgh is a museum and historic site that is located in the Point Breeze neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The museum features art, artifacts, and exhibits that highlight the life of the Frick family. Visitors can also tour the Frick family mansion and gardens.

Food Scene

Primanti Bros.

Primanti Bros. is a Pittsburgh institution that is known for its sandwiches. The sandwiches are served on thick Italian bread and are piled high with meat, cheese, and french fries. The restaurant has several locations throughout the city.

Pamela’s Diner

Pamela’s Diner is a breakfast spot that is known for its hotcakes. The pancakes are thin and crispy and are served with a dollop of whipped cream. The diner has several locations throughout the city.

Meat and Potatoes

Meat and Potatoes is a gastropub that is located in Downtown Pittsburgh. The restaurant features a menu that is focused on meat and potatoes, as well as craft cocktails and local beers. The restaurant has a rustic charm and is a great place to grab a drink or a meal.

Budget-Friendly Tips

The T

The T is Pittsburgh’s light rail system, and it is an affordable way to get around the city. A one-way fare is $2.75, and a day pass is $7.50. The T runs from Downtown Pittsburgh to the suburbs and provides access to many of the city’s attractions.

Free Museum Days

Many of Pittsburgh’s museums offer free admission days throughout the year. The Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Heinz History Center all offer free admission on certain days of the year.

City Parks

Pittsburgh has many beautiful city parks that are free to visit. Schenley Park, Frick Park, and Highland Park are all great places to go for a walk or a picnic.

Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking on the Allegheny River

The Allegheny River runs through Pittsburgh, and it is a great place to go kayaking. Kayak Pittsburgh offers rentals and guided tours along the river.

Biking on the Great Allegheny Passage

The Great Allegheny Passage is a 150-mile trail that runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail is open to hikers and bikers and provides stunning views of the Allegheny Mountains.

Hiking in Frick Park

Frick Park is the largest park in Pittsburgh, and it is home to over 600 acres of wooded trails. The park is a great place to go hiking, birdwatching, or picnicking.

Historical Landmarks

The Andy Warhol Museum

The Andy Warhol Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the life and art of Andy Warhol. The museum features a collection of Warhol’s art, as well as interactive exhibits and a screening room that shows Warhol’s films.

The Heinz History Center

The Heinz History Center is a museum that is dedicated to the history of Western Pennsylvania. The museum features exhibits on sports, industry, and immigration, as well as a collection of artifacts that highlight the region’s history.

The National Aviary

The National Aviary is a bird sanctuary that is located in Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood. The aviary is home to over 500 birds, including eagles, penguins, and flamingos.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is an interactive museum that is designed for children. The museum features hands-on exhibits, a water play area, and a theater that shows children’s movies.

The Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are Pittsburgh’s Major League Baseball team, and they play their home games at PNC Park. The park is located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh and provides stunning views of the city skyline.

The Duquesne Incline

The Duquesne Incline is a historic cable car that takes visitors up to the top of Mount Washington. The incline provides stunning views of Downtown Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Randyland Museum

The Randyland Museum is a colorful and quirky museum that is located in Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood. The museum features art, sculptures, and mosaics that are created by the museum’s owner, Randy Gilson.

The Trundle Manor Museum

The Trundle Manor Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the strange and unusual. The museum features a collection of oddities, including taxidermy, medical equipment, and vintage toys.

The Roberto Clemente Museum

The Roberto Clemente Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the life and career of Roberto Clemente, a baseball player who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The museum features a collection of Clemente’s memorabilia, as well as exhibits on his philanthropic work.

Natural Wonders

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a 24-mile trail that runs along Pittsburgh’s three rivers. The trail provides stunning views of the city and the rivers, and it is a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride.

The Point State Park Fountain

The Point State Park Fountain is a landmark that is located at the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers. The fountain shoots water 150 feet into the air and provides stunning views of the city skyline.

The Allegheny Observatory

The Allegheny Observatory is an astronomical observatory that is located in Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood. The observatory features a collection of telescopes and provides visitors with stunning views of the night sky.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Cultural District

The Cultural District is a neighborhood that is located in Downtown Pittsburgh. The area is home to many theaters, music venues, and art galleries. Visitors can catch a play, a concert, or an art exhibit in this vibrant neighborhood.

The South Side

The South Side is a neighborhood that is located on the South Side of the Monongahela River. The area is known for its bars, restaurants, and nightlife. Visitors can grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the many establishments in this lively neighborhood.

The Strip District

The Strip District is a neighborhood that is known for its nightlife. The area is home to many bars, clubs, and music venues, and it is a great place to go for a night out on the town.