First time in Pittsburgh? No problem — we've got you covered! Here are our favorite places and some details about the things you’ll love to do in the City of Bridges.
Here is a Google Map of saved places that we recommend all over the city for food, entertainment, shopping, and family-fun! You can read more about some of our favorites below.
The Andy Warhol Museum is the global keeper of Andy Warhol’s legacy. The collection includes 900 paintings; approximately 100 sculptures; nearly 2,000 works on paper; more than 1,000 published and unique prints; and 4,000 photographs. It also features wallpaper and books by Warhol, covering the entire range of his work from all periods. We recommend listening to this podcast before you go.
via the Incline
Some of the best views of the city are at the top of Mount Washington. Formerly the site of coal mines, the incline was created to move workers up the hill quickly. The Monongahela Incline and Duquesne Inclines are both running and will put you out $2.50.
We’re biased, but we think it’s a beautiful campus. There are no thru-streets to the CMU campus, so once you’re there you can wander around and see it all. A stroll across the cut (big central lawn) will typically take you past robots, bagpipe practice, and lots of exhausted students.
“There has never been a sadness that cannot be cured by breakfast food.” Since 1980 Pamela's has been serving the best breakfast in Pittsburgh. Its specialties are crêpe-style pancakes, omelets, and Lyonnaise potatoes. It is "treasured" and is considered to be in the "pantheon of pancake purveyors." The Obamas are big fans. (So are the Pileggis!)
Smallman Galley is a launch pad for the best new restaurant concepts in Pittsburgh. At any given time there will be 2 bars, 4 restaurants, and seating for 200 people. The space is for supporting up-and-coming chefs in the area. The food is fabulous, and the concept is awesome.
Conflict Kitchen is a restaurant that serves cuisine from countries with which the United States is in conflict. The restaurant rotates identities in relation to current geopolitical events. The restaurant creates a constantly changing site for ethnic diversity in the post-industrial city of Pittsburgh, as it has presented the only Iranian, Afghan, Venezuelan, North Korean, Haudenosaunne and Palestinian restaurants the city has ever seen.
With a fun mix of local businesses and large chains, Walnut Street is a great spot to spend a few hours shopping. There are good lunch spots, and one of Hannah’s favorite card shops, Kards Unlimited.
Walk along Butler Street to see many local businesses including 4 coffee shops and 9 women-owned businesses.
With its ideal location, hugging the Allegheny River and subsequent convenient access to shipping lanes and raw materials, the area became thriving industrial center in the 1900s. Whether you are in search of a Terrible Towel or a greasy sandwich, The Strip will not disappoint.
Although the ceremony and reception on the 2nd are adults only (we will have a babysitter at the Ace Hotel), the following recommendations are lots of fun things to do with kids in the 'Burgh.
"But here in Pittsburgh, where he lived and worked most of his life, Mr. Rogers’s legacy seems assured, and not just because everyone over the age of 10 seems to have a story about meeting him. Images of him — and his trademark cardigan sweaters — seem to be everywhere, including displays at Pittsburgh International Airport, the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum and the Senator John Heinz History Center, for starters." — New York Times
Pennsylvania’s largest history center, in the Strip District, combines the former Chautauqua Lake Ice Company building with a five-story Smithsonian wing. (Look out for Hannah’s mom’s book in the gift shop!)
The Carnegie Science Center has lots of fun kid exhibits with a focus on science and technology. And a planetarium, too!
Anderson Playground (aka Dinosaur Playground) is actually a castle-themed playground with ladders, slides, and tons to climb on.
A beautiful, old library right in the heart of Oakland, the Carnegie Library is ….