Tips for how to plan the perfect itinerary for a fun weekend in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. What to do, where to eat, and how to get around to make the most of your time in this underrated city.

Aerial view of the PNC Park with yellow bridge at the back of the stadium in front of the high rise buildings in Pittsburgh under cloudy skies.

Planning a weekend in Pittsburgh?

Then you’ve come to the right place! With my first-hand experience, I can assist you in planning your weekend trip to one of America’s most underrated cities.

Pittsburgh boasts 90 neighborhoods, so figuring out where to begin may seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

View from the ground up of the white and red buildings with the traffic lights under cloudy skies in a weekend in Pittsburgh.

The key to planning the ultimate Pittsburgh weekend trip is to plan ahead so you know which attractions to visit in the city, stay in one of the centrally located, best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, and strategically plan your itinerary to explore 1-2 neighborhoods each day.

By adopting these three approaches, you’ll make the most of your weekend in Pittsburgh. Continue reading for a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to Pittsburgh, including recommendations on where to stay and where to eat.

Where to stay in Pittsburgh

The best neighborhoods to stay in Pittsburgh are Downtown, the Strip District and North Shore.

Downtown Pittsburgh

Downtown is the beating heart of the city, so if you want to be in the middle of the action, then this is the area for you.

View of the blue skies with white scattered skies and the top floors of the three buildings in colors of red and white in a weekend in Pittsburgh.

Here you’ll find historic sites, great restaurants, theaters, and a mix of modern and historic skyscrapers. Downtown is very walkable, and a lot of Pittsburgh’s main attractions are located here, so it’s perfect for first time visitors.

It is connected to the rest of the city by more than 10 bridges, out of a total of 449 in the whole city! This number is where Pittsburgh’s nickname of City of Bridges comes from.

The yellow bridge of the Roberto Clemente Bridge with the water flowing through under it with the blue skies and white clouds in a weekend in Pittsburgh.

Being the heart of the city, Downtown is the most popular area of the city, and also the best place to find accommodation.

> Book one of the best hotels in Downtown Pittsburgh here

The Industrialist Hotel

I stayed at The Industrialist Hotel, a beautifully designed hotel located in the historic 18-storey Arrott Building, one of the tallest and most innovative skyscrapers built in the Pittsburgh area in 1902.

A room with a white bed beside a single gray couch and a white bed side table. The gray painted walls has a long white painting and beside yellow lamps on both sides on the bed.

The hotel pays homage to the city’s steel industry with an eclectic mix of art deco and industrial design. It is a beautiful hotel, and the location is perfect.

However, the service leaves a bit to be desired. On two of the three nights I stayed here my room wasn’t cleaned for the first two, and one of the days I arrived and my room door had not been closed properly. The staff sadly didn’t show they cared much about it when I reported it.

A hall with walls covered with marbled tiles and a floor of white and black tiles leading to a staircase with golden handles leading to an upper floor of the Industrialist Hotel in Pittsburgh.

In all honesty, as much as I love the look and feel of this hotel, it was a bit of a disappointing experience.

However, if design and location are the most important aspects of a hotel for you, this is a stunning hotel to stay in and I’d give it 10 out of 10 for that. One this I absolutely loved was their beach themed pop up bar. So fun and colorful!

A restaurant inside the Industrialist Hotel with foldable chairs, white umbrellas, long wooden tables, and couches filled with people under clouds in a room illuminated in neon colors.

Another alternative in the area is the highly recommended Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh.

> Book your room at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh here

The Strip District

The Strip is the most diverse and vibrant neighborhood in Pittsburgh and my absolute favorite. It may have something to do with the fact that the Strip District is a foodie heaven.

A corner view of a high rise bricked wall with several glass push up windows of a wholesale business under clear blue skies in weekend in Pittsburgh.

Here you will find a wide range of markets, restaurants, cafes, and breweries that represent the cultures and communities that make up Pittsburgh.

A former steel city, it is here where the industrial past of Pittsburgh is more evident. A lot of original warehouses and factories in this area have been transformed into trendy cocktail bars and social hotspots.

A street in Pittsburgh of businesses with colorful labels and signs for boutiques and food places under clear gray skies.

Most hotels in this area are located on the edge between The Strip District and Downtown, so it is an ideal location if you’d like to be within walking distance of both neighborhoods.

Here are three great options for accommodation in The Strip District:

Homewood Suites by Hilton – New hotel within short walking distance of The Strip
AC Hotel by Marriott – Modern, spacious, and conveniently located between The Strip and Downtown
2BR Historic Loft – A spacious loft with a pool located in one of the original warehouses in the heart of The Strip district. They require a minimum of 5 nights stay.

North Shore

Also known as North Side, North Shore is located just across the Allegheny River from Downtown Pittsburgh. It’s an area of the city that has been transformed in the last few years, and one of the best places to stay in Pittsburgh, especially if you are a sports lover.

A black and white tiled artwork of angels, cats, and a woman writing on bricked wall of a building in Pittsburgh.

Here you will find the Acrisure Stadium, also known as Heinz Field, home of the Steelers, and PNC Park, home of the Pirates. North Shore is where the iconic Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Science Center are located too.

It is only a 15 minute walk across the bridge from Downtown, so it’s still very convenient even if you are visiting Pittsburgh for a game. Plus it is a bit more affordable than Downtown.

Here are three great options for accommodation in North Shore:

Holiday Inn Express North Shore – Minimalist clean hotel with an indoor pool, located near PNC Park.
Hyatt Place North Shore – Budget friendly hotel very close to both PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium.
SpringHill Suites North Shore – Comfortable suites near both stadiums ideal if you are traveling in a small group.

ITINERARY FOR A WEEKEND IN PITTSBURGH

Day 1: Downtown, The Strip and Lawrenceville

Stop 1. Downtown Pittsburgh

Surrounded by leafy hills and hugged by the Monongahela and the Allegheny Rivers, Downtown should be your starting point for your weekend in Pittsburgh.

A view of the low rise and high rise buildings made with bricked walls and glass windows of Pittsburgh under bright blue skies with some clouds.

Also known as the ‘Golden Triangle’, this is where a lot of the city’s historical and cultural attractions are. A perfect blend of residential and business vibe, Downtown has the feel of a large cosmopolitan city with the heart of a small town.

I always love joining a walking tour as soon as I arrive in a new place, to help me find my bearings but also to get a good overview of the city. Other options would be to join a bike tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Walking, bike and bus tours in Downtown Pittsburgh

However, if you prefer to explore independently, make Point State Park your first stop.

Point State Park is the only state park in an urban setting, and it’s the former site of Fort Duquesne, a fort built by the French in 1754. Its footprint can still be seen here, but you’ll need a bit of imagination to envisage what it was like.

The Fort Pitt Block House with an American flag on it surrounded by a black metal pony fence and lush green fields with orange and green trees under cloudy blue skies.

The park is also home to Fort Pitt Block House, Pittsburgh’s oldest building dating back to 1764, and to Fort Pitt Museum, a small museum that tells the story of the early days of the city.

This is also where the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) starting point is. The GAP is a 150-mile hiking and biking trail that goes from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, where it joins other trails that go all the way to Washington DC.

Take a walk along the river on the Allegheny Riverfront Park, this year’s location of the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Art Festival, which takes place every June. It is a two-week long festival that focuses on all things art, and it’s one of the most popular festivals in Pittsburgh.

A robot installation leanign on a tall red table on a corner with white wall and floor to see in a weekend in Pittsburgh.

Right by the park is the Cultural District, where you will find entertainment and cultural venues such as Heinz Hall, the O’Reilly Theatre and the very cool Wood Street Galleries, a gallery that focuses on independent art and a true hidden gem.

Other places to visit in Downtown Pittsburgh

1. Market Square: Located in the heart of downtown, this square was home to the first courthouse, jail and newspaper in the city of Pittsburgh. Today it’s surrounded by shops and restaurants and it’s a popular hangout for locals.

2. SPACE: Part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, it is located in the Cultural District and it hosts very cool exhibitions by regional artists.

The Pittsburgh Bridge of Sighs with a small arched glass window in the center and rectangular narrow glass windows on both sides connecting to bricked buildings with a glass building at the back under clear blue skies.

3. Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail: One of the most beautiful buildings in Pittsburgh, it has its own version of Venice’s Bridge of Sighs.

Downtown Pittsburgh Tours

Where to eat in Downtown Pittsburgh

Sally Ann’s

Located on the edge of the Cultural District, Sally Ann’s offers a charming and relaxed eating experience for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. This cute eatery is the brainchild of restaurateur Richard DeShantz, who was inspired by his beloved mother, Sally Ann.

A cup of coffee drink served in a white cup on a white saucer in the foreground on a wooden table with a view of the people dining beside a white wall with a large comic artwork of woman in pink background and a thought bubble beside her.

The coffee is excellent and the whipped ricotta toast with smoked medjool date jam was delicious! Don’t forget to check out the Space Invaders and Donkey Kong machines before you leave.

Stop 2. The Strip District

Pittsburgh’s industrial past is nowhere more apparent than in The Strip District. Located just outside of Downtown Pittsburgh on the banks of the Allegheny River, this is where the foundries, mills and factories were located in the 19th century.

The land under the David McCullough Bridge showing some paved roads and a tractor working on a dirt road with a view of bright skies with clouds and green trees at the background.

Then in the early 20th century, wholesalers, mainly dealing with fresh produce, meat, and poultry moved in, followed by restaurants and grocery stores, to feed the army of workers through their shifts.

After a period of decline caused by the end of the steel industry, The Strip has experienced a comeback, and has become a great representation of how ethnically diverse Pittsburgh is, with a lot of specialty shops and international restaurants making the neighborhood their home.

A line of spice businesses at the roadside with a car parked. At the back are old bricked walled buildings of Pittsburgh under clear blue skies.

The Strip District is by far my favorite area in Pittsburgh.

The best time to experience the hustle and bustle of The Strip is from late morning to mid afternoon, but first, make sure you visit the Heinz History Center.

The Heinz History Center is the largest history museum in Pennsylvania, that will take you on a journey through the rich history and culture of Western Pennsylvania.

Me on the entrance of the Pittsburgh display of a white and red train inside a bricked wall room.

Part of the Smithsonian Institution, it features a wide spectrum of interactive exhibits that showcase the history of Pittsburgh, including how it sparked the American Industrial Revolution and how it has been a cradle of innovation since then.

There’s also a really fun section about Heinz, the ketchup company, which started off in Pittsburgh making pickles.

There are also temporary exhibitions. During my visit, they had an excellent exhibition about The Negro Motorist Green Book.

Admission to the Heinz History Center is $18 for adults and $9 for youths.

A vibrant, geometric patterned walkway leading to a long brick building housing bustling businesses under a clear, blue sky. The roadside is bustling with pedestrians, adorned with a few plants, and lined with parked cars, while tall brick buildings stand on the opposite side.

The best way to enjoy The Strip is to walk around, enjoy the atmosphere with people coming and going, and to explore the wide range of international grocery stores, boutique shops, independent merchants, and some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh.

Here are some that I loved:

Parma Sausage: A family-run business that’s been making Italian products in The Strip District for 5 generations. Try the hot sopressata – it was so good!
Labad’s Mediterranean Grocery: A Mediterranean and Middle Eastern grocery store run by Syrian-born William Labad. He makes the smoothest hummus you will find this side of the Atlantic.
Jimmy & Nino Sunseri: Said to serve best pepperoni roll in the world. Don’t miss trying this iconic Pittsburgh dish.
Pennsylvania Macaroni Co: Locally known as Penn Mac, it’s the oldest business in The Strip. It has a huge range of Italian products and one of the most impressive cheese counters in the US.

Inside a store with cheese inside a refrigerator see through display while some cuts of cheese are on a shelf behind it and cheese prices and labels on top.

Stamoolis Brothers Co: Dating back to 1909, it specializes in Italian, Greek and Eastern European products.
Reyna Foods: A little piece of Mexico in Pittsburgh. Try their freshly made corn and flour tortillas.
Peace, Love and Little Donuts: A cute little shop that sells the sweetest tiny donuts in a million different flavors. Ok, maybe not a million, but you know what I mean.
Love, Pittsburgh: A Pittsburgh-themed shop with great souvenirs and really creative gifts to take home with you.

You can visit all these stores independently, but an even better way to enjoy them is by joining a food tour with Burgh Bits and Bites. If you go for this option, make sure you enquire about vegetarian or vegan options in advance.

Other places to visit in The Strip District

1. St Stanislaus Kostka Church: Built in the late 19th century, this historic church was built by the Polish immigrant community of Pittsburgh.

2. The Strip Wall Mural: Painted on the side of the Hermanowski Building, it features a number of iconic Strip stores and a flying biscotti, from the Enrico Biscotti Co.

A street mural of the Hermanowski Building in Pittsburgh facing the parking space depicting the history of the town under clear blue skies.

3. Kingfly Spirits: Located in a stunning restored carriage house, this craft distillery and cocktail bar produces its own vodka, rum, whisky, limoncello and many more. Stop to taste their alcoholic slushies, stay for the live music, and walk out with a bottle or two to take home.

Tours in The Strip and about Pittsburgh’s industrial past

Where to eat in The Strip District

There are so many amazing restaurants in The Strip that it’s hard to narrow it down to one recommendation, so here are my top picks:

Primanti Bros.: Famous for its incredible sandwiches. Originally made for the steel truck drivers that worked in the area, they put fries inside the sandwiches, so they could grab it and eat it while driving. There are a lot of locations throughout the city, but make sure you visit the original one on The Strip.

Overflowing sandwich, fries, and veggies on a gray table, paired with a drink in a wine glass. Display of bottles, glass wall, and neon sign.

Pamela’s Diner: A classic American diner that is said to serve the best breakfast in Pittsburgh. It’s one of the most popular places to eat in The Strip so be prepared to queue. It’s worth the wait though.
DiAnoia’s Eatery: One of the best Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh specializing in homemade pasta, pastries and bread. Their spaghetti cacio e pepe was stunning!

A fork with a roll of white pasta on a green deep plate with a view of a blurry water and wine glasses in the background in Pittsburgh

Kaya: Award-winning restaurant inspired by Caribbean flavors, serving creative dishes and cocktails that will make you feel like you’re living your best island life.

Stop 3. Lawrenceville

After exploring the food in The Strip, it’s time to explore the craft beer scene in Pittsburgh, and Lawrenceville is at the epicenter of this.

But before you immerse yourself in the fun world of breweries, try and make it to Lawrenceville before 5pm so you can visit Contemporary Craft.

A raised vintage metal basket on a brown tiles in the center of a display pattern textile, paintings, and a table filled with colorful necklaces in a white walled room in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh.

This interactive studio space showcases the work of local, national and international artists that use materials traditionally used in crafts for industrial purposes, such as steel and glass. These materials pay homage to the industrial heritage of the city.

When I visited, the exhibit Self, by Matt Lambert and Erika Diamond, was on. It explored gender identity and sexuality. A great collection of thought provoking works.

Contemporary Craft is perfectly located for you to start your journey of discovery of Pittsburgh’s microbrews. Only a few meters away you will find your first stop.

A hand holding a half full beer glass on a wooden bar with a blurry view of the bar tender in the background in Pittsburgh.

Hop Farm Brewing is an independently owned brewery that focuses on sustainability and sourcing local ingredients.

They produce hoppy ales, farmhouse ales, sours and lager that are a talking point not just for their great flavors but for their fun names like ‘Dinos in Space’ or ‘Do You See The Trees’.

Cinderlands Foederhouse has a great reputation for their naturally-fermented foederbier brewed onsite. They are also known for their classic Belgian pub cuisine, so this is a great spot for food too.

A long padded brown chair beside wooden tables with black metal single chairs inside a cafe with an industrial design and people walking.

Other recommended breweries in Lawrenceville include:

Church Brew Works – One of Pittsburgh’s oldest and most iconic microbreweries located inside a decommissioned church.
11th Hour Brewing Co – One of the most popular breweries in Pittsburgh that releases new creations every month.
COVEN Brewing – A microbrewery specializing in New England IPA and Saisons.

Beer goblets filled withs red and orange beers on a wooden table in COVEN Brewing, Pittsburgh

If you’d like to explore breweries further afield, just across the river from Lawrenceville you have Grist House, a popular spot in Millvale that has been serving delicious sours, IPAs as well as other craft beers for nearly 10 years.

Brewery Tours in Lawrenceville and other Pittsburgh Districts

Day 2: Phipps Conservatory, Duquesne Incline and North Shore

Stop 1. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, is a serene green oasis. It’s been attracting visitors with its world class garden since 1893.

Me walking on a paved path inside the a green house surrounded by lush vegetation and tall trees of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh.

Spanning 15 acres of natural beauty, Phipps boasts a remarkable 14-room glasshouse and 23 unique gardens.

A display of various cactus plans inside the a green house of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh

Here you’ll find not just stunning flora, but also pioneering sustainable architecture and eco-friendly practices. The conservatory often houses flower shows and exhibitions.

When I visited, the Flowers Meet Fashion: Inspired by Billy Porter was an absolute delight of extravagant fashion designs and brilliant horticultural displays inspired by Billy Porter’s local roots and artistic achievements.

Me sitting on a red wall with a plant structure of a person in a red and white dress surrounded by red and green plants with trees and people in the background of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The gardens also showcase beautiful works by American glass artist Dale Chihuly as a permanent display.

Other places to visit near Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1. Schenley Park: Pittsburgh’s civic park was created in 1889 with land donated by Heiress Mary Schenley. Located very close to Phipps, it has 456 acres of trails, woods and attractions if you fancy spending more time surrounded by nature. A great place for outdoor activities.

2. Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning: Located within the University of Pittsburgh, they represent and celebrate the diverse communities that make up the city of Pittsburgh.

The tall white building of the Cathedral of Learning University of Pittsburgh Main Campus under clear blue skies emerging from the green trees below.

3. Carnegie Museum of Art: It is said to be the first museum of modern art in the United States, it and easily compares to some of the country’s best art museums. Its exhibits include works by Pollock, Van Gogh, Gaugin and many others. It is also one of the most unique places to practice yoga in the US.

4. Carnegie Museum of Natural History: Home to a great number of themed halls dedicated to dinosaurs, mammoths, the Arctic, Ancient Egypt, as well as a large collection of wildlife displays.

Where to eat near Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Café Phipps

Set within the grounds of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Café Phipps has been named one of the best museum restaurants in the US by the Food & Wine Magazine.

A green structure for vines on small plant box filled with flowers in the foreground with glass green house in the background of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

There are a variety of dishes on offer made by Chef Stephanie Gelberd, often made with ingredients from the conservatory’s edible garden.

Stop 2. Duquesne Incline

There is no shortage of steep hills in Pittsburgh, so in the 19th century there were up to 23 funiculars, or inclines as they are called here, that were used to provide local workers with transport between their workplace and their homes on the hills.

The red tram of the The Duquesne Incline surrounded by lush trees heading to the green station under the yellowish sun in the gray skies towering over the yellow bridge over a river leading to the skyscrapers of the Pittsburgh.

Today only two inclines remain – the Monongahela Incline, built in 1870, and the Duquesne Incline, built in 1877.

It is worth riding both inclines for spectacular views of the city, but if you are tight for time, the Duquesne Incline will give you that iconic image of Pittsburgh and its three rivers – the Allegheny and the Monongahela coming together to form the Ohio River.

Aerial view of a town filled with modern tall buildings in between two rivers meeting with several yellow bridges and green trees under gray skies

The view from the Observation Deck at the top of Mount Washington has been named as one of the “10 most beautiful views in America” by USA Today Weekend Magazine, so it’s a must see.

The upper station houses a small museum of Pittsburgh history, as well as historical records from the incline’s history. It’s worth stopping to have a look too.

TOP TIP: Tickets are $2.50 each way ($5 return), and they don’t accept cards, so make sure you bring cash with you – the exact amount if possible, as the ticket office doesn’t always have change.

Other places to visit near the Duquesne Incline

1. Grandview Overlook: Only 10 mins’ walk away from the Duquesne Incline’s Observation Deck along Grandview Avenue is another stunning viewpoint with panoramic views of the city.

2. Monongahela Incline: If you have the time, continue walking 10 more minutes along Grandview Avenue and you will reach the Monongahela Incline. The walk itself is beautiful, and you could easily go up one incline and down the other.

A blue and white boat cruising on a river under the yellow bridge with the view of the buildings and baseball field under bright blue skies with some white clouds.

3. Gateway Clipper: A 60-minute historic riverboat cruise on Pittsburgh’s three rivers departing from Station Square. A great way to enjoy the city from the water.

Stop 3. North Shore

Located, as its name suggests, on the north banks of the Ohio and Allengheny Rivers, North Shore is home to some of Pittsburgh’s most famous attractions. Whether you are into sports or into art, a visit to the North Shore neighborhood is a must.

Me on a red and brown velvet couch posing similar to the painting in the back on a bricked wall

My first recommended stop in the area is The Andy Warhol Museum, the world’s largest collection of Warhol’s artworks and archival materials. It is the largest museum in North America dedicated to one single artist.

The museum includes exhibits that span Warhol’s entire career, from his early works as a student, to iconic pieces such as the Campbell Soup and Marilyn Monroe pop art paintings.

A Campbell Beef Noodle Soup framed art work with a glass case.

Of Slovakian descent, Warhol was born and raised in Pittsburgh, but with no real long term prospects of becoming a successful artist here, he moved to New York City, where he began a career in magazine illustration and advertising.

The Andy Warhol Museum has recognised that local artists need support in order to make it without having to leave the city, like Warhol had to do.

A colorful artwork of Marilyn Monroe in a frame protected by a glass cover on a white wall

This has led to the transformation of the area into an extension of the Museum, which is now called the Pop District. It’s an initiative led by the Museum itself, that invests in the development of the arts and creative industries in the eastern North Shore.

As you walk around the Pop District you will find public art pieces such as the one in Silver Street, a formerly unused alleyway which has been revamped with a new mural by Miami-based artist Typoe. Possibly the most instagrammable spot in Pittsburgh!

Me sitting in the entrance of a doorway with walls covered by colorful square paintings forming a triangle in the middle.

If you happen to be in town while there is a game on, whether it’s the Pirates (Pittsburgh’s baseball team) or the Steelers (American football team), do not miss the chance to experience it. Going to a game is one of the many fun ideas in Pittsburgh for couples.

Both stadiums are located in the North Shore district, so this would be the perfect way to end the day.

I went to a baseball game, where the Pittsburgh Pirates played the St Louis Cardinals, at PNC Park, said to be one of the most beautiful ballparks in the world. One thing is for sure. The views of the city skyline from your seat is something to behold!

A hand holding a hotdog from a bench with people watching a baseball match in the background with a view of tall buildings under clear blue skies.

Despite not really understanding the rules of the game, I had a fantastic time! The atmosphere is the best part of going to a game here, but the game itself is really entertaining too.

In between innings, the Simba Cam comes on, where anyone with kids or dogs lifts them up, recreating the famous Lion King’s scene in the hope of getting caught by the camera. Then there’s the Cow Cam, where the camera has to find The Cow in the crowd.

But the most amusing one is the Great Pittsburgh Pierogi Race, where 5 to 6 pierogis take to the track to race each other. It is a pretty unique experience.

A view of a baseball stadium filled with people watching a baseball game of the field with large lights. In the background are tall modern buildings under blue skies of Pittsburgh.

You can check the Pirates games schedule here. I would recommend booking your Pirates game ticket in advance, so you can choose the best seats.

> Book your Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game Tickets at PNC Park here

Another alternative would be a game of American Football with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. The atmosphere in the stadium will be electric, but the Steelers games are also famous for their tailgating parties.

You can find tailgaters grilling and getting ready for the game in designated parking lots, which open five hours before kick-off. If you want to join them but you’re not sure where to go, go to Stage AE Tailgate Zone. It’s free and there’s live music, giant TVs, and plenty of food and drink.

View of the yellow benches of the Acrisure Stadium from the across the river while being surrounded by trees and buildings extending in the back

You can check the Steelers games schedule here. It’s a good idea to book your Steelers game ticket in advance, so you can choose the best seats.

> Book your Pittsburgh Steelers Football Game Tickets at Acrisure Stadium here

If there is no game during your weekend in Pittsburgh, head to Shorty’s Pins x Pints for a game of duckpin bowling and arcade games. It’s a great way to spend an evening with friends after exploring the North Shore.

Me throwing a small bowling ball in a bowling alley with another one at the side with the score screen on top of them while surrounded by colorful bricked walls of the Shorty’s Pins x Pints in Pittsburg.

Shorty’s also serves cocktails, craft beer and finger food to enjoy while you’re playing.

Other places to visit in the North Shore

1. Carnegie Science Center: Located along the Ohio River, it is Pittsburgh’s most visited museum. It has four floors with over 400 exhibits, including the Buhl Planetarium and the Rangos Giant Theater, the biggest screen in the city.

2. North Shore Trail: This trail follows along the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers and it has a great mix of natural scenery and skyline views.

3. North Side Bike Tour: This 8-mile guided bike tour takes you off the beaten path and shows you some cool art and community projects.

> Book your guided bike tour of the North Shore here

Tours in Pittsburgh’s North Side

Where to eat in Pittsburgh North Side

If you go to a game, there are plenty of restaurants within the stadiums where you can grab something to eat. But here is another option for a game-free evening in the North Side of the Steel City.

Threadbare Cider House

The founders of Threadbare Cider House were inspired by the story of Johnny Appleseed, who in the early 1700s/late 1800s spent his life collecting apple seeds from the Cider Mills along the Monongahela River, and planting them in Ohio and Indiana to create orchards for pioneers moving west.

A hand holding a purple and white ice cold drink with a straw with a view of a blue base painted mural wall and a bar on the side.

Through their passion for preserving local traditions and flavors, Threadbare continues to produce high-quality craft ciders and meads that pay homage to the spirit of Johnny Appleseed.

But it’s not just their local cider that attracts people. Their artisan pizzas are individual size (12″) and focus on seasonal toppings arranged on top of a crust that is absolutely delicious. It is some of the best pizza in Pittsburgh.

If you have more than a weekend in Pittsburgh

If you have more than a weekend in Pittsburgh, there are plenty of things to do in and around the city. But my top pick would be doing a day trip to Laurel Highlands, particularly if you are an architecture lover, or if you’d like to enjoy some stunning nature.

Me on a viewing deck looking over the riving flowing with lush green trees in the background under blue skies.

Laurel Highlands is about an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh, and the best way to explore the area is by hiring a car for the day, so you can have the freedom to explore, do a little road trip, and you won’t be restricted by anyone else’s schedule.

Things to do in Laurel Highlands

Fallingwater

Designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935 for the Kaufmanns, a prominent family from Pittsburgh, Fallingwater is Wright’s most famous masterpiece. It is, in fact, America’s most famous building and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Me sitting beside a trunk on a stone surrounded by lush vegetation while looking a river flowing from a yellow building.

It was declared “the best all-time work of American architecture” by the American Institute of Architects, so even if you only have a slight interest in architecture, it must not be missed.

The stone walled building structure of the Fallingwater in Pittsburgh while surrounded by trees and lush vegetation.

Built over a waterfall and designed to be as close to the ground and nature as possible, Fallingwater was open to the public in 1964 and today you can visit both the house and the grounds on a guided tour of the house.

Inside the Fallingwater with floor seats in front oof wooden tables with long white couch and small pillows on the side of the wall made with tall glass windows.

If you don’t have your own transport, you can book a private tour from Pittsburgh that will also take you through Ohiopyle State Park.

> Book your day trip to Fallingwater from Pittsburgh here

You can also book a tour that combines a visit to both Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous houses, as well as the Ohiopyle State Park.

> Book a Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob combined tour from Pittsburgh here

Kentuck Knob

Kentuck Knob is another of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces, built for the Hagans in 1953 after they fell in love with Fallingwater.

Me on the terrace made with stone walls and floors and wooden roof decorated with octagon sun windows while surrounded by lush vegetation.

Designed on a hexagonal module, Kentuck Knob is a small one storey Usonian house that appears to be built as part of the mountain where it is located.

I loved Fallingwater, but Kentuck Knob was my absolute favorite building of the ones I visited on this day trip from Pittsburgh.

The stone wall of the Fallingwater showing the octagon sun windows of the wooden ceiling surrounded by tall trees and lush vegetation.

You can do a guided tour that will take you through the interior of the house, and where you will learn about the Hagans and the negotiations they had to go through with FLW himself to achieve this unique home.

Afterwards, you can explore the grounds, where you will find a great sculpture collection and spectacular views of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.

If you prefer not to hire a car to visit Laurel Highlands, you can visit Kentuck Knob together with Fallingwater and the Ohiopyle State Park on a tour from Pittsburgh.

> Book a Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater combined tour from Pittsburgh here

Cucumber Falls

Not far from Kentuck Knob, you will find the really cutely named Cucumber Falls. It is possibly the most photogenic and most photographed waterfall in Western Pennsylvania.

A small fall flowing from a pile of rocs surrounded by lush vegetation in the day.

This 30-foot drop waterfall is located a few steps down from the parking area. It’s easy to access, but not wheelchair accessible.

Make sure you stop here to admire this beautiful spot.

Ohiopyle Falls

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Niagara Falls of Western Pennsylvania’, Ohiopyle Falls is a river-wide waterfall that plunges over a 20 foot drop onto the Youghiogheny River.

As you are exploring Laurel Highlands, this is a great place to stop for a picnic if weather permits. Grab some lunch at the Falls Market Restaurant in nearby Ohiopyle and enjoy the sound of nature as you take a little break.

Stay overnight at one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses at Polymath Park

Nestled deep in the heart of the Laurel Highlands in Acme, Polymath Park is a resort with a remarkable history, located in more than 100 acres of tranquil and scenic woods.

An outdoor seating area of the Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses with people sitting surrounded by potted plants and a wooden modern building with long deck can be seen in the back while trees emerge from behind.

Polymath Park started its life as a kind of comune created by two Pittsburgh families, the Balters and the Blums, who purchased 130 acres of woodland and worked with Frank Lloyd Wright’s apprentice, Peter Berndston, to build country homes to escape to at the weekends.

Four decades later, the Papinchak family acquired both houses to save them from potential redevelopment and demolition. This was the beginning of the Polymath Park project.

Over the years, the Papinchaks made it their mission to save as many Frank Lloyd Wright’s properties as possible, and so far they have saved two more houses.

A hall corner with lamp on a small wooden table inside a wooden room with a red tiled floor.

Duncan House was originally located in Lisle, Illinois, and was completely dismantled, transferred and rebuilt on the grounds of Polymath Park in 2006.

The modern building of the Duncan House painted with white walls and wooden walls surrounded by an empty space with tall trees at the back under clear blue skies.

Eleven years later, Mantyla House, originally located in Cloquet, Minnesota, joined the collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed properties in the Park.

Today, you can take tours of the houses and you can even stay overnight in one of them.

A wooden bridge from the foreground leading to a wooden see through walled building while surrounded by vegetation and trees emerging at the back.

While you are here, make sure you stop for lunch or dinner at Treetops Restaurant, a dining experience on a treehouse pod surrounded by a stunning natural setting.

FAQs about Pittsburgh

How many days do you need in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has 90 neighborhoods, each with a very distinct character and a lot of hidden gems to discover, so you could spend a long time exploring the Steel City. But a great starting point would be two to three days.

Whether it’s over a weekend in Pittsburgh or a few days mid-week, you are guaranteed to find plenty of things to keep you here.

What is the best area of Pittsburgh?

This is a tricky question to answer because every district in Pittsburgh is different. I absolutely loved The Strip and the multicultural and formerly industrial feel of it.

I’m a bit of a foodie too so I loved browsing all the international grocery stores and restaurants, and trying their food, of course!

The open double red doors showing inside the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co.filled with cheese products with person inside.

Is Pittsburgh safe for travel?

The crime rate for a city of the size of Pittsburgh is low, so you don’t have to take any extra precautions to stay safe. However, it is always advisable to exercise common sense while you are traveling the same way you would at home.

For any eventuality, I would always recommend getting travel insurance to make sure you are at least protected to a degree.

What’s the best way to get around Pittsburgh?

Driving around Pittsburgh can be tricky, and finding parking spaces can be even more of a challenge, especially on game days on the North Side.

There is a reasonably extensive public transport system that covers most areas of the city, however most routes go in and out of Downtown and you may need to transfer if you are traveling between other neighborhoods.

A metal bridge under bright blue skies with white clouds view from across a road while tree tops emerge under the bridge.

Is there Uber in Pittsburgh?

Yes, and this is perhaps the most convenient way of getting around the city. Uber and Lyft are both very popular in Pittsburgh.

What’s the best time of the year to visit Pittsburgh?

The best time to visit Pittsburgh is between May and October, as this is when you’ll have more chances of getting good weather. However, the winter is a great time to visit too, especially for sports enthusiasts.

I loved visiting in June because it coincided with Pride and the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, an outdoor music and arts festival held annually by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in Downtown. The festival features live music and performance arts, as well artists selling their works.

How to get to Pittsburgh

To visit Pittsburgh, fly into Pittsburgh International Airport (Code: PIT). From the UK, British Airways has launched a direct flight six times a week, making it super easy to reach.

A view of the top floors of the modern glass window covered buildings of different heights under blue skies with some white clouds.

It is a bit of a long way to come for just a weekend in Pittsburgh, so I would recommend staying a bit longer and even exploring a bit further afield.

From the airport, depending on traffic, plan for 25-30 minutes to get to your accommodation. You can travel from Pittsburgh International Airport to the city by public transport on the 28X Airport Flyer, Uber, or private transfer.