What to See, Do and Eat in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is an amazing city full of life. It is especially known for its rich and diverse history, from its early days founded in 1758 as a trading post to its present-day status as a top tourist destination. There is so much to see, do and eat in this great city—from world-class museums, art galleries and landmarks to scrumptious cuisine and hip night spots. Here’s a guide to help visitors get the most out of their time in Pittsburgh.

What to See

Pittsburgh is a great city for sightseeing, as there are tons of interesting attractions to explore. Here are some of the top places to visit in Pittsburgh:

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Pittsburgh’s world-famous zoo and aquarium is home to more than 4,000 different animals from hundreds of species, including exotic ones like tigers, sea lions and pandas. There are also interactive exhibits and educational programs. The zoo is open year-round and well worth a visit for animal lovers.

National Aviary

The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is home to over 500 birds from around the world. Visitors can also explore interactive exhibits, educational exhibits, daily flying shows and even a flamingo pond. This immense bird sanctuary is open year-round and sure to provide a great experience for all ages.

Duquesne Incline

The Duquesne Incline is a must-see for its incredible views of Pittsburgh. The original incline was built in 1877, but has since been renovated and upgraded. Riders can ride the cars up the hill and view the city from above. It’s truly a unique way to experience the beauty of Pittsburgh’s skyline.

Kennywood Amusement Park

Opened in 1898, Kennywood Amusement Park is full of exciting rides and attractions for all ages. From roller coasters and water rides to vintage carousels, there’s something here for everyone. Kennywood is open seasonally, so plan your visit accordingly.

The Frick Pittsburgh

This historic museum is home to an impressive display of art and artifacts from around the world. Among the collection are paintings by Duzy, Rembrandt and Renoir as well as world-class porcelain and furniture. The Frick Pittsburgh is open year-round and sure to provide an educational experience.

What to Do

Pittsburgh is also a great city for activities. Here are some of the things you can do while you’re here:

Visit a Museum

Pittsburgh has plenty of museums for visitors of all ages. From science and art museums to history centers, there’s something for everyone. Some popular museums include Carnegie Science Center, the Andy Warhol Museum and the Mattress Factory.

Take a Bike Tour

One of the best ways to experience Pittsburgh is by bike. There are plenty of bike paths and trails throughout the city, perfect for leisurely rides or even more vigorous adventures. For a truly unique experience, try taking a guided bike tour with Pittsburgh Bike Tours.

Explore the Cultural District

The Cultural District encompasses 14 blocks in downtown Pittsburgh and is home to numerous cultural attractions, retail stores, restaurants and nightlife venues. Be sure to check out some of the various galleries, such as The Warhol Museum or The August Wilson Center.

Attend a Music Festival

There are plenty of music festivals that take place in Pittsburgh throughout the year. Festivals like Thrival Music Festival or The Three Rivers Arts Festival feature popular artists from around the country for visitors to enjoy.

Visit a Local Beer Garden

Pittsburgh has plenty of great beer gardens, perfect for anyone who enjoys good food and craft beer. In particular, Grist House Craft Beer Garden and Hofbraūhaus Pittsburgh are two top spots worth visiting (don’t forget your drinking companion!).

What to Eat

Pittsburgh offers an abundance of delicious food. Whether you’re looking for something light like pierogies or a juicy burger with all the fixings, there’s something here for everyone. Here are some of the best places to get a taste of Pittsburgh:

Primanti Brothers

This iconic sandwich chain has been around since 1933 and each sandwich is loaded with Coleslaw and French Fries tucked into two thick slices of Italian bread–It’s truly a taste of Pittsburgh!

Pamela’s Diner

This classic diner is one of the most famous breakfast spots in the city. From their fluffy pancakes to their crispy waffles, you’ll be sure to satisfy your hunger with a blissful breakfast feast. Be sure to get there early as they do get busy!

Scratch Food & Beverage

This upscale gastropub in Pittsburgh serves only locally sourced produce and meats in their amazing dishes and drinks. Every single ingredient is made in-house—from the sauces on your burger down to pickles in your sandwich.

Le Pommier

Le Pommier offers upscale French cuisine with Southern charm. The menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients available. And don’t miss out on the house special: Beef with Burgundy Sauce!

Conclusion

Pittsburgh offers something for everyone—from world-class museums and cultural attractions to screr gardens, bike tours and flavorful dining spots! So whatever you’re looking for during your visit to Pittsburgh, make sure to check out these top attractions, activities and restaurants so you can get the most out of your time here! VisitPittsburgh, the Official Visitors Guide for the city of Pittsburgh, has provided detailed information about what to see, do and eat in this amazing city- so be sure to check it out!