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Whether you’re on a long layover at Pittsburgh International Airport, are passing through on a road trip between New York and Chicago, or simply visiting the Steel City for an extended weekend, there’s so much to do in the City of Champions. Here are a few places to hit up before you head out:
Point State Park
Address: 601 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-471-0235
Website: www.dcnr.pa.gov
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
If you want to stand at the exact spot where Pittsburgh begins, this is it. Point State Park sits at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, where they merge to form the Ohio — a meeting of waters that shaped the city’s destiny. The 150-foot fountain at the tip of the Point is one of the most photographed spots in the 412.
The park is also home to Fort Pitt Museum and the outline of Fort Duquesne, reminders that Pittsburgh’s story started long before steel. It’s peaceful, historic, and unmistakably Pittsburgh — the perfect place to start (or end) your visit.
Getting there: Located in Downtown at the end of Stanwix Street. Accessible via multiple bus routes and the T (Gateway Station).
Monongahela Incline
Address: West Carson Street across from the Smithfield Street Bridge
Website: Riding the Inclines
Hours: Monday through Saturday 5:30 a.m.–12:45 a.m.; Sundays 8:30 a.m.–midnight
Admission: $2.75 for a 3-hour pass
Built in 1870, the Monongahela Incline is the oldest continuously operating funicular in the country. Climb Mt. Washington to take in one of the most breathtaking skyline views in America, then explore Shiloh Street for coffee, cocktails, or a bite to eat.
Getting there: From Downtown, walk across the Smithfield Street Bridge or take the 39, 40, 41, or 44 to West Carson Street.
Primanti Bros.
Address: 46 18th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-263-2142
Website: www.primantibros.com
Hours: Sun–Thurs 8 a.m.–midnight; Fri–Sat 8 a.m.–2 a.m.
Primanti’s created its iconic sandwich for workers who needed a full meal they could eat with one hand — meat, cheese, coleslaw, and fries all between two slices of bread. Today, it’s a rite of passage for visitors and locals alike.
Getting there: From Downtown, take routes 86, 87, 88, or 91 to Liberty Avenue at 17th Street.
The Andy Warhol Museum
Address: 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-237-8300
Website: www.warhol.org
Hours: Vary by day; closed Tuesdays
This seven-story museum is the largest in North America dedicated to a single artist, showcasing Andy Warhol’s iconic works and cultural impact.
Getting there: Located on the North Shore. Accessible via bus or T to North Side Station.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Address: 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-622-6914
Website: www.phipps.conservatory.org
A 15-acre oasis in Oakland featuring seasonal flower shows and immersive garden rooms.
Getting there: Take the University Line to Forbes Avenue at Bigelow Boulevard.
Heinz History Center
Address: 1212 Smallman Street
Phone: 412-454-6000
Website: heinzhistorycenter.org
Six floors of exhibits telling the story of Western Pennsylvania’s history, innovation, and culture.
Getting there: Located in the Strip District, accessible by multiple bus routes.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Address: 4400 Forbes Avenue
Phone: 412-622-3131
Website: carnegiemnh.org
Home to one of the finest dinosaur collections in the world.
Getting there: Take the University Line to Forbes Avenue at Craig Street.
National Aviary
Address: 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-323-7235
Website: www.aviary.org
America’s largest indoor nonprofit aviary, featuring more than 500 birds from around the world.
Getting there: Located on the North Side near PNC Park. Accessible via bus or T.