Need an idea of a cool place to go with a lot of rich culture but also a great balance of new and updated charm? Make your way over to Pittsburgh for a long weekend of fun and relaxation. A girl’s weekend, family trip, or even solo road trip can be a great experience when you are in Steel City!
Places to Stay in Pittsburgh
Hotels and Airbnb’s are abundant, but there are also a bunch of amazing neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Some great neighborhoods that balance good nightlife and relaxation include Lawrenceville, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill North. There is no shortage of food and drinks in these sections of Pittsburgh and all are close to points of interest for visitors. Plus they also offer a quiet place to go back to once you are tired from all the fun you are having!
Exploring Pittsburgh
Point State Park
Point State Park is a beautiful area to relax with your family, bring a picnic (in the warmer months), and enjoy the views of the river (three rivers to be exact–Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela). You can’t beat the vantage point and being able to take in the city behind you and the landscape in front of you.
The Bridges of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is known for being The City of Bridges and rightfully so, with 446 bridges to choose from. While you may not get to see all of them, you can walk across some of the more notable ones connecting different parts of the city. The differing colors of the bridges and architecture are great points for a photoshoot!
Pittsburgh Museums
Some notable museums and attractions are the Andy Warhol Museum for lovers of his art (and anyone else really). You will also find the Carnegie Museum of Art right on the Carnegie Mellon University campus. For a one-of-a-kind experience, you cannot miss the Mattress Factory (no mattresses involved) as well as Randyland right around the corner. You may even run into Randy himself!
Mr. Rogers Memorial Statue
Visiting our favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers, is an important part of any Pittsburgh trip. A native to the area, Mr. Rogers is memorialized in a statue right by the rivers and Heinz Stadium. You can take in a lot of beauty while also appreciating a figure that most likely affected your childhood (and perhaps your children’s as well).
Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh
Duquesne Incline
For a truly unique and picturesque experience, travel up the side of the Duquesne Incline (pronounced doo·kayn). You will get a beautiful view of the rivers and city as well as reach the top which offers an observation deck. No matter the season, you will get so much beauty out of this view.
Downtown Pittsburgh
You cannot beat the downtown vibe of Pittsburgh. The skyscrapers and architecture of the buildings are unique and beautiful and the city offers a great variety of food, drinks, and things to do without the large crowds of bigger cities. Some points of interest are the John Heinz History Center (yes, the namesake of the ketchup). You will also find ice skating during the winter months and so many different boutiques like Boutique La Passerelle for fashion and 4121 MAIN for a mix of everything!
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a historic landmark and all-around beautiful oasis. The conservatory and botanical garden offer both indoor and outdoor exploration of some many gardens and exhibits. You can spend hours just taking in all the beauty on the entire premises.
Support Local Pittsburgh Sports
Pittsburgh boasts some amazing sports teams to cheer on and tailgate for. With the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins being major sports teams, you have your pick of events to go to depending on the season you arrive for your weekend adventure in Pittsburgh.
The Best Food in Pittsburgh
Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-lover, Pittsburgh has it all! If you want a wonderful breakfast with kind service, head over to Barb’s Corner Kitchen. Want some Italian food in the most eclectic dining room you have ever seen? Make your way over to Zarra’s. Some notable cuisine for vegans and vegetarians is the B52 Cafe in Lawrenceville and The Zenith in South Side–which also has an art gallery within. Have a sweet tooth? The Milkshake Factory is all you need for a delicious after dinner treat. For those looking for some libations, check out The Church Brew Works, inside a converted church.
Don’t wait, get your bags packed and plan your trip to Pittsburgh today!
*Note at the time of this article, some restrictions may still be in place for specific locations and events. Please verify with the event or location as to what their current protocols are.
Sarah DeGeorge
Sarah is a digital marketing specialist who works in paid and organic marketing, public relations, and social media marketing and management to help small businesses find their authentic voice for their audience. When Sarah is not working on a digital marketing strategy, you will find her on a walk at a local park, reading, or working in animal rescue and rehabilitation.
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