Pittsburgh, PA

Travel Guide

Downtown Pittsburgh which includes a city and street scenes
West End-Elliott Overlook Park which includes landscape views, a city and night scenes
Pittsburgh showing a square or plaza and modern architecture
Children\'s Museum of Pittsburgh which includes interior views
Pittsburgh which includes a high rise building and a city

The Steel City shimmers with natural beauty, architectural flair and cultural panache.

Pittsburgh, often on America’s list of “most livable cities,” was built on innovations in the steel industry. That legacy can still be seen today in the downtown skyline, with its towering modern buildings. The city is also defined by its geography. Two separate rivers — the Monongahela and the Allegheny — meet to form the Ohio River. The waterways divide the city into nearly 100 distinct neighborhoods built on and around steep, picturesque hills. For the best views of the city, trace the routes of Pittsburgh’s early immigrant miners and take the Monongahela Incline or the Duquesne Incline to the top of Mount Washington. You’ll see that there’s a good reason Pittsburgh is known as a cultural hub of the East Coast. Steel baron Andrew Carnegie, once the richest man in the world, gave his hometown four major cultural institutions. The Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Science Center are all located in the neighborhood of Oakland. Learn about another famous Pittsburgh son at the fourth Carnegie institution: The Andy Warhol Museum, located at the city’s North Shore. Pittsburgh also offers plenty of outdoor attractions. Check out Point State Park, where the three rivers meet, or take a stroll along the tranquil wooded paths at Riverview Park. Head to the Phipps Conservatory at Schenley Park for displays of botanical splendor, or the National Aviary to encounter more than 200 species of rare and exotic birds. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll find plenty to keep them busy and happy. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh offers a variety of opportunities to stretch young minds while Kennywood has acres of amusement park fun. Summer is the best time to visit Pittsburgh. The city comes alive with festivals such as the Three Rivers Arts Festival and the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Basing yourself in the downtown areas will give you quickest access to all the major sights and attractions. The city’s winding, narrow streets can take some getting used to, but the public buses are frequent and reliable.

Where to stay in Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Downtown Pittsburgh

4.5/5(2,251 area reviews)

Discover the urban downtown center, home to historic sites like Point State Park and the Cultural District. Enjoy diverse shopping options and easy access to public transportation, including the "T" light rail and bus networks.

Downtown Pittsburgh
North Shore showing a river or creek, a bridge and a city

North Shore

4.5/5(567 area reviews)

Heinz Field, PNC Park, and The Andy Warhol Museum await in this vibrant area, connected to Downtown Pittsburgh by the iconic Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson Bridges. Enjoy easy access to two light rail stations.

North Shore
Southwest Pennsylvania

North Side

If you're spending time in North Side, check out sights like PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium and hop on the metro to see more the city at North Side Station or Allegheny Station.

North Side
Oakland showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and signage

Oakland

4/5(580 area reviews)

Academic and healthcare hub, Oakland boasts museums, shopping venues, and diverse dining options along Forbes and Fifth Avenue. Explore historic districts and easily navigate the area via the distinctive city steps and public transportation.

Oakland
Senator John Heinz History Center which includes interior views and signage

Strip District

4/5(17 area reviews)

Brimming with specialty shops, unique boutiques, and ethnic food purveyors, the Strip District offers a lively atmosphere with art studios, antique dealers, and the historic St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. Enjoy open-air markets and vibrant nightlife during summer months.

Strip District
This place is great! Great beer selection and pub menu. I tried the Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Served with Tomato Soup and Homemade Garlic-Parm Fries. So delicious! You have to check out their grilled cheese menu! #delicious

Shadyside

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Victorian mansions and modern apartments create a diverse residential atmosphere. Explore upscale stores on Walnut Street, dine at local eateries like Pamela's Diner, and easily walk between the three business corridors. Public transportation is accessible.

Shadyside
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
3.5 out of 5
600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA
$135 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$154 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,879 reviews)
"The hotel was nice and clean and a short walking distance to the park and baseball stadium."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Omni William Penn Hotel
Omni William Penn Hotel
4 out of 5
530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA
$143 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$163 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy 3 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,529 reviews)
"It was a very cool experience staying at this historic hotel. It's in a great area. The lobby is stunning. The room we stayed in was spacious but nothing fancy. Our bed was very uncomfortable - it caved into the middle. The friendly staff gave offered us a breakfast credit for the bad sleep. Overall ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Omni William Penn Hotel
Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
453 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA
$127 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$144 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,323 reviews)
Thank you
"Wonderful stay - great service and location!"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay Pittsburgh
Stay Pittsburgh
2 out of 5
100 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC Park are ...
7.6/10 Good! (147 reviews)
"Clean and quiet property in downtown Pittsburgh. Had some difficulty leaving the Allied garage because my QR code or the scanner wasn’t working, but otherwise a great stay. Will definitely stay again if I’m in the area."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Stay Pittsburgh
Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh
Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh
4 out of 5
1100 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC ...
7.2/10 Good! (10 reviews)
"Everything about the property was great except the check in procedure. This was a little complicated for us being from Canada. Thank goodness there was a person in the lobby that was able to assist us. Room was great."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh
Kasa South Side Pittsburgh
Kasa South Side Pittsburgh
4 out of 5
2626 Tunnel Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a business center. Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena ...
8/10 Very Good! (88 reviews)
"The apartment was nice! The beds were so comfortable. Noisy neighbors above us running around at all hours made it difficult to sleep. Limited supplies, had to request toilet paper on day two because there were no extra rolls in the apartment at all. The key fob system was easy to use and we felt ..."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Kasa South Side Pittsburgh
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Pittsburgh

You can easily walk around the downtown core of Pittsburgh, but for exploring the city more widely, it is a good idea to rent a car if you can. However, the public bus system and the T – the light rail network – do cover most of the city. Pay for your travel using a ConnectCard, which can be topped up with funds as needed. The black-and-white local taxis are another popular way of getting around. Visit the Port Authority of Allegheny CountyOpens in a new window website.Browse Pittsburgh rental cars.

Best time to visit

The best time of year for a Pittsburgh vacation depends on what you want from your trip. The hottest weather is in June through August, with average daytime temperatures in the low 80s F (20s C). Peak season, however, is in November and December, when Christmas markets and other festivals liven up the city. Visit in spring for moderate temperatures, smaller crowds and a better choice of rooms.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Pittsburgh

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2615
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
1876
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
389
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
35
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
18
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We love Pittsburgh!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I LOVE Pittsburgh!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Under the circumstances with COVID-19 I actually had a safe and wonderful time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It’s a good place. I’ve noticed the people are friendly and say hello on the streets. The city is old but beautiful. I’ve never seen mountains so mount Washington was a sight to see and the incline up was amazing. Good for hiking, outdoor activities.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Stay away from the Motel 6 Crackhouse!!! Crafton, Pa.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Pittsburgh is a beautiful city with the most bridges in the world! We walked the Riverwalk and watched the sunset. Everywhere we wanted to go we could walk to. The parks were well maintained.

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