Southwest Pennsylvania, PA

Travel Guide

Duquesne Incline which includes a river or creek and a city
West End-Elliott Overlook Park showing landscape views, night scenes and a city
Downtown Pittsburgh which includes a city and street scenes
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium showing zoo animals, a pond and rainforest
Phipps Conservatory featuring modern architecture, interior views and flowers

Get swept up in trendy Pittsburgh, pay respects at the Flight 93 National Memorial and discover military and architectural history in Laurel Highlands.

Southwest Pennsylvania is a delightful mishmash of attractions. Its appeal stems from the main city of Pittsburgh, with military history, natural beauty and avant-garde art. Discover all aspects of this unique corner of the large state of Pennsylvania.

Stop first in Pittsburgh. Pleasant parks, quirky museums, trendy galleries and a varied food scene make the city a surprising rival to Philadelphia. Visit The Andy Warhol Museum, which pays homage to the Pittsburgh native.

The Mattress Factory museum is an art space spread across several buildings, displaying avant-garde works and temporary exhibits. The Carnegie Museum of Art is one of the nation’s premier contemporary art galleries. Choose a child-friendly visit to the neighboring Carnegie Museum of Natural History, inhabited by a huge Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

Near the river, ride the Duquesne Incline or Monongahela Incline, speedy funiculars which have become city icons. Appreciate city views from the top of Mount Washington.

Visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in the Laurel Highlands, once just another Pennsylvanian field before the crash of Flight 93 in the 9/11 terror attacks. The 40 passengers and crew thwarted the planned attack on the U.S. Capitol. The serene and beautiful memorial is in their honor.

Also in Laurel Highlands is Fallingwater, a masterpiece home designed in 1935 by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright for Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar Kaufmann. Tour the house and beautiful gardens or enjoy a meal.

Step back in time at Fort Ligonier in the town of Ligonier. This British garrison, dating to the 18th-century French and Indian War, is today a fully reconstructed fortification. Explore the grounds and learn more about daily life during the war.

International flights land in Pittsburgh, which has quick and easy connections into the city center. Rent a car to get out into the Southwest Pennsylvania countryside. If you’re staying in the city, enjoy the freedom of walking or hop on local buses or subway and light rail trains.

Where to stay in Southwest Pennsylvania

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
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
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
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

3.5 out of 5
600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA
The price is $184 total per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
$184 total
per night
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (2,989 reviews)
"It was my first experience being there, and it was great! I will definitely go back if I’m in the area!"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
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
The price is $137 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$137 total
per night
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (1,344 reviews)
"This was a very nice hotel. The room was clean and modern and up to date. We reserved a small room but it was just fine for my wife and me. The location was just a few minutes drive to U Pitt campus and much less expensive that hotels on or near campus. The bartender was very friendly and helpful. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
Omni William Penn Hotel

Omni William Penn Hotel

4 out of 5
530 William Penn Place, Pittsburgh, PA
The price is $163 total per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
$163 total
per night
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (1,609 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and accommodating. I loved the live music in the lobby. I like how the bathrooms included full sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Breakfast at The Terrace was pricy but delicious. Expedia is wrong. The breakfast buffet is $27 per person, not $23. Parking ..."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Omni William Penn Hotel
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (168 reviews)
"Very nice building: apartment needed TLC but all & all nice stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Stay Pittsburgh
Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort

Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort

4.5 out of 5
777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion, PA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Champion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (306 reviews)
Exceeds expectations
"Exceeded our expectations. Wonderful property, and wonderful staff. Plenty of activities for summer. Will be back in the winter!"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort
Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh at The Pennsylvanian

Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh at The Pennsylvanian

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 valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and ...
7.8/10 Good! (14 reviews)
"This unique property is perfectly located. Within walking distance to bars, restaurants, and shops. Check in was flawless. We stayed one night but, This property has everything needed for long term stays."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh at The Pennsylvanian
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.

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Cities near Southwest Pennsylvania