Introduction
There’s something deeply special about Pittsburgh. It’s a city with resilience, character, and above all, kind people. I’ve spent a collective six years living in The Steel City. I now own a home here, and I even fell in love with a born-and-raised “Yinzer”. It’s safe to say: I’m here to stay.
This guide is my tribute to this city, which I built from years of lived experience and local adventures. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong local looking to fall in love with your hometown all over again, I hope this guide helps you uncover something new and exciting in Pittsburgh.
My Favorite Neighborhoods
Pittsburgh is comprised of 90 (that’s right, nine-zero) neighborhoods, which are divided up by hills and rivers. Due to the topography, each neighborhood feels distinct. These are the 6 areas I keep coming back to, whether for a good meal, a fun night out, or just to soak in the good vibes.
Lawrenceville: This is a gentrified area with a ton of great breweries, restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques all along Butler Street. You can even catch a movie at the neighborhood’s small theater called Row House Cinema. One of my favorite spots is Arsenal Bowl, an old-school bowling alley that has been open since the 1930s. Note, that after 8 pm you have to be 21 or older to enter.
Millvale: Located across the 40th Street Bridge, Millvale is the quirky little sister to Lawrenceville. This neighborhood is one-of-a-kind. It feels like the suburbs with a hint of punk. Here, you will find everything from craft breweries to a French bakery. Mr. Smalls Theatre is one of my favorite concert venues, and Frank’s Pizza & Chicken serves the BEST buffalo chicken pizza you will ever eat. Plus, every year Millvale hosts a massive music festival that is free to attend. (More on that at the bottom of this article.)
The Pittsburgh Steelers share a stadium with the University of Pittsburgh football team.
North Shore & North Side: This region is the epicenter of sports and museums. The North Shore is home to acclaimed National Aviary, where you can view more than 500 birds and other animals, as well as Pittsburgh’s baseball and football stadiums. Right across the street from the Aviary, you’ll find the photogenic Mexican War Streets. Other nearby museums include Randyland, which is a unique outdoor art installation with a quirky history, and The Mattress Factory, which has a rotating selection of contemporary art. The North Shore offers seamless access to the Downtown cultural district with all the theaters.
Polish Hill: This neighborhood got its name from the predominately working class Eastern Europeans who made Pittsburgh home during the era of the steel industry boom. Today it is most known among locals for its thriving punk scene. You can hit up dive bars like Belvedere’s Ultra-Dive, which hosts frequent concerts, raves, and themed dance parties.
South Side Flats: This neighborhood really comes alive after dark, with plenty of live music and late-night spots to explore. Just park anywhere along East Carson Street and you’ll find somewhere to grab a few drinks. For context, Acacia, which is one of my favorite bars, is within walking distance of both a Tiki Lounge and a Hofbräuhaus.
Squirrel Hill: Squirrel Hill is nestled between the city’s two massive nature reserves, Frick Park and Schenley Park, both of which are excellent for hiking, picnicking, cycling, etc. Squirrel Hill is also one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh region. It is home to a thriving Orthodox Jewish community, and is also the hub for Asian cuisine. You’ll find so many delicious options across multiple cultures! Dobrá Tea is a must-see.
My Top 3 Tourist Recommendations
If you're visiting Pittsburgh for the first time, these are the spots I always suggest. They're popular for a reason.
Duquesne Incline (South Shore/Mount Washington)
This cable car is more than 140 years old and still operates every day. It takes you from Station Square in the South Shore up to Mount Washington, where you’ll find the best views of the Pittsburgh skyline. Round trip is like $4 per person. Plus, there is a lot to explore on Shiloh Street, which is right at the top in Mount Washington. Soccer fans will appreciate this attraction, too, because Station Square is within walking distance of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds stadium.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Oakland)
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens. Photo courtesy of Visit Pittsburgh.
Phipps is an indoor oasis right in the center of the lively Oakland neighborhood. It’s surrounded by universities and bustling college life, but the moment you step inside you will enjoy 15 acres of peace. Phipps also hosts one of the oldest flower shows in the world. I highly recommend the butterfly forest, which is open during the Spring and Summer months.
The Point (Downtown)
This is a beautiful spot for taking in the river views. It is named “The Point” because it is the place where all three rivers that surround Pittsburgh converge. You’ll find plenty of lawns, parks, and walking / biking paths along the riverfront. I like to throw down a blanket on the lawn at Point State Park to relax in the sun. Near The Point, you can also book river cruises, stroll all the way to Millvale along Riverfront Trail, or find a floating bar.
My Favorite Resturants
Pittsburgh’s food scene is as diverse and down-to-earth as the people who live here. Here’s a roundup of iconic local spots I recommend trying.
Acacia (South Side Flats): This bar opens at 5 pm every day but Sunday. It is a small hole-in-the-wall bar that you would walk right past if you didn’t know it was there. Looks are deceiving, though. Inside the vibes are intimate and immaculate. Acacia serves a rotating menu of creative cocktails, and the team there is always so friendly. Highly recommend this place for both a pre-dinner drink or a night cap.
Baby Loves Tacos (Bloomfield): Take-out only and closed on the weekends, this counter-style spot offers delicious burritos, including vegan options. You can also purchase a “Pay It Forward” meal to help feed a neighbor in need.
COBRA (Bloomfield): This is a Japanese BBQ and omakase right down the street from Baby Loves Tacos. COBRA is a bit pricey, but I think it’s worth it for the experience. I highly recommend going with a group and splitting one of their family-style menus.
Con Alma Restaurant and Jazz Bar (Downtown): This is a jazz bar in the theater / cultural district. Con Alma is my favorite spot Downtown. It’s in the best location for stopping in before or after a concert, show, or sporting event. The food has as much soul as the music you’ll hear. Con Alma offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but you almost always need to book a reservation.
Photo courtesy of Con Alma Restaurant and Jazz Bar.
Federal Galley (North Side): This food hall has a ton of indoor and outdoor seating. You can choose from a range of delicious options, but Given To Fly serves up the best chicken wings in the city.
Ineffable Cà Phê (Lawrenceville): This is my partner’s favorite coffee shop in all of Pittsburgh so I’ve come to know it quite well. It’s a cafe during the day, perfect for remote working or chatting over a cup of Vietnamese coffee. Then, after hours, come back and see if you can find the (hidden) speakeasy.
Noodlehead (Shadyside): This restaurant serves up creative takes on Thai cuisine. The portions are massive so you could easily split an entree. Note, however, that it is cash only.
Pierogi: During the Industrial Era, many Polish immigrants settled in Pittsburgh to work in the once-thriving steel industry. Along with their suitcases, they brought delicacies like the pierogi. Today, you’ll still find pierogi, and pierogi-infused dishes, all over the city. My favorite flavor is sauerkraut, but caramelized onions as well as potato & cheese are two other popular options. Any time I’m in The Strip District, I make sure to stop by S&D Polish Deli for my pierogi fix. For a true tourist experience, you can try the Polish Hill sandwich from Primanti Bros, which includes kielbasa, pierogi, and more.
Pusadee's Garden (Lawrenceville): This high-end Thai restaurant has a romantic outdoor garden, if weather permits. This is an amazing place for anniversary or birthday meals, but tables are always booked up so try to make your reservation in advance.
Teppanyaki Kyoto (Highland Park): This little Japanese place is down the street from my old apartment, which was quite dangerous for my wallet. It’s a laid-back, quiet vibe that is always so cozy and comforting. Teppanyaki Kyoto also offers an extensive selection of sake, and the kitchen is open concept so you can watch the chefs work their magic. Plus, it’s within walking distance of Highland Park, where you can take an evening stroll around the reservoir.
5 Annual Events To Plan Around
Some of the best things to do in Pittsburgh don’t cost a dime, especially if you time your visit right. These (mostly) free annual events showcase the city’s creativity, community, and overall fun energy.
Art All Night (FREE)
As its name suggests, this is an all-night art festival. It typically takes place in Lawrenceville sometime in April. Anyone can attend, and anyone can submit art to be included.
Haunted Museum After Dark (Cost of Admission)
These events are so fun! Plus, they are a great way to see the museums of art and history, which are in the same building as the Pittsburgh City Music Hall and main public library. Museum After Dark is adults-only and typically takes place on Fridays at 6 pm. However, check the museum’s website for the most accurate information.
Kennywood Fright Night (Cost of Admission)
Kennywood is a theme park just south of Pittsburgh along the Monongahela River. The park hosts “Haunts” every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from September to November. If you aren’t interested the scares, no worries. The park operates normally during the day and early evening. At 6 pm, the Haunt begins and all the spooky actors swarm the place.
Millvale Music Festival (FREE)
More than 300 musical acts perform during this all-day, bar crawl-esque block party. Plus, Millvale is very compact and walkable so the festival takes place entirely within 1 mile. You can also leverage free parking and shuttle services, as well, but I like to park somewhere in Lawrenceville and walk or bike across the 40th Street Bridge into Millvale. It’s roughly 1.5 miles between the two neighborhood centers.
Picklesburgh (FREE)
Picklesburgh was voted the best Specialty Food Festival in the Country multiple times. Photo courtesy of Picklesburgh.
This is an iconic Pittsburgh event, voted the best Specialty Food Festival in the Country multiple times. Picklesburgh typically takes place somewhere Downtown, with a rolling list of locations. You can browse a bunch of local vendors selling pickle-themed snacks and other products. Plus, the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel in the Downtown cultural district offers a Picklesburgh Package so there are potential savings for travelers.
Conclusion
Pittsburgh is a mid-sized city with small-town charm, grit, and heart. It’s been my home for years and, yet, I’m still discovering all that there is to do, see, and experience. This is a place that rewards curiosity, creativity, and quirkiness. We welcome all who want to come and spend some time in The Steel City, and it shows through our kind people, diverse foods, and unique events.
From lively neighborhoods and iconic river views to hidden bars and vibrant street festivals, there’s no shortage of experiences waiting for you here in Pittsburgh. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to see why I (and so many others) proudly call this place home.