Top 7 Best Things to do on a Trip to Pittsburgh

Main image courtesy of Visit Pittsburgh.

There are many things that the city of Pittsburgh is known for, such as its iconic three rivers, championship sports teams, pierogi and sandwich cuisine, its industrial heritage, renowned museums, and of course, the breathtaking city skyline! For families that are visiting, or those going to experience the vibrant cultural scene, there are plenty of fun activities, events, attractions, and restaurants to check out in Pittsburgh for all ages.

No matter if you're interested in riding the historic Duquesne Incline for panoramic views, trying out the famous Primanti Brothers sandwiches, exploring the Andy Warhol Museum, or cheering on one of the city's beloved sports teams, there are plenty of things to do that can last you an entire week, or even longer. If you're interested in checking out Pittsburgh and everything that it has to offer, we recommend scheduling a trip and checking out these top seven best things to do in the city!

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Pittsburgh is full of new opportunities and things to see, and it's important to get out there and see everything that you can before your trip is over. If you have a loved one that is visiting Pittsburgh or even lives in the area, consider getting them a GiftYa digital gift card for a restaurant or shop in the area. GiftYa digital gift cards are a great choice for any holiday, birthday, anniversary, or other reason to give a gift. These gift cards are fully digital and can be sent to a loved one via email or text message where all you need to do is choose from one of the 190,000 merchants, choose an amount, personalize it with a picture or video, and send it to your loved one to have it easily on their phone!

Visit the Strip District

A vibrant neighborhood that offers incredible food markets, specialty shops, and an authentic taste of Pittsburgh culture!

One of the staples of Pittsburgh is the Strip District because of the many exciting culinary and shopping experiences that can be found there. While this is the place to be for foodies seeking authentic Pittsburgh flavors, there is always something to discover no matter if you're looking for fresh produce, international ingredients, or Pittsburgh memorabilia.

In the Strip District, you can sample local favorites like Mancini's Bread, fresh pasta from Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, and enjoy a cup of coffee from La Prima Espresso. You can hear street performers and vendors calling out their specialties as you walk along Penn Avenue, which gives the area its distinctive marketplace feel. There are also historic sites to visit as well, such as the Heinz History Center and St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, which reflects the city's rich cultural heritage.

“When visiting Pittsburgh I love to go walk through the Strip District. It's a half mile of shops, groceries, restaurants and food vendors, shopping, art, and more! …A walk through The Strip will supply you with everything you could want to experience from fresh produce and meat vendors, international groceries, ethnic restaurants, wine and beer, specialty shops, to bakeries, and so much more! If you're visiting the area I highly recommend you take the time to walk through The Strip. It's a true authentic Pittsburgh experience.” -Yelp Review

Explore the Carnegie Museums

Checking out Pittsburgh's world-class museums is a great family-friendly activity to see incredible art, natural history, and science exhibits!

📍 4400 Forbes Avenue | Oakland | carnegieart.org

There are many art and science enthusiasts out there and tons of children who want to experience interactive exhibits in person. Visiting the Carnegie Museums, especially the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland is the perfect date day idea, or family-friendly activity perfect for everyone involved because of the diverse collections and exhibits to explore.

The Carnegie Museums' mission is to inspire and educate visitors through access to world-class art, scientific discoveries, and natural history collections. This is the perfect place for people who appreciate both science and art, and it's even rated among the top museum complexes in the United States.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History features dinosaur halls that are among the best in the world, while the adjacent Carnegie Museum of Art houses an exceptional collection of contemporary art, impressionist paintings, and decorative arts. For science enthusiasts, the Carnegie Science Center on the North Shore offers interactive exhibits perfect for children and adults alike.

"The Carnegie Museum of Art is a classic, containing many classic works of art. The sort of well laid out and arranged place that invites you to get lost in rooms and aisles looking at the brilliance of artists from centuries past. I especially like the Realists...oils done so well you can nearly see the blood flowing through drawn veins. A must stop for hours, many times sort of place." - Yelp Review

Ride the Duquesne Incline

Experience breathtaking views of Pittsburgh's skyline from one of the few remaining inclines in the country!

📍 1197 West Carson Street | Mount Washington | duquesneincline.org

There are many engineering marvels throughout the world, but few are as charming and historic as Pittsburgh's inclines. On a trip to Pittsburgh, you can ride the historic Duquesne Incline up Mount Washington for what USA Today has called one of the most beautiful views in America.

The Duquesne Incline costs $5 round trip, which is cash only, and offers both transportation and a trip back in time. Originally built in 1877 to transport workers up and down the steep hillside, the incline now serves as both a working transportation system and a tourist attraction. At the top, the observation deck provides panoramic views of Pittsburgh's downtown skyline, the confluence of the three rivers, and the city's many bridges. The upper station also houses a small museum about the history of Pittsburgh's inclines and the city's industrial past.

“The Incline in Pittsburgh offers a cool and unique way to see Pittsburgh's skyline and the three rivers. This historic funicular ride provides excellent views on the way up and on the way down, especially at sunset. The experience is charming. Be a tourist and get your photo!" - Yelp Review

Visit the Andy Warhol Museum

Discover the largest collection of works by the Pittsburgh-born pop art icon at this fascinating museum!

Text a gift card for the Andy Warhol Museum

📍 117 Sandusky Street | North Shore | warhol.org

There are many incredible artists who have shaped modern culture, and Andy Warhol stands as one of the most influential. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, this pop art pioneer's legacy is celebrated at The Andy Warhol Museum, which houses the largest collection of his art and archives in the world.

The Andy Warhol Museum spans seven floors and features extensive galleries that chronicle the artist's life from his early commercial illustrations to his most famous pop art works including Campbell's Soup Cans and portraits of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe. The museum also offers interactive exhibits where visitors can create their own screen tests or try Warhol's blotted line technique.

What makes this museum special is not just the art, but the insight it provides into Warhol's creative process and personal life. The museum regularly rotates exhibits from its collection of over 12,000 works, ensuring that even repeat visitors will discover something new.

"Learned so much about this amazing photographer, painter, record producer, etc. I hadn't realized how many different creative works he was involved in. The layout is perfect as it takes you down 7 floors with each floor covering a different decade of his work." - Trip Advisor Review

Text a gift card for the Andy Warhol Museum

Catch a Game at PNC Park

Experience one of America's most beautiful ballparks while cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates!

📍 115 Federal Street | North Shore | mlb.com/pirates/ballpark

There are many baseball stadiums throughout America, but few offer the combination of game-day excitement and stunning views that PNC Park provides. If you enjoy sports and want to experience a quintessential Pittsburgh tradition, attending a Pirates game at PNC Park should be high on your list.

Opened in 2001, PNC Park is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful ballparks in Major League Baseball, offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline and the Roberto Clemente Bridge. The intimate seating arrangement ensures there's not a bad seat in the house, and the local food vendors provide authentic Pittsburgh flavors from Primanti Brothers sandwiches to Iron City Beer.

Even if you're not a baseball fan, the atmosphere at PNC Park during a game is electric and represents a perfect way to connect with the city's passionate sports culture. The park also offers behind-the-scenes tours on non-game days for those interested in the stadium's architecture and history.

"This is a great Park to watch a game! I am originally from Chicago and I have gone to several Parks across the county and this is definitely one of the best! Great views and the food is also good!" - Trip Advisor Review

Explore Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Step into a world of natural beauty with seasonal flower shows and exotic plant collections in this historic glass house!

📍 One Schenley Park | Oakland | phipps.conservatory.org

Do you appreciate botanical beauty and sustainable design? There are few places in Pittsburgh as serene and awe-inspiring as Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This Victorian greenhouse, built in 1893, offers a year-round escape into lush, themed gardens from around the world.

Phipps Conservatory features 15 distinct indoor garden rooms plus outdoor gardens spanning 15 acres. Visitors can wander through tropical forests, desert landscapes, and seasonal flower shows that transform throughout the year. The conservatory is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with its Center for Sustainable Landscapes being one of the greenest buildings in the world.

Special exhibits like the Winter Flower Show during the holiday season and the butterfly forest in summer make Phipps a destination worth visiting multiple times throughout the year. The on-site café also offers plant-based dining options with ingredients sourced from their own sustainable gardens.

"This place has always been a favorite of mine. It's absolutely gorgeous both inside and out - so much so that my husband and I got married here. It will always hold a special place in my heart, but this was the first year I got to experience the winter flower show and holiday light displays. It was magical!" - Yelp Review

Visit the Heinz History Center

Dive into Pittsburgh's rich history from its industrial roots to its modern innovations at this Smithsonian-affiliated museum!

📍 1212 Smallman Street | Strip District | heinzhistorycenter.org

There are many cities with fascinating histories, but few have transformed as dramatically as Pittsburgh from its industrial heyday to its current renaissance as a tech and healthcare hub. The Senator John Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, provides a comprehensive look at Western Pennsylvania's rich heritage across six floors of exhibits.

The Heinz History Center offers something for everyone, from the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum celebrating the region's passionate sports culture to the original set pieces from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The museum also features exhibits on Pittsburgh's industrial past, immigration stories, and the city's contributions to innovation and invention.

One of the most popular attractions is the Heinz exhibit, which chronicles the history of the famous Pittsburgh food company from its humble beginnings to global recognition. Interactive elements throughout the museum make history engaging for visitors of all ages.

"This place is amazing and so much better than we anticipated. There is so much to do and see here that you can easily spend a few whole days here. My wife and I brought our two little children and we spent over 4 hours here and with them that is a very long time! The place has something for everyone including sports, history and of course ketchup! My children especially enjoyed going down the slide on the first floor." - Trip Advisor Review

Get Involved in Pittsburgh, its Culture, and History with the 7 Best Things to Do in the Area

There is so much to do in Pittsburgh that it can be hard to fit it all into one singular week. No matter if you're interested in the cultural attractions, the spectacular views, the rich history, or even catching a game at one of the city's beautiful sports venues, there is plenty to do and check out to make exciting and unforgettable memories!

Make sure to consider grabbing a GiftYa digital gift card for a restaurant or event in Pittsburgh as well!