What to Do In Pittsburgh for A Day: 7 Can’t Miss Ways to Spend a Day in the Steel City 🏙️

Pittsburgh is well-known as a hard working blue collar city. But these days the city has so much more to offer than you might expect. The city has reinvented itself as a hub of higher education and medical technology and the city is prospering because of it. And the city has something fun to offer for anybody out there no matter what they are looking for. There’s incredible food, culture, and entertainment around every corner in the Steel City. But it can be hard to know where to start. So today I put together a list of what I think are the 7 top best ways to spend a day in Pittsburgh. And I tried to get a little something on the list for everybody. I’ll be sure to hook you up with the addresses of the places I recommend, as well as a link to their website so that way you can check them out for yourselves if something catches your eye. I’ll even include a customer review so that way you can see what other people are saying about them and you don’t just have to rely on my word for it.

And if you are out exploring Pittsburgh anytime soon you should consider using one of our convenient digital GiftYa gift cards. These cards are great because they are so easy to use and keep track of. Since they exist in an all digital format you can access them anytime from your phone or from a computer. And the devices even handle all the math for you so you never have to worry about forgetting your balance or losing the card. If you want to learn more be sure to check out the video on this page!

But that’s enough with the introduction I think. Let’s go ahead and get right to that list of amazing things to do the next time you are out exploring Pittsburgh Pennsylvania!

1 - Catch An Amazing Pro Sports Game

Pittsburgh is Home to Many Championship Sports Teams (And Also the Pirates)

Pittsburgh is home to a passionate sports culture, featuring several professional teams across major leagues. 

🏈 The Pittsburgh Steelers, an NFL powerhouse with six Super Bowl titles (and counting), play at Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field), a venue known for its electric atmosphere, especially during football season. 

🏒 The Pittsburgh Penguins, a storied NHL team with five Stanley Cups, call PPG Paints Arena their home, where fans enjoy top-tier hockey action. 

⚾ Baseball fans flock to PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a Major League Baseball team with a rich history, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Allegheny River. In fact, the stadium consistently ranks as one of the best in the MLB, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in visiting all of the stadiums in the league. 

⚽ Additionally, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, the city's professional soccer team, plays at Highmark Stadium, providing exciting soccer action in the USL Championship.

Collectively, Pittsburgh's stadiums host thrilling events, cementing the city's reputation as a major sports hub. Whether football, hockey, baseball, or soccer, Pittsburgh is a city that lives and breathes sports

Acrisure Stadium

📍 100 Art Rooney Ave | North Shore | acrisurestadium.com

“The Hall of Honor Museum is an amazing display of a great legacy. I learned things I never knew despite being a diehard fan. I highly recommend this Museum to locals and visitors. The museum is interesting, interactive, well put together and a get outing. As the team honors more legends I'll be sure to come back.” - Yelp Review 

PPG Paints Arena

📍 1001 Fifth Ave | Downtown | pittsburgharena.com

“Amazing place. Best hockey team in the world. The staff is awesome, food is also awesome, and the atmosphere is amazing. I recommend coming here for an event or hockey game.” - Yelp Review 

PNC Park

📍 115 Federal St | North Shore | pittsburghpark.net

“PNC park is such a great baseball / event park. It is always well kept and ran well.They have a nice selection of food and beverage options. There's something for everyone. On Fridays during the pirates season they even have happy hour! They have college nights here. I went to IUP and the college nights they host here are top notch. All and all when at PNC park you feel like you're on vacation.” - Yelp Review 

Highmark Stadium

📍 510 W Station Square Dr | Station Square | highmarkstadium.com

“I attended a Riverhounds game and had a blast! For me, going to a soccer game is not the first thing I think of doing on a weekend in Pittsburgh but the stadium has a great view and it's fun to watch the game from field level. I will say that the concession lines were really long, it didn't seem like they were prepared for the large crowd that they had, but it didn't ruin the experience. I recommend the Riverhounds Amber Lager - it was really good!” - Yelp Review 

2 - Check Out One of the City’s Awesome Museums

Pittsburgh Has Some Absolutely World-Class Museums

Pittsburgh is home to a diverse range of museums, each offering unique cultural and educational experiences. 

🖼️ The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh include 4 distinct museums under one organization:

• The Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the pop art icon, showcases his iconic works, including paintings, films, and installations
• Admission to the Oakland campus gets you into both the Carnegie Museum of Art, renowned for its contemporary collection (think Claude Monet through present), and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, featuring dinosaur fossils and global exhibits. These museums also feature a unique hall of architectural casts – there are only 3 like it in the whole world, and you’ll have to travel to Europe to find the others. 
• The Kamin Science Center (formerly the Carnegie Science Center) offers kid-friendly introductions to important scientific concepts ranging from how the human body works to space travel, which are fun for all ages. You can also enjoy a massive Pittsburgh-inspired train table here and explore the historic USS Requin submarine. 

🍅 The Heinz History Center offers a deep dive into Pittsburgh’s past.

🌈 Meanwhile, the Children’s Museum provides interactive learning for young visitors. 

📜 The Frick Art & Historical Center blends art, history, and architecture for an enriching experience.

🎨 The Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum with immersive and interactive exhibitions unlike anything else you can find in the ‘Burgh. Pro tip: lie down and point your phone camera toward the ceiling for the ultimate selfie in the MF’s infinity mirror room!

The Carnegie Museums of Natural History

📍 4400 Forbes Ave | Pittsburgh | carnegiemnh.org

“i love this Museum! I've been here since my grandparents took me when I was a little kid. It is always how to special place in my heart. It is very exciting and you can see lots of things from ancient Egypt to the Native Americans to the dinosaurs. The only thing I would change about it is that they should change up their exhibits every now and then they're always the same! It was cool that they had the New Egyptian exhibit.” - Yelp Review 

The Andy Warhol Museum

📍 117 Sandusky St | Pittsburgh | warhol.org

“The fact that it is a bona fide, 7 floor dedicated museum was a pleasant surprise. The building presented a coherent narrative which enabled a skeptic like me to appreciate his genuine skill as an artistic technician, a human being, trend setter, generational influencer. Give yourself at least 4 hours. And don't cop out! Get a screen test!” - Yelp Review 

3 - Enjoy Some of the Cities Famous Foods

Pittsburgh is an Amazing City to Explore for Any Foodie Out There!

Pittsburgh's dining scene has garnered national acclaim, offering a diverse array of culinary experiences. Morcilla, a Spanish-inspired restaurant in Lawrenceville, was named one of OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2024, celebrated for its small plates and communal dining atmosphere. 

Fet Fisk, a Scandinavian-inspired eatery, received a James Beard semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant in 2025, lauded for its inventive Nordic cuisine. 

Additionally, Iron Born Pizza in the Strip District offers authentic Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, providing a hearty and indulgent dining experience

But if you don’t feel like shelling out beaucoup bucks for the award winners, you can also take a bite out of Pittsburgh’s culinary scene on a budget. With deep roots in the blue collar steel industry, you can bet that a lot of Pittsburgh’s best known fare is cheap and delicious. Some of the most iconic Pittsburgh foods include:

• Primanti Bros. Sandwiches – The Pittsburgher is the most famous, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu if you’re looking for a hearty meal.
• Pierogies – Like other cities with large Polish populations, Pittsburgh’s famous pierogies were brought to the area by Central and Eastern European immigrants.
• Isaly’s Chipped Chopped Ham Barbecue Sandwiches – associated with the family-owned Isaly’s deli chain, Pittsburgh has been chowing down on the thin sliced ham + tangy barbecue sandwiches since the 1930s.
• Smiley Cookies – from the ‘Burgh’s very own diner chain, Eat’n’Park.
• Pittsburgh Salads – because sometimes salads are just too healthy. Pittsburgh salads come with an order of fries on top. 
• Sarris Chocolates
• Turner’s Tea

4 - Kennywood

A Beloved Amusement Park That’s Super Close to the City

📍 4800 Kennywood Blvd | West Mifflin | www.kennywood.com

Kennywood, located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, is a historic amusement park that opened in 1898. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, it blends classic charm with modern thrills. The park features eight roller coasters, including the record-breaking Steel Curtain, and themed areas like Steelers Country and Kennywood Junction. Family-friendly attractions, seasonal events, and iconic food offerings like Potato Patch fries make it a beloved destination for visitors of all ages

“We are season pass holders so we do attend the park regularly, this years Holiday Lights festival was beautifully decorated as usual. It seems like more decorations are added every year! We ate at the pizza warehouse which was delicious as usual! Minimal lines, cheerful employees, deals on games. All in all a great evening!” - Yelp Review 

5 - Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden

An Incredible Place to Enjoy the Beauty of Nature Right in the Middle of the City

📍 1 Schenley Park | Pittsburgh | www.phipps.conservatory.org

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, located in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park, is a historic 15-acre site established in 1893. It features a 14-room Victorian glasshouse and 23 themed gardens, including tropical, desert, and bonsai collections. The center is renowned for its sustainable architecture, housing the LEED Platinum-certified Center for Sustainable Landscapes. Phipps hosts seasonal flower shows, educational programs, and immersive exhibits, making it a top destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike

“Phipps is a timeless visit for plant lovers and non-plant lovers alike! There's a little something for everyone. I've been here for just simple visits, but I've also visited for special events. I recommend both! One of my favorite things is being able to take a break from the Pittsburgh cold to the warmer climates inside. It gives you a boost for the day!” - Yelp Review 

6 - The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra 

A 3 Time Grammy Award Winning Orchestra Right in Downtown Pittsburgh

📍 600 Penn Avenue | Pittsburgh | https://pittsburghsymphony.org

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO), founded in 1896, is a renowned American orchestra based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Resident at Heinz Hall, the PSO has been led by esteemed conductors such as Fritz Reiner, André Previn, and Manfred Honeck, who has served as music director since 2008. The orchestra is celebrated for its artistic excellence and commitment to community engagement, offering a diverse range of performances and educational programs

“I went to see the PSO for the first time and I can't wait to go back! We saw Beethoven's Pastoral and it was beautiful. The musicians are so talented and I loved watching how passionate they were while playing their instruments. I definitely recommend going and see them!” - Yelp Review 

7 - The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Pittsburgh Has A Wonderful Zoo and Aquarium That’s Great for Everybody!

📍 7370 Baker St | Pittsburgh | www.pittsburghzoo.org

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, established in 1898, is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States. Located in Highland Park, Pittsburgh, it spans 77 acres and is home to over 4,000 animals representing 475 species, including 20 threatened or endangered species. Notable exhibits include the African Savanna, Tropical Forest, The Islands, Jungle Odyssey, and the PPG Aquarium. The zoo is committed to conservation and education, offering a variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages. ​

“Absolutely stunning.  Truly gets you in the holiday spirit.  The Pittsburgh Zoo, Holiday Glow- Fest is a must during the holiday season.  Tickets can be pre-purchased.  The lights are stunning and there are gorgeous handmake silk and steel lanterns that guide you through the Zoo.  Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.  There are a few animals on display as well, so you actually do feel like you are at the zoo.  A very magical and memorable experience.” - Yelp Review 

And There You Have A List of 7 Different Ways You Can Have An Amazing Day for Yourself in Pittsburgh PA!

I hope something on the list looked like the perfect option for you the next time you are out exploring Pittsburgh. The city is home to incredible sports teams, amazing museums, world-famous cuisine, and plenty of great music venues and show halls. But hey if you know of something fun or exciting to do in Pittsburgh that you didn’t see on the list today be sure to let everybody else know down in the comments!!!