Are you thinking about visiting Pittsburgh? Yes? Maybe? It is one of America's most liveable cities. So why wouldn’t you want to take a gander? Perhaps I can help convince you. While I do recommend going in the Fall or Springtime for the best weather, I wanted to put together a little introduction guide. Here you have it, Pittsburgh’s must-see tourist guide for beginners.
Head to Mount Washington's Outlook.
I’m not sure which is more fun, the amazing and expansive views of the city from Mount Washington or taking the incline up to get there. Built towards the end of the 19th century, the incline cable cars transport you to world full of adventure and antiquity as they pull you up the mountain.
Eat a Primanti Brothers Sandwich.
Pittsburghers love their french fries on everything from sandwiches to salads. This particular sandwich is the perfect late night meal.
Wander the Strip District
Hit up the Strip District during football season and watch as the black and yellow cover the streets. This is Steeler Country! The shops, food and Italians are pretty great too.
Tour the Carrie Furnaces.
Carrie Furnace is one of the only blast furnaces left from the heyday of the steel mills. The non-profit Rivers of Steel offer tours, throws spectacular parties and are always experimenting with new ways to educate and use the space. For example, they currently are working with local street artists and have dedicated a wall to showcase the work. How cool is that?
PNC Park sits right on the water with a romantic and enchanting view of downtown. You can spot the crowd walking across the Warhol bridge by the hundreds. The sheer energy of all the dedicated fans is intoxicating.
Check out the Northside's Museums.
Pittsburgh is the birthplace of the famed artist Andy Warhol and the home of the Andy Warhol Museum. You can see ohmages to Warhol all throughout the city as his iconic flowers pop-up on abandoned buildings or storefronts. Right up the street is The Mattress Factory, a smaller museum focused on installation work. It will blow your socks off. Here, are some pictures from a visit with my brother last summer.
Explore the Cathedral of Learning.
Check out the college neighborhood of Oakland and stop into the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning. Inside they have what are called national rooms, where each room is dedicated to a different country. There is also a great view to be had at the top of the building.
Drink and Eat in the South Side.
If you’re looking to have a good time this neighborhood quite literally is made up of miles of bars.
That is about it. Every place mentioned in this list has a hundred different spots to be explored but this is a good beginners checklist. Please add your comments and suggestions below.
Hope you enjoy!