Pittsburgh - the Steel City

Do you want to visit a city with a mix of culture, entertainment, and history? Look no further than Pittsburgh! Steel City is home to attractions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Strip District. With its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant nightlife, Pittsburgh is the perfect destination for any traveler.

Pittsburgh facts

Here are some useful facts about Pittsburgh:

Location: Pennsylvania
Population: about 300,000
Visitors: about 20 million per year
Hot Spots: Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museums, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Impressions of Pittsburgh

Sightseeing in Pittsburgh

These exciting sights await you on your city break in Pittsburgh:

Downtown Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh is the vibrant and bustling heart of the city. It is home to some of the most interesting attractions and landmarks, such as the Andy Warhol Museum, Point State Park at the confluence of the Allegheny River and Monongahela River, and PPG Place, a glass office tower and shopping center.

Other downtown highlights include the Carnegie Science Center, with its interactive exhibits and events, and the Cultural District, which features some of the best-performing arts venues and a variety of art galleries. For sports highlights, there are the Steelers and Penguins stadiums, where you can attend exciting sporting events.

The Strip District

The Strip District is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. It is a lively, bustling neighborhood with many stores and attractions. Visit the historic Produce Terminal, for example, or browse the many specialty stores and markets. The Strip District is also home to the National Aviary, where you can observe the many species of birds. Afterwards, you can enjoy a ride on the Monongahela Incline funicular and dine at one of the many multicultural restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

Mount Washington

Mount Washington is located on the southern banks of the Monongahela River and offers breathtaking views of the Pittsburgh skyline. Take the restored Duquesne Incline cable car to the top of the mountain: At the top, historic Grandview Avenue awaits, running along the ridge and offering great vantage points.

The North Shore

The North Shore area of Pittsburgh offers a variety of attractions and activities. Learn about the city's past at the Heinz History Center and explore the interactive exhibits at the Carnegie Science Center. Afterward, walk across the famous Andy Warhol Bridge, which is a tribute to the artist. Another highlight on the North Shore is PNC Park, where the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team plays its home games.

Oakland

The Oakland neighborhood is the cultural center of Pittsburgh and the site of the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and a variety of museums and cultural attractions. Explore the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. While walking around the University of Pittsburgh campus, you can see the centerpiece of the campus, the neo-Gothic skyscraper known as the Cathedral of Learning.

The South Side

The South Side is a vibrant part of Pittsburgh. Be sure to explore the historic South Side Works, a former industrial site that has been transformed into a vibrant shopping and entertainment district. You can also ride the Duquesne Incline to the top of Mount Washington. The South Side is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs where you can turn night into day.

East Liberty

East Liberty is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood in the eastern part of Pittsburgh. It's where you'll find the Kelly Strayhorn Theatre, which hosts exciting live events and performances on a regular basis. The area is also home to East Liberty Presbyterian Church, a historic landmark dating back to the 19th century. Apart from that, you can take a walk in the nearby Mellon Park or explore the various stores and restaurants in the area.

The Waterfront

If you like outdoor activities, Pittsburgh's waterfront is the place for you. Walk along the waterfront trails and boardwalks or take a boat ride on the Allegheny River. The Carnegie Science Center, with its interactive exhibits, is also worth a visit. And just a few minutes away from the Science Center, you can visit the USS Requin, a World War II submarine turned museum.

Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville is a diverse neighborhood in the eastern part of Pittsburgh. Unique stores, markets, and restaurants line the sidewalks around Butler Street. If you're traveling with kids, visit the Children's Museum or the National Aviary, where you can observe numerous bird species.

Shadyside

In the historic Shadyside neighborhood on Pittsburgh's east side, you'll find the stores of Walnut Street, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and a variety of art galleries. You can also explore the Carnegie Museum of Art, which exhibits works from around the world. Finally, take a tour of historic Chatham University - the second oldest women's college in the United States.

Downtown Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh: climate and best travel time

Pittsburgh is located in Pennsylvania, and its climate is classified as a humid continental climate, which means that the weather is generally mild and the city experiences all four seasons. Pittsburgh lies in a region called the Upper Ohio River Valley, which has a varied climate due to its location between the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Great Lakes to the North.

Summers in Pittsburgh are warm and humid, ranging from an average low of 17 °C to an average high of 27 °C. The season is characterized by frequent thunderstorms and occasional hot days above 30 °C. The hottest months are July and August.

Winters in Pittsburgh are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping from an average low of -6 °C to an average high of 0 °C. Snowstorms are common, and there are occasional periods when the temperature drops below -10 °C. The coldest months are December, January, and February.

Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 5 °C to an average high of 17 °C. The seasons are dominated by frequent rain showers and occasional warm days above 20 °C. The wettest months are April and November.

The best time to visit Pittsburgh is during spring and autumn when temperatures are mild, and the weather is pleasant. The city is also popular with visitors during summer. However, visitors should be aware that the city can experience hot and humid days, so it's important to be prepared with light and breathable clothing.

Getting around in Pittsburgh

To navigate through Pittsburgh, you have these options:

By car

Driving is one of the most popular ways to get around in Pittsburgh. The city is easily accessible via highways such as the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-79, and I-376. There is also a network of highways, local roads, and bridges. Parking is available in most parts of the city, and there are a number of car parks.

Book your rental car here!

By train

Amtrak runs from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The train is convenient, inexpensive, and relatively fast. It also stops in several other cities, allowing passengers to explore the region.

By bus

The Port Authority of Allegheny County provides bus service throughout the city and surrounding region. Buses are a comfortable and affordable way to get around the city, as they run on most major streets. Some routes even offer express service to get you to your destination faster.

History of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has a unique and fascinating history. It has been home to many different groups of people who have shaped its culture and development over the centuries. From its beginnings as a trading post in the 18th century to its current status as a major metropolitan city, Pittsburgh has experienced many ups and downs.

The area now known as Pittsburgh was first settled in the late 1750s by a group of English traders who named it Fort Pitt after British Prime Minister William Pitt. The fort quickly grew into a bustling trading post, and by the 1790s, it had become a bustling port city. The city's location at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers made it ideal for shipping and industry, and it soon became a major center for steel production and other industries.

In the early 20th century, the city continued to grow and develop. Pittsburgh experienced a major economic boom in the 1920s as the city's steel industry flourished. However, this growth was short-lived as the Great Depression hit the city in the 1930s. During this time, many of the city's steel mills closed, and the city's population declined significantly.

In the years following the Great Depression, Pittsburgh recovered and began to diversify its economy. The city's steel industry returned to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, and new industries, such as computer and medical technology, began to take root in the city. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Pittsburgh underwent a period of revitalization, with the city's downtown area becoming a bustling hub of activity.

Today, Pittsburgh is a thriving city with a vibrant culture and economy. The city's steel industry is still an important part of the local economy, and the city is also home to several major universities, museums, and sports teams. Pittsburgh has also become a hub for technology, healthcare, and higher education. The city is also known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, which attracts visitors worldwide.

Pittsburgh fun facts

We bet you haven't heard these fun facts about Pittsburgh:

  • Pittsburgh has 446 bridges – more than Venice in Italy.
  • Pittsburgh is home to the National Aviary, the largest aviary facility in the United States.
  • The Big Mac was first served in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area in 1967.
  • In 1920, KDKA, the world's first commercial radio station, was established in Pittsburgh.
  • Pittsburgh is the only city in the world with three professional sports teams all wearing the same colors. The Steelers, the Penguins, and the Pirates all wear jerseys in black and gold.
  • With six Super Bowl titles won, the Pittsburgh Steelers lead the list of all-time best teams in American Football, along with the New England Patriots.

Travel tips for Pittsburgh

These travel tips will help you make the most of your trip to Pittsburgh.

Book your flights here!

Explore Pittsburgh's unique neighborhoods

Don't miss the chance to explore the unique neighborhoods that makeup Pittsburgh. From the historic Hill District to the hip and trendy Lawrenceville to the industrial South Side, each area of Pittsburgh has its own unique flavor and vibe. Spend a day exploring the unique boutiques, restaurants, and attractions that each neighborhood has to offer.

Visit the Cultural District

If you're looking for the perfect place to soak up some of Pittsburgh's culture, head to the Cultural District. Home to the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts and the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Cultural District is packed with museums, art galleries, and live performances. Stop by the Heinz History Center for a glimpse into Pittsburgh's past.

Take a ride on the Duquesne Incline

One of Pittsburgh's most iconic attractions is the Duquesne Incline, an old-fashioned cable car that takes you up Mount Washington for a stunning view of the city. The ride is an attraction as you climb the steep incline and get a glimpse of the city from above. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with an amazing view of the three rivers that make up Pittsburgh.

Visit Pittsburgh's parks

Pittsburgh is home to various parks, so don't forget to take some time to explore the great outdoors. Take a stroll along the Allegheny River or a bike ride through Frick Park. In spring and summer, take advantage of the city's many outdoor festivals, including the Three Rivers Arts Festival and the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

Catch a Pittsburgh Steelers game

No visit to Pittsburgh is complete without attending a Pittsburgh Steelers game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just want to experience the energy of a live game, there's nothing quite like cheering on the Steelers at Heinz Field. Wear your black and yellow and join in the Steeler Nation chant.

Green Card Lottery

Win one of 55,000 Green Cards in the official Green Card Lottery of the US authorities!