I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I recently moved to Columbus, Ohio, and I find myself discussing my old hometown with coworkers. Pittsburgh is a city of neighborhoods – each has a unique personality and set of characteristics. It is full of culture, history, and most importantly, great people. Call me biased, but it’s an awesome place to visit and live.
While I was thinking about my hometown, I decided to make a list of locations every visitor should see when they stop in Pittsburgh. It’s far from complete; that list would be way too long! So the next time you’re considering a small trip, consider visiting a former steel city on three rivers.
Places to See
Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
A museum devoted to the work of one of Pittsburgh’s most famous residents. Great collection with events throughout the year. Last time I was there a film series was showcased.
Carnegie Museum of Art & Natural History
4400 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Information: (412) 622-3131
One of my favorite places. My favorite spots include the Hall of Architecture, North America, and the Egyptian exhibits. Known for its large dinosaur exhibit, which recently reopened after months of renovation.
Mattress Factory
500 Sampsonia Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Known for full room art exhibits by in house artists. I’ve actually never gone there, but I’ve always heard great things.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
One Schenley Park
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
A few blocks from the Carnegie museums. Has different plant displays throughout the seasons. Within walking distance of the Carnegie museums and library.
Heinz History Museum
1212 Smallman Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Focuses on Pennsylvania history; also includes a Pennsylvania Sports Museum, lots of photography, and Native American exhibits.
Duquesne Incline
1220 Grandview Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
In operation since 1877 – takes trips up to Mount Washington where there’s a great view of Pittsburgh from the south end of town.
Allegheny Cemetery
734 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Instituted in 1844, this 300 acre cemetery is a good place for a walk. Stephen Foster is buried there!
National Aviary
Allegheny Commons West
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
America’s only independent indoor nonprofit bird zoo (I didn’t know that!). Located on the North Side of town, and has more than 200 species.
Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
One Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Take a great walking tour throughout the zoo. The steep escalator visitors take up to the zoo upon entering is practically a ride in of itself! The polar bear habitat is brand new, just opening in summer 2007.
Heinz Field
Ticket Office
Pittsburgh Steelers
100 Art Rooney Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
The home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. This stadium is only 7 years old, and can hold 65,000 fans. It’s always a great place to visit, even if it’s not a game day.
Places to Eat
Hkan
2210 East Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 381-1813
Hookah bar that started out as a class project by CMU students. Serves food as well as a full bar. My friends and I enjoy the fruity hookah flavors, like mango or strawberry, but you can also mix flavors. Usually crowded on the weekends.
Ali Baba
404 South Craig Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
A small Syrian restaurant tucked in between a used book store and a coffee shop. Be daring and try something you can’t pronounce. The baba ghanoush is the best ever; my family goes through two large orders during dinner. We usually order family style.
Dinner menu – http://www.ibp.com/pit/ali-baba/dinner.html
Lu Lu’s Noodles
400 South Craig St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 681-3333
Consistently voted best Chinese in Pittsburgh. The General Tso’s is amazing! Also try Mango Milk Tea – it’s a sweet and creamy drink that you can also get (as an option) with tapioca pearls at the bottom. Within walking distance of the Carnegie museums and library.
Primanti Brothers
46 18th St. (@ Penn Ave.)
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
A Pittsburgh tradition (unfortunately it turned into a chain, which is blah). Go to the original, and your deli sandwich will include fries and coleslaw piled on whatever you get.
Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream
207 Atwood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
A small place off the main street, but definitely worth a look.
Kassab’s Restaurant
1207 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
On the South Side – great little Middle Eastern place that’s also really inexpensive. My best friend waitressed there for a few months. Great fatoush and awesome gyros.
Beehive Coffeehouse
1327 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Great little coffee house on the South Side that has a funky atmosphere.
