If you’re looking for the best things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania then you’ve come to the right place!
Pittsburgh is known as the ‘steel city’ because its main source of business for many years was its over 300 steel-centric businesses.
The city is also known for its many beautiful steel bridges, over 446.
But Pittsburgh has way more to offer than just its steel industry.
It has been the home of famous artists like Andy Warhol, Frank Lloyd Wright built his famous Fallingwater nearby, and the Carnegie family opened some of the best museums in the state.
There are endless Pittsburgh attractions to explore when you visit Pennsylvania’s biggest western city.
Let’s look at some of the 16 best things to do in Pittsburgh, PA!
Best Things To Do In Pittsburgh PA: 16 Bucket List Experiences
Experience Pop Art At The Andy Warhol Museum
Andy Warhol, the artist who practically invented pop art, was born and raised in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh is very proud of its hometown artist, so it’s no surprise that a museum is dedicated to Warhol’s works.
They have a massive permanent collection of Andy Warhol’s many different pieces.
It’s the largest art museum dedicated to a singular artist in North America.
Inside you’ll find 7 floors full of over 13,000 works by Warhol.
Paintings, photographs, films, sketches, and sculptures are scattered throughout the 17 galleries.
Whether you love art or want to see some of Andy Warhol’s more famous pieces, this is easily one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh PA.
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Walk Through The Greenhouses At The Phipps Conservatory
You can enjoy beautiful fresh greenery and gardens at the Phipps Conservatory throughout the year.
The Phipps Conservatory can be found in Schenley Park and is a city landmark.
It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The beautiful conservatory and botanical gardens are easily one of the best attractions in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
You can take guided tours or walk the gardens yourself.
The conservatory also hosts seasonal events like flower shows, and holiday light gardens, throughout the year.
Look Here: Beauty of the Burgh Bike Tour.
The Cathedral Of Learning Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Pittsburgh
The Cathedral of Learning is possibly one of the most iconic buildings in Pittsburgh.
It stands in the center of the campus for the University of Pittsburgh at 535 feet.
The cathedral is the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere!
It is also the second-tallest building designed using Gothic architecture in the world.
You don’t have to be a student or alumni of the private college to see this stunning piece of architecture.
The university has classrooms, offices, a studio theater, and a food hall.
The main floor is known as the Common Rooms and is stunning to walk through.
The Cathedral of Learning is one of the interesting Pittsburgh attractions.
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Have Some Fun At Kennywood
Just outside of Pittsburgh, you’ll find Kennywood.
Kennywood is an amusement park and one of the best Pittsburgh attractions.
At Kennywood, you’ll find a fun mixture of classic amusement park rides and more modern thrill rides.
They also have 12 kid-friendly rides, which makes it one of the best family-friendly things to do in Pittsburgh.
Kennywood is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
They also have Halloween and Christmas events on weekends in October and December.
The Seeing The Views From The Monongahela Incline Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Pittsburgh
The Monongahela Incline entrance is located near the Smithfield Street Bridge in Pittsburgh.
If you want to see some stunning city views, the Monongahela Incline is the best way to do that.
The incline is a funicular and was designed and constructed in 1870.
It’s the United States’ oldest continually operating funicular.
It was originally built to transport coal miners up Mount Washington.
Now it’s a cheap Pittsburgh attraction that allows you to see the best views of the Pittsburgh skyline.
Look Here: Downtown Whiskey Walking Tour
Learn Something New At The Carnegie Museum Of Natural History
One of the best things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is visiting the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
It is open Wednesday through Monday, typically from 10 am to 5 pm. To enter there is a small admission fee.
The museum has permanent exhibits on paleontology, gemstones, botany, ancient Egypt, and much more.
You’ll also find a series of special exhibits on everything from mega fish to deadly fungi throughout the year.
It’s easily one of the most fun things to do in Pittsburgh PA.
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Explore The Frick Art Museum And Mansion
The Frick Art Museum and Mansion is a beautiful place to explore in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
You’ll find a permanent collection of works primarily from the Gilded Age.
There is also a Car and Carriage Museum which is pretty cool too.
While you’re there, I also suggest spending some time exploring the grounds around the Frick Mansion.
There are beautifully manicured lawns, gardens, and paved trails to wander down.
If you’re looking for stuff to do in Pittsburgh, I suggest a trip to the Frick.
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Head Just Outside Of Pittsburgh To See Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater
Even though it is about an hour outside of Pittsburgh, one of the best things to do near Pittsburgh is a trip to Fallingwater.
Fallingwater is possibly one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic homes.
The stunning home is in Mill Run PA and was built in 1937.
As soon as the home was finished it became one of the most iconic pieces of American architecture.
Today people travel to see this stunning home nestled in the woods just outside of Pittsburgh PA from all over the world.
The Baynerhof Museum Is One Of The Best Things To Do in Pittsburgh
If you’re looking for a more unique Pittsburgh attraction, try the Baynerhof Museum.
The Baynerhof Museum is a large home that looks like it’s been plucked from the German countryside.
It is the former home of Charles B. Brown III and has an incredibly unique collection.
That collection consists of thousands of music boxes, antique automatic music machines, and other unique and fascinating pieces.
You’ll find the collection scattered through the massive home with secret passageways, hidden rooms, and rooms stuffed with oddities.
Stroll Through Mellon Park
A stroll through Mellon Park on a beautiful day is one of the best things to do outside in Pittsburgh.
The park is more of a walled garden originally built in the 1920s.
It was part of the Mellon Estate, which is how it got its name.
In 2009 the beautiful walled gardens and park were restored to their former glory, and have been a favorite Pittsburgh attraction since.
You’ll find beautiful shrubs, tall trees, manicured and perfectly designed flower gardens, and a lush green lawn.
The park is a popular place to enjoy a picnic lunch or relax with a good book.
See One Of The New Exhibits At The Carnegie Museum Of Art
The Carnegie Museum of Art was founded in 1895 and is the first American museum focusing on contemporary art.
It is located inside the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
The entire area is a kind of complex of Carnegie-founded museums dedicated to various topics in art and science.
The Museum of Art continuously has unique exhibits that focus on the ever-changing landscape of contemporary art.
You’ll see up-and-coming artists, famous modern artists, and fun exhibits like contemporary art made from Legos.
If you are an art lover or want to experience something different, I highly suggest a trip to the Carnegie Museum of Art.
If ever looking for what to do in Pittsburgh, this is it.
The Hartwood Acres Park Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Pittsburgh PA
Hartwood Acres Park is 629 acres of beautiful green space outside Pittsburgh PA.
It’s one of the best places to see fall foliage and is full of hiking trails to explore.
Nestled on the acreage is also a stunning mansion that you can explore with a porch to sit on.
In the summer months, there are weekly live concerts in the park.
If you have time, I suggest strolling through the sculpture garden too.
The sculpture garden is fairly new and full of unique pieces from local and world-renowned artists.
It’s a beautiful place to visit which is why it’s one of the things to do outside in Pittsburgh.
Stop By The Pittsburgh Skyline Overlook
To see epic views of the city, everyone who calls Pittsburgh home knows the best places
One of those is by taking the Monongahela Incline.
If you don’t want to ride the incline, the next best place is the Pittsburgh Skyline Overlook.
The Pittsburgh Skyline Overlook is often called the West End Overlook.
It is right by the Grandview Overlook, another popular spot for iconic Pittsburgh views.
While there you’ll be able to take in some breathtaking views of the skyscrapers that make up the Pittsburgh skyline, along with the many city bridges.
It’s one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh.
Spend Some Time At Fall Run Park
If you need a break from all the city has to offer, take a short drive outside of Pittsburgh to Fall Run Park.
Fall Run Park is home to the largest waterfall near Pittsburgh.
It’s not big, but the 25-foot drop is pretty impressive.
you’ll also find hiking trails, a playground, and a baseball field.
You can hike to the top of the waterfall or climb the rocks into the basin where the water flows from the fall.
Explore The Eccentric World Of Randyland
Randyland is part art gallery part immersive experience.
It is an incredibly colorful landmark in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania that offers free admission for all who want to explore it.
You’ll find large beautiful paintings, mosaics, and sculptural pieces outside the building. It’s one of the most Instagrammed spots in the US.
If you’re looking for fun and colorful photos to commemorate your trip to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, then stop at Randyland.
Even if that’s not your thing, I can’t suggest stopping there enough.
It’s a super cool attraction in Pittsburgh PA that is unique to Steel City.
Walk The Three Rivers Heritage Trail
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail meanders throughout the city all along the river.
For stunning views of the city a great way to explore the areas along the river
The trail system is over 33 miles long, so there is plenty for you to explore.
Many of the trails are even on both sides of the river.
So you can see views of the city or the pretty river banks.
This should be on your list when deciding what to do in Pittsburgh.
Packing List For Visiting Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Attractions
Here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight in several colors.
these RFID sleeves are another option.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is the perfect size for me.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh water whenever you want it.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for storing snacks, your phone, and your water bottle.
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