Linda On The Run

Travel, Lifestyle, And Fitness For Those Over 60

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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.

Pittsburgh has way more to offer than just its steel industry.

It has been the home of famous artists like Andy Warhol and Frank Lloyd Wright, who built his famous Fallingwater nearby.

The Carnegie family opened some of the best museums in the state.

Let’s look at some of the 16 best things to do in Pittsburgh, PA!

A view of the Pittsburgh skyline from the Allegheny River. You can see two bright yellow bridges crossing the river and skyscrapers.

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.

You’ll find 7 floors full of over 13,000 works by Warhol.

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.

Look Here: Downtown History and Architecture Tour

A person looking at a collection of Andy Warhol paintings and photographs. There are images of men, drawings of men's profiles, a pop art image of Queen Elizabeth, and other items on display. Its one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh.
Sergei Bachlakov / Shutterstock.com

Walk Through The Greenhouses At The Phipps Conservatory

Throughout the year, you can enjoy beautiful, fresh greenery and gardens at the Phipps Conservatory

Found in Schenley Park and is a city landmark, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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 exterior of the Phipps Conservatory. It is an antique building that looks like it is made of white wrought iron or wood. It has floor to ceiling windows and even the ceiling is windows. It has a large center dome with a set of double doors in front of the dome. Its one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh.

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 of 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.

Look Here: Pittsburgh Evening Ghost Tour

The exterior of the Cathedral of Learning, a super tall building on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. It has gothic style architecture and in front of it is a large green lawn. Its one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh.

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.

A silver rocket Ferris Wheel at Kennywood, an old amusement park outside of Pittsburgh.

The Seeing The Views From The Monongahela Incline

The Monongahela Incline entrance is located near the Smithfield Street Bridge in Pittsburgh.

For 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 an inexpensive Pittsburgh attraction that allows you to see the best views of the Pittsburgh skyline.

Look Here: Downtown Whiskey Walking Tour

The view of the Pittsburgh skyline from the Monongahela Incline. It is a box car ride up the side of a mountain. You can see another box car going up the mountain in the picture as well. Its one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh.

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.

There is a small admission fee to enter.

The museum has permanent exhibits on paleontology, gemstones, botany, ancient Egypt, and much more.

Special exhibits display everything from mega fish to deadly fungi throughout the year.

Look Here: Whisky Rebellion Trail Tasting Pass

The exterior of a grand building that is the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. In front of it is a red bus and it is surround with trees with no leaves.
woodsnorthphoto / Shutterstock.com

Explore The Frick Art Museum And Mansion

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.

Spend 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.

Look Here: Family Treasures: An Urban Exploring Adventure

Looking up at the Clayton Mansion, also known as The Frick Art Museum, one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh. It is a Victorian style mansion that is a stone color.
woodsnorthphoto / Shutterstock.com

Head Just Outside Of Pittsburgh To See Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater

Located about an hour outside of Pittsburgh, one of the best things to do near Pittsburgh is visit Fallingwater.

Fallingwater is possibly one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic homes.

The stunning home is in Mill Run, PA, built in 1937.

As soon as the home was finished, it became one of the most iconic pieces of American architecture.

People travel to see this stunning home nestled in the woods just outside of Pittsburgh, PA, from all over the world.

A view of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater in the snow. You can see the waterfall frozen underneath the house and flowing into the semi frozen river. The house, trees, and rocks in the river are covered in snow. The sky is gray.

The Baynerhof Museum Is One Of The Best Things To Do in Pittsburgh

The Baynerhof Museum is a large home that looks like it’s 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.

A close up of an intricately carved antique music box with a worn bronze handle.

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

The beautiful walled gardens and park were restored to their former glory.

And has been a favorite Pittsburgh attraction since.

You’ll find beautiful shrubs, tall trees, manicured and perfectly designed flower gardens, and a lush green lawn.

A section of Mellon Park in Pittsburgh. There are stoned off sections of plants with purple and red flowers. There are stone steps that lead to a green lawn, a large fountain, and a small stone building.
woodsnorthphoto / Shutterstock.com

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.

If you are an art lover or want to experience something different, I suggest a trip to the Carnegie Museum of Art.

A view of the Carnegie Art Museum during a Lego exhibit. There are Lego sculptures made to look like classic paintings like 'Starry Night', 'Girl With A Pearl Earring', and 'The Kiss'.
EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

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.

Stroll through the sculpture garden, too.

It is fairly new and full of unique pieces from local and world-renowned artists.

A classic English cottage style garden against a brick wall. There are blue, red, purple, and pink flowers. There are also shrubs and vines growing on the brick wall.

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.

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 see in Pittsburgh.

A scenic view of the Pittsburgh skyline, the Allegheny River, and a rounded bridge over the river.
woodsnorthphoto / Shutterstock.com

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.

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.

A stream running over large stones through a forest. There are dead leaves on the stones and the trees are mostly green, with a few yellow and orange leaves.

Explore The Eccentric World Of Randyland

Randyland is part art gallery, part immersive experience.

It is an incredibly colorful landmark in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering 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.

It’s a super cool attraction in Pittsburgh, PA, unique to Steel City.

An collection of colorful found objects in front of a wall at Randyland, one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh. There are colorful mirrors, sculptures, chairs, mosaics, and more.
Spiroview Inc / Shutterstock.com

Walk The Three Rivers Heritage Trail

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail meanders throughout the city along the river.

For stunning views of the city, a great way is 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.

The view of the Allegheny River at night along the river bank. You can see lights reflecting in the water, a large bridge that is lit up, and buildings on a hill in the distance.

Traveling To Pittsburgh: Essentials Packing List

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.

Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)

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 a non-disposable water bottle. 

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

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