Top 10 Awesome Things to do in Pittsburgh
I got the opportunity to visit my cousin in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My niece, Kayla, and I spent a delightful weekend exploring the city. A person visiting Pittsburgh for the first time might only go to the obvious tourist traps but, since we had an in with my cousin, we got to see and experience the city like real Pittsburghers. Here are the top 10 awesome things to do in Pittsburgh from a local’s perspective:
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Roberto Clemente Bridge
The Roberto Clemente Bridge – 6th Street Bridge got an award for the most beautiful steel bridge in 1928. It is one of three identical bridges over the Allegheny River. We walked over to PNC Park and back while enjoying the sunset over Mount Washington. I even got Kayla to pose for a couple of photos which is so difficult now that she is older.
Duquesne Incline
Taking the Duquesne Incline up will provide you with the beautiful skyline of Pittsburgh, especially at night. This activity is a cash-only ($2.50/trip) ride to the top of Mount Washington. There is an ATM at the ticket booth if you need it. Park at the bottom. Impressive views from the top! We even saw a Proposal happen while we were taking pictures of the city skyline. Open hours Monday through Saturday are 5:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m. and on Sunday 7 a.m.-12:30 a.m. One way ticket is $2.50 for adults $5 for a round trip.
Primanti
Primanti restaurant has Great sandwiches! Every sandwich comes with fries, coleslaw, & tomato on top of your choice of sandwich. They deliver it wrapped in paper, and it is definitely a two-handed meal. I had a sweet sausage sandwich, and it was fantastic! Primanti’s is a Pittsburgh local gem that everyone should stop and have a meal there when you visit this city.
The Strip District
The Strip District is the most touristy place I visited. Kayla and I both picked up the traditional Pittsburgh t-shirts. We browsed through the Antique shop, Grandpa’s candy store, and the Costume Shop. The costume shop is also where you can rent (movie quality) costumes. This would be awesome for Halloween!
Peace, Love, & Little Donuts
Peace, Love, & Little Donuts is probably the tiniest shop on the Strip. You go in one door and out the side alley. If you are down there and smell the donuts go quickly because they are hot and delicious! We tried the Maple Bacon Sugar, M&M, and Cookies & Cream Donuts. My favorite was the Cookies & Cream Donut…Yum! You can find them at 2018 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. And bonus Peace, Love, & Little Donuts are all over the U.S. Find one near you!
Phipps Conservatory
Phipps Conservatory has beautiful flower displays, gorgeous orchid room, tons of photo spots. I love that they keep changing out the exhibits which make you want to keep returning to see what is new. When we went, there was a beautiful glass art display throughout the conservatory. But, the highlight for me is the flowers. I have hundreds of photos of all the different kind of plants and flowers that grow in here. This is a great place to practice your macro photography and some experimental creative photography. I played around with changing the focal length of the lens while I was taking the photo. See below for my result. What do you think? The Phipps Conservatory open hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. every day except Friday when it stays open until 10 p.m. Entrance fee is $17.95 for adults.
Love Locks
Walking distance from Phipps Conservatory is a fence on a bridge that is covered with love locks. A love lock is a padlock where sweethearts lock them to a bridge to symbolize their love. They are quite a sight to see. Very colorful! As I travel more, I notice Love Lock bridges in almost every city. I know that they can do damage to a bridge over time like the one in Paris. I’m not endorsing this behavior just stating that they are neat to photograph.
National Aviary
The National Aviary has a $14/person entrance fee that we have found to be worth it. It is the only non-profit indoor zoo dedicated to birds and the largest aviary in the country. Kayla and I have gone back here a couple of time since we enjoy it so much. There are lots of birds (over 600 birds and 200 species) flying over your head inside, so watch out for droppings! Surprisingly, you can get really close to the birds. This is a great place to visit in Pittsburgh for an hour or two. The National Aviary is open every day from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Penguin Encounter
Penguin exhibit was neat (inside & outside). You can even get up close and personal with them at the Penguin Encounter (Additional $40). Plus, the highlight was the Penguin painting my niece bought for a souvenir after interacting with one of the penguins during the Penguin Encounter. If you come early on special days, you can even pick a penguin & colors and watch them paint your picture.
Bicycle Heaven
Bicycle Heaven is hard to find but worth the visit. Tons of history and blasts from the past. Awe-inspiring collection covering two floors. Bicycle Heaven is the largest transportation museum dedicated only to bicycles in the world. Remember to give them donations to keep this museum in business! See if you can find your childhood bike in here. Does anyone remember the Pee-Wee Herman bike? They have it here on display! Bicycle Heaven is open every day from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Randyland
One of the best places to visit at any time of the year is Randyland. It is so very colorful and creative! We met the owner, and he is super friendly. His big thing is to show the world what you can do, even without an art background. Kayla bought a t-shirt and Randy told her, “Welcome to the club! People will come up to you when you wear the shirt and talk about Randyland.” The funny thing is the first day she wore it, they did! Randyland is open every day from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Entrance is free, but donations to keep this marvelous place open is always appreciated.
What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?
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Further Reading
If you are coming to the Pittsburgh area or Pennsylvania for a visit, check out these posts for more travel inspiration:
- The Quirky Art at Randyland and Poet’s Alley All Year Long
- Exploring the Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh
- Are you a photo enthusiast interested in photographic history?
- Stepping out in Style at Mansions on the Fifth
- Beautiful Covered Bridges of Bedford County
- Explore Valley Forge National Park
- Celebrate America’s Birthday
- The Best Ghost Tours Around the World
- Top 10 Activities To Do in Philadelphia
- On the road and hungry? Try Dutch Pantry!
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