10 Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh That You’ll Love
Pittsburgh, often known as the “Steel City,” is a city full of interesting events, culture, and history. Pittsburgh, whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for a quick trip or planning a stay, has much to offer. So, don the best travel attire you have, put on your travel boots, and head towards a beautiful exploration journey of things to do in Pittsburgh. To help you in your exploration journey, we’ve made a list of the top things in Pittsburgh. Let’s know more about the things to do in detail!
1. Visit Bicycle Heaven
Thinking of what to do in Pittsburgh? The two wheels can excite you. Dubbed as the world’s largest bicycle museum, it is a place to visit for those interested in the history of bicycles. The enormous collection of bicycles from different periods that greets you as soon as you enter will show you how this popular form of transportation has evolved.
The large collection of vintage motorcycles at Bicycle Heaven is one of its best features. Everything from vintage cruisers to vintage road bikes can be found, each with its character and backstory. Bicycle Heaven is unique because of its captivating experience. Along with admiring the bikes on display, visitors can also discover more about the significance and history of these vehicles. Also, this being a perfect getaway, it is one of the top things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend.
- Avg time of visiting: 1-2 hours
- Price: Offers rental bikes starting at $10/hr
2. Go to the Duquesne Incline
Keep your cameras ready for the shots you will be capturing in this picturesque spot. Take a ride on the exquisitely refurbished wooden cable car that has been carrying people to and from the summit of Mount Washington for nearly 150 years now. To understand more about this unique form of transportation, visit the museum located at the top of the incline.
After reaching the summit, in addition to taking in the view, you can spend some time exploring the museum, which features historical and photographic details about Pittsburgh. For all the history geeks, this is a fun thing to do in Pittsburgh while getting to know the city.
- Avg time of visiting: 1-1:30 hours
- Price: Adults – $3.5 for round trip, Children(6-11 yrs) – $1.75
3. Tour the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Visitors interested in the natural world can have an amazing experience at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Situated in the Oakland district, the museum showcases a vast array of exhibits. This covers a wide range of natural history topics, such as minerals, fossils, dinosaurs, and ancient civilizations.
Tens of millions of artifacts and specimens from all over the globe and throughout history are on exhibit, showcasing the best of nature and delighting visitors of all ages and interests. And, the best thing is you can explore the museum as much as you like once you have got the ticket.
- Avg time of visiting: 2-3 hours
- Price: Adults – $25
- Students (with valid ID) – $15
- Seniors (65+) – $20
- Children (3-18) – $15
- Members/Children 2 and under – Free
4. Catch a game at PNC Park
The home field of the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball is PNC Park, situated on the southern shore of the North Side area. Catch a game of the home team is one of the fun things to do in Pittsburgh on weekends. Together with the game, you can savor hometown hot dogs and locally brewed beers.
Plus, the PNC Park is more than just a ballpark. It holds concerts, festivals, and other events all year round in addition to baseball games. Because of its picturesque setting, it is a well-liked destination for tourists and photographers, especially around dusk when the city comes to life.
- Avg time of visiting: 2.5-3.5 hours of average game time
- Price: Starts from $16
5. Relax at Three Rivers Heritage Trail
The Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers are bordered by the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. It is an asphalt pathway that connects some of Pittsburgh’s most famous locations. The route is explored by more than 500,000 visitors annually as an enjoyable and active way to view Pittsburgh at its best.
Early June is the best time to visit the area to take in the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival, which takes place on the path and includes hundreds of merchants, live music stages, and stations for arts and crafts. However, activity doesn’t end when the weather becomes chilly.
- Avg time of visiting: Approximately 2 hours
- Price: Free
6. Touring Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Pittsburgh’s Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a well-known destination. It is a must-visit location because of its abundance of attractions, especially for those who enjoy the outdoors. The old glasshouse has beautiful Victorian embellishments and lets in lots of natural light to give the plants a cozy glow.
Also, touring the place is a fun thing to do with kids too. In a fun and interesting way, young visitors can learn about plants, insects, and ecology through interactive experiences at the Children’s Discovery Station and Discovery Garden. Add this to your travel bucket list of Pittsburgh if not already added.
- Avg time to visit: 1.5-2 hours
- Price: Age (2 – 18 yrs) – $11.95
- Age (62+) – $17.95
- Adults – $19.95
- Students (Over 18) – $17.95
7. Pay a Visit to the Strip District
The Strip District provides a diverse fusion of culture, cuisine, and entertainment. It is well-known for its lengthy history and vibrant market scene. The Pittsburgh Public Market is one of the Strip District’s primary draws. Discover a wide range of regional merchants selling handcrafted goods, one-of-a-kind gifts, and fresh produce and artisanal delicacies here.
There’s no better place to indulge a foodie than the Strip District. Famous restaurants like Primanti Bros, renowned for its filling sandwiches topped with fries and coleslaw, serve delectable food. For the best weekend getaway, roaming through the Strip District is one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh.
- Avg time to visit: 1-3 hours
- Price: Free for exploration
8. Go to Kennywood
Kennywood is a popular and much-loved amusement park in Pittsburgh. This 150-acre amusement park, which is situated on the banks of the Monongahela River, features a 4D theater, roller coasters, water attractions, carousels, bumper cars, and more.
Not many amusement parks have a rich history like Kennywood does. In 1898, it began as a trolley park that provided amusement for the families of mill workers. A National Historic Landmark, it is one of only two amusement parks that blends nostalgia for bygone eras with modern-day excitement. So, if you are looking for things to do this weekend, Kennywood is the place to be.
- Avg time to visit: Full day
- Price: Starts from $25
9. Visit the Carnegie Science Center
With its interactive displays, fascinating presentations, and engaging hands-on activities, this institution is a shelter for inquisitive minds of all ages. A planetarium, an exploration station featuring displays on electricity and weather, a sports-themed area, a robotics experience, a naval submarine, and more can be found at the science center.
The Carnegie Science Center also provides some of the most popular entertainment alternatives for visitors, such as films in the four-story Rangos Omnimax Theater and laser shows that blend music and neon lights.
- Avg time to visit: Approximately from 2 hours to half a day
- Price: Adults – $25
- Older Citizens – $20
- Children – $15
10. Roam around the Mattress Factory
A fascinating and distinctive destination to visit is Pittsburgh’s Mattress Factory. This is not your typical mattress store—rather, it’s an art gallery! Modern art exhibits in the museum are sure to pique your interest and appeal to your senses.
The museum exhibits are specially designed for the spaces in which they are displayed, with a focus on modern installation art. Looking around the Mattress Factory’s many exhibits is one of the most fun things to do in Pittsburgh. Check it out the next time you’re in Pittsburgh!
- Avg time to visit: 2-3 hours
- Price: Adults – $20
- Older citizens – $15
- Students – $15
- Ages 6 and Less – Free
Conclusion:
Make sure your weekend plans in Pittsburgh are sorted! Indulging in things to do in Pittsburgh will make you know the city in a better way. Explore these places mentioned above and make the most of the time you’re in Pittsburgh.
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