These Top Attractions in Pittsburgh Will Surprise You

Pittsburgh has more bridges than Venice, Italy.  ©Dawn Damico

Destination Pennsylvania / Top Attractions in Pittsburgh

To say I was skeptical is an understatement. Afterall, Pittsburgh is renowned for steel production, represented by a hard-nosed football team, and shadowed by an industrial legacy of environmental challenges that couldn’t possibly charm a visitor. Or so I thought.

As it turns out, this reputation barely hints at the surprises that await visitors to Pittsburgh.This mid-sized city shatters preconceptions at every turn, seamlessly blending blue-collar authenticity with artistic sophistication.

You’ll find thoughtfully designed greenspaces tucked between historic neighborhoods and a vibrant culinary scene that rivals larger cities. With more bridges than Venice, Italy and an impressive choice of museums and theaters, Pittsburgh’s transformation from industrial powerhouse to cultural destination makes a trip to the city a good idea.

Join me as we explore some of the top attractions in Pittsburgh that transformed this skeptic into an enthusiast during my first visit to Pittsburgh.

Point State Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.  ©Dawn Damico

Urban energy pulses through Pittsburgh, but it is nature and art that orchestrates the city’s most compelling rhythms. 

In a place where you expect concrete and industrial remnants of a history built on raw materials extracted from the earth, botanical sanctuaries emerge like secrets waiting to be discovered. Hidden gardens, artistic installations, and flowing water features soften the sharp edges of the city. Visitors are invited to explore 90 distinctive neighborhoods that walk through the past, present, and future. 

Top attractions in Pittsburgh include the pretty little natural oases found in the most unexpected places.

Three Rivers Heritage Trail has markers along the trail that tell the history of the city.  ©Dawn Damico

Three Rivers Heritage Trail meanders 33 miles along the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers. Thanks to the forward-looking vision of the Friends of the Riverfront, bicyclists, pedestrians, and runners have a scenic alternative to busy city sidewalks.

Fresh off a travel day, the river trail was the first place I sought once I got to the city. Located a short distance from Embassy Suites Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh, I could easily reach Point State Park and the 150-foot tall Point State Park Fountain located by Fort Pitt Museum at the confluence of the rivers.

At dusk, locals gather on the wide riverfront steps to watch the sun paint golden hues over the water. The return walk to the Cultural District along the trail which was posted as a “no camping” zone under the bridges, allowed me to enjoy colorful murals painted on the walls as I built up an appetite for the night’s culinary adventure.

Sculptures at Firstside Park are a whimsical reminder to enjoy the magic of life. ©Dawn Damico

Beyond its steel facade, Pittsburgh’s soul radiates through an impressive collection of public art. You’ll spot more than 155 pieces of public art, monuments, memorials, and historic objects as you walk around Downtown and Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods, according to the 2023 Inventory of Public Art and Memorials compiled by the Pittsburgh Department of City Planning. This inventory doesn’t include pieces in storage or some Limited-Term Art that you may find when you visit.

Pieces like the Diamond Diamonds, sculptures mimicking the molecular structure of a diamond set at the top of the light posts found between the Cultural District and market Square, and humanlike frogs riding a unicycle found in the designated passive greenspace at Firstside Park are whimsical and fun. 

Some pieces carry deeper emotional resonance, none more touching than the celestial memorial in Mellon Park’s Walled Garden. Here, “7:11 AM 11.20.1979 79.55’W 40.27’N” maps the night sky from the day of Annie Seamans birth. Her mother, Elizabeth Seamans, was a scriptwriter who played Mrs. McFeely on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, linking this personal tribute to Fred Rogers, one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved figures.

Artistic touchstones like this reveal the human stories humming beneath Pittsburgh’s metropolitan surface. Visitors can uncover the city’s heart and history by exploring the trail of public art and historical pieces placed throughout the streets and parks of Pittsburgh.

Fort Pitt Block House is the oldest surviving structure in Pittsburgh.  ©Dawn Damico

History is one of the top attractions in Pittsburgh. From Fort Pitt’s founding in 1758, to the city’s official establishment in 1816, it’s natural to expect to be surrounded by the influences of history. What’s surprising is the diversity of that history.

Military History: The Fort at “the Forks”

Before Fort Pitt, there was Fort Duquesne. All that remains of the latter is an historical marker that reads “Fort Duquesne begun here, April, 1754, by French after taking Virginia’s fort. Key French position on the Ohio and base for raids on frontier after 1755. Burned by French before Forbes’ army occupied it, November 1758.”

 The fort’s strategic location, where the Allegheny and Monogahela rivers converge to form the Ohio River, is where imperial powers once clashed for control of a continent. A young George Washington, under British command, was the first to lead an army to overthrow the French military post but failed. It wasn’t until 1758 when General John Forbes’ impending arrival, a British naval blockade, and a turn of luck for France in the Seven Years War, that the French blew up their fort and retreated. This left the prime strategic point vacant. 

 Today, the Fort Pitt Museum and Point State Park stand in its place. Fort Pitt Block House has the distinction of being the oldest surviving structure in Pittsburgh as well as the oldest authenticated structure west of the Allegheny Mountains.

The whole city block by Trinity Church once held as many at 4,000 gravesites.  ©Dawn Damico

American Industrial Revolution: The City of Steel

Pittsburgh’s transformation from frontier outpost to industrial titan mirrors America’s rise to manufacturing supremacy. By 1900, the city was producing more than half of the nation’s steel. Further, Pittsburgh became a major glass manufacturing center, coal mining began in the surrounding hills, small iron foundries were created, and a boat building industry was born. The city’s 19th century growth is a snapshot of the confluence of Industrial Age grit and Gilded Age glitter.

Architectural enthusiasts can appreciate many historical buildings from this time. The 1888 Allegheny County Courthouse has been called a Romanesque masterpiece. Union Station/Penn Station showcases the vision of urban planner Daniel Burnham, a prominent Architect of the Gilded Age and proponent of the City Beautiful Movement. In Schenley Park, the Victorian-styled Phipps Conservatory is a delicate contrast to the city’s urban facade.

PPG Place at Market Square has 231 glass spires, one million square feet of glass, and a 40-story tower.  ©Dawn Damico

Modern Pittsburgh continues to celebrate its manufacturing heritage through structures like PPG Place, the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Building built in 1984. I wasn’t looking for it, so when I accidentally emerged onto six buildings surrounding an interactive fountain at Market Square, I felt as if I was entering a house of glass. The complex’s 231 glass spires, one million square feet of glass, and 40-story tower remain divided on public opinion as to whether it’s architectural brilliance or brash excess. However, few can deny its dramatic transformation at sunset when the reflection of light contrasts with the dancing waters causing you to pause and fully take in this modern glass cathedral.

Cultural History: Pittsburgh’s Melting Pot and Arts Scene

Pittsburgh’s industrial might drew the attention of dreamers and doers from across the globe. Each wave of immigrants brought new traditions, flavors, and aspirations to this emerging metropolis. Neighborhoods and markets developed, forming a human tapestry of world cultures that somehow fit within roughly 50 square miles.

Despite profound challenges including two of the most violent strikes in U.S. labor history, the rise and fall of a “company town” built by steel, and industry pollution that darkened both sky and river until post-World War II reforms began to reverse the environmental damage, Pittsburgh held fast to its heart and soul.

Today, world-class institutions celebrate this complex heritage. The Carnegie Museum of Art and Andy Warhol Museum celebrate modern and contemporary art. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which opened in the late 1800’s, continues its mission to “spark conversation about the inherent worth of nature and inspire a new generation of scientists to conserve both the planet and Carnegie’s vision.” 

Get your steps in at Heinz History Center. When you take the stairwell, you enjoy additional exhibits and a chance to punch your card at each floor.  ©Dawn Damico

In a repurposed ice plant, the Smithsonian-affiliated Heinz History Center is what they call “Pittsburgh’s people museum.” So while many exhibits tell the story of Western Pennsylvania’s journey, including the delightful Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood children’s television series and the iconic Heinz food empire, the partnership allows the Center to bring world-class artifacts to Pennsylvania. The building’s natural cooling system is the ideal place to preserve both local treasures and traveling Smithsonian collections.

There are more than 155 pieces of public art, monuments, memorials, and historic objects as you walk around Downtown and Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods.   ©Dawn Damico

Fourteen vibrant blocks showcase Pittsburgh’s artistic character. You’ll find historic theaters, art galleries, and live performances from the Pittsburgh Symphony, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Ballet, and an eclectic mix of touring artists that keep you entertained throughout the year. 

Even if a live performance is not on your list of top attractions to experience in Pittsburgh, the Cultural District weaves public art installations between more than 50 global dining venues. Steps from the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, this neighborhood is a model of urban revitalization brought to life by the visionary leadership from organizations like the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which has played a key role in that transformation.

Downtown Pittsburgh’s culinary scene definitely champions independent and local restaurateurs. The popular McDonald’s chain made a valiant effort to woo the city into loving the idea of a fast food chain restaurant in the city. It was the “last man standing” so to speak, but even that popular chain closed in the summer of 2024. It seems the Iron City prefers a different sort of happy meal; something more artisanal and less corporate.

The Gasoline Coffee Company’s interior is a collection of gasoline-related memorabilia…and great coffee too!  ©Dawn Damico

You may be skeptical asking, “what about that popular coffee shop with the familiar green mermaid?” Starbucks opened in the Strip District in 2024; although with so many independent and locally owned coffee shops, like Gasoline Street Coffee Company (of which I enjoyed), competition will be fierce and only the future knows if the chain will survive in Pittsburgh.
Location: 643 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

This fierce independence seems to have provided the perfect environment for a dining renaissance. The Pittsburgh food scene has caught the attention of several “best of” lists around the world with food from award-winning restaurants and James Beard Award semifinalists. In the downtown area alone, there are more than 100 restaurants to choose from. Beyond downtown’s boundaries, the city’s 90 neighborhoods tell their stories through food. You’ll discover traditional family kitchens, innovative bistros, and creative chefs serving up bold culinary experiments.

Here’s a taste of what you can experience:

Aslin Beer Company is known for their IPAs and being one of The Terminal’s original tenants.   ©Dawn Damico

Aslin Beer Company in The Terminal

Before it was transformed into a dining and entertainment destination, The Terminal was the Pennsylvania Railroad Fruit Auction and Sales Building. Today Aslin Beer Company, known for their IPAs and one of The Terminal’s original tenants, serves up craft beer in their cavernous taproom

The Terminal and the Strip Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1929, the building served as a vital link to the city’s perishable goods network, providing short-term storage of produce which was unloaded and loaded onto boxcars, thus the proximity to the nearby railroad tracks. This history makes sense of the exploding banana story.

Location: 1801 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA

Notice the missing clock face on the brick tower. That was a result of a quirky historical incident that involved exploding bananas.  ©Dawn Damico

The Exploding Bananas

From the Terminal’s platform, you can see St. Stanislaus Kostka R.C. Church with brick towers, golden caps, and a non-functioning clock. This is near the scene of one of Pittsburght’s most peculiar disasters.

In the early 1900s, the Pittsburgh Banana Company had a 150-foot warehouse at 2121 Smallman Street used to store imported bananas awaiting transport to other areas. Bananas release gas as they ripen. One fateful day, there were so many bananas stored in the building that the gas built up to dangerous levels. An employee turned on a fan inside the building, setting off a tiny spark that triggered a huge explosion that showered Pittsburgh with bananas for several city blocks. The explosion was so powerful that it popped the gold domed top off the church and shattered the windows and the clock. The windows were replaced, the clock was not. The “bonnets” on the church bell towers were replaced with the crosses you see today.

Luckily, nobody died in this fruity fiasco according to the news article; however, I do wonder if this banana explosion provided inspiration to the city of Latrobe in Laurel Highlands. Latrobe is where the banana split was born.

Dinner at Eleven started with a selection of cheese, then progressed to the restaurants namesake burger.  ©Dawn Damico

Eleven

Located between the Heinz Museum and the Terminal, is Eleven Contemporary Kitchen. Formerly a warehouse, the building’s redesign is polished where you can enjoy a formal setting or something more casual in the bar. Dinner started with a platter of cheese including bread, sea-salt sprinkled butter and a variety of spreads. A choice of Black Cabra Malbec at happy hour pricing was perfect with the ELEVEN Burger made with braised veal, black pepper bacon, crispy onions, a choice of cheese (I chose goat cheese), and a side of seasoned fries.

Location: 1150 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Gaucho Parrilla is located in the Cultural District and serves the perfect cut of steak.   ©Dawn Damico

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

Located in the Culture District, Gaucho Parrilla is known for their steak. I ordered my wood-fired steak medium rare, served with a side of chimichurri sauce and salad. I paired that with a Grist House craft beer, Molecular IPA, from a Pittsburgh family owned craft brewery. Gaucho’s has a great little rooftop bar which had a private event happening the day I was there.

Location: 146 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Sally Ann’s welcomes you from morning to night serving both breakfast and wine throughout the day.  ©Dawn Damico

Sally Ann’s

Sally Ann’s is a place where you can order coffee in the morning, then beer, wine, and cocktails later in the day. Sit outside and enjoy the comings and goings of the Cultural District, or enjoy the cozy interior that feels like a home away from home. I enjoyed a breakfast of cappuccino and greek yogurt with fresh fruit before heading on a walking tour of downtown Pittsburgh.

Location: 136 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

If tiny, groovy donuts are what you crave then Peace Love and Donuts is your place.  ©Dawn Damico

Peace Love and Little Donuts

The original location for Peace Love and Little Donuts is in the Strip District. In addition to little donuts (of course), enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice. The cake donuts are dense and remind me of a recipe my grandmother used to make. Although, she rolled hers in simple sugar instead of the fancy-pants, fun toppings here!

Location: 50 21st Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

The newest addition to The Terminal, this Asian inspired food court has seven options, including a cakery and your favorite beverages.  ©Dawn Damico

Novo Asian Food Hall

This Novo Asian Food Hall is a food court experience that lets you sample a little of this, and a little of that, all with an Asian flair. With seven options, including a cakery and your favorite beverages, it’s a perfect setting for groups that cannot agree on a single dining experience.

Location: 1931 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

They say that opera legend Luciano Pavarotti visited Penn Mac, walked around, then told the owner, “All over the world I’ve never seen anything like this. Don’t change it.”   ©Dawn Damico

​Pittsburgh was built from the ground up by steel and people. So while you may not associate the city as a culinary traveler’s hotspot at first, understanding its immigrant heritage will lead you on an international treasure hunt. Generations of families have transformed recipes from their ancestral homelands into beloved institutions.

One of the top food attractions in Pittsburgh is the international food markets in the Strip District.

The district unfolds across two main streets. Along Smallman Street you’ll find the renovated Strip District Terminal with a variety of restaurants and shopping. Aslin Beer Company is one of the Terminal’s first occupants, and one of the newest is Novo Asian Food Hall. Saturday morning’s buzz with the community market and indoor and outdoor seating.

One street over on Penn Avenue is the more traditional face of the markets. Here you’ll find lively open air markets, places to purchase your Pittsburgh sports team swag, and the international markets. Wholey Fish Market is the biggest importer of seafood in a landlocked location. You’ll also find Pennmac (Pennsylvania Macaroni Company) for all your Italian food favorites, stores for Asian, Mexican, and Korean Groceries, Stamoolis Brothers Co. gourmet Greek grocery store, and more. If you’re planning to enjoy one of the nearby parks or outdoor spaces, I would stop here first to pick up some picnic items that are beyond the ordinary.

An elevator ride to the 25th floor carries you to the hotel’s registration desk.   ©Dawn Damico

Park your car and enjoy Pittsburgh’s walkable charms. With many downtown hotels, visitors have some great options. I found that the Embassy Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown, located in the historic Henry W. Oliver building on Smithfield, provided a centralized location for exploring the city with easy access to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

Stepping into the impressive marble lobby, trimmed with mahogany shipped in from Honduras, you are transported to the Gilded Age. Completed in 1910, The Oliver Building was one of Pittsburgh’s first skyscrapers. While the industrial magnate whose name graces the building never saw his vision realized, a member of the Oliver family maintains an office in the building, according to The Pittsburgh Quarterly.

An elevator ride to the 25th floor carries you to the hotel’s registration desk. Suites are located on the upper floors, providing a bird’s-eye view of the city skyline and streets below. From here, you can watch the city wake up and plan for your day’s adventures.

The Laurel Highlands is the city’s backyard playground covering over 3000 square miles and more than 200,000 acres of unspoiled state forests, parks, and game lands. ©Dawn Damico

When you’ve had your fill of culinary and cultural options in and around Pittsburgh you can easily explore nature beyond its urban edge. Just a little over an hour from the city is the Laurel Highlands, covering Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties. This is the city’s backyard playground covering over 3000 square miles and more than 200,000 acres of unspoiled state forests, parks, and game lands.

Named as one of the 10 best places to see fall colors in the United States by USA Today 10best Readers’ Choice Awards, Laurel Highlands has plenty of beautiful trees. However, that’s not all.

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP Trail) winds through this wilderness, connecting Pittsburgh’s Point State Park to Washington, DC. Biking and hiking opportunities are endless. The GAP trail is 150 miles in total; however, you can take it in sections. The trail passes through six Laurel Highland trail towns that serve up a slice of small town life with big time culinary and cultural surprises.

If paddling is more your speed, then pick your river because there’s plenty to choose from. Fishing, white water rafting, tubing, kayaking and swimming are all options in this four-seasons outdoor playground.

There are too many Laurel Highlands experiences to mention here; watch for more travel inspiration in future articles.

Public art along the river includes a series of murals, part of the ArtWalk on the Allegheny.  ©Dawn Damico

​While my initial visit didn’t allow time to experience everything, I’m busy preparing a list of things to do in Pittsburgh when I return. Some are recommendations from locals, while others simply fell outside the scope of my first trip. Regardless, the city’s depth of experiences and top attractions in Pittsburgh promise that every season holds something special for a getaway to PIttsburgh. Here are a few sites that are on my list:

Schenley Park and Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Schenley Park is Pittsburgh’s grand dame. The 456 acre park is the city’s second largest, located between Oakland and Squirrel Hill, and is a favorite of the University community. It looks like you can reach the area from downtown on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail along the Monongahela River; however, at a distance of about five miles, going by bike would be faster than walking.

Location: One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

The PA Market

This European inspired market occupies two floors where you can enjoy a Wine Library, craft cocktails, and food vendors. Another Strip District foodie-find that’s on our list to enjoy!

Location: 108 19th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Churchview Farms

This third generation sustainable family farmette has a monthly dinner series. Churchview Farms is a private residence located about 15 minutes from Pittsburgh’s South Side that strives to educate and engage the community. A culinary experience immersed in the bounty of the land.

Allegheny County Parks

There are nine parks to play in with more than 12,000 acres of land. Everything from downhill skiing, archery, fishing, birding, hiking, biking, and an exhibition farm inspire you to get out of the city, as delightful as it is, and get closer to nature.

The towering skyline of Pittsburgh is a sight to behold.  ©Dawn Damico

As you can see, Pittsburgh’s reputation as the gritty “City of Steel” barely hints at the vibrant urban landscape that awaits visitors today. If all you know about Pittsburgh is its industrial heritage, then be prepared to be surprised by how this dynamic destination blends artistic vision with blue-collar authenticity, creating unexpected experiences around every corner.

The city’s rejuvenated riverfront is an ideal entry point, where the Three Rivers Heritage Trail guides you past public art, historic landmarks, and inviting green spaces. Deeper exploration into the city reveals Pittsburgh’s talent for repurposing its past. From the Strip District’s bustling international markets, to the Heinz History Center’s celebration of the city’s cultural tapestry, what’s old is cherished while what’s new is celebrated.

At the heart of this urban renaissance is the Cultural District with the symphony, opera, and live performances. The spirit of Pittsburgh shines bright with its fierce independence, evidenced by dining experiences that champion local restaurants over corporate chains.

No matter what adventure you choose among the top destinations in Pittsburgh, plan to visit the city that is full of surprises every season of the year.