10 Things to Do and See in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a fun and affordable city to visit! Each neighborhood delivers a completely different experience, and the entire city is very drivable. If you’re visiting Pittsburgh in the summer, make sure to check out our list of 50 things to do in Pittsburgh in the summer! For even more fun things to do and see in Pittsburgh, keep reading for the 10 things to see and do in Pittsburgh!

Ohiopyle State Park

Just a short drive outside Pittsburgh, PA are the three magnificent waterfalls at Ohiopyle State Park. The waterfalls are all very close to one another and make for a scenic hike. While there, visitors can enjoy some of the other activities at Ohiopyle, such as white water kayaking, rock climbing, and inner-tubing. If you’re planning to stay the weekend, they also have camping available. While you’re in the area, check out Fallingwater, the house built over a waterfall by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Cathedral of Learning

The Cathedral of Learning is the central administrative building on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh and houses many of the campus’s classrooms as well. This 42-story building is located right in the middle of this historic university town and offers an impressive view of downtown Pittsburgh. The Cathedral of Learning is actually the world’s largest academic building and one of the most famous buildings in the entire state of Pennsylvania. The main floor of the cathedral will make you feel like you’re in a Harry Potter movie. Make sure to take a tour of the 31 nationality rooms in the cathedral. Each room is dedicated to the various nationalities that helped build the massive educational building. If you are looking to attend the University of Pittsburgh, this is an absolute must to check off our list of the 10 things to see and do in Pittsburgh.

The National Aviary

In Pittsburgh, visitors can visit The National Aviary and see live birds, as well as other animals throughout their free-flight pens. This beautiful and educational place is great for people who are interested in wildlife or those who love to get out into nature. The National Aviary even offers bird-viewing tours so visitors can learn about different species of birds.

Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum

The city also hosts the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum which provides a great tour of the history and culture of the city. This museum is fun for all ages, no matter what your interest in sports. People can learn about Pittsburgh’s days as a major baseball town, as well as its days of championship hockey teams and historic athletes.

Carnegie Museum of Art

For those who love art, be sure to visit the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland. This historic and cultural institution has many galleries filled with various exhibits that rotate throughout the year. Visitors can expect to see sculptures, modern art, art history, as well as dinosaur and crystal exhibits. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for all ages. While visiting the museum, be sure to check out their visitors center by the front lobby that offers a lot of information about the history of the art collection, as well as a gift shop.

The Former Forbes Field

If you’re a baseball fan, stop by the location where the famous baseball stadium, Forbes Field, was once located. The home plate is located inside of the University of Pittsburgh’s Posvar Hall. It’s tradition for students to walk over it on the way to a big exam for good luck. To see the left-field wall where Bill Mazeroski hit his famous walk-off home run in the 1960 World Series, you’ll want to head down to the Riverwalk outside of PNC Park, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Fort Pitt Museum

Located in Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh, the Fort Pitt Museum is a great place to learn about Pittsburgh’s early history. Many forts have stood at The Point in Pittsburgh in an effort to gain control of the Ohio River and the land surrounding it. Learn about the massive role Pittsburgh played in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Early Republic. Exhibits and activities change often, so make sure to check out the Fort Pitt Museum website!

The Strip District and Market Square

Of the 10 things to see and do in Pittsburgh, this one is certainly a favorite amongst locals. Take a stroll in the Pittsburgh Strip District. The strip district is a historic neighborhood that has been selling produce, meat, and fish since the 1800s. Its emphasis on food holds true to this day. If you are looking for great food, the Strip District is the place to go. Make sure to check out Pittsburgh staples like Wholey’s Market, Pennsylvania Macaroni Co, S&D Polish Deli, Mancini’s Bakery, Pamela’s P&G Diner, and Primanti Brothers. Discover the Burgh has a great blog on all of the best places to visit in the Strip District. On the south side of town, visitors can visit the famous Market Square which hosts free events like farmers markets, concerts, and more.

Roberto Clemente Museum and Pittsburgh Pirates Games

For anyone attending a professional baseball game, be sure to visit the famous Roberto Clemente Museum in Lawrenceville, which honors one of the great Pittsburgh Pirates players of all time. This museum offers an interesting and educational look into Clemente’s life. Afterward, make sure to visit PNC Park and see a professional baseball game. This stadium has one of the best views in all of Major League Baseball. Plus, there’s a pierogi race at every game – something you don’t see anywhere else!

Bike the City

For those who love to ride bikes, there are several bike paths throughout the region. In recent years, a lot of work has been done to make the city itself more bike-friendly. Pittsburgh has a bike-sharing program called BikePGH. In just minutes, you can obtain a bicycle and unlock it by using a smartphone located on the bike. This system allows everyday users to unlock a full-size bicycle at any of the more than 1,400 docking stations across the city. This is a great option for meeting up with friends or exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods.

Pittsburgh’s attractions are diverse, including everything from museums and live theater to professional sports and summer festivals. It’s also a great city for kids thanks to its numerous parks and the many great things to do in Pittsburgh with kids to keep them entertained for days. No matter what your interests or budget, there is something fun for everyone in Pittsburgh.

These are the 10 things to see and do in Pittsburgh, for both visitors and locals! For more tips, make sure to sign up for our blog newsletter!