Pittsburgh is one of those cities that surprises you—in the best way. It’s a skyline-and-bridges kind of place, but also a museum city, a sports city, a food city, and a “let’s walk along the river and see what happens” kind of city. If you’re planning a weekend trip (or playing tourist in your own town), here’s a big, fun list of Pittsburgh things to do—organized so you can mix-and-match by vibe.
Start with the “Pittsburgh = WOW” views
Ride the Duquesne Incline + hit Mount Washington.
If you do one iconic thing, make it this. The Duquesne Incline has been carrying people up Mount Washington since 1877, and the view at the top is the kind that makes you stop mid-sentence. Duquesne Incline+1
Walk Point State Park at the “Point.”
This is where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio—aka the literal point of Pittsburgh. It’s scenic, walkable, and perfect for photos. Pennsylvania Government+1
Do a bridges + rivers stroll.
Even if you don’t have a plan, walking along the riverfront trails downtown/North Shore is a whole vibe—especially around golden hour.
Neighborhoods that feel like mini-trips
The Strip District (hungry? you will be).
Think: bustling sidewalks, markets, coffee, snacks, and “let’s buy this random delicious thing” energy. It’s one of the best places to wander with zero agenda. Discover the Burgh
Lawrenceville for shopping + restaurants.
Boutiques, vintage finds, fun bars, great dinner spots—this is a top “spend an afternoon” neighborhood.
The North Shore for museums + sports energy.
Even on non-game days, it’s fun to walk around, especially if you’re pairing it with The Warhol or the riverfront.
Oakland for the classic “museum campus” day.
This is where you’ll find the Carnegie Museums and Phipps (two of the city’s biggest heavy-hitters). Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh+1
Museums & culture that are actually fun
The Andy Warhol Museum.
Seven floors, pop art, Pittsburgh pride—and it’s the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. Wikipedia+1
Senator John Heinz History Center.
A “just one more floor” kind of museum—because there are six floors of exhibits, including Pittsburgh icons (hello, Mister Rogers). Heinz History Center
Carnegie Museum of Natural History + Carnegie Museum of Art.
Perfect rainy-day plan, perfect family plan, perfect “I want to be inspired” plan. Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh+1
Nature, parks, and pretty places to breathe
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
A total mood-lifter: a Victorian glasshouse, seasonal flower shows, and gardens that make you forget you’re in a city. Phipps has been welcoming visitors since the 1800s and is a must for any Pittsburgh itinerary. Phipps Conservatory+1
Make it a “park day.”
Pittsburgh is full of pockets of green—plan a picnic, grab coffee, and let the day be easy.
Sports, shows, and big-event Pittsburgh
If your trip is centered around a concert, Steelers game, Penguins game, Pirates game, or a festival weekend—lean into it. Pittsburgh does event weekends really well, and it’s one of the easiest cities to build a full itinerary around: pre-game food, river walk, post-event dessert, done.
(And if you’re a “go where the locals are” traveler: even non-sports people get pulled into the energy here.)
Quick-hit itineraries (steal these)
If you’ve got one day:
Duquesne Incline → Mount Washington views → Strip District wander/lunch → Point State Park → sunset back along the river.
If it’s raining:
Phipps → Carnegie Museums → cozy dinner in Oakland/Shadyside/Lawrenceville.
If you’re here with kids:
Phipps + Natural History Museum + lots of snack stops (the Strip District always wins).
Stay in Pittsburgh with Rivers & Steel City Homes
Want to do Pittsburgh like a local (without the hotel vibes)? Rivers & Steel City Homes offers beautifully cared-for short-term rentals that make it easy to explore the city, spread out, and actually relax between adventures.
If you’re coming in for a weekend getaway, a game, a concert, or a family trip, book your stay directly through Rivers & Steel City Homes and make your Pittsburgh trip feel effortless—from the moment you arrive to the last “one more photo” at Mount Washington.