Booking a trip to Pennsylvania? You’re going to want to check out the best things to do in Pittsburgh. The state’s second-biggest city, “The City of Bridges” is one of the most surprising urban travel destinations in the Tri-State area.
With so much to see & do—from world-class museums and galleries to vibrant history to family-friendly fun—there’s a lot to love about Pittsburgh. If you’re into the great outdoors, some of the top tourist attractions in Pittsburgh include specialist gardens, beautiful parks, and aviaries. Home to the Steelers, the Pirates, and the Penguins, Pittsburgh is also a treat for sports fans.
Not sure what to do in Pittsburgh on your trip through the Keystone State? Check out this complete guide to the best places to visit in Pittsburgh, PA, and plan your ultimate itinerary!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out all our other attractions guides and our Pennsylvania Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go, when to visit & what to do!
Best places to visit in Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Love animals and want to learn a little something about the planet in the process? Check out the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for a day out like no other.
A combination land and sea tourist attraction, Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is a favorite with visitors of all ages. Thanks to its interactive exhibits, it’s one of the most exciting places to go in Pittsburgh if you have kiddos in tow.
Located in Highland Park, the Pittsburgh Zoo offers a great way to get outside. On the way, you’ll meet some of the world’s most interesting animals including stingrays, lions, and giraffes while helping the zoo’s conservation efforts.
As this top Pittsburgh attraction is open every day of the week during the summer months, there’s never a bad time to visit.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Looking to flex your green thumb and breathe in that beautiful fresh air? It’s time to head to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, one of the most beautiful points of interest in Pittsburgh.
Home to 15 acres of carefully kept and maintained gardens, a 14-room glasshouse, and 23 different themed gardens, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a must-visit for anyone who loves all things floral, botanical, or natural.
The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens also has a series of rotating exhibits, including their tropical forests, currently showing a Hawaiian selection of plants and foliage. If you want a luscious, holiday vibe in the heart of Pittsburgh, be sure to check the exhibit out.
The Andy Warhol Museum
Want to learn more about one of Pittsburgh’s most famous and beloved sons? Head to The Andy Warhol Museum to uncover more about this iconic artist.
As the largest art museum in North America that’s solely about one artist, The Andy Warhol Museum pays homage to the pop art pioneer with the world’s largest collection of his works. With a series of events, including musical concerts to help bring the world of Warhol to life, this famed museum and gallery is sure to leave a lasting impact.
It’s worth noting that The Andy Warhol Museum isn’t open on Tuesdays, and is exclusively open for at-risk visitors on Mondays from 10 am till 12 pm; make sure you organize your itinerary around that.
Market Square
If there’s one place that’s the beating heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, it’s Market Square. No trip to Pittsburgh is complete without visiting this historic and social landmark.
Located at the corner of Forbes Avenue and Market Street, Historic Market Square is home to some of the top restaurants and bars in town, including the Primanti Brothers Restaurant & Bar, a legendary Pittsburgh dining spot.
If you’re looking to get your fix of craft beer, you absolutely have to visit City Works in Market Square. City Works has a massive 90 craft beers on tap. Even the biggest craft beer connoisseur will have a hard time getting through all of that!
Point State Park
Wanting to get out and explore nature without ever having to leave the downtown area? Head to Point State Park, one of the most beautiful places to see in Pittsburgh, to get your fill.
Located at the confluence of the Allegheny River and Monongahela River, Point State Park marks the start of the Ohio River. Covering 36 acres of land and greenery, it’s a great spot to while away to hours and watch the world go by.
Don’t forget to check out the amazing Point State Park fountain at the tip of the park. It’s a spectacular sight, especially at night when it’s all lit up in its full glory!
Carnegie Museum of Art
In the mood to check out some of the country’s best contemporary art? Then check out the Carnegie Museum of Art and get inspired!
Founded by one of the biggest industrialists in Pittsburgh, Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Museum of Art was the first museum dedicated to contemporary art in the US. Filled with inspirational works that will spark your creativity and make you think, it’s a cultural institution that you’re not going to want to miss.
With interactive youth workshops and exhibits, this contemporary art museum is also an ideal spot to bring the kiddos. Bring them along and let them unleash their inner Picasso!
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Looking to uncover the mystery behind Earth’s natural history? Well, then you’d better add the Carnegie Museum of Natural History to your Pittsburgh itinerary.
With exhibits including the Paleo Lab, the Hall of Botany, the Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt, and more, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is the perfect spot for any visitor who is looking to pique their curiosity and learn something new.
Don’t think one day is enough to see and enjoy everything about this world-class research center and museum? Luckily, the museum also runs summer camps for kids to dive into all things natural history! Maybe you’ve got yourself the next David Attenborough!
Schenley Park
Want to get out in nature and experience a truly beautiful green space in the heart of the city? Get yourself to Schenley Park and relax surrounded by luscious greenery.
Voted in 2011 as one of the US’s coolest city parks, Schenley Park offers you the chance to reconnect with nature without having to leave the Oakland neighborhood. With miles of winding, well-maintained trails, you can wander and daydream about the beauty that surrounds you.
Fun fact: Schenley Park is on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district, so you can enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate Pittsburgh’s history at the same time!
National Aviary
Consider yourself to be a bit of a birding aficionado? Well, your trip to Pittsburgh wouldn’t be complete without visiting the extraordinary National Aviary.
As the only independent indoor nonprofit aviary in the United States—if you know your bullfinch from your swallow—the National Aviary is absolutely your kind of place. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits, including penguin feeding and a night at the tropics to enjoy!
With so many events, including birdwatching classes and educational talks, the National Aviary is a fun and insightful excursion to enjoy on your next trip to Pittsburgh.
Frick Park
Got the need to roam wild and free through bountiful nature? You need to check out the glorious Frick Park, one of Pittsburgh’s four historic parks. As Frick Park spans a gigantic 644 acres, it’s possible to spend your entire trip wandering the enchanting woodland trails.
If you’re looking to learn more about the local area and conservation efforts, head to the Frick Environmental Center. It’s free and you can see the difference that this little center makes to this huge park.
Whether you walk, run, cycle, or just want to take your furry friend for a stroll, there are plenty of great trails and options in Frick Park.
PNC Park
Are you a fan of America’s favorite pastime? Don your Pittsburgh Pirates jersey and head to PNC Park for an iconic ball game.
Located on the North Side of Pittsburgh, PNC Park is the Pirates’ fifth baseball stadium and a great park to watch some high-quality Major League Baseball. Take the kiddos, fill them up with hot dogs and sodas, and watch the Pirates try to annihilate the competition!
If you’re not into baseball, but love architecture, the PNC Park is beloved for its iconic and classical architecture, with striking iron beams and struts that can be seen from miles around.
Carnegie Science Center
Looking to uncover more about the wonderful world of science during your next trip to Pittsburgh? Head to the Carnegie Science Center—one of the four Carnegie museums—and discover something new!
With interactive exhibits that are designed to dazzle and inspire visitors of all ages, the Carnegie Science Center is one of the top Pittsburgh tourist attractions. Visit the giant cinema, check out the planetarium, and learn about the research and career opportunities at the STEM Center.
Whatever your science-based interest is, there’ll be something here for you. The Carnegie Science Center even has an exhibit on the history, evolution, and science of guitars for all you shredders out there!
The Frick Pittsburgh
Want to step back in time into a world of glamor, opulence, and wealth? Well, The Frick Pittsburgh is exactly where you need to go. The centerpiece of the Frick Art & Historical Center, the museum is near the top of the list of what to see in Pittsburgh for art & architecture buffs.
The former home of industrialist and art collector, Henry Clay Frick, this amazingly well-restored 19th-century mansion serves as a living museum, honoring turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh. See how the other half lived and pretend that you’re in a gilded age fantasy of money, balls, and parties!
When you’re done admiring the stunning 22-room mansion, head outside to the painstakingly manicured gardens. We won’t judge you for living the old-world, wealthy fantasy—we’d do the same!
Senator John Heinz History Center
Consider yourself a history buff with a love of all things interactive? Head to the Senator John Heinz History Center on the edge of the historic Strip District for a fun and inspirational day out in Pittsburgh.
With exhibits ranging from the transport of Pittsburgh to focusing on TV icon, Mister Rogers, there’s a huge variety of interests to indulge in at this Smithsonian-affiliated outpost. There’s also a lot to learn if you’re looking to inject some education into your next trip to Pittsburgh!
If you’re looking for something a little more niche, you can check out the West Pennsylvania Sports Museum or the Fort Pitt Museum, both within the Senator John Heinz History Center. Unleash your inner baseball star, football legend, or revolutionary in this family-friendly favorite!
Fort Pitt Museum
Speaking of vibrant revolutionary history being brought to life, make sure to make time for a visit to the Fort Pitt Museum while you’re in Pittsburgh.
Learn all about the rich history of the area and how Pittsburgh came to be in this interactive, engaging museum. Through its glorious recreations, you can experience how the first Pittsburgh residents lived, fought, and thrived in this area. It’ll give you a new appreciation for the journey this city has been on.
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With an exciting calendar of events, including a Tomahawk Toss competition and famous battle recreations, the Fort Pitt Museum brings history to life and leaves a lasting impression.
Trundle Manor
Are you into the weird, the wonderful, and the oddly spooky? Well, you’re going to love Trundle Manor, Pittsburgh’s quirky hub of all things macabre.
Curated personally by owners and artists, Anton and Rachel Miriello, the kooky Trundle Manor is an off-the-beaten-path attraction that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s certainly not your average museum. Marvel at the rooms full of vintage taxidermy, jarred specimens that float and stare into your soul, and displays of cryptozoology.
It’s worth mentioning that you can get into Trundle Manor by appointment only. Check out their website for more information and to book a tour.
Duquesne Incline
Want to get gorgeous, panoramic views of Pittsburgh without hiking up the giant Mount Washington? Head to the Duquesne Incline for a slow meander up or down the hill on an old-fashioned funicular.
As you journey either up or down in one of two original 1877 cable cars, take in the glassy river views, and the breathtaking Pittsburgh skyline. For a gorgeous photo opportunity, head to the Duquesne Incline during the golden hour, just as the sun begins to dip, bathing the scenery in an amber glow.
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Tickets for the Duquesne Incline are just $2.75 each way and can be bought either from the Upper Station or Lower Station depending on which way you’re traveling. Enjoy the ride!
