Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania- Spending time with the family in the North Shore area on the unique riverfront of the city
Pittsburgh
This historic river city offers a wealth of things to discover, from opulent museums to professional sports.
There is no location like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the urban explorer, sports fan, culture seeker, or aspiring historian. With a foundation that dates back to the mid-1700s, it is among the most historic and culturally diverse cities in the United States. Pittsburgh is a destination boasting astounding stats as well: forty craft breweries, nine Carnegie Museums, four professional sports teams, nine James Beard semifinalist chefs in 2018 alone, 29 elite colleges and universities, a 14-block Cultural District, and 90 unique neighborhoods. Lastly, Pittsburgh has one of the nation’s most picturesque skylines for Instagram.
Capital of Culture
The first two decades of the life of American pop artist Andy Warhol were spent in Pittsburgh, where his seven-story Andy Warhol Museum now holds many of his most treasured pieces. View colorful Campbell’s Soup Can prints, a variety of flicks, and photographs of well-known celebrities. In the artist workshops at The Factory, you can even attempt to create artwork inspired by Warhol. Discover Pittsburgh’s industrial past at the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, study military history at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, and tour the striking Cathedral of Learning’s Nationality Rooms, which depict cultures from all over the world. Numerous dining options and nine performance spaces in the Cultural District combine to provide the ideal night out. Family-friendly destinations including the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh are sure to delight visitors with little ones.
Urban Outdoors and Sports
Enjoy sports? You’re fortunate. Pittsburgh is home to several professional sports teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have won six Super Bowls, the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have won five Stanley Cups, and the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have won five World Series. After the game, take advantage of the 38.6-kilometer Three Rivers Heritage Trail System by renting a bike from Healthy Ride, the city’s bike share program. A few of the main thoroughfares that the trail system crosses include the Great Allegheny Passageway, which runs from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. Stroll through waterfront parks along the Allegheny River, where you may see sculptures, historic places, and monuments including Mr. Rogers’ Tribute to Children statue. Enjoy the stunning vistas from Point State Park, a National Historic Landmark where three rivers converge and a 30-meter-high fountain pours water. You can get an impeccable view of Pittsburgh’s famous skyline by riding one of the two incline trains that are still in operation to the summit of Mount Washington.
Snacking and Drinking Pleasures
Pittsburgh was listed as one of the Top 10 Foodie Destinations for 2019 by BBC Good Food. It’s simple to see and taste why, with dining options ranging from casual street food to five-star restaurants. Begin with a few local favorites: Primanti Brothers’ enormous meat-filled sandwiches with french fries, S&D Polish Deli’s pierogies, and real Mexican tacos cooked and served on the street. Burnt almond torte, a Pittsburgh-native dish that the Huffington Post famously dubbed “The Greatest Cake America Has Ever Made,” will satisfy your sweet taste. One of the first craft brewers in the city, East End Brewing, is a great place for beer aficionados to get a drink. There are currently over thirty local breweries to select from; to try some of the most well-liked pints, schedule a city brewery tour.