Visiting Pittsburgh for one day in March. What are the "must do's" or Must see's" (Greensburg: hotels, home)

[W-B proud]

I'm from NEPA and will be visiting Pittsburgh for only one day. We are driving out to see my bother in law who is staying in Greensburg for 2-4 yrs. If you know what I mean. Anyway, afterwards I want to to take a short tour of "The Steel City", and we will be staying overnight. My question is "If you only had one day in Pittsburgh, what would you do/see? I am on a budget and I'll have my wife and two kids with me, so no bars or clubs (thanks anyway...maybe next time). Just a fun siteseeing, family-type day. I'm also looking for a good landmark restaraunt. How's Primanti's? How about a cheap Pittsburgh landmark restaraunt. I'm also looking for a hotel, nothing fancy just an average "Sleep Inn", "Econolodge" will do. Should I stay in downtown or The Strip District? Thank You.

[deathegg88]

At the very least, make your way up to Mt. Washington for the view of downtown Pittsburgh!

[nuwaver88]

Please do not go to Primanti's. It is way overrated. Just go to somewhere in Station Square and ride the incline to Mt. Washington if you are only here for one day. Maybe even go to The Strip for some shopping of fine foods if you have the time.

[dugdogmaster]

Since you'll have your wife and kiddos with you hit the museums, they're fun for all ages, especially the Natural History in Oakland and the the Science Center on the North Shore. Yes, even adults get a kick out of the Science Center. And The Science Center has tons of hands on learning exhibits. I just mentioned those two because I don't know if your kids are into art museums.

http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/
http://www.carnegiemnh.org/

Oh, and they're reasonably priced.

[JoeLeaphorn]

Ditto the Carnegie Museums and Science Center, however, if the weather is nice, you might also consider the Zoo and Aquarium which will take you a couple of hours. The Children's Museum is also fun for smaller children.

Mt. Washington has a nice view of the city but if you are staying away from clubs and such, you won't find much else to do up there as there are mostly somewhat expensive restaurants. The incline (inclined railway) is a fun way to get up to the top and back.

Station Square used to be a destination but it is sadly empty, now, although there are a few restaurants along the water including Buca di Beppo which I never cared for but it serves huge portions and they are inexpensive.

There is also an amphibious car tour (Just Ducky Tours) which departs from Station Square and runs through town, across to the North Side and back and includes a brief stint in the water (weather permitting). If found the tour guides' humor to be a little sophmoric (and I think that they frequently make things up), but it is a good way to see the water from the city and the city from the water.

[PeterRabbit]

I agree about Primanti's, but in the thread we had here about it, it was near 50/50 for those who liked it or didn't. It's affordable and is the restaurant that represents the city to others so go and form your own opinion. If it's ever brought up in a conversation you can at least talk about it first-hand.

If you have a lot of time to kill you can take the family for a walk around Phipps Conservatory in Oakland near Pitt. You can go in The Cathedral of Learning which is like being in an old castle. The Original Hot Dog Shop (Dirty O) is beside Pitt. Good dogs and a small fries is plenty for two adults or maybe your entire family. The museum is also in that area.



Harmarville is straight out Rt. 28 from downtown (North Side) and has a few economy hotels like Holiday Inn Express, maybe Econolodge, Motel 6, etc., clustered together plus Valley Motel which should be much cheaper. A bunch of fast food places start a couple doors away and include KFC, Denny's, Ponderosa and Primanti's, as well as the usual plus a new Mexican Restaurant, 3 Amigos, that is said to taste authentic. (This Primanti's is awful.)

These motels are at the turnpike entrance/exit which would get you to Greensburg fairly fast and on your way back home if you go this way or it takes you to 79 North (10 miles) to catch I-80. It's about 14 miles from downtown and Rt. 28 is one of our better highways.

[W-B proud]

Is there any reasonably priced hotels in downtown, or are they all expensive? I'd like to be pretty close to everything. From what I've heard so far, The Science Museum, and Mt. Washington incline sound pretty cool. I love science. I'm a National Geograghic and Discovery channel junkie. Is the Science Museum and Mt Washington far apart? Tell me more about The Stripp? Is it more "yuppy" area, or "blue collar". I'm blue collar and on a budget, so I won't even bother if it's super expensive. More restaraunt recommendations would be great also. Come on! It's Pittsburgh, there must be 1,000 great eateries! Something close to The Science Museum would be great. Thank you.

[Katiana]

Is the Good Ship Lollipop running right now? It's a river tour that is kid-themed. That's what I'd go for in Pittsburgh, something that is uniquely Pgh. I do enjoy museums, but there are plenty of children's museums, science musems, etc around the country.

[Kate88]

Go to the Cathedral of Learning, in Oakland. It is the tallest educational structure in the western hemisphere, second tallest in the world. On the first three floors are the nationality rooms, I believe there are around 30 of them. Then take the elevator to the highest floor you are able (35 or 36?). That is the University Honors College - a very elegant looking lounge, with great views of Oakland.

Plus, all free!

[raynist]

What day of the week will you be here?

If it is a Saturday, definately head to the Strip District, Penn Ave between 16th and 24th. Lots of great food and cheap. Also great people watching.

I personally like Primanti's once in a while. It is different and almost all of the people that come from out of town to visit us like it.

Mount Washington would be a must also. I actually like the West End overlook better though.