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I am considering a spur-of-the-moment trip to Pittsburgh in early June, so I've enjoyed seeing the suggestions here. I love to explore cities by walking, so would downtown be the best place to stay? (Someone recommended the Renaissance earlier, which seems nice.) Also, can anyone recommend a good source of self-guided walking-tour info?
Unlike the OP, I'm not so much into shopping, but I do enjoy architecture, watching people, and enjoying distinct neighborhoods. Being from Houston, I am familiar with the generic upscale stuff that all American cities have. In Houston, we have lost most of what local color we might have had in the past. I have always heard that Pittsburgh has retained a lot of it's historic character and would like to experience some of that.
There are links to some self-guided walking tours on these webpages:
I am considering a spur-of-the-moment trip to Pittsburgh in early June, so I've enjoyed seeing the suggestions here. I love to explore cities by walking, so would downtown be the best place to stay? (Someone recommended the Renaissance earlier, which seems nice.) Also, can anyone recommend a good source of self-guided walking-tour info?
Unlike the OP, I'm not so much into shopping, but I do enjoy architecture, watching people, and enjoying distinct neighborhoods. Being from Houston, I am familiar with the generic upscale stuff that all American cities have. In Houston, we have lost most of what local color we might have had in the past. I have always heard that Pittsburgh has retained a lot of it's historic character and would like to experience some of that.
A huge thank you for the tips everyone, I really appreciate the response. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our plans for this weekend but going through this thread with my wife was great b/c she is very excited for us to check out the city in June.
What sort of budget would you be working with for accommodations? The reason I ask is because our most expensive hotels are Downtown; however, I also feel as if these are our region's premier hotels in terms of amenities, comfort, and proximity to attractions so you'll likely get your money's worth. If you're looking to be more budget-conscious then you can stay in the suburbs and drive in and out of the city. My partner's family just visited and stayed at the Comfort Inn & Suites along Steubenville Pike in Robinson Township (west of the city). Without traffic and driving slower than we normally would drive we guided them Downtown from their hotel in 15 minutes. I believe they paid $109 USD/night, which is definitely on the cheaper side since hotels are becoming expensive here. Traffic headaches are rare here on the weekends, although I will advise you to avoid any hotels to the east of the city (i.e. Monroeville) since the Squirrel Hill Tunnels will be closed next weekend, and that will most certainly create traffic bottlenecks into and out of the city from points East.
As far as "interesting architecture" and "light shopping" (assuming NOT lighting fixtures---LOL!) are concerned I'd definitely recommend the neighborhood of Shadyside to you. There are some great window-shopping opportunities along Walnut Street between South Aiken Avenue and South Negley Avenue. In addition, there are some splendid grand old homes in "West Shadyside", especially around Devonshire Street, Wallingford Street, Castleman Street, Amberson Avenue, and the "courts" off of Ellsworth Avenue. Nearby is Squirrel Hill, which has a great business district lining both Forbes Avenue (between Shady Avenue and Murray Avenue) and Murray Avenue (between Forbes Avenue and Forward Avenue). The blocks north of Forbes Avenue offer some great residential architecture, as do the blocks to the west of Murray Avenue and north of Forbes Avenue (Bennington Avenue, Squirrel Hill Avenue, Maynard Street, Bellerock Street, etc.) Lawrenceville offers a growing blend of unique restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries along Butler Street, which is its "Main Street". The residential architecture here is older and consists largely of rowhomes. South Side offers a large business district along East Carson Street between 10th Street and 28th Street that is noted for its nightlife (beer, beer, beer). It can be a bit rowdy with the "drunk frat boy" scene on weekend nights, but it's a nice enough place to explore on foot by day. The eastern edge of the East Carson Street business district is anchored by a newer mixed-use development called "South Side Works" that has mostly chain stores and restaurants (think Cheesecake Factory, Sur la Table, Hofbrauhaus, Urban Outfitters, H&M, etc.) although there are some independent merchants sprinkled in here and there. In my opinion the most beautiful blocks of East Carson Street from an architectural perspective are the north side of the street between 11th & 19th. The residential sectors of South Side are largely older tiny wood-framed rowhomes on narrow streets. The North Side is still gentrifying, but there are two small (but improving) business districts along East Ohio Street (Deutschtown) and Western Avenue (Allegheny West). I'd only consider visiting either one if you run out of things to see/do, which isn't likely since there's a lot to see/do here for just one weekend.
Some typical tourist recommendations:
1.) Church Brew Works: A large restaurant/brewpub housed inside an old church that retains the original stained glass windows, pews, pipe organ, etc. The place gets very popular, which may suggest getting there for an early dinner to beat the crowds, but the best time to experience it (in my opinion) is after dark, despite the possibility of waiting for a table. There is a free parking lot behind the restaurant along with ample free on-street parking nearby.
2.) Mt. Washington: You can ride one of two furniculars/inclines up and down a very steep hillside overlooking Downtown Pittsburgh to Grandview Avenue, a street that runs along a cliffside with various overlooks across the city. The views are superb by day or night. There is a small business district along nearby Shiloh Street that offers an ice cream parlor (Del Fiore's), bar (Redbeard's Tavern), restaurant (Shiloh Grill), a new coffeeshop, a wine & spirits store, bank, grocery store, etc. When I'm entertaining out-of-town guests I like to drive to Grandview Avenue, park (for free) on the street, walk to get ice cream, and then eat it while surveying the views of the city. We then ride the Monongahela Incline down to Station Square, a mixed-use area that is struggling but still has some touristy things (i.e. Hard Rock Cafe, musical jumping fountains, tourist information kiosk inside of a seemingly dying small indoor shopping mall, wine store, skyline views, etc.) The western side of Grandview Avenue offers some upscale restaurants, although I've heard the food is mediocre with a pricing premium to reflect dining overlooking the skyline.
3.) National Aviary: Perhaps I'm just a budding Audubon aficionado, but I happen to think we have a superior aviary. It's reasonably-priced, rarely overcrowded, offers ample free parking (although a small donation is strongly suggested), has numerous interactive shows (extra charge) and interactive feedings (free), and offers the closest encouters I've ever had to a large number of penguins (Elvis is my favorite!) I'm a member, and I visit as often as my hectic work schedule permits. It's located on the North Side (across from Downtown) within a large park.
4.) Strip District: Best experienced on a Saturday morning or Sunday morning, you will find numerous merchants, vendors, food carts, etc. hawking their wares along Penn Avenue and surrounding blocks from around 17th Street up to 23rd Street (although the public market is soon moving up a couple of blocks and should start expanding the business district further up Penn Avenue). Smallman Street, which runs parallel to Penn Avenue, also offers quite a few commercial interests. Some favorites here for tourists are the Pittsburgh Popcorn Company, Penn Macaroni, Strip District Meats, Wholey's Seafood, Reyna Foods, Enrico Biscotti Company, Mon Aimee Chocolates, DeLuca's Diner, Pamela's Diner, Penzey's Spices, Fudgie Wudgie, and Primanti Brothers, in addition to the public market (in the long warehouse on Smallman Street, opposite 17th Street). At the corner of Penn & 28th is Klavon's, which is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
5.) Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: I found this zoo to be smaller than the Cincinnati Zoo (with fewer animals), but I personally prefer the exhibits here at our zoo and the layout much better. Having an aquarium included with zoo admission is also a nice touch, as is free parking. I just visited this place for the first time last weekend, and we really loved it, despite massive crowds of tourists who were in town for the marathon swamping the place.
6.) Museums: Andy Warhol was a Pittsburgher, and we have an entire museum right near Downtown devoted to his artistic endeavors. Near where the Strip District meets Downtown you'll find the Heinz History Center, which includes a large exhibit about the history of the H.J. Heinz Company (we bleed ketchup here!) and exhibits about local history. Oakland, our "eds and meds" neighborhood, is home to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Art Museum. I've never been to either, so I'll let others chime in. The North Shore has the Carnegie Science Center, which I feel might be more appropriate for children than adults.
7.) Sports: Pittsburgh is home to the Penguins (hockey), Pirates (baseball), and Steelers (football). There may be a Pirates home game next weekend (I'll have to check the schedule), and if the Penguins beat the Islanders in their current series there may very well also be a home game for the Penguins next weekend. Even if you don't like baseball you'd really enjoy PNC Park, which is rated amongst the best ballparks in the U.S. for its amenities, cleanliness, and impressive skyline views. The Consol Energy Center, which hosts the Penguins, is also a great place to see a game, although I'm certain potential playoff hockey game tickets would be sold out. I'm not familiar with soccer, but Pittsburgh also has the Riverhounds, which is a professional soccer team. They have a brand new stadium adjacent to Station Square. We also have an indoor football team (Pittsburgh Power).
8.) Gateway Clipper: I've personally always wanted to do ride this boat around the city while enjoying dinner. Experience the skyline at night while on a paddleboat! You would buy tickets and board in Station Square, on the South Shore opposite Downtown.
9.) Cultural District: Downtown Pittsburgh is blessed with numerous performing arts venues that feature off-Broadway shows, comedic acts, a Symphony, etc. all within a tight area of the city. I drove through Downtown not long ago around 10 PM and was shocked at how packed the sidewalks were with well-dressed people leaving shows. Pittsburgh has a large and growing community of artists and gays/lesbians, both of which also create a more vibrant atmosphere Downtown. Both a very large arts festival and gay pride festival (featuring Adam Lambert of American Idol fame) are coming Downtown just after your visit.
10.) Segway Tour: Okay, so I live near Downtown, and I've always wanted to do this, too! Segways are those weird thingies you stand on and lean to move around with. There are guided tours that take you around Downtown on them! I believe they are based in Station Square.
Thank you for taking the time here! Amazing response.
Amazing helpful thread here. I've been a lurker and a huge fan from afar for Pittsburgh for far too long and finally I'm coming your way! I am about to embark on what should be a road trip of a lifetime across the country adventure helping a navy buddy move to Alexandria. I'm an architect and an urban junkie, love hills, rivers and green trees and of course historic architecture so I imagine I will have felt like I've just about landed in heaven when I arrive. We have specifically lengthened our trip in a few key cities just for this type of visit (St. Louis and DC are the two biggies on the list- debating a couple of others). I am super excited to finally visit your beautiful city and want to thank the very generous informative posters here- I am totally taking some of this advice. My neighbor's Uncle is a very well known photographer and Pittsburgh booster there as well so I anticipate he will also show us the best part of the city.
I can't wait to finally experience your city first hand as an adult! Of course we are also going to swing down to Falling Water- no way I'm gonna pass that up haha.
Thank you for taking the time here! Amazing response.
It was my pleasure. Our sub-forum is so busy and active that we've almost evolved into a pseudo-chat room now because almost everyone and anyone that wants to ask a question about Pittsburgh does a search and sees it has already been answered. When someone comes on here and posts a legitimate inquiry I become very excited because it's so rare!
Quote:
Originally Posted by T. Damon
Amazing helpful thread here. I've been a lurker and a huge fan from afar for Pittsburgh for far too long and finally I'm coming your way! I am about to embark on what should be a road trip of a lifetime across the country adventure helping a navy buddy move to Alexandria. I'm an architect and an urban junkie, love hills, rivers and green trees and of course historic architecture so I imagine I will have felt like I've just about landed in heaven when I arrive. We have specifically lengthened our trip in a few key cities just for this type of visit (St. Louis and DC are the two biggies on the list- debating a couple of others). I am super excited to finally visit your beautiful city and want to thank the very generous informative posters here- I am totally taking some of this advice. My neighbor's Uncle is a very well known photographer and Pittsburgh booster there as well so I anticipate he will also show us the best part of the city.
I can't wait to finally experience your city first hand as an adult! Of course we are also going to swing down to Falling Water- no way I'm gonna pass that up haha.
We eagerly anticipate your visit! Please feel free to ask anything of us. I "lurk" in many sub-forums on here, and I still feel as if Pittsburgh's is one of the most active and most helpful, overall. We'd greatly appreciate the opportunity to help make your visit quite memorable (in the good way, of course!)
There's so much to see and do in the Pittsburgh region (including the Laurel Highlands, where Fallingwater and nearby Kentuck Knob, another Frank Lloyd Wright home, are located). I'm off work Tuesday of next week and am heading up to Erie (after voting!) for a day-trip to explore the beaches since I've never been there before. I've lived here 2.5 years and still have a long "bucket list" of things I want to experience here that I have yet to do---kayak around Downtown, eat a burger at Winghart's, visit the Andy Warhol Museum, ride a segway around the city, do the annual neighborhood historic home tours, attend the gay pride festival (which I'm actually doing in a couple of weeks!), attend a party on Grandview Avenue, experience a Penguins game at the Consol Energy Center, see the fountain at Point State Park operating, etc. There's just so much to see and do here!
I am considering a spur-of-the-moment trip to Pittsburgh in early June, so I've enjoyed seeing the suggestions here. I love to explore cities by walking, so would downtown be the best place to stay? (Someone recommended the Renaissance earlier, which seems nice.) Also, can anyone recommend a good source of self-guided walking-tour info?
Unlike the OP, I'm not so much into shopping, but I do enjoy architecture, watching people, and enjoying distinct neighborhoods. Being from Houston, I am familiar with the generic upscale stuff that all American cities have. In Houston, we have lost most of what local color we might have had in the past. I have always heard that Pittsburgh has retained a lot of it's historic character and would like to experience some of that.
I def agree about the boat tours. The Gateway Clipper has dinner tours and I think some other types of tours as well. Mt. Washington is almost a cliche, but it's fun, ditto the inclines.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is the Heinz History Center. Lots of good info there.
Thank you to everyone who responded. So three years later we are finally making the trip. Are there any new recommendations (minus the lighting stores haha) or anything on here that isn't a thing anymore?
Thanks!
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