The Pittsburgh Guide

Your comprehensive guide to Steel City

Hi everyone and happy 2025! Are we feelin’ it?? I hope the new year energy is serving you well thus far.

I spent 2.5 weeks on the East Coast over the holidays and have so much to share with you from my travels - starting with a guide to Pittsburgh! I’m kicking this off with my takeaways from 72 hours in PGH, but bonus for the TTS community - I’m also sharing my friend & Pittsburgh native Harrison’s comprehensive guide to Steel City! 2x guides = double the fun!

Also also including my IG Highlights HERE for the full visual journey. Let’s get into it!

A Little About Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, aka “Steel City” sits in western PA - so far west that many refer to it as “basically Ohio”. I didn’t fully grasp the Midwestern influence on Pittsburgh until I visited, and now I totally get it. We ate beige food the entire time we were there - and our drinks were beige too (beer, beer, and more beer). The city is gritty and the industrial roots shine through its architecture - Pittsburgh has a staggering 446 bridges spanning across the 3 rivers running through it.

However, when you step outside the city bounds - nature is plentiful, with beautiful trees and rolling hills covering the region. My dad and I roadtripped from Philadelphia and stopped at Fallingwater on our way in (more on that later) - and we were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of our surroundings! I can only imagine what it’s like in the spring when everything is in bloom.

Pittsburgh is a great long weekend trip - I think you can easily cover a lot of ground in 3 days!

Stay

Some areas of Pittsburgh are walkable, but be prepared to drive around or hop into an Uber if you really want to see the city and all it has to offer!

We stayed at the Kimpton Monaco downtown and we were able to walk to quite a bit + any Uber we took was no more than a 15 min ride - I’ll just note that downtown definitely skews more corporate, and the true charms & culture of the city can be found in the neighborhoods surrounding DT Pittsburgh.

Food & Drink

• Drinks

  • The Church Brew Works - this brewery is inside a literal former church! As a former Catholic school girl, I am fascinated and have many questions as to how this came about. I was also deliriously giggling the whole time we were there. They really lean into the church concepts and the beer branding is top notch. Plus the food & beer is great! Highly recommend

  • Brillobox - One of Zach Bryan’s Great American Bars! A great dive with lots of fun trinkets and decor

  • Take A Break Bar - another great dive with pool tables. Beware of cigarette smoke :)

• Eats

  • Primanti Bros - this is probably the most iconic food in PGH! Sandwiches stuffed with fries and cole slaw. I was skeptical but wow - truly blown away by the mix of flavors. We got the pastrami, huge fan!

  • Fet-Fisk - one of Eater’s best new restaurants of 2024. Categorized as Nordic food, it was fun to try something a little different - and your girl loves some smoked fish. Also huge fan of their $10 “filthy” martini - where instead of olive brine, they use red seaweed to give it the salt factor. SO good.

  • Morcilla - excellent Spanish tapas and really neat cocktails. The space is also so cozy, it was perfect for a winter eve

  • Pamela’s P&G Diner - A VERY good diner - even Obama is a fan! The pancakes are a must, and recco a side of chorizo hash to get you that sweet & salty combo.

  • Prantl’s Bakery - another iconic Pittsburgh food is Prantl’s burnt almond torte. I tend to lean away from desserts with nuts in them, but I get the hype and it’s absolutely worth a try! Very tasty.

  • Millie’s Ice Cream - great ice cream shop with a variety of seasonal rotating flavors

  • Sheetz - Sheetz is Pittsburgh’s Wawa. It’s a convenience store with great cheap coffee, and fun snacks like mozzarella sticks and mac & cheese poppers. But sorry to say… Wawa is waaaaay better

Points of Interest

• Sights

  • The Andy Warhol Museum - there’s a few notable figured with Pittsburgh roots, but Andy is king! The museum spans across multiple floors and is absolutely worth the visit.

  • Mattress Factory - suuuch a cool museum with tons of different galleries to tour through! A lot of the art leans more experimental/quirky contemporary. I personally loved seeing some older work from Yayoi Kusama and James Turrell <3

  • Heinz History Center - described as “Pittsburgh’s people museum” - you can learn a bit about ketchup, but there’s tons of Pittsburgh history to be found here

  • Blue Slide - a playground in Frick Park and former stomping grounds of Mac Miller, another PGH native! Mac has an entire EP dedicated to this spot, so it was very fun to pay a visit and then listen to BSP on our way out of the city.

  • Fallingwater / Polymath Park - Frank Lloyd Wright has a few different properties in the greater Pittsburgh area. Polymath Park is only open seasonally, so we opted for a tour of Fallingwater. The home is stunning and I loved the tour - but would recommend waiting to visit until they finish renovating (Fallingwater is… falling!)

  • Carnegie Melon - Pittsburgh is a university town! CM has a beautiful campus, and it’s lovely to stroll or take a drive around.

  • University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) - Pitt sits right next to Carnegie and also has a beautiful campus. Specifically recommend catching a glimpse of the Cathedral of Learning - featured in The Dark Knight!

• Shopping

  • The Strip District - pay a visit to the OG Primanti Bros for lunch, and then stroll Smallman Street for a fun variety of specialty shops

  • Highway Robbery Vintage - a great curation of vintage goods!

That’s a wrap on the TTS guide to Pittsburgh… but remember I said there’s more? My friend Harrison, a Pittsburgh native, provided me with the most glorious, thorough guide to PGH and I got his permission to share it with you all - because it’s way too good not to! Check it out for even more Pittsburgh ideas :) and everybody say thank you Harrison!!!

Harrison’s Guide to Pittsburgh (!!)

Pittsburgh is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct charm and character. Known for its steel industry heritage, rich history, and vibrant arts scene, Pittsburgh offers a unique blend of culture and tight-knit community vibes. There's always something to discover in this dynamic city. One of my favorite neighborhoods, and the one I know best, is Squirrel Hill.

Squirrel Hill

Squirrel Hill is the neighborhood I grew up in, so naturally, it's the first on my list. Centered around Forbes and Murray, the two main streets, you'll find an array of shopping options, including Little's shoe store and other unique spots. In addition to shopping and good food, you can catch a movie at the historic Manor Theatre, which has been a neighborhood staple for decades. I spent a lot of my youth hanging out on Forbes and Murray, where everyone would meet up, just walk around, and get into all sorts of trouble.

Other cool things to check out in Squirrel Hill include Allderdice, my high school, where Mac Miller and Wiz Khalifa also went. You can even spot locations from Mac Miller's music videos around the area. If you're in the mood for some fresh air, head to Frick Park, also known as Mac Miller's Blue Slide Park. It's a great spot for a walk through the woods, featuring the famous blue slide. If it's snowing, you can even go tubing there.

Things to Do:

• Explore Forbes and Murray: Wander around the main streets of Squirrel Hill, where you'll find unique shops, bookstores, and a variety of restaurants. It's a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

• Catch a Movie at the Manor Theatre: This historic theater is a great place to watch a movie and experience a bit of local history.

• Visit Frick Park: Whether you're up for a hike, a leisurely walk, or want to check out the famous blue slide, Frick Park has something for everyone. Even tubing if its snowing.

Where to Eat:

• Breakfast: Head to Pamela's Diner for some classic Pittsburgh breakfast fare. Their crepe-style pancakes are a must-try. Obama invited Pamela to the White House to make these for him. Their homefries are also fantastic.

• Lunch: Mineo's Pizza and Aiello's Pizza are both Squirrel Hill institutions, and there's an ongoing debate between them. I'm personally Team Aiello's, but you should try a slice of each to see which side you fall on. One side of my family actually thinks I'm crazy because of the loyalty. I'm the only one who eats it, but its where my friends and I always went.

Oakland

Oakland is home to several universities, including the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. I spent part of my youth here, working one of my first jobs at Rita's Italian Ice. My grandmother lived right next door to Salk Hall where a portion of "The Dark Knight" was filmed and one of my first exposures to film. Salk Hall also happens to be where the polio vaccine was created.

Things to Do:

• Carnegie Museums: Visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art. These museums are perfect for a day of exploration and learning. The Museum of Natural History features an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, minerals, and exhibits that are both educational and fascinating for all ages. The Carnegie Museum of Art, on the other hand, showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and classical work, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Both museums are part of Pittsburgh's rich cultural tapestry and provide an immersive experience that highlights art, science, and history in engaging ways.

• University of Pittsburgh Campus: Take a stroll through the University of Pittsburgh's campus and check out the iconic Cathedral of Learning, the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. You can even tour the Nationality Rooms inside.

• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Spend some time at Phipps Conservatory, where you can enjoy beautiful botanical displays, seasonal flower shows, and lush indoor and outdoor gardens.

• Schenley Park: Oakland is also home to Schenley Park, a massive green space perfect for walking, jogging, or relaxing. The park features trails, a swimming pool, and a beautiful view of the city from the Schenley Overlook. There is also an ice skating rink in the winter.

Where to Eat:

• Breakfast: Head to The Porch at Schenley for a relaxed breakfast with a view of Schenley Plaza. They offer locally-sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.

• Lunch: Stop by Fuel and Fuddle for some hearty American comfort food with a creative twist. Their menu is diverse, and it's a popular spot for university students.

• Dinner: For dinner, try Lucca Ristorante, an Italian restaurant with traditional dishes and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a night out in Oakland.

• Sweet Treats: Don't forget to visit Dave & Andy's Homemade Ice Cream for a scoop of delicious, locally-made ice cream. It's a favorite among students and locals alike. (They may have closed)

Strip District

The Strip District is one of Pittsburgh's most eclectic and bustling neighborhoods, known for its open-air markets, unique shops, and an incredible variety of foods. You MUST spend a morning or afternoon exploring, shopping, and eating your way through. Really all you have to do is walk around.

Things to Do:

• Shopping at Local Specialty Stores: The Strip District is filled with specialty stores like Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, which has an incredible selection of cheeses, pastas, and Italian imports, and Mon Aimee Chocolat for some exquisite chocolates and confections. It's a great place to pick up some fresh ingredients or unique souvenirs.

• Heinz History Center: Stop by the Heinz History Center to learn about Pittsburgh's history and the many innovations from the region. The museum has interactive exhibits and artifacts showcasing the city's industrial and cultural past.

• Street Art and Murals: Walk around the neighborhood and admire the vibrant street art and murals that give the Strip District its colorful and unique character.

Where to Eat:

• Breakfast: Start your day at DeLuca's Diner, a Strip District institution known for its hearty breakfast options. Their omelets and pancakes are legendary, and it's the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of exploring.

• Lunch: Grab a sandwich at Primanti Bros., another Pittsburgh classic. Their famous sandwiches, stuffed with coleslaw and French fries, are an iconic taste of the city. You can also try my personal favorite Peppis here. More traditional subs but some fun combinations.

• Dinner: Try Luke Wholey's Wild Alaskan Grille for a delicious seafood dinner. They serve up fresh catches with a laid-back atmosphere that fits the Strip District vibe.

• Sweet Treats: Head to Klavon's Ice Cream Parlor for a nostalgic experience and some of the best ice cream in town. It's a perfect way to end your visit to the Strip. This is one of my FAVORITE places in Pittsburgh.

Shadyside

Shadyside is one of Pittsburgh's most charming neighborhoods, known for its tree-lined streets, boutique shopping, and vibrant dining scene. It's an area that feels upscale but approachable, with a perfect mix of trendy and classic vibes. You can find everything from high-end fashion to quaint cafes, making Shadyside a great place for a leisurely day out.

Things to Do:

• Shopping on Walnut Street: Walnut Street is the heart of Shadyside, featuring a mix of local boutiques and well-known brands. Whether you're in the mood for some serious retail therapy or just want to window shop, there's plenty to explore.

Where to Eat:

• Sweet Treats: No visit to Shadyside is complete without stopping by Prantl's Bakery. Their world famous Burnt Almond Torte is a Pittsburgh legend, and it's a MUST TRY.

• Breakfast: Start your day at Café Moulin, a cozy spot that specializes in sweet and savory crepes. It's the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a day of exploring.

• Lunch: Head to Noodlehead for a casual and delicious lunch. Their menu features a variety of Thai street food-inspired dishes, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it a local favorite.

• Dinner: For dinner, try Casbah, a Mediterranean restaurant known for its creative dishes and cozy ambiance. Their seasonal menu features locally-sourced ingredients, and the outdoor patio is perfect for warm summer evenings.

North Shore

The North Shore is a riverfront neighborhood that is home to some of Pittsburgh's most iconic attractions. It is known for its sports stadiums, scenic riverwalks, and cultural landmarks.

Things to Do:

• PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium: If you're a sports fan, catching a game at PNC Park (home of the Pittsburgh Pirates) or Acrisure Stadium (home of the Pittsburgh Steelers) is a must. Both stadiums offer fantastic views of the city and a great atmosphere.

• Andy Warhol Museum: Visit the Andy Warhol Museum, the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. This museum celebrates the life and work of Pittsburgh-born artist Andy Warhol, featuring an extensive collection of his art, including paintings, drawings, films, and personal memorabilia. It's a fascinating journey through Warhol's creative world and a highlight of the North Shore.

• Rivers Casino: Try your luck at the Rivers Casino, a popular destination for entertainment and nightlife. In addition to gaming, they offer dining options and live performances.

• North Shore Riverwalk: Take a walk along the North Shore Riverwalk, which offers scenic views of the Allegheny River and the Pittsburgh skyline. The riverwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a duckboat tour. Though this will be hard in the winter.
  

Where to Eat:

• Breakfast: Start your day at The Foundry Table & Tap, which offers a great brunch menu with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients and a relaxed, rustic atmosphere.

• Lunch: Grab lunch at Burgatory, a local favorite known for its creative burgers and milkshakes. It's a great spot to enjoy a casual meal with a view of the river.

• Dinner: For dinner, try Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, an upscale restaurant known for its quality steaks and elegant ambiance. It's perfect for a special night out on the North Shore.

• Sweet Treats: Stop by the Milkshake Factory for a decadent treat. Their milkshakes and chocolates are a great way to end your day on the North Shore.

East Liberty

East Liberty is a neighborhood that's undergone a major transformation in recent years, becoming a vibrant hub for food, art, and shopping. With its mix of historic architecture and modern developments, East Liberty offers an exciting blend of old and new. The neighborhood is home to a growing number of trendy restaurants, boutiques, and cultural spots that make it an essential part of any Pittsburgh visit.

Things to Do:

• Kelly Strayhorn Theater: Named after Pittsburgh legends Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater is a cornerstone of East Liberty's cultural scene. It hosts a variety of performances, from dance and theater to music and film, showcasing both local and national talent.

• Motor Square Garden: Check out Motor Square Garden, a unique historic building that once served as an automotive showroom. Today, it's a fascinating architectural landmark that speaks to East Liberty's storied past.

• Bakersfield on Penn: Walk along Penn Avenue to explore unique shops and street art. This vibrant street has something for everyone, from boutiques to art installations that reflect the community's creativity.

Where to Eat:

• Breakfast: Start your day at Tazza D'Oro, a beloved local coffee shop with excellent coffee and a selection of pastries and light breakfast options. It's a cozy spot to fuel up before exploring the neighborhood.

• Lunch: Try the Ace Hotel's Whitfield Restaurant for a casual but delicious lunch. Located in the beautifully renovated Ace Hotel, Whitfield serves up comfort food with a contemporary twist.

• Dinner: For dinner, head to The Whitfield or Bird on the Run for something more casual but incredibly tasty. Bird on the Run is known for its spicy fried chicken and fun, laid-back atmosphere.

• Sweet Treats: End your night at Millie's Homemade Ice Cream. Millie's has some of the best ice cream in the city, with unique flavors made from scratch using high-quality, local ingredients.

Downtown Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh, also known as the Golden Triangle, is the city's central business district and a hub of activity. Surrounded by rivers and iconic bridges, Downtown is where Pittsburgh's history and modern development come together. It's an area filled with cultural landmarks, entertainment venues, and a lively dining scene, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.

Things to Do:

• Point State Park: Start your visit at Point State Park, located at the confluence of Pittsburgh's three rivers. The park offers stunning views, beautiful green spaces, and the iconic fountain, which marks the meeting point of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. It's the perfect place to take a stroll or relax by the water.

• Cultural District: Pittsburgh's Cultural District is home to several theaters and performance venues, including the Benedum Center, Heinz Hall, and the Byham Theater. Whether you're interested in seeing a Broadway show, a concert, or a ballet, there's always something happening in this vibrant area.

• The Andy Warhol Bridge: Walk across the Andy Warhol Bridge, also known as the Seventh Street Bridge, which connects Downtown to the North Shore. It's one of Pittsburgh's iconic bridges and offers great views of the city.

• Market Square: Spend some time in Market Square, a bustling public square surrounded by restaurants and shops. It's a great spot to grab a bite, enjoy some people-watching, or catch one of the many events that take place here throughout the year.

Where to Eat:

• Breakfast: Start your day at The Speckled Egg, a popular breakfast and brunch spot located in the Union Trust Building. They serve up delicious breakfast classics with a modern twist in a chic atmosphere.

• Dinner: For dinner, try Gaucho Parrilla Argentina, a local favorite known for its wood-fired Argentine cuisine. Their grilled meats and flavorful dishes make it a standout dining experience in Downtown Pittsburgh.

• Sweet Treats: Stop by Millie's Homemade Ice Cream

Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville is one of Pittsburgh's trendiest neighborhoods, known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, and excellent dining options. The neighborhood has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, making it a hotspot for young professionals, artists, and foodies. Whether you're in the mood for unique shopping experiences, craft beer, or exploring local art, Lawrenceville has something to offer.

Things to Do:

• Butler Street: Butler Street is the main artery of Lawrenceville, lined with boutiques, art galleries, and local shops. It's the perfect place to explore on foot, with a mix of independent stores and hip cafes.

• Arsenal Park: Spend some time at Arsenal Park, a beautiful green space that's perfect for picnics, playing sports, or just relaxing. The park has a rich history, having once been an important site during the Civil War era.

• Gallery Crawl: Lawrenceville is home to a number of art galleries and studios. Many of them participate in gallery crawls and open houses, which are a great way to experience the local art scene and meet the artists behind the work.

Where to Eat:

• Breakfast: Start your day at Espresso a Mano, a cozy coffee shop that serves some of the best espresso in the city. It's a great spot to grab a coffee and a pastry before exploring Butler Street.

• Lunch: Stop by Smoke BBQ Taqueria for a unique take on barbecue tacos. Their creative fusion of flavors and laid-back atmosphere make it a favorite among locals.

• Dinner: Try Morcilla, a Spanish tapas restaurant that offers a variety of delicious small plates and an extensive wine list. The cozy ambiance and flavorful dishes make it a great choice for a night out.

• Sweet Treats: End your night at The Butterwood Bake Consortium, a charming dessert cafe that offers decadent cakes, pies, and other sweet treats. Their late-night hours make it the perfect spot for a post-dinner treat.