Sara & Donté
Things To Do
Grandview Overlook
The Duquesne Incline is one of two uphill trolleys — and it has been carting visitors up Mount Washington since the 1870s. This one transports you to an ideal vantage point in Mount Washington, directly above where Pittsburgh's three rivers collide. There's a large viewing platform that extends just over the cliff and on a clear day, the view from the top makes for some excellent photographs. However, some recent visitors say you should wait and hop on the incline at night since it's less crowded and you can see the illuminated city below. Once you get to the top, aside from admiring the view, you can take some time to check out the small museum with some fun facts on Pittsburgh's history and photographs, or grab a souvenir from the gift shop. There are a few restaurants near the upper station as well, though travelers say they're pretty pricey and you're better off heading back downtown to grab a bite to eat.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
An asphalt link between some of Pittsburgh's most notable spots, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail lines the banks of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio waterways. The 24-mile-long path connects the downtown area to the surrounding neighborhoods and makes it easy for people to travel across the city without getting in a car or on a bus. It's also the perfect scenic recreation spot: You'll find people walking, running, biking and roller blading down the trail nearly every day. More than half a million people use the trail every year, as it's an active and fun way to see the best of Pittsburgh. A stroll down the North Side portion of the waterfront trail will bring you to the Andy Warhol Museum, PNC Park and Heinz Field. The downtown section traces the perimeter of Point State Park, where you'll find people enjoying the open park and the views of where the three rivers converge.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
You can explore the collection of green rooms, each of which is dedicated to a region or specific plant type. Phipps is home to everything from tropical forests and butterfly gardens to bonsai, Joshua tree and orchid plant and flower collections. Just beyond the main entrance, a small shop and a cafe invite travelers to relax. Phipps is great for families, too. The conservatory offers different hands-on activities as well as play areas for children.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
This zoo is home to more than 400 different species of animals, some of which are threatened or endangered. Animals are grouped in different habitats, ranging from the African Savana (where you'll see elephants, lions, and giraffes), and the Asian Forest (say hello to tigers, red pandas, and snow leopards) to the PPG Aquarium (with penguins, sharks, and colorful fish) and Water's Edge (home to sea otters and polar bears0.
Kennywood Park
Located on the banks of the Monongahela River, this 150-acre amusement park has roller coasters, water rides, carousels, bumper cars, 3D experiences, a 4D theater, paddle boats and more. Crowd favorites include Thunderbolt, a wooden roller coaster built in 1924, and Turtle, which was built in 1927 and provides picturesque views of the river valley. The park has a Kiddieland which is perfect for adventurous youngsters between 36 inches and 56 inches tall. Kennywood also has what many amusement parks do not: a rich history. It started as a trolley park in 1898 that offered entertainment for mill workers and their families. Now, it unites old-time nostalgia with contemporary fun, and it's one of only two amusement parks to be named a National Historic Landmark. The park even features Lost Kennywood – a section of rides which replicate the architecture and design of the park's rides decades ago.
Carnegie Science Center
The science center, one of four Carnegie Museums in Steel City, is home to a planetarium, an exploration station with electricity and weather exhibits, a sports-focused venue, a robotics experience, a naval submarine and more. Within different areas of the museum, visitors can learn about energy through a kiosk game show, see what it feels like to be weightless on the zero-gravity climbing wall, understand the physics of sports and interact with the robots in roboworld.
Gateway Clipper Fleet
Pittsburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The three vibrant rivers – the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio – frame the city and cut and wind through the lush green landscape surrounding them. The Gateway Clipper Fleet calls these three rivers home. They showcase the stunning skyline, the magnificent architecture of the numerous bridges and the natural beauty along the riverbanks. Aboard these Pittsburgh sightseeing cruises, they show the Pittsburgh of today and give you a glimpse into her glorious past. The Gateway Clipper Fleet has been sailing the Three Rivers for over 50 years. The crew is dedicated to providing local passengers and visitors from around the globe with a true Pittsburgh experience. There is no better way to see this breathtaking city than from aboard one of the decks of the riverboats!
Rivers Casino
Play, have fun, and win a jackpot in the poker room or at one of the exciting slots or live-action table games! They have a wide selection of the exciting table games and the hottest slots, everything from penny games up to the big bills. Even progressives and video poker.
PRIMANTI BROS. RESTAURANT AND BAR - STRIP DISTRICT
What was once a primarily industrial neighborhood is now packed with restaurants, international markets, museums and shops. The Strip District, which runs alongside the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, measures only half a square mile, but it has plenty of attractions and eateries to fill up your day (and your stomach). Chow down on one of Pittsburgh's staple French fry-topped sandwiches at Primanti Brothers! Other independently run and family-owned establishments give the neighborhood its authentic Pittsburgh charm.
Heinz Field
Whether you're a Steelers fan or a devotee of another NFL team, Heinz Field is worth a visit. This modern stadium has one of the most unique views throughout the league thanks to its waterfront location. It also doubles as a concert venue for major acts throughout the year.