Alexandra & Evan
Things To Do
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A beautiful botanical garden and historical site. Located right on the edge of Schenley park, this conservatory is worth the trip. Trips last around 30-35 minutes and visitors see a large variety of plant life and garden displays; There are gorgeous opportunities here for pictures on a sunny day.
Strip District
The strip district is a great place to visit, especially on the weekends. There are numerous vendors selling everything from food to handmade goods to Pittsburgh swag. There are great restaurants, coffee shops, and bars along the main streets. There are numerous foreign food markets and Wholey's: a giant fresh seafood market.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
There are both the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art. These museums are in the same building, and you can purchase tickets for one or both. These museums have a large collection of art and natural history that are located right in the middle of Oakland, a beautiful neighborhood housing numerous universities and great restaurants!
Carnegie Science Center
Located right on the north shore, these buildings are interesting for all ages, but amazing for kids. Each floor of the science center has different themes and interactive learning tools for children. You can buy tickets to visit the inside of the submarine that is kept on the river here as well! The Sports works building, right next to the Science Center, is an active look into the science behind sports and activities. Kids love the different rides/simulations that can be experienced here.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
The Pittsburgh zoo and aquarium is a smaller, walkable zoo and aquarium in one. The aquarium has polar bears, otters, and penguins to name a few. It also includes a touch pool to interact with stingrays.
National Aviary
In addition to an extreme diverse collection of birds, the aviary also houses penguins and a new baby sloth! There are scheduled feedings you can watch and be a part of, along with a bird room you can enter and feed the birds yourself. There are flamingos, bald eagles, owls, and even toucans.
Mount Washington Overlook
These locations are classic sites for wedding and prom photos because of the beautiful view of the city. Mt. Washington has numerous overlooks along Grandview Avenue that offer different views of the city, while West end overlook is a more relaxed spot with a view of the city from the west. Both are beautiful!
West End Overlook Park
These locations are classic sites for wedding and prom photos because of the beautiful view of the city. Mt. Washington has numerous overlooks along Grandview Avenue that offer different views of the city, while West end overlook is a more relaxed spot with a view of the city from the west. Both are beautiful!
The Andy Warhol Museum
A detailed look into the life and work of Andy Warhol, a first-generation immigrant who settled in Pittsburgh. The Warhol Museum has 6 floors that follows the life, works, and collaborations of Andy Warhol; from his famous Campbell's soup can pop art to his first works in the fashion industry decorating window displays in New York. This museum is located across the Andy Warhol bridge (of course) on the north side of Pittsburgh.
Mattress Factory Museum of Contemporary Art
The Mattress Factory is a museum hidden in the North side with a beautiful collection of contemporary art with displays that include artwork you can be a part of by experiencing them with other senses besides your sight. The Mattress Factory is located near Randyland, a vibrantly decorated house that became an art mosaic representing Pittsburgh.
ASCEND Pittsburgh
This gym is one of the most popular climbing gyms in Pittsburgh. Rent climbing shoes and spend an hour or so on the rock walls. All levels are welcome, and it is a great workout for all.
Hiking around Pittsburgh
Panther Hollow Schenley Park Frick Park All these hiking locations have a variety of trails with Panther Hollow being the most secluded; located right in Oakland, Panther Hollow trails follow Panther Hollow Creek in a valley that is frequented by people who live all around the East end of Pittsburgh, Frick Park is one of the biggest parks in Pittsburgh and has numerous entrances and trails to choose from with a range of difficulties for all ages.
Duquesne Incline
One of the best views of the city comes from the ride up Mt. Washington on the Duquesne Incline. You can Park your car at the bottom along W. Carson St. (1197 West Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219) and walk across the bridge to take the incline up. The incline is a historical part of Pittsburgh, and the ride is beautiful (especially during sunset). Once atop the incline, you are situated at the end of Grandview Ave. which you can walk along for even better views! There are a couple spots along the strip for photo opportunities as well!
Cathedral of Learning
The Cathedral of Learning (or Cathy as the Pitt students call it) is a historical part of Pitt's campus and has one of the best study spots on campus! The first level of the building is open to the public and has a nuance akin to Hogwarts. The first and second floors also house multicultural rooms that Pitt has on display. These rooms are classrooms decorated to represent different corners of the world! They are beautiful, historical representations of important cultural aspects of different countries and décor to match. This is definitely worth a visit if you have never been to the Cathedral of Learning before!
Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game
How ironic that the Pittsburgh Pirates play the St. Louis Cardinals (Evan's team) the whole wedding weekend! There is a Friday game at 6:35pm and Sunday at 1:05pm both at home. If you go, you have to get tickets along the 3rd base line for the best views of the city!
Rivers Casino
The Rivers Casino is a newer addition to Pittsburgh's North Shore! It has been around only a few years, but has been one of the most popular locations to visit! There are beautiful views along the riverfront, and great restaurants inside as well. It is very big for sports betting with huge TV screens all over the floor and a viewing area as well. Parking is free-which is always a plus in PGH!
Primanti Brothers Restaurant
Primanti's is a classic Pittsburgh restaurant with specialty stacked sandwiches topped with fries and cole-slaw. There are a couple different locations around the city, but the most "Pittsburgh" locations are located in Market Square Downtown (2 Market Square, Pittsburgh PA 15222) or in the Strip District (location listed)