Things To Do
The Strip District
Welcome to the Strip — your wedding weekend headquarters. One of Pittsburgh's most vibrant neighborhoods, the Strip is a gritty, walkable stretch along the Allegheny River packed with personality. Half a mile of ethnic grocers, produce stands, meat markets, sidewalk vendors, local shops, and some of the best food in the city — all crammed together in the best possible way. Stop into Wholey's for fresh seafood, grab a coffee at La Prima Espresso, pick up fresh pasta and imported cheeses at Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, then just wander down Penn Avenue, duck into a shop, and soak it all in. This is Pittsburgh at its most authentic.
The Andy Warhol Museum
A Pittsburgh classic and one of Matt’s favorite spots. The Warhol Museum celebrates the life and work of Andy Warhol, pop art icon and Pittsburgh native. Matt used to live right down the street and loved stopping by for their happy hours. Definitely worth a visit if you love art, creativity, or a good selfie wall.
Duquesne Incline
Take a step back in time on a century-old cable car and see the best views of downtown Pittsburgh while riding one of the few remaining inclines in the country. Visit some restaurants at the top!
Mount Washington & Grandview Overlook
No trip to Pittsburgh is complete without this view. Hop on the historic Duquesne Incline — a funicular railway that's been running since 1877 — and ride it up to the top of Mount Washington. Once you step off, walk along Grandview Avenue to the overlook and take in one of the most breathtaking city views in America: the entire Pittsburgh skyline, the three rivers meeting at the Point, and the bridges that make this city famous. Go at sunset or after dark for something truly special. Several restaurants sit right on the cliff's edge if you want to make a night of it.
PNC Park
Just across the Allegheny River from downtown, PNC Park sits along the banks of the Allegheny River with the iconic Roberto Clemente Bridge and the Pittsburgh skyline as its backdrop Ballparks of Baseball — widely considered one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country. If you're a baseball fan (or just want to take in the views), it's worth a visit. Check the Pirates schedule at mlb.com/pirates for September 6th game details closer to the date!
Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum
An artist-centered museum, international residency program and renowned producer and presenter of installation art. Highly recommended!
Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning
We highly recommend visiting the Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning. They are a truly unique and beautiful part of campus. Each room was designed to reflect the heritage and culture of a different country, celebrating the city’s incredible diversity and history. They’re open for tours most days, and the building itself is worth the visit...it’s one of the tallest educational buildings in the world and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Also, Matt went to Pitt. P-I-T-T LETS GO PITT!
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A green oasis in Pittsburgh's vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has been providing a world-class garden experience since 1893. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens The 15-acre facility includes a historic 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens Visit Pittsburgh — from tropical forests and butterfly gardens to stunning orchid and bonsai collections. It's just a few miles from downtown and a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning.
National Aviary
The only independent indoor nonprofit aviary in the United States — and the only one granted honorary "National" status by Congress Wikipedia — the National Aviary is one of Pittsburgh's most unique attractions. Home to more than 500 birds representing over 150 species from around the world, many of them threatened or endangered, the walk-through exhibits create an up-close experience unlike anything else Yelp — birds fly freely around you as you explore. You can hand-feed flamingos, meet African penguins, and even hang out with a sloth. It's located right on the North Side, just a short ride from downtown.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
A Pittsburgh treasure founded in 1895, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History houses one of the world's best original dinosaur displays, a dazzling hall of minerals and gems, and Paleolab — a working paleontology lab right out in the open for you to see. Visit Pittsburgh The star of the show is Dippy the Dinosaur, a beloved Pittsburgh icon standing guard at the entrance. Best of all, one ticket gets you into both the Natural History museum and the Museum of Art next door.
Carnegie Museum of Art
Arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States, Carnegie Museum of Art is one of the most dynamic major art institutions in America, with a collection of over 34,000 works emphasizing art, architecture, photography, and design from the 19th century to the present. Visit Pittsburgh For those who came for the "Museum Chic" dress code inspiration — this is literally where you go. Bonus: it's right next door to the Natural History museum and covered under the same admission.
Pamela's Diner
A Pittsburgh breakfast institution since 1980, Pamela's is the kind of place locals bring everyone they want to impress. Their specialty is crepe-style hotcakes Wikipedia — thin, light, and impossibly crispy on the edges — and once you try them, you'll understand why President Obama made a point to stop in during a campaign visit. The Lyonnaise potatoes are a close second. Fair warning: weekend waits can be long, but they're worth it. Bring cash and get there early.
Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar
You simply cannot come to Pittsburgh without eating at Primanti's. It all started during the Great Depression with Joe Primanti operating a small sandwich cart right here in the Strip District Primanti Bros. — and the original location still stands today. Their overstuffed sandwiches come piled with your choice of grilled meat, fresh hand-cut french fries, sweet and sour coleslaw, and tomato, all between two slices of Italian bread. Visit Pittsburgh Yes, the fries are IN the sandwich. It's a Pittsburgh thing. Just do it. The location in the strip features in Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.