Things To Do
Neighborhood: Strip District
Old warehouses and shipping docks converted into restaurants, shops, and groceries. Lots of ethnic groceries, specialty shops, and dining options. There are SO many places to visit here and each one has something that makes it unique and wonderful but here are a few that mean something to us: Julia's family frequents Wholey's for the seafood selection (and, at one point, the toy train and singing animals) as well as Lotus for their Chinese groceries and steamed buns! Peter and I also love Allegheny Coffee & Tea, particularly for their incredibly affordable (and tasty!) loose leaf tea selection. We've also loved visiting Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop (Peter found sufficient Haribo to satisfy his refined taste), Mon Aimee chocolate (local and international treats, including holiday mince pie), and Roxanne's Dried Flowers (Julia loves smelling the dried herbs and finding inspiration in the beautiful arrangements; Peter is now intent on a terrarium).
Neighborhood: Lawrenceville
An up and coming neighborhood with cool bars, hip restaurants, breweries, and other fun places to meet up. We love La Gourmandine for breakfast pastries and have been intrigued by the pinball arcade and the bowling alley, so let us know what you think if you go! If you want a super divey local experience, we recommend Nied's Hotel for their warm customer service and fish sandwiches and fries.
Neighborhood: Shadyside
Despite its name, Shadyside is filled with lots of beautiful old homes and is home to Walnut St, Pittsburgh's stretch of upscale and independent boutique shopping and dining. A nice area for a neighborhoody walk and some window shopping. You can also stop by one of Julia's favorites, La Feria, a combination Peruvian restaurant and craft gallery. South Highland Ave also offers more great restaurants and an excellent coffee stop: Adda Coffee & Tea House. This neighborhood borders East Liberty, one of Pittsburgh's other up and coming neighborhoods!
Neighborhood: Squirrel Hill
A vibrant historic neighborhood with lots of great dining options and beautiful old homes. Julia's family's favorites include Taiwanese restaurant Rose Tea Cafe and quiet sushi spot Chaya. Consider a walk in Schenley Park as well!
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Gorgeous gardens both indoors in the Conservatory and outdoors with Chihuly glass artwork. On Friday night, they stay open until 10 PM if you want a unique evening outing!
Cathedral of Learning
A defining landmark of the University of Pittsburgh. Besides its distinctive architecture and towering height, it features Nationality Rooms, which represent the various ethnic groups that have settled in Allegheny County. Information on tours can be found in the attached website.
Point State Park
Located at the intersection of Pittsburgh's three rivers, Point State Park used to be Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt, which were utilized during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. There are museums and plaques to lead you through this part of Pittsburgh's history as well as great views of Pittsburgh's riverfront!
Neighborhood: Mount Washington
Famous for its views of Pittsburgh and its three rivers. Catch one of the incline cars to get the full experience! (the Duquesne River one is the one that you'll see in most photographs)
Old Squaw Trail
The north side of town is where home is for Julia and her family and one of the things we love about the area is how easy it is to feel like you’re in the middle of a forest if you just know where to go! The Old Squaw Trail runs right by our home and we’ve regularly done little sections of it, either walking around Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve or taking Chaucer to the dog park portion of the trail for walks and sniffs!
Aspinwall Riverfront Park
Also on the north side, a cool little riverfront park and marina that also hosts kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Allegheny River, courtesy of Venture Outdoors. Their season starts in May so if you want to check it out, call to make sure they've started up! Afterwards, find something to eat along Freeport Rd or in the Waterworks Plaza. Burgatory is a solid pick and Eat'n Park (and their smiley face sugar cookies) is a Pittsburgh classic!