Things To Do
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
This museum is conveniently located in Oakland, nearby Phipps. It has an incredible collection of artifacts including dinosaur and other fossils, minerals, and an open paleontology lab. We particularly recommend this museum for those travelling with children. The museum is open seven days a week from 10-5 with extended hours on Thursday evening until 8.
Carnegie Museum of Art
The art museum's permanent collection is wonderful and they have a great rotation of exhibits that will be on display in August. We would particularly recommend visiting the Charles Teenie Harris Archive Gallery. The art museum and the natural history museum are connected - admission to one will get you into both! The museum is open seven days a week from 10-5 with extended hours on Thursday evening until 8.
Cathedral of Learning
The Cathedral (lovingly called Cathy by students at the University of Pittsburgh) was built in the 1920s and is the second tallest educational building in the world. Its lower levels feature a four-story entrance hall with stunning architecture. There are 31 Nationality Rooms that celebrate distinct cultures. You may also take an elevator to the very top to enjoy the view of Oakland and the skyline of Pittsburgh's other neighborhoods. The entrance area is open seven days a week, but Nationality Rooms and the higher levels are closed on Tuesdays. If interested in touring, we would strongly recommend reaching out directly to make sure that they will be running tours on the day in question.
The Andy Warhol Museum
The Andy Warhol Museum tells Andy Warhol’s story and explores his legacy through the largest collection of Warhol art and archives in the world (from website). This museum regularly features exhibitions of modern visual art and is currently holding a 'Sound Series' featuring audio art as well. The Warhol is open from 10-5 Wednesday through Monday with extended hours on Friday until 10. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Heinz History Center
The history center in downtown Pittsburgh is located in the original Heinz factory. It is an absolutely incredible place to learn about local history. It's open seven days a week from 10-5.
Saint Anthony Chapel
This chapel is located in the neighborhood of Troy Hill, on the North Side. It hosts the largest collection of Catholic relics in the world outside of Vatican City. It is open for daily mass and tours.
Frick Park
This park opened in 1927 and is a beloved urban park with over 600 acres to explore.
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
More than 4000 animals representing 475 different species reside here in the neighborhood of Highland Park. The zoo was first opened in 1898 and remains one of only six zoo/aquarium hybrids in the United States.
McConnells Mill State Park
McConnell's Mill is the perfect place to experience the beauty of western PA. If you like hiking, climbing boulders, and hunting for old mill relics in the woods, then McConnell's Mill State Park might be worth the drive for you. It is about 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh. If you're interested, reach out to Rachel directly for more information on the Lewis family's favorite hikes and recommended parking areas.
Duquesne Incline
The Incline opened in 1877 and still runs its original wooden cable cars up and down Mount Washington for 18 hours each day. It is one of the last remaining and functioning inclines in the United States. At the top station, there is a small museum and gift shop. The views on the way up/down and from Mount Washington are stunning. The incline is open and runs every day from 6:30 AM - 12:30 AM. It is public transport; no advance booking is necessary; only cash and Connect cards are accepted as payment.
Fallingwater
Fallingwater was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and was built as a private home for the Kaufmann Family. It is a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Listed site. Its setting is beautiful, and the home is positioned amidst a waterfall. Wright said of the home that he wanted the family "to live with the waterfall, not to look at it." Fallingwater is open 8-4 daily except for Wednesdays, when it is closed. Pre-booking is required for tours.
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village is a unique site. It is the location of a very important archaeological site that was excavated first in the 1970s. Artifacts from 19,000 years ago started turning up, confusing everyone and upending the previously conventionalized understanding of early human migration to the Americas. Today, the excavation site is protected within a building. There are also two reconstructed historic villages on site, featuring atlatl throwing, blacksmith demonstrations (depending on the day), an authentic 19th century schoolhouse, and more. We particularly recommend Meadowcroft for those interested in history and/or those travelling with children.