Multiple skyscrapper buildings in Pittsburgh as viewed from up on Mt. Washington.

Five Spots: Pittsburgh, PA

Sitting at the point of three rivers, Pittsburgh has long been a city of industry and commerce. While things have changed throughout the years, the city has remained a center for businesses, education, and residents alike. Pittsburgh is known as the “City of Bridges” as there are 446 throughout the city as well as being known as the “City of Steel” as there are 300+ steel-related businesses as well.

At the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, where they form the Ohio River, is Point State Park, known as The Point to locals. It is a 36-acre park featuring outdoor spaces for entertainment, cultural events, and more. At the point is the famous fountain that shots up to 150 feet up. At one time, this location is where two railroad bridges came together and crossed each of the rivers. Point State Park is also part of a larger park system, the Three Rivers Park, which runs up each side of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, with over 13 miles of interconnected trails and green space with over 800 acres of public open space.  

Buildings atop of Mt. Washington in Pittsburgh.
Along the walk between the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines.

Mount Washington is a great spot to get a birds-eye view of Pittsburgh’s skyline. It is also home to Pittsburgh’s only two inclines, the Duquesne and Monongahela. While both are great for visitors to take in views of the city, they are also the best way for residents on Mount Washington to get into downtown Pittsburgh without needing a vehicle. The two inclines are located under a mile from each other. A 15 to 20-minute walk between either of them will afford plenty of scenic overlooks at multiple locations including the Grandview Outlook and Patrick T. Fagan Overlook.

Mirrored looking building in downtown setting.
The mirrored courtyard of PPG Industries in downtown Pittsburgh.

Downtown Pittsburgh is known as the Golden Triangle, but officially as the Central Business District. Some will refer to the downtown area as one district within the city, while others will tell you there are six different districts including Point State Park, the Cultural District, Firstside, and others. Throughout downtown Pittsburgh, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, including Market Square and the famous mirrored PPG Industries building.

On the north shore of the Allegheny River, across the Andy Warhol Bridge, is the ever-popular PNC Park home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and of course, the Andy Warhol Museum. Currently, a walk along the riverfront from the Andy Warhol Museum takes you to the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in Pittsburgh.

Exterior of a museum with a dinosaur statue.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History

East of downtown is the Oakland Square History District which is home to Schenley Park, a 456-acre park that includes the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Surrounding Schenley Park is the world-famous Carnegie Mellon University including the Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Information current as of January 2022.

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