Last updated on September 28th, 2025
From its stunning skyline defined by three rivers to its world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania offers an incredible array of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re exploring Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces, cheering on the Penguins, or discovering immersive art installations, these 25 things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania showcase why this city continues to captivate visitors. The best things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania blend industrial heritage with cultural innovation, creating unforgettable memories in the Steel City.
Here are the best things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for an unforgettable visit to the Steel City.
Why Visit Pittsburgh Pennsylvania?
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania offers:
🏙️ Stunning city views from Mount Washington
🍽️ World-class dining and food tours
🎨 Renowned museums and cultural institutions
🏒 Championship sports teams
🌉 Beautiful riverfront landscapes and bridges
🎭 Thriving arts and entertainment scene
Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
1. Essential Pittsburgh Experience – The One Tour to Take
The Essential Pittsburgh Experience is the perfect introduction to the city, covering iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and fascinating history that make Pittsburgh Pennsylvania unique. This comprehensive tour showcases why Pittsburgh stands out among Pennsylvania destinations.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Highlights: Mount Washington overlooks, cultural district, historical landmarks
- Perfect for: First-time visitors and history enthusiasts
2. Bike the Burgh Tour
Explore Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on two wheels with the Bike the Burgh Tour, offering an active way to see the city’s diverse neighborhoods, riverfront trails, and architectural highlights. This tour showcases the best outdoor activities in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Highlights: Riverfront trails, neighborhood exploration, photo opportunities
- Perfect for: Active travelers and outdoor enthusiasts
3. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The stunning Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a serene escape with magnificent glasshouses, beautiful outdoor gardens, and rotating exhibits that showcase sustainable practices. This is one of the most beautiful attractions in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
- Location: Schenley Park
- Highlights: Victorian glasshouse, tropical forest, orchid room
- Perfect for: Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts
4. JUST THE TOUR – Double Decker Bus Sightseeing Tour
See the best of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania from the top of an open-air double decker bus with JUST THE TOUR. This comprehensive sightseeing experience covers all the major landmarks and provides fascinating commentary about the city’s history and architecture.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: Panoramic views, live commentary, hop-on/hop-off options
- Perfect for: Families and visitors with limited time
5. Pittsburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Discover Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s culinary scene with the Pittsburgh Walking Food Tour. Sample local specialties, learn about the city’s food history, and explore vibrant neighborhoods while enjoying delicious tastings from carefully selected eateries.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Highlights: Local specialties, neighborhood exploration, cultural insights
- Perfect for: Foodies and cultural explorers
6. National Aviary
The National Aviary is America’s premier bird zoo, housing over 500 birds from around the world in naturalistic habitats. This unique attraction in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania offers immersive experiences and educational programs that delight visitors of all ages.
- Location: North Side
- Highlights: Free-flight habitats, penguin point, tropical rainforest
- Perfect for: Families and bird enthusiasts
7. Whiskey Rebellion & Prohibition Tour
Explore Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s spirited history with the Whiskey Rebellion & Prohibition Tour. This engaging experience delves into the city’s role in American whiskey history and the Prohibition era, visiting historic bars and learning fascinating stories along the way.
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Highlights: Historic bars, whiskey tastings, prohibition stories
- Perfect for: History buffs and spirit enthusiasts
8. Randyland
Randyland is one of the most colorful and joyful attractions in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. This outdoor art installation created by Randy Gilson features vibrant murals, found object art, and whimsical creations that celebrate creativity and community spirit.
- Location: North Side
- Highlights: Colorful murals, photo opportunities, free admission
- Perfect for: Instagram enthusiasts and art lovers
9. Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob – Two Visions of Frank Lloyd Wright
Experience architectural brilliance with a tour to Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, two of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces located near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. This excursion showcases why architectural tourism is among the top things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
- Duration: Full day
- Highlights: Iconic architecture, natural settings, design innovation
- Perfect for: Architecture enthusiasts and design lovers
10. Pittsburgh Segway Tour
Glide through Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on a fun and eco-friendly Segway Tour. This unique way to explore covers more ground than walking while providing an entertaining experience navigating the city’s streets and riverfront paths.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: Easy navigation, comprehensive coverage, fun experience
- Perfect for: Adventure seekers and those wanting to cover more ground
11. Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Hockey Game Ticket at PPG Paints Arena
Experience the excitement of professional hockey with Pittsburgh Penguins tickets at PPG Paints Arena. Cheering on this legendary team is one of the most thrilling things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for sports fans.
- Location: PPG Paints Arena
- Highlights: NHL action, passionate fans, arena experience
- Perfect for: Sports enthusiasts and family outings
12. Carnegie Museum of Natural History
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History offers world-class exhibits including dinosaur fossils, gem collections, and anthropological displays. This educational attraction ranks among the top things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania for families and science enthusiasts.
- Location: Oakland
- Highlights: Dinosaur hall, gem collection, Egyptian artifacts
- Perfect for: Families and science lovers
13. Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh
Discover the heart of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania with the Best of the Burgh Walking Tour. This guided experience takes you through historic districts, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems while sharing stories that bring the city’s history to life.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: Historic districts, local stories, photo opportunities
- Perfect for: First-time visitors and history enthusiasts
14. Black & Ghost Tour
Explore Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s darker history with the Black & Ghost Tour. This evening walking tour shares spooky stories, haunted history, and paranormal tales that reveal a different side of the city’s past.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Highlights: Ghost stories, historic sites, evening atmosphere
- Perfect for: Thrill-seekers and history buffs
15. Beers in the Burgh: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk
Sample Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s thriving craft beer scene with the Beers in the Burgh Brewery Walk. This guided tour visits local breweries, offering tastings and insights into the city’s growing craft beer culture.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Highlights: Local breweries, beer tastings, brewing insights
- Perfect for: Beer enthusiasts and social explorers
16. Outdoor Escape Room in Pittsburgh – Deutschtown
Experience an innovative adventure with the Outdoor Escape Room in Deutschtown. This unique activity combines puzzle-solving with neighborhood exploration, offering a fun and interactive way to discover Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: Puzzle solving, team building, neighborhood exploration
- Perfect for: Groups and team-building activities
17. The Andy Warhol Museum
Celebrate Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s most famous artist at The Andy Warhol Museum. This comprehensive museum houses the largest collection of Warhol’s artworks and archival materials, offering deep insights into the pop art movement and the artist’s Pittsburgh roots.
- Location: North Shore
- Highlights: Pop art collections, film screenings, artist archives
- Perfect for: Art lovers and cultural explorers
18. Fire in the Valley- Carnegie Steel and the Town That Built America
Delve into Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage with Fire in the Valley tour. This experience explores the city’s steel-making history, visiting historical sites and sharing stories of the industry that built America.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Highlights: Industrial history, Carnegie legacy, historical sites
- Perfect for: History enthusiasts and industrial heritage fans
19. 2 Hour Private Sightseeing Charter Boat Cruise
Experience Pittsburgh Pennsylvania from a unique perspective with a Private Sightseeing Charter Boat Cruise. This luxurious experience offers stunning views of the city skyline, bridges, and riverfront from the water.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: Skyline views, bridge perspectives, private experience
- Perfect for: Special occasions and romantic outings
20. Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum
The Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum showcases innovative installation art from around the world. This cutting-edge museum in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania features immersive, room-sized works that challenge conventional art experiences.
- Location: North Side
- Highlights: Installation art, rotating exhibits, artist residencies
- Perfect for: Contemporary art lovers and experimental art enthusiasts
21. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh offers hands-on exhibits and educational programs that make learning fun for kids of all ages. This family-friendly attraction is among the best things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania with children.
- Location: North Side
- Highlights: Interactive exhibits, art studios, water play area
- Perfect for: Families with children ages 2-12
22. Museum of Illusions Pittsburgh
The Museum of Illusions Pittsburgh offers a mind-bending experience with optical illusions, holograms, and interactive exhibits that challenge perception. This unique attraction provides fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
- Location: Downtown
- Highlights: Optical illusions, holograms, photo opportunities
- Perfect for: Families and curious minds
23. Reel Pittsburgh Movie Tour
Discover Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s Hollywood connections with the Reel Pittsburgh Movie Tour. This guided experience visits filming locations from major movies and TV shows, sharing behind-the-scenes stories about the city’s growing film industry.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: Film locations, Hollywood stories, behind-the-scenes insights
- Perfect for: Movie buffs and pop culture enthusiasts
24. Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour
Explore Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s craft beer scene with the Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour. This comprehensive experience takes you to multiple local breweries, offering behind-the-scenes access, tastings, and insights into the brewing process.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Highlights: Multiple breweries, beer tastings, brewing education
- Perfect for: Beer connoisseurs and social groups
25. Kennywood
Kennywood is a historic amusement park that has been entertaining families since 1898. This classic Pittsburgh Pennsylvania attraction offers thrilling rides, traditional amusement park games, and nostalgic charm that makes it a must-visit destination.
- Location: West Mifflin
- Highlights: Wooden roller coasters, classic rides, water park
- Perfect for: Families and thrill-seekers
FAQs About Things to Do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Final Tips for Visiting Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
– Purchase city passes for discounted admission to multiple attractions
– Wear comfortable shoes for exploring hilly neighborhoods
– Try local specialties like Primanti Brothers sandwiches and pierogies
– Check festival schedules – Pittsburgh Pennsylvania hosts numerous cultural events year-round
– Book tours in advance, especially during peak seasons
Whether you’re interested in world-class museums, thrilling sports, innovative dining, or rich history, these 25 things to do in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania offer something for every traveler. The city’s unique combination of industrial heritage and cultural innovation makes it one of Pennsylvania’s most compelling destinations. From admiring Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces to cheering on the Penguins, your visit to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania promises unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
