Pittsburgh’s Charm: Exploring the Rich Heritage and Contemporary Flair of the Steel City.

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Located at the junction of three rivers – the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela – Pittsburgh is a blend between the Gilded Age and modern times. Once an early 20th-century industrial capital, this “Steel City” has that neighborhood feel while still being a bustling metropolis. 

Best Time to Visit

Late spring (May/June), or late summer and early fall (September/October) so you will miss not only the colder months of winter, but the muggy summers as well

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Places to Go and See

Carnegie Institute Museum of Natural History & Art

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Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1896, this museum is a home to not only history spanning thousands of years, but a large variety of art pieces as well. In the history section, explore around 22 million specimens including one of the finest paleontological collections in the world.

Acrisure Stadium (formerly know as Heinz Field)

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Now known as the Acrisure Stadium, Heinz Field is the stadium that hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in the North Shore Neighborhood. Come to watch a game in one of the classic yellow seats, or enjoy many of the other concerts and events within the stadium’s walls.

PNC Park

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Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, this stadium is the perfect place to go and watch a baseball game on a sunny day. If you’re not a huge baseball fan don’t worry, they also have several other concerts and events that happen within the stadium’s walls that you can enjoy.

Fort Pitt Museum

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If you are a history buff the Fort Pitt museum should go on your bucket list for Pittsburgh. Showing the pivotal role Western Pennsylvania had during the French & Indian War, the American Revolution, and the creation of the city itself through artifacts and interactive exhibits, there is much to explore about this northern city. If you come during the summer, you can even see colonial re-enactors show how life was like during the 1700s.

Point State Park

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On the tip of the “Golden Triangle” lies Point State Park, commemorating and preserving the history of the area during the French and Indian War. Named a National Historic Landmark, come and enjoy a spot of green in the city of steel and explore the history of this area.

Carnegie Pittsburgh Library

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Endorsed by Andrew Carnegie in 1881, the Carnegie Library system has stretched across the world, but its biggest impact was in the city of Pittsburgh. Carnegie always believed that libraries would not only bring the community together but elevate their understanding of the world, and his idea continues on today with nineteen separate libraries in the central Pittsburgh area.

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Hidden Gems

Duquesne Incline

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First built and operated in May of 1877, the Duquesne Incline is one of the few remaining inclines still running in the country. A perfect way to get from one elevation to another, the incline has impressive views that will show you exactly why Pittsburgh is so memorable.

East Liberty Presbyterian Church

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Though the first building erected in 1819 no longer stands on the site, the current 1935 church is full of history. You can join a worship group while you’re traveling, or just opt for a tour of the gothic themed cathedral.

The Phipps Conservatory

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Opened in 1893, the Phipps Conservatory stretches across fifteen acres, with a fourteen room glass house, and twenty three separate gardens, each highlighting their own species. Come and enjoy nature, or attend one of the many exhibitions or shows amongst the flora.

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Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh

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Commissioned in 1921, this building was not only created by the construction companies, but by the community as well by donating steel, bricks, glass, and other materials to the project. Now listed as the second tallest educational building in the world, and internationally known for its Nationality Classrooms, there is much to explore in this Gothic Revival skyscraper.

Mt. Washington

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One of the most visited neighborhoods in Pittsburgh is Mt. Washington, a blend between millionaires and everyday people. Take a walk down “Restaurant Row” and have some incredible food, or just walk around and see Pittsburgh in an entirely different way.

Top Restaurants

Kavsar Uzbek Halal Restaurant

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If you’re tired of having either pizza or Chinese food, try some take out or delivery from Kavsar Uzbek Halal Restaurant. This establishment is hidden away on the hills of Pittsburgh, but has a large selection of regional Uzbek and Russian specialties, with each dish presenting a completely new set of flavors for you to try.

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Cilantro & Ajo

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Started in 2015 after leaving their home country of Venezuela, the owners of Cilantro & Ajo opened their doors and a food truck to bring their treasured recipes to Pittsburgh’s streets. Now a huge part of the city, this Venezuelan restaurant is a testament not only to perseverance but pride of their home country.

Grandview Bakery

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Serving over one hundred items on their menu, and providing seasonal treats to enjoy, Grandview Bakery is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. Some of their pastries include cookies, cakes, cupcakes, brownies, bars, and pies.

40 North at Alphabet City

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With a name that pays homage to both the past and present locations, 40 North looks to provide an excellent casual dining experience. Opening in 2006, there are locations not only in Pittsburgh but New Jersey as well.

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Alta Via Ristorante

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If you’re looking for Italian, go no further than Alta Via. With handmade pastas and seasonally sourced ingredients, there is always something new to enjoy at this modern restaurant.

Apteka

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If you are vegan or vegetarian, this restaurant is perfect for you, as Apteka sells themselves as a “vegetable restaurant.” Deriving recipes from Central and Eastern European cuisine, either head to the bar or sit at a table and try some delicious food.

Top Hotels:

Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton

Pittsburgh Sheraton Station Square

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The Westin Pittsburgh

Fairmont Pittsburgh

Whether you’re looking for a dive into Pittsburgh’s history, and want to see it’s beautiful present, take a trip to the city of Pittsburgh and explore the winding streets and bridges of the Steel City.

By Alexandria Wyckoff

Alexandria is a News Editor, writer, and reader of all things literature. She graduated from the State University of... More about Alexandria Wyckoff

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