2025 Pittsburgh Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Harry Potter fans can't miss the University of Pittsburgh in the United States. The Cathedral of Learning is a landmark building of the University of Pittsburgh. It is the tallest teaching building in the world. The view from the top is really great. I like the feeling of this vibrant campus! It is worth mentioning that this is also the location of Hogwarts College in the Harry Potter movie. Walking into the retro building on the ground floor, it feels like entering the world of Hogwarts, and there are rooms with styles from all over the world, all of which are very distinctive.

The second largest city in Pennsylvania, USA, is Pittsburgh. On Mount Washington along the river in the downtown area, there is a wooden cable car line called the Duquesne Incline. This ancient cable car line was built in 1877 and has two tracks, 250 meters long and 125 meters high. The red-painted wooden cable cars climb the mountain at a 30-degree angle, swaying as they go. For over 140 years, it has continuously transported tourists to the observation deck at the top of the mountain. The cable car station at the foot of the mountain is built next to a main street with heavy and fast traffic. The station is right next to the street, and back in 1877, there were no cars. Karl Benz from Germany invented the first car in 1886. Imagine if you were riding a horse-drawn carriage slowly; it wouldn't be a problem for the station to be built next to the street. Now, there is no parking lot next to the station. You have to park at a paid parking lot by the river and then walk across a pedestrian bridge to reach the station. The cable car station has an antique charm. Tickets are $2.50 for a one-way trip and $5.00 for a round trip, cash only. A plainly dressed girl sells the tickets, and an elderly man with a full beard guides tourists on and off the cable car. The interior of the cable car is entirely made of wood, with wooden decorations. The ceiling features intricate carvings and a kerosene lamp, exuding a strong sense of nostalgia. Currently, there are only four such ancient mountain cable cars left in the United States. It takes about five minutes to reach the top station from the foot of the mountain. The station at the top is filled with photos from various eras, mostly black and white, documenting over a century of historical changes. A corridor leads to the observation deck, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the confluence of the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio rivers, with downtown Pittsburgh in full view. This observation deck is clearly the best spot to enjoy Pittsburgh's night view. To the left of the cable car station's entrance is a monument commemorating World War I. Next to the monument, a small iron gate leads to the observation deck. This is when I realized that you don't necessarily have to take the cable car; you can drive up and enjoy the observation deck for free. The address of the cable car station at the foot of the mountain is 1197 W Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Note that the parking lot is across the street by the river and is a paid parking lot, with a fee of $8 for two hours. The cable car station has long operating hours, from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM.

🛎️ Wanderlusts seeking a cozy nest in Pittsburgh, listen up! The Oaklander Hotel is a treasure trove of comfort and convenience, especially for those visiting the University of Pittsburgh or Carnegie Mellon. 🏫🚶‍♂️ 🛏️ Imagine stepping into a room that's not just a room, but a sanctuary. Spacious, with a touch of luxury, minus the waterworks drama at shower time (yep, they've got that fixed!). 🚿🛁 🍽️ Foodies, brace yourselves for a gastronomic adventure right at the hotel. Whether it's the first meal of the day or the last, your taste buds are in for a treat! 🥞🍖 🏞️ Service with a smile is an understatement here. The staff's warmth is as memorable as the stunning views you'll wake up to. And if you're lucky, you might just score a map to navigate the local eats and treats! 🗺️🍴 👗💼 Whether you're here for academia or adventure, The Oaklander Hotel's chic vibe and prime location make it a no-brainer for your Pittsburgh stay. Just watch out for those mysterious charges; they're as rare as a unicorn, but it's always good to double-check! 💳🔍 📍 5130 Bigelow Blvd, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213

Hey, wanderlusters! 🌍 If you're plotting a course to Pittsburgh and need a fab spot to crash, let me spill the tea on The Industrialist Hotel. 🛏️ Nestled in the heart of the city, this gem 💎 is surrounded by eateries galore and top sights just a hop, skip, and a jump away. 🍽️🖼️ Parking? No sweat! There's a lot right across the street where you can self-park for a cool $12 overnight. 🚗💨 Stride into the lobby on the second floor and you'll be wowed by the sleek decor. 🛋️ The rooms? They're the real deal — think top-notch design meets comfort. Every nook is spotless, and the amenities? They've got it all sorted for a stay that's snug as a bug in a rug. 🧼🔝 Whether you're here for the 'gram or the Z's, The Industrialist has the plush pads, primo location, and the vibe that's just, well, *chef's kiss*. 😘🍴 Ready to book? Check in and find your slice of heaven in Pittsburgh! 🌆📍 405 Wood St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222

🏨 Step into the Fairmont Pittsburgh, where luxury meets comfort in the heart of the city. This gem boasts rooms so spacious, you could salsa dance around without bumping into a single piece of furniture! 💃 🧼 Cleanliness is next to godliness, and the Fairmont takes this to heart. Each room is spotless, ensuring a stay as pristine as the service is friendly. Every corner shines, and the attention to detail is evident from the moment you step in. ✨ 🛏️ Expect to be pampered with a plethora of room amenities that cater to your every whim. From plush bedding that whispers "sweet dreams" to the array of modern conveniences at your fingertips, comfort is king here. 👑 🍽️ Craving a bite? The dining experience at Fairmont Pittsburgh is a culinary journey you won't want to miss. Indulge in flavors that will make your taste buds sing, all wrapped up in an atmosphere of understated elegance. 🍴 For a stay that's as delightful as it is memorable, make your way to the Fairmont Pittsburgh. Your home away from home awaits! 📍 510 Market St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222

Nestled on a leafy avenue lies a secret Pittsburgh treasure: Mansions on Fifth. This isn't your average hotel—it's a genuine castle, exuding elegance and a touch of mystery. 🏰 While it may not boast the most modern facilities, the charm of this historic mansion compensates with cleanliness and a cozy ambiance. Be prepared for a mini workout though, as the vintage lift stops at the second floor, leaving guests to ascend the final flight to their chambers on foot. 💪 The staff, knights in shining armor, will gallantly assist with your luggage upon arrival. However, when it's time to bid adieu, you might have to channel your inner squire and manage your own descent if the staff have retired for the evening. 🛡️ Dining within the castle walls offers a royal experience, with meals that will make you feel like nobility. And let's not forget the surrounding scenery, which is nothing short of enchanting. 🍽️🌲 For a stay that transports you back to an era of grandeur (with a dash of cardio), Mansions on Fifth awaits. 📍 5105 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232

🛎️ Step back in time with a stay at the grand Omni William Penn Hotel, nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh. While the rooms may boast a nostalgic charm, some may find the decor a tad outdated. But fear not, the ambiance is lifted by the delightful lighting that promises a cozy evening retreat. 🛁 Functional amenities ensure a comfortable stay, although patience may be required for those little extras - like body lotion. A casual encounter with housekeeping could be your shortcut to necessities! 🍽️ Dining at the hotel is a nod to its storied past, and while the front desk may sometimes miss a beat, the rest of the services won't disappoint. Don't forget to tip the friendly valet, even though you might have to bring your own slippers and toothbrush. 📍 530 William Penn Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

📍 Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, 107 6th St, PA 🛏️ Hey, globetrotters! 🌍 If you're plotting a course to Pittsburgh, let me drop a pin on the map for you: the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel. 🎯 Nestled in the heart of the city, this spot is a blend of comfort and convenience that you just can't miss! 🏙️ Imagine waking up to the gorgeous panorama of the Allegheny River, with the city's skyline playing peek-a-boo with the morning sun. 🌅 Then, step outside and you're a hop, skip, and a jump away from cultural hotspots like theaters and galleries, not to mention the buzz of Market Square! 🎭🖼️ And hey, if you're in the mood for a little adventure, iconic sports venues are just around the corner. Imagine catching a game or two while you're in town—talk about a home run for sports fans! ⚾🏈 So, whether you're here for the sights, the scenes, or the sports, the Renaissance is where you'll want to drop your bags and your worries. Just a heads up, though: they're sprucing up the place with some fresh renovations, so get ready to be wowed! 🚧🆕 Catch ya in the 'Burgh! 🎒✌️

Hi, friends! Today I'm taking you to a mysterious place—the Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh. Imagine the towering spires meeting the ocean of knowledge, isn't it super exciting? 🚀 1️⃣ Planning is key! Remember to check the cathedral's opening hours in advance and arrange your little calendar. 2️⃣ Book a good place to stay to ensure you start each day of exploration full of energy. 🏨 3️⃣ Information gathering is essential, learn about ticket prices and transportation routes to make your trip worry-free. Now let's talk about transportation! 🚗 If you like freedom, renting a car is a good choice; if you want to experience the local vibe, public buses and subways are also very convenient! When you arrive at the cathedral, start by admiring the exterior; the unique architectural style will definitely amaze you. 🕍 Once inside, murals, sculptures, and various decorations await your discovery. Don't forget to attend lectures to fill your brain with knowledge. 📚 This trip taught me a lot, I feel like I've been elevated! Have you ever been to a similar place? Share your stories with me!

🔥A must-visit when touring Pittsburgh🔥 Before setting off for Pittsburgh, I had a few to-do lists ready, and taking the cable car to see the night view was the top ☝️ item on the list. Pittsburgh has two cable car stations, and I chose the one with slightly better reviews. Coming at night, there were hardly any people on the cable car, so it felt like chartering the whole car for myself. It was quite novel for me as it was my first time. According to travel guides, everyone recommends coming during sunset to enjoy the twilight on the cable car. I missed the sunset after having dinner, so I decided to come and check in the night view instead. The design of the slope allows you to see the city's night view from various angles. The city skyline across the river, paired with colorful lights, is just too romantic. Although the skyscrapers of Pittsburgh are not as impressive as those in Chicago and New York, they have their own unique charm. Watching the river, the arch bridges, and the twinkling lights, the cable car descends at a steady pace and doesn't really shake much. ✨ Monongahela Incline✨ 📍Detailed address: 1870 PA-837, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 🕙Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 05:30-12:45 💰Ticket price: One-way $2.5, round-trip $3.5 While waiting for the cable car, you can take a look at the introduction and history of the cable cars in the waiting hall. This cable car station was built in 1870, costing $50,000 to construct. By 1884, a total of 17 cable car stations had been built successively. They were used to transport residents from the top of Carson ST to Downtown Pittsburgh at the bottom of the hill, with a total journey time of 7 minutes. The decor and objects inside the cable car station also feel very old school, with vintage clocks, black and white photos, and small glass windows on the floor through which you can see the machinery running below. You can buy a round-trip ticket directly, take the cable car down the hill, and walk to the riverside's Bessemer Converter. Here stands Pittsburgh's first blast furnace, which successfully produced iron blocks in 1859. The cable car was originally built to make it easier for residents living on the hill to easily reach the factories and the top of the hill.

Such a beautiful day to visit the PPG Aquarium!! One of the best zoos I’ve visited off tops. Always an epic experience!!!

hotel celeste shizuoka is a brand new hotel. located in a quiet street, not far from the station. there is also a coin parking on the same street. the hotel is pretty cool, first the check-in/check-out can be easily done when you enter the building with a secret code to register your details. it is a small hotel but the rooms are spacious, with refrigerators of free water bottle, a microwave, coffee/tea, a washing machine. the shower room has no bath tub, it has an amazing rain shower with good water pressure. #staycation #cleanhotel

#maydaytrip

The clouds are alive over Pittsburgh. Come see this #merrychristmas Pittsburgh is a great city and the clouds are no different. White, puffy wisps of vapor are fun to fly through in a plane. look below on the mountains and rivers of Pennsylvania and enjoy a nice, scenic views of the Appalachias. Come see for yourself and enjoy your trip! #merrychristmas

Pittsburgh, the Three Rivers Confluence, is the second largest city in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia. In point state park, I met the late fall of the United States. This downtown park has the largest fountain in Pittsburgh, the fountain is opposite the intersection of the three rivers, the big lawn is the three river art festival, and the July 4th festival puts fireworks, the place where the concert is open, sitting in the Three Rivers At the intersection, you can see the red sunset on the other side, which is beautiful. Pittsburgh was once a famous steel industrial city in the United States, and is known as the "world steel capital." Quiet like Pittsburgh, there is always a lake that can quietly bask in the sun. The sun is like Pittsburgh, surrounded by students full of dreams. Pittsburgh is a small city that is very suitable for living. On the Mount Washington opposite the park, the view is very good, and the maple leaves are good in autumn.

Day 1: Cable car sunset Day 2: Study Cathedral Day 3: Natural History Museum 【Must-see attractions】 【Must-eat food】 1. Eddie V 2. Thailand food 3. Chinese food 【Accommodation recommendation】 downtown Hilton/Marriott/William

#springwander Randyland in Pittsburgh is such a vibrant and colorful outdoor art museum. It is such a creative and artsy place. I have never seen anything like it. Spring is the perfect weather to check this place out. The murals, the vibe and bright colors - everything will just leave you feeling joyous. This museum is free to visit but you can give donations. You can also meet the artist behind the place here. Also, a lot of the art here is made from recycled materials. A huge shout out to the amazing artist. You must visit here in spring if you are around Pittsburgh area.

#springwander #pittsburgh Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh is a great spot to cover with the kids during spring break. It is not only an enriching experience but also an educational one. There are lots of exhibits here but I really recommend checking the one that has dinosaurs, mammals and gemstones. The museum is huge so I would suggest to plan the day accordingly. Children will really enjoy coming here in the spring. I highly vouch for it.

#springwander #pittsburgh #botanicalgarden Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh is a beautiful Victorian-style greenhouse with lots of exhibits , gardens and diverse collections. They have unique themes every season and it is beautiful to see. I personally enjoyed the cactus section. When I visited , it was the trolls exhibit and it was nice and interactive. A lot of weddings also happen here in outdoor garden. It looks festive even at night. Spring is a beautiful time to come here. I highly recommend it.

📍Itinerary Introduction Pitzer Zoo and Aquarium 🚩 Follow the zoo map to see every animal 🏖️The last picture of the check-in attraction is the best stop. 🚇Transportation method It is very convenient to drive from the hotel in 25 minutes. There is free parking. 🍜Special food If you are hungry, you can try the hamburgers in the park. They taste good. 🏠Accommodation recommendations 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pittsburgh 💡Note: The park is open from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm

#getgoing2025 #Altius #food #pittsburgh Altius restaurant is perfect for a date night or a special dinner. I went here to celebrate my birthday.The view from the restaurant is breathtaking. The menu is exquisite. I loved the Chilean Sea bass. The hotel also gave me a complimentary dessert. Staff here were courteous and friendly. While we waited for our meal, we were served with in-house bread which was delicious. You are expected to dress in business casual and the management is quite strict about that. The food is experience but I feel it’s worth every dollar for a wholesome experience. Do visit this restaurant in Pittsburgh with your loved ones.

#getgoing2025 #Andywarhol #museum #art #pittsburgh Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh really gives you an insight into Andy Warhol’s life who was born and raised in Pittsburgh. It is very unique and I loved how the exhibits were organized chronologically. They had some interactive sections too. Isn’t it amazing that it is the largest museum in USA to be dedicated to one artist? They also have a cute gift shop from where I picked some souvenirs. This museum really sheds light on how Andy played such a major role in Pop Art. I recommend everyone interested in art to really do check this museum. It is a top attraction in Pittsburgh.

#getgoing2025 #pittsburgh #park Allegheny Landing in Pittsburgh is a great park with best views of Pittsburgh skyline. It is every photographer’s dream place. It’s a lovely spot to walk alongside the Allegheny river. It’s also in close proximity to the PNC park and Acrisure stadium. I visited Andy Warhol museum first and then discovered this park. It is great to exercise, walk your dog or just soak in the views. It’s also accessible by wheelchair. It is also surrounded by sculptures which makes it a must visit in Pittsburgh.

#getgoing2025 #pittsburgh #Cathedraloflearning Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh is an iconic building. It has an impressive architecture and historic rooms. It is in the heart of the University of Pittsburgh campus and you can always see students around it. It really add a certain charm to the University. It makes you feel like you are in Hogwarts if you enter this building. I really enjoyed taking a 90 minute tour of the nationality rooms here. It costs only $4 and is definitely worth it. It is a must visit in Pittsburgh.

#getgoing2025 #pittsburgh #Hofbrauhaus Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh is such an interesting place in Pittsburgh. It is an amazing restaurant to celebrate German heritage and food at super affordable prices. It has amazing food options and trying the beer is essential here. The outdoor seating also has great views. It is a must visit during Oktoberfest specially. The food portion is generous and the staff is dressed up in authentic German attire. I recommend everyone to check this place out in Pittsburgh.

#getgoing2025The interior architecture of Llandaff Cathedral is a stunning blend of historical and modern elements. The soaring Gothic arches and intricate ribbed ceilings create a sense of grandeur and reverence. The centerpiece is the striking Christ in Majesty sculpture by Jacob Epstein, suspended dramatically over the nave. The vibrant stained glass windows, including works by William Morris, bathe the stone walls in colorful light. The medieval Lady Chapel offers a serene space for reflection, with delicate carvings and decorative details. The blend of old and new makes the cathedral’s interior a unique and awe-inspiring experience.

#getgoing2025 #pittsburgh #art #attraction #touristsattraction #travel This place is a free public art installation by Randy Gilson who lives close by.Randyland has so many unique and creative art pieces on display. It’s so colorful and eclectic. Walking around just feels so vibrant and there is so much to look at. Randyland really brings creativity to life. If you are ever in Pittsburgh, do check this cool place out.

#familytravel #travel