Content Overview
If you have not visited Pittsburgh or it has been some time since your last trip, it is time to reconsider. The once industrial town is now at the forefront of innovation, driven by a new generation of professionals in technology, robotics, and medicine who are reshaping the area.
Pittsburgh’s distinctive cultural offerings embody the region’s enduring commitment to creativity. One constant is the warm hospitality you will experience from the moment you cross the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Here are several ways Pittsburgh is presenting itself in intriguing and unexpected ways for young travelers.
Restaurants
Pittsburgh is well-known for its signature sandwiches at Primanti Brothers, which are topped with French fries and coleslaw. However, the city also offers numerous remarkable establishments showcasing international cuisines and homestyle cooking.
In the Strip District, Novo Asian Food Hall serves a diverse range of offerings, from Taiwanese to Vietnamese to Korean, along with delightful beverages at Novo Bar. If you’re in the mood for seafood, Roland’s Seafood Grill is a local favorite in the Strip District, drawing visitors to enjoy signature selections like mussel pots and lobster mac and cheese.
In Bloomfield, Spak Brothers Pizza serves some of the best pizzas in the city—remarkably gluten-free. Exceptional Thai cuisine and vibrant cocktails await at Pusadee’s Garden in Lawrenceville, which features outdoor seating and options for vegetarians and vegans. Eastern European restaurant Apteka boasts an all-vegan menu and has gained recognition as one of the nation’s top 50 restaurants by the New York Times. Apteka transforms traditional ethnic fare like pierogies, a beloved local dish, with standout borscht. It is located across from St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.
For breakfast any time of day, relish outstanding omelets at Ritter’s Diner, though be advised—this family-owned establishment only accepts cash. Alternatively, satisfy both sweet and savory cravings with crepes at Cafe Moulin.
Nearby Nordic seafood restaurant FET-FISK, which opened in March 2024 after a series of successful citywide pop-ups since 2019, showcases fresh ricotta curds and red velvet beet cake.
In Lawrenceville, Umami Izakaya presents a Japanese pub experience featuring great deals on beverages and appetizers during happy hour, along with perfectly curated sake and spirit flights to complement ramen or rice bowls.
A Center for the Arts
Pittsburgh celebrates the unexpected, embracing both its renowned pop art legacy, exemplified by Andy Warhol, and the latest avant-garde trends. The Andy Warhol Museum is essential to the experience. Here, you can view the short film Fifteen Minutes Eternal, narrating the artist’s life story, followed by an interactive tour via the Bloomberg Connects app. The contemporary Mattress Factory is an excellent follow-up, showcasing diverse artistic styles in a venue originally designed for storing mattresses for the manufacturer Stearns and Foster.
For music enthusiasts, attend free banjo night at the Allegheny Elks Lodge or enjoy a performance at the Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall.
The Pittsburgh Banjo Club organizes Elks Lodge sessions on Wednesdays from 8 to 11 p.m. While entry is free, food and drink are cash only. Meanwhile, Thunderbirds in Lawrenceville is celebrated for featuring both emerging talents and established performers, like Grammy-winning bassist Victor Wooten. The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls provides a visually unique atmosphere, housed in a 200-year-old former Catholic church, while the Millvale club invites an eclectic mix of indie bands, with affordable drinks and entry fees.
For fans of classical, jazz, or piano music, members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra often cross the street post-performance to the jazz bar con alma for impromptu jam sessions.
Visitors seeking free entertainment along with delicious food can enjoy the no-cost Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at Hartwood Acres, featuring a rotating lineup of local food trucks.
Reinvented Neighborhoods
Pittsburgh’s historical charm is omnipresent, yet the city has transformed formerly industrial neighborhoods into modern spaces that are well worth exploring.
Sitting northeast of downtown and featuring abundant riverfront real estate, Lawrenceville recalls the Steel City’s heritage while adopting a more bohemian ethos. Trendy bars like New Amsterdam and Allegheny Wine Mixer line Butler Street, where visitors can enjoy lively drag performances at Blue Moon. Art galleries and vintage boutiques provide delightful daytime activities.
The South Side Flats, situated south of the Monongahela, has experienced a boom in housing and nightlife alongside an influx of standout ethnic dining options. Locals enjoy walking and biking along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Big Dog Coffee is renowned for its exceptional coffee, while Birmingham Bridge Tavern is famous for its wings.
Shadyside, located in the heart of the city, has transitioned from a predominantly residential area to a bustling commercial hub in proximity to the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Chatham University. Once referred to as Pittsburgh’s Greenwich Village, its atmosphere has become more mainstream and less counterculture. Shadyside is also home to the state’s only wooden street—Roslyn Place, a cul-de-sac off Ellsworth Avenue, and offers exciting weekend shopping and music pop-ups.
A few miles from downtown, Bloomfield, also known as Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, has undergone significant transformation. Historically, this area was surrounded by early glass and steel mills and housed many Sicilian immigrants. Today, many of those old structures have been revitalized. Liberty Avenue is bustling with restaurants offering authentic dishes from around the globe, and the walkable neighborhood features a delightful coffee and vinyl shop named Long Play Café, also called Rosie’s Records.
Friendship, a neighborhood often associated with nearby East Liberty and previously known primarily for its Victorian homes, has experienced a renaissance over the past 15 years, becoming more pedestrian-friendly and attracting new businesses like Duolingo, which established its headquarters there in 2016. May’s Friendship Flowers & Folk Festival is a highlight.
Regent Square, another walkable community on the East Side, is located near Frick Park and boasts charming shops and eateries. This neighborhood’s Irish roots are apparent, hosting unique annual events like Run Around the Square and featuring the new independent bookshop Stay Gold, distinguished by its distinctive pink storefront. Nearby, 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. offers outdoor gear and hosts high-energy outdoor and running-themed events.
A Championship-Caliber Sports Experience
Pittsburgh’s civic pride is palpable, made evident by its passionate sports teams that have given the community ample reasons to celebrate. From the premier experience at its world-class venues to the vibrant atmosphere within its sports bars, visitors often find themselves swept up in the spirit of the City of Champions.
The six-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers compete at Acrisure Stadium (previously known as Heinz Field) along the banks of the Allegheny River. Adjacent to this venue, the Pittsburgh Pirates host their games at PNC Park, where visitors can enjoy stunning skyline views. The five-time Stanley Cup champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins, play at PPG Paints Arena, located in downtown Pittsburgh. These major sports venues are conveniently situated a short walk from the Platinum LEED-Certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center or can be accessed via one of the Three Sisters Bridges, a trio of self-anchored suspension bridges spanning the Allegheny River.
With both the Steelers and Pirates stadiums located in the North Shore, this area becomes a hub for sports fans throughout the season. You can enjoy a drink at Southern Tier Brewing Company, which also hosts regular concerts and bingo nights, or engage in a game of duckpin bowling at Shorty’s Pins & Pints.
Incredible Outdoor Experiences
Pittsburgh’s natural environments are significant attractions for young, active travelers. With its city parks, the confluence of rivers, and wooded areas, the growth and transformation of the city is apparent. Allegheny Landing serves as a riverfront sculpture park and is among the city’s most photographed spots. Enjoy boating on the notorious three rivers—consider taking the Gateway Clipper, or, for a more unique experience, charter a tiki boat from Cruisin’ Tikis Pittsburgh.
Located between Oakland and Squirrel Hill, Schenley Park encompasses 456 acres, frequently visited by students from Pittsburgh’s major universities, including Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh. The park features a golf course, scenic overlooks, and provides swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter. On the opposite side of the Monongahela River, the 257-acre Emerald View Park is a rehabilitated space with sports fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Meanwhile, Frick Park, which borders Squirrel Hill, is the largest park in the area at 644 acres and provides excellent birdwatching opportunities at Clayton Hill. Keep an eye out for cultural events such as Shakespeare in the Park.
An Event for Every Taste
Pittsburgh’s packed event calendar, featuring both annual highlights and weekly markets, ensures there is always something engaging to experience nearby. The free Art All Night in April has proudly highlighted the best of the city’s artists, musicians, and films for nearly 30 years. May’s Millvale Music Festival showcases over 300 acts across almost 30 stages, including spoken word and comedy performances.
Summer offers more excitement. The Mattress Factory’s annual Garden Party in June features various musical performances and culinary delights from more than a dozen local establishments. The Three Rivers Arts Festival presents 10 days of free exhibitions within the cultural district. The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, held in nearby Newton, spans six weekends each summer, featuring sword swallowers, jugglers, and, naturally, turkey legs. A four-day festival in July, Picklesburgh, offers delightfully quirky attractions, including music and pickle-themed gifts, alongside pickle gelato, pickle pizza, and pickle-eating contests.
Late summer’s 10-day motor sports festival, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, includes vintage car races. Another free event in September, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, showcases world-renowned performers such as Maysa and Chris Coles’ Nine Lives Project featuring Sean Jones.
As summer transitions to fall, attendees can look forward to two of Pittsburgh’s most entertaining festivals. Barrel & Flow, recognized by USA Today as America’s favorite brew fest for two consecutive years, supports the artistry and opportunity within the black community. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Irish Festival celebrates the rich Irish traditions and history of the city, featuring everything from musical acts to authors and Irish genealogy tracing.
From May to September, do not miss the weekly farmer’s markets located in Squirrel Hill, the East End, North Side, and Carrick. During the holidays, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market invites local vendors and food sellers to downtown Pittsburgh. Amidst shopping for festive items and taking photos with Santa, make sure to enjoy a few laps around the ice skating rink. Local churches also host bazaars and festivals year-round, providing you with a warm introduction to the friendly culture that makes Pittsburgh so appealing. “Yinz” will undoubtedly experience the joy of community here.
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This narrative was collaboratively constructed between Visit Pittsburgh and GoTravelDaily. Both parties contributed research and curated content to produce this article. We specify when information is not originated by us.
