Pittsburgh in 3 days

The Steel City reborn: three rivers, iconic bridges, hilltop views and a thriving arts scene. Best time to visit: May-June and September-October. Average daily budget: $120 to $230 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Downtown (Golden Triangle), The compact centre where the three rivers meet at Point State Park, with theatres and the cultural district.

Morning: Ride the Duquesne Incline. A historic funicular up Mount Washington for the city's most iconic skyline and river views.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown (Golden Triangle), The compact centre where the three rivers meet at Point State Park, with theatres and the cultural district.

Evening: Visit the Andy Warhol Museum. The largest museum dedicated to a single artist in North America, in Warhol's hometown.

Eat: A Primanti Brothers sandwich (fries inside)

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Mount Washington, The hilltop neighbourhood reached by historic inclines, with the city's most spectacular skyline views.

Morning: Explore the Strip District. Graze the food stalls, ethnic markets and eateries of this lively shopping and dining district.

Afternoon: Explore Mount Washington, The hilltop neighbourhood reached by historic inclines, with the city's most spectacular skyline views.

Evening: Walk Point State Park. Where the three rivers converge, with the landmark fountain and skyline views.

Eat: Pierogies, a Pittsburgh staple

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Strip District, A bustling market district of food stalls, ethnic grocers, restaurants and Saturday crowds.

Morning: Catch a Steelers, Penguins or Pirates game. Experience Pittsburgh's legendary sports passion at its riverfront stadiums.

Afternoon: Explore Strip District, A bustling market district of food stalls, ethnic grocers, restaurants and Saturday crowds.

Evening: The Randyland and Bicycle Heaven quirky folk-art attractions.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Strip District ethnic eats

Hidden gems

The Randyland and Bicycle Heaven quirky folk-art attractions.
Craft breweries and indie dining in Lawrenceville.
The Cathedral of Learning's Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh.
Riverfront bike trails connecting the city's parks and neighbourhoods.

Getting around

Downtown Pittsburgh and many neighbourhoods are walkable, and the historic inclines are an attraction in themselves for reaching Mount Washington. The city has buses and a light-rail (the 'T') that's free within downtown, but the hilly, river-divided layout means rideshare or a car is handy for hopping between neighbourhoods like Lawrenceville and the Strip District. Parking downtown is manageable, and many visitors mix walking with rideshare.

Safety

Pittsburgh is generally a safe, friendly city, with its tourist areas, downtown, Mount Washington, the Strip District and North Shore, considered low-risk with normal urban caution. Apply standard awareness at night and in quieter areas, and take care on the steep hillside streets and steps in wet or icy weather. Winters can be cold and snowy, so dress accordingly.

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