{"id":32091,"date":"2012-09-27T11:21:16","date_gmt":"2012-09-27T15:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=32091"},"modified":"2025-09-01T21:37:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T01:37:40","slug":"top-10-things-to-do-in-pittsburgh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/32091\/top-10-things-to-do-in-pittsburgh\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Things to Do in Pittsburgh"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pittsburgh has shed its steel and coal industry past without losing sight of its Blue Collar roots. While the blossoming hipster art scene would seem to be in contrast to the unpretentious working class pride of the locals, in truth they co-exist seamlessly.<\/p>\n

The legacy of the 19-century tycoons who built their fortunes here continues to have an impact. These industrial barons\u2019 deep-pocketed charitable organizations have helped to sustain countless museums and world-class symphony, opera, ballet and theater companies that continue to thrive. Once so polluted that it was nicknamed the Smoky City, Pittsburgh now stands on the forefront of green technology. It is home to the world\u2019s first convention center that is LEED-certified Platinum. The Consol Energy Center, where the Pittsburgh Penguins play hockey, is the world\u2019s largest Gold LEED-certified indoor arena.\u00a0 Previously known for its grit and grime, today it is garnering a reputation for 22 miles of urban riverfront bike and jogging trails and is expected to launch a bike share program<\/a> in the spring of 2015.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh is composed of a whopping 89 distinct neighborhoods, but many tourist-worthy sites are located in a compact swath of town, so comfy walking shoes or the free light rail will get you to most attractions in minutes.<\/p>\n

Here are the top 10 things to do in Pittsburgh.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

What to do<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Andy Warhol Museum<\/strong> | warhol.org<\/a>
\n\"Andy

The Mattress Factory<\/strong> | mattress.org<\/a>
\nWith room-sized installations by artists-in-residence, the works here encourage the discovery of connections between art and everyday life. Illuminating artist talks, workshops and performances are frequent happenings. The Mattress Factory is a relevant companion to the Warhol, and is located in the same North Side neighborhood.<\/p>\n

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens<\/strong> | phipps.conservatory.org<\/a>
\n19 distinct botanical experiences with Dale Chihuly sculptural glass works dispersed throughout the garden settings make this a fantasy for lovers of flora and art. The Phipps is the home of the soon-to-be-finished Center for Sustainable Landscapes.\u00a0 When completed, it will be one of the worlds first certified living buildings, a model of sustainability for anyone interested in living greener.\u00a0 Try Sunday brunch at the Caf\u00e9 Phipps, where you can indulge in locally grown ingredients prepared with culinary flair.<\/p>\n

\"heinz

Carnegie Museum of Art<\/strong> | web.cmoa.org\u00a0<\/a>
\nThe Carnegie\u2019s collection provides a broad overview of art from the ancient world to the present. Its collection of contemporary art, French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings are especially rich. It shares its building with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History<\/a>, a must-see for families. The kids will go bananas for the massive dinosaur collection.<\/p>\n

Kayak<\/strong> | kayakpittsburgh<\/a>
\nRent a solo or tandem flat-water kayak from Kayak Pittsburgh, located in Downtown under the Roberto Clemente Bridge. With the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers converging here, you\u2019ll have your choice of which direction to paddle in. Open seasonally May through October, weather permitting.<\/p>\n

Watch a game<\/strong> | steelers.com<\/a>
\nAs cutting edge as arts and culture are here, the heart of this city is its intense passion for sports. With pro football\u2019s legendary Steelers, baseball\u2019s Pirates and ice hockey\u2019s Penguins<\/a> all sharing official colors, you\u2019ve never seen so much black and gold attire in your life. The arenas and stadiums are all close to downtown, so getting there is easy. Your toughest task will be scoring a ticket for the often sold-out home games.<\/p>\n

Where to eat<\/strong><\/h2>\n

After your visit to the Warhol, you may find yourself craving a bowl of Campbell\u2019s tomato soup. Resist the urge, as Pittsburgh has many indigenous treats to tempt your appetite, served without pretensions or big price tags.<\/p>\n

\"Primanti's\"

The Strip District is loaded with popular diners serving up traditional classics for low prices with lots of local color. Take Michelle Obama\u2019s word for it and head to Pamela\u2019s Diner<\/strong> for ethereal pancakes. pamelasdiner.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Kelly O\u2019s<\/strong> is another Strip District diner that attracts huge crowds. Kelly is a favorite of Guy Fieri, who likes her take on Polish haluski, a hearty noodle dish that glistens with butter, a nod to Pittsburgh\u2019s Eastern European roots. Open for breakfast and lunch, a meal here should keep you going for most of the day. kellyos.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The Pittsburgh Popcorn Company<\/strong> has several locations around town, including one in the Strip District. They produce a rotating list of seasonal flavors like ginger snap, funky favorites like dill pickle and over-the-top delights like chunky chocolate caramel, where the fresh caramel corn is doused in creamy milk chocolate for the ultimate sweet-salty flavor combo. If you get hooked while you are in town never fear, they do a brisk mail order business. pghpopcorn.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The Original Oyster House<\/strong> in Downtown\u2019s Market Square has been serving fresh fish since 1870. Crab cakes, New England-style clam chowder and fish and chips are all delectable. Don\u2019t miss the Pittsburgh Taters, house-made potato chips. originaloysterhousepittsburgh.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"fairmont\"

The North Side\u2019s Priory Hotel<\/strong> is a former Benedictine monastery that is now a 42-room boutique hotel. 21st<\/sup> century extras combine with sequestered charm to guarantee guests a unique stay. A bucolic courtyard, complimentary shuttle van and a location down the street from the Warhol are bonuses. The hotel was recently awarded a Bronze Medal by the League of American Bicyclists for its biker-friendly amenities. Rates from $155 per night. thepriory.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Getting around<\/strong>
\n\"Golden