Pittsburgh was not high on my list of must-see tourist attractions. However, after visiting, there are several restaurants and free activities in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh, it turns out, is a dynamic destination with fantastic cuisine, retail, architecture, parks, and more. There is such delightful and diversified culture and a dynamic cityscape that makes visiting such a treat. Despite the fact that you could easily spend weeks discovering chic cafés, lovely parks, and hip neighborhoods, if you’re pressed for time, I’ve got you covered! Below are my recommendations for the best activities for spending a few days in the Burgh. I have you covered whether you’re looking for Pittsburgh weekend itinerary ideas or just a general few day schedule! I stayed for a week, but mainly planned the weekends.
Regarding My Trip
For those who don’t follow me on Instagram at @JordanRichman11, let me briefly review. After a life of never pumping my own gas, I recently made my first drive outside of New Jersey by myself! Considering that my boyfriend just moved to Pittsburgh and I wanted to visit before I started my own job, a road trip was in order. Pittsburgh was the ideal first location for my first road trip outside of New Jersey because it was only 5-5.5 hours away.
How to Navigate
There are many alternatives available, whether you wish to explore Pittsburgh on foot or take the city bus or bikes. As I mentioned, I drove to Pittsburgh, but there was very expensive overnight parking for a week. Luckily, my boyfriend had the idea to park my car at an airport hotel for a reasonable price. The airport was 25 minutes away from his apartment in the Strip District. Therefore, I did not use my car during the week, but my boyfriend drove us around in his car. You definitely don’t need a car, but it was very hot out, and my boyfriend didn’t want to walk or bike. He mentioned that his coworkers take the bus from their neighborhood to work Downtown every day and said they don’t mind it. My boyfriend walks from the Strip District to the Downtown area, which takes him about 20 minutes.
Breakfast in Pittsburgh
- DeLuca’s Diner in the Strip District: Although the restaurant was full, the wait was short and well worth it. The breakfast was excellent. We stopped here right when I arrived the first day after my long drive. Also, a Tom Cruise movie (Jack Reacher) was filmed there and you can sit in his seat! However, you should bring cash as they don’t accept credit/debit cards!
- Pamela’s Diner: Oh my goodness, such a great site! Definitely worth the wait! Wow!!!! Incredibly large crepes called crepe-style pancakes are not to be missed. Also, they had wonderful bacon. While waiting for our name to be called on that Sunday morning, we went around the corner to split a smoothie because the wait was really long. We got our table faster by mentioning we didn’t mind sitting outside. Overall, a fantastic experience. However, you should bring cash (Like others, this place doesn’t take credit/debit cards)!
- Commonplace Coffee: Little yet adorable coffee cafe. We wanted something quick to drink after a late start to the day. My latte and breakfast sandwich were both excellent. We arrived there barely in time to get seats before a significant rush. A wise decision–get there earlier.
- Cafetano: My boyfriend’s apartment is close to this place. The acai bowl was so delicious. I really enjoyed this cafe because of the cute design, too.
Activities in Pittsburgh
- For locally made goods, gourmet foods, and every type of Pittsburgh sports fan clothing conceivable, visit the stores and Old World marketplaces along Penn Avenue. This is located in the Strip District. It’s a very cool area to check out!
- Rent a bike at Pogoh station for only $3.50 for each 30 minutes, then head toward the Allegheny River path. You may follow this route all the way to Point State Park in downtown, where a fountain designates the confluence of the three rivers. I wanted to do this, but it was too hot outside. So, instead of riding bikes, we drove to Point State Park. However, the parking was $10 and we didn’t think that was worth it. Next time we will definitely bike there!
- Show/performances! There are tons of events going on around Pittsburgh and they have traveling shows that come. Definitely check out what’s going on when you visit!
- Monongahela Incline! The brief journey was entertaining and educational. Very enjoyable and economical ride. The sights were breathtaking. Some will probably be happy to find an ice cream shop at the top. It was closed when we visited, but I’m sure it’s ideal to have an ice cream cone while admiring the scenery.
- Explore the architecture in the Mexican War Streets. You can discover wonderfully renovated homes on Buena Vista Street, Monterey Street, or West North Avenue. It was very hot when we visited, so after our coffee break we drove around the streets and up the hills.
- Randyland! One of the highlights of my trip was meeting Randy and visiting Randyland. Randy told us the story of how he not only grew but also painted, constructed, and changed a drab, dreary area on Pittsburgh’s North Side into Randyland, a colorful utopia. We might all learn from his perspective on the world and people. He does go on for a bit of a tangent, but the overall message was clear. He has accomplished incredible things for the community.
- For those who are able to legally drink, you should check out Cavo! What a fun location! It was far bigger than I had anticipated. I went with my boyfriend and his coworkers, and they got a private table that included a limo ride to the club. The establishment had at least three bars and many party areas. The restrooms were conveniently located and well designed. We got there after 10ish and that was the perfect time. As usual, it became busier the later it got. With a few other age groups mixed in for variation, the gathering was primarily made up of people in their 20s. I would highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a lively club. I would definitely return!
- Shopping in Shadyside is super fun and cute. We happened to visit during their annual Street Market, which was an added bonus. For all the Disney fans, Kawaii Gifts sells Disney Loungefly products such as those adorable backpacks and pins. I got a limited edition Evil Queen pin. The glossy apple almost transforms into a crystal ball in the Evil Queen’s hands when she uses it to display two distinct scenes–A cheerful Snow White who sings while surrounded by birds and poison that falls from the sky in the shape of a skull.
- You must see a sporting event. We went to a Pirates baseball game and it was so much fun! Plus, the tickets were pretty cheap for decent seats. Also, PNC Park (the stadium) is beautiful!
Lunch/Dinner in Pittsburgh
- Andy’s Sushi Bar: My boyfriend recommended this place for lunch because it’s right by his apartment in the Strip District. Really pleasant service, incredibly fresh food, and great rates. The quantities were enormous and everything was DELICIOUS. This has been on my mind a lot lately! Visit this location without a doubt! (For the record, there is seating upstairs.)
- Bridges & Bourbon: I saw this place on Instagram and when I visited, it definitely seemed like a popular place. I went there for cocktails and snacks, and although they were excellent, they were pricey. However, if you’re up for a splurge, it’s worth a try even though you’re mostly paying for the pleasure of Instagram-worthy drinks! Unless you want to sit at the bar, I advise making a reservation. The bar was filled when we got there for happy hour, so we had to sit outside. Also, their fun drinks aren’t included in happy hour, but their charcuterie board and fries are.
- OTB Bicycle Cafe: The burgers here are great! Somehow, this location is still underrated. In contrast to other burger restaurants, OTB has incredibly affordable prices and includes free fries with every burger order. The South Side site allows for self-seating. Since this place gets crowded very quickly, it’s a good thing we visited on a less popular Wednesday night. I ordered their burger of the week. I’ll certainly be going back on my next visit. I highly recommend this one.
- Little Bangkok in the Strip: Comparatively speaking to other Thai meals I’ve had, the dish was excellent and tasted great. While business is tiny, the tastes are excellent. Great prices and generous amounts were offered. Would undoubtedly return!
- Primanti Bros: Everybody suggests trying their sandwiches anytime you are in Pittsburgh, so I finally did at the baseball game. The food was good, but I’m sure it’s better at a real location. They put french fries in their sandwich!
Dessert in Pittsburgh
- Milkshake Factory: It’s a very nice location. Excellent caramel milkshake. Service was quick and kind. It is located in PNC Tower.
- OddFellows Ice Cream: I have to mention this again because it’s a brand new location inside a bookstore. Beautiful and fire ice cream. I will definitely return.
You can just scratch the surface of Pittsburgh’s lively metropolis in a few days! I’m sure next time I visit, I’ll love it even more. There is so much to see, learn about the natural world, and experience. A weekend in Pittsburgh will undoubtedly be enjoyable for you!