Pittsburgh has more bridges than Venice, neighborhoods with personalities, and some of the country’s best spots for sports, art, and food.
Between the hills, the rivers, and the neighborhoods, there’s always something to do—you can start your day on the incline with a view of the city, spend the afternoon exploring museums like the Carnegie or Warhol, and end it in a local bar where everyone’s got a Steelers story.
And we’ve pulled together the best things to do so you can see what Pittsburgh is really about—just the good stuff.
1. Three Rivers Heritage Trail
When it comes to exploring Pittsburgh, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is your ticket to experiencing the city at its best.
This 24-mile stretch hugs the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers and connects Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods with a mix of scenic views and practical routes.
Locals use it for everything—commuting, jogging, biking—and visitors love how it ties the city’s landmarks together.
The North Side portion is probably the best, as it brings you close to PNC Park, Heinz Field, and the Andy Warhol Museum: downtown, the trail skirts Point State Park, the iconic meeting spot of Pittsburgh’s three rivers.
And if you’re up for more, other sections lead you near the Carnegie Museums and Phipps Conservatory.
But don’t think this trail is only a thing for summer.
In the winter, runners hit the plowed paths while cross-country skiers take over the snowy stretches.
With parking, restrooms, and water fountains dotted along the way, it’s easy to spend hours here without feeling out of your depth.
So, next time you’re thinking about what to do in Pittsburgh, starting with this trail makes the most sense, even if you use it to check out the local landmarks.
2. PNC Park
PNC Park is practically a snapshot of the city’s identity—stubbornly local, scenic in a way that feels earned, and packed with people who care deeply about their team, win or lose.
The Pirates call it home, but it’s more than a stadium. It’s where the skyline meets the Allegheny, where fans flood the streets pre-game, and where the noise inside carries out over the water.
If you’re charting out things to do in Pittsburgh, PA, this is an easy win.
Game tickets vary depending on where you sit, but even on non-game days, you can take a tour of the park for $10 ($8 for kids and seniors) from mid-April to September. It’s a chance to see the park up close and get a feel for what makes it special.
You can even walk or bike in on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail we just spoke about; it’s scenic, practical, and at least it skips the mess of parking.
3. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Perhaps one of the best things to do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium; it’s a dependable option, especially for families.
It’s in Shadyside and features more than 400 animals spread across habitats like the African Savanna and Asian Forest, plus an aquarium with everything from sharks to penguins.
There’s also a petting zoo for kids, and let’s face it: your little ones will likely find it hard to resist getting up close.
Tickets run $15 for adults and $14 for kids and seniors.
And there’s free parking.
Oh, hours vary by season, so check the website before heading out.
It’s also worth noting that visitors say it’s best on a nice day when you can wander the paths without feeling rushed or crowded.
This is a solid pick for a relaxed afternoon in Pittsburgh.
4. Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is Pittsburgh’s quiet show-off.
In Schenley Park, you can wander through a tropical rainforest, stumble into a bonsai tree older than your great-grandparents, and somehow end up surrounded by butterflies without realizing how you got there. It’s peaceful, sure, but never boring.
Families with kids will appreciate the play areas and hands-on exhibits, while anyone looking for a break can grab a coffee at the café or find an excuse to buy a new plant at the gift shop.
Admission runs $17.95 for adults and $11.95 for kids aged 2 to 18, and parking is blissfully free.
The conservatory is open daily, with Friday evenings running a little later for those who prefer exploring after dark.
Among fun things to do in Pittsburgh, Phipps lands on the list for good reason.
It’s part garden, part greenhouse, and entirely worth slowing down for—because sometimes, you just need a room full of orchids to reset.
5. Senator John Heinz History Center
The Senator John Heinz History Center takes Pittsburgh’s story and runs with it.
Located on Smallman Street in the Strip District, this six-floor museum covers everything from the city’s role in the French and Indian War to its love of ketchup—yes, there’s an entire exhibit on Heinz products.
You’ll also find the Western Pennsylvania Sports exhibit, which celebrates the city’s football and baseball legacies, alongside displays on Pittsburgh’s industrial roots and its Civil War connections.
The museum’s layout gets high marks from visitors, who often mention how easy it is to navigate despite the range of exhibits.
It’s organized without feeling overly structured, so it’s easy to move from a display of steel industry titans to a showcase of Pittsburgh sports memorabilia without missing a beat.
Admission is $18 for adults, with discounts for kids, students, and seniors, and the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
And parking is available nearby for a fee.
So, if you’re looking for things to see in Pittsburgh that dig into the city’s history, there couldn’t be a better stop.
6. Duquesne Incline
The Duquesne Incline is as much about the journey as it is the view.
Since the 1870s, this historic trolley has been ferrying passengers up Mount Washington, where the reward is one of the most stunning panoramas in Pittsburgh.
From the top, you’ll see the three rivers converging below, framed by the city’s skyline.
At the upper station, you’ll find a small museum packed with old photos, quirky facts about the incline’s history, and a gift shop for souvenir hunters.
And while there are a few restaurants nearby, they tend to lean pricey, so heading back downtown for a meal is usually the smarter move.
The incline operates daily, with tickets priced at $5 for a round trip and $2.50 for kids under 11.
Since you’re looking for places to go in Pittsburgh, this one deserves a spot—for the nostalgia, the unbeatable views, and the chance to ride a piece of living history.
7. Andy Warhol Museum
The Andy Warhol Museum is a seven-floor deep dive into the mind of one of Pittsburgh’s most famous names.
Set in a former warehouse on Sandusky Street, just a short walk from PNC Park, it’s the largest single-artist museum in the U.S., packed with everything from Warhol’s iconic Elvis Presley painting to his Brillo Boxes sculpture.
There’s also a mix of personal artifacts and exhibits that let you get a closer look at his life and how he shaped pop culture.
The museum is bold and vibrant—much like Warhol himself.
Fans of his work will love the rotating exhibits and the chance to see originals up close, but even casual visitors often walk away with a better appreciation for his creativity.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids aged 3 to 18, with discounts for seniors and students.
Parking is nearby for a fee, and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with late hours on Fridays.
As cool things to do in Pittsburgh go, this might be the coolest, as you can spend a few hours connecting with a local legend who made his mark on the world.
You Won’t Run Out of Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh doesn’t hand you a curated itinerary—it hands you options.
One moment, you’re deep in history at the Heinz History Center; the next, you’re catching skyline views that make you stop and just look.
Maybe it’s the polar bears at the zoo or a Warhol piece that makes you pause. Or perhaps it’s just realizing this city is as layered as the rivers and hills it’s built on.
Either way, Pittsburgh will give you something to take home, whether it’s a memory, a story, or just an excuse to come back.
