MemberDH, some friends, and I want to go away on a small road trip. DH’s friend suggested Pittsburgh, PA but none of us have ever been there. We’d be going mid-march.
So – best locations to stay, how to get around, things to see/do (DH and friend are into historical shit), and best restaurants/bars….
GO! 🙂
MemberMemberPittsburgh is a great city-they cleaned it up a lot. I agree with the poster above-south side is a good area to stay in, but they have really built up the north shore (right on the river) and that is one of my favorite parts of pittsburgh now. There are a ton of new hotels there and thats where the ballparks, (PNC Park is awesome), science center, and some new bars are. The oakland area is where the universities are (Pitt, CMU) so it has a collegy vibe. There are also some cool places in Shady Side (Pamela’s for breakfast) and station square. I love Joe Mamas in Oakland for dinner- and you cant leave Pittsburgh without eating at Primanti’s (not a healthy meal btw).
MemberStay downtown. Tons of great hotels and fantastic restaurants. Check out the Heinz History Center in the Strip District right next to downtown (not strip clubs – cool/weird shopping and restaurants, plus bars). Kaya and Eleven are both within walking distance for tasty food. Also in walking distance – Point State Park and the Fort Pitt Museum.
I agree with Spice Island in Oakland. Not much to look at, but the food is so, so good. Joe Mamas went out of business. The Schenley Porch in Oakland is fantastic. Great flatbread pizzas. The Cathedral of Learning is a gorgeous sight, and their nationality rooms are very cool. I’ve heard people say it looks like Hogwart’s on the inside.
Southside is where you want to go if your aim is to party. Carson Street is the main drag with loads of bars and clubs. There’s something for everyone, from dives to sports clubs to “ultra lounges,” whatever that means. I recommend Fatheads and Pipers Pub for good bar food. Club Cafe has a cool vibe and good live music in a small setting.
Other cool areas — Lawrenceville, Shadyside, Regent Square.
Unfortunately, Pittsburgh doesn’t have the best public transit. I drive everywhere.
I could go on, but there’s just too much. If you specify about what kind of food/atmospheres you’re looking for, I could definitely give better recommendations. 🙂
MemberNo offense to the locals whatsoever, but I found my visit there to be an enormous snooze and couldn’t wait to go home. Where do you live now (you can be vague if you want) if you don’t mind me asking, maybe I can throw out more suggestions?
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MemberThe best part of going to Pittsburgh for me was being close to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. I rented a car and drove to the house for a tour. The Warhol Museum was interesting too.
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MemberI had a lot of misconceptions about Pittsburgh before going for the first time this past winter. It’s a beautiful city and all of the suggestions here are great ones.
I recommend Mount Washington for a gorgeous view of downtown, and taking a ride on the Monogahela Incline right outside of Station Square.
Hope you have a great time!
MemberMemberThe Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh is INCREDIBLE…so much history and culture You can take a ride up the side of the hill from the Duquesne Incline to get a great view of the city.
It is worth the trip, Pittsburgh is beautiful!
MemberLifelong Pittsburgher here – there is something to do for everyone. We have awesome sports  (pro, college, and amateur), an awesome symphony orchestra, amazing museums and libraries. We have awesome parks (Frick Park, South Park, North Park), bike and walking trails. We have food of all kinds and an awesome landscape. Downtown would probably be a really good place to stay, or Station Square or the North Shore (near the baseball and football stadiums). You can take the “T” to get around in these areas.
South side is cool if you’re into bars and partying or vintage shops and little cafes.
I won’t lie, getting around in our city can be difficult. Streets are frequently under construction and our odd shaped landscape is a GPS’ worst nightmare lol. Driving is always an option but just keep your eyes peeled.
MemberMemberCheck out the Phipps Conservatory, the Museum of Natural History and the Mattress Factory. There is also a wonderful Symphony Orchestra and Ballet. The National Aviary is really neat too
lisianthus.
MemberIts on Jumonville Street – the reviews people have left are all good but they do say the area is a little “shady”. I also google mapped it and looked at the streetview…and it looks kind of scary. In the street view, the house connected is boarded up. Yikes!
What do you lifelong ladies say regarding that area?
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