Pittsburgh Vacation Guide

Our Pittsburgh short-term rental homes give you access to one of the top vacation spots in Pennsylvania. A vibrant city known for its rich industrial history, scenic rivers, and iconic steel bridges, you'll love your stay in Pittsburgh. Today our city thrives as a hub for technology, education, and healthcare, with a dynamic arts scene and passionate sports culture.

Art, History & Culture

• The Senator John Heinz History Center is Pittsburgh's premier destination for diving into the region's storied past featuring artifacts, a free research library for family genealogy, and interactive spaces for kids.
• The Andy Warhol Museum celebrates the life and revolutionary pop art of Pittsburgh native Andy Warhol, making it a cultural icon for art enthusiasts.
• The Carnegie Museum of Natural History offers a fascinating journey through Earth's ancient wonders and Pittsburgh's industrial roots. It features world-renowned dinosaur fossils, gems, and Egyptian artifacts.
• For a raw glimpse into Pittsburgh's steel-making legacy, the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark is an immersive tribute to the city's industrial heyday.
• Hidden gem alert: The Bayernhof Museum is a quirky, appointment-only treasure for those seeking offbeat history, tucked away in a miniature castle-like mansion in O'Hara Township.

Pittsburgh Kid-Friendly Attractions and Family Fun

• The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh sparks imagination through hands-on exhibits like puppet shows, a real-life trolley, and a maker space where kids can build and tinker, making it ideal for ages 2-10.
• The Carnegie Science Center offers interactive science fun, from robot encounters and a mini submarine to a planetarium and high-wire bike ride.
• Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium delights with animal encounters, including polar bears, penguins, and a kid-friendly aquarium tunnel. Check out the behind-the-scenes tours for older kids interested in wildlife conservation.
• The National Aviary, America's only independent indoor bird zoo, lets families get up close with exotic birds through feedings and free-flight shows—perfect for ages 3-10, and a quieter alternative to busier spots.
• For thrill-seekers, Kennywood Amusement Park (about 30 minutes from downtown) features classic roller coasters, kiddie rides, and a water park, ideal for ages 4 and up.

Outdoor Adventures

• Pittsburgh's key outdoor spots include the iconic Point State Park at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, ideal for picnics and river views.
• For larger green spaces, head to Schenley Park, offering miles of trails and wildlife spotting right in the city.
• If you're up for a drive, Ohiopyle State Park (about 1 hour southeast) is a must for waterfalls and river adventures, while Moraine State Park (40 minutes north) delivers lakeside serenity and boating.
• If you're into hiking, explore the extensive trails in Frick Park, Pittsburgh's largest municipal park with wooded paths for all levels and birdwatching ops.
• For a hidden gem hike, try Dead Man's Hollow in McKeesport (about 30 minutes away), a secluded conservation area with ruins, streams, and eerie history that locals love but tourists often miss.
• Another underrated trail spot is Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, great for family-friendly walks and owl prowls at dusk.
• For kayaking, paddle the three rivers right downtown with rentals from Kayak Pittsburgh (operated by Venture Outdoors).
• Seeking white-water excitement? Drive to the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park — we recommend outfitters like Wilderness Voyageurs for guided rafting trips.
• Fishing enthusiasts can cast lines in the Allegheny River for bass and walleye, or North Park Lake for stocked trout and panfish.
• For a local hidden gem, try Nine Mile Run in Frick Park for urban stream fishing with a scenic twist.
• Finally, Venture Outdoors runs group activities like fly fishing clinics and geocaching, perfect for families or beginners.

Favorite Dining

• Pusadee's Garden offers Thai cuisine in a stunning outdoor garden setting that's perfect for a romantic or relaxed evening Don't skip the Khao Soi!
• Apteka serves innovative vegan Eastern European fare in a cozy, artistic space—it's a standout for its creative, plant-based twists on classics that even non-vegans rave about.
• Morcilla specializes in Spanish tapas and charcuterie with a focus on house-cured meats—it's a lively spot that captures the essence of pintxos culture right in Pittsburgh.
• DiAnoia’s Eatery brings modern Italian comfort food to life in a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere—it's got that perfect blend of homemade pastas and bakery vibes from its attached deli. Go for the Gnocchi Bread Bowl!
• Fig & Ash Wood Fire Kitchen delivers contemporary American dishes cooked over an open flame, emphasizing seasonal and local ingredients—it's a hidden gem on the North Side with a rustic yet upscale feel.
• Primanti Bros. is an iconic Pittsburgh franchise dishing up classic American sandwiches with a signature twist—fries and coleslaw piled right inside the bread for that ultimate hearty bite.
• Fiori's Pizzaria serves up old-school Italian pizza with hand-tossed dough and generous toppings in a casual, no-nonsense spot that's been a local favorite since the 1980s.
• Mineo's Pizza House offers traditional Italian pizza in a family-run setting, known for its East End roots and longstanding rivalry with nearby spots that adds to the fun lore.
• Aiello's Pizza provides authentic Italian pies with fresh ingredients in a straightforward shop that's been battling it out as one of the city's top pizza contenders for decades. It's beloved for its thin-crust options and that perfect balance of cheese and sauce that screams classic Pittsburgh pizza.

Pittsburgh Bars, Clubs and Nightlife

• Howl at the Moon Pittsburgh: Amped up & high-energy vibe with dueling pianos, live music, and a rowdy crowd perfect for group outings or celebrations.
• Hidden Harbor: In Squirrel Hill, a short drive from downtown. Low lights & soft jazz-like tiki atmosphere, relaxed and exotic with Hawaiian shirts and tropical decor.
• Maggie's Farm Rum Distillery: In the Strip District, easy access from central Pittsburgh. Low-key & conversational vibe, great for chatting with locals and the bartender while sipping house-distilled rums.
• Bigham Tavern: Located in Mount Washington, a short drive from downtown Pittsburgh. Low-key & relaxed gastropub vibe with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere—think hearty pub fare, modern decor, and a spot that's great for casual meals or happy hours with locals.

Annual Events & Venues

• The Allegheny County Summer Concert Series offers free weekly shows in parks like North and South, from June to August.
• For a local vibe, the Northside Music Festival in July brings indie bands to outdoor stages.
• Three Rivers Arts Festival: a vibrant celebration of visual and performing arts, featuring live music, art installations, food vendors, and free performances from international artists - is held in downtown Pittsburgh every June.
• Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix: the nation's largest vintage car race, showcasing classic automobiles zooming through historic tracks amid a week of car shows and charity events - takes place in Schenley Park every July.
• Picklesburgh: a quirky festival honoring Pittsburgh's pickling heritage with pickle-themed foods, drinks, contests, live music, and a giant flying pickle balloon - unfolds on the Roberto Clemente Bridge every July.
• Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival: a melodic gathering of world-class jazz musicians, from legends to local talents, with free outdoor stages and ticketed shows every September.
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade: one of the largest in the U.S., featuring floats, bands, dancers, and Irish cultural displays along with green beer and festivities in downtown Pittsburgh every March.
• Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon: a scenic race highlighting the city's neighborhoods, bridges, and landmarks, with options for full, half, relay, and kids' runs every May.
• Pittsburgh Irish Festival: a cultural immersion with Irish music, dance, food, and heritage exhibits at a historic site at the Carrie Blast Furnaces every September.
• Light Up Night: the kickoff to the holiday season with tree lightings, fireworks, ice skating, markets, and live entertainment illuminates downtown Pittsburgh every November.
• Pittsburgh Restaurant Week: a culinary showcase where top eateries offer special fixed-price menus to highlight the city's diverse food scene.

Sample Itineraries

4-Night Stay

• Day 1: Dive into Western PA’s heritage at the Senator John Heinz History Center; explore the largest single‑artist museum in North America at the Andy Warhol Museum; and grab a hearty, iconic sandwich at Primanti Bros.
• Day 2: Begin your day with a picturesque stroll at Point State Park; wander through fossils, gems, artifacts and more at the Carnegie Museum of Art; and enjoy Spanish‑style small plates at Morcilla
• Day 3: Engage with interactive STEM attractions like a planetarium, robot demos, and even a high‑wire bike ride at the Carnegie Science Center; see penguins, polar bears, and explore the aquarium tunnel at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium; and dine at DiAnoia’s Eatery for modern Italian comfort
• Day 4: Rent a kayak downtown via Kayak Pittsburgh; visit Dead Man’s Hollow in McKeesport for secluded trails with historic ruins; and enjoy lush garden ambiance and delicious Thai cuisine at Pusadee’s Garden

5-Night Stay

• Add Day 5: Sip coffee at La Prima Espresso and browse street vendors & specialty shops like Penn Mac; visit immersive contemporary art museum The Mattress Factory; and visit The Vandal for fresh, seasonal plates in a warm setting.

6-Night Stay

• Add Day 6: Visit the 42-story Cathedral of Learning, Phipps Conservatory, Trundle Manor and Clemente Museum during the day, then head to the rooftop of local favorite Spirit for drinks and famous pizza.

The City of Bridges is Waiting

Pittsburgh is a vibrant city where historic steel roots meet cutting-edge innovation. Scenic rivers and iconic bridges await!

Read more travel tips from our blog for even more in-depth recommendations.