//
Second-most populous city in Pennsylvania, U.S.
Photo: Russell Sekeet, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The pleasure of Pittsburgh remains a well-kept secret. Though not built up by reputation, the city's unique combination of bridges, steep hills, and broad rivers make it one of the most naturally scenic cities in the country. Cheap food and beer abound in this true sports town and the locals are amazingly friendly. A city of about 303,000 (2021) in Allegheny County, at the center of a metro area of about 2.4 million in southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, which meet to form the Ohio River. The city's unique terrain has resulted in an unusual city design and a hodge-podge of unique neighborhood "pockets" with diverse ethnic and architectural heritage. Pittsburgh has a rich history and, for its size, an unusual array of cultural treasures, largely thanks to the wealth that was generated when Pittsburgh was a hub of industry.
The historic, economic, administrative, and cultural center of the city, where the three rivers meet.
Home to the city's "second downtown" as well as many institutions, museums, parks, and the quieter residential and shopping neighborhoods of Shadyside and Squirrel Hill.
A center of the city's ethnic diversity, this formerly industrial area is now bustling with shops and restaurants, with gourmet eats in the Strip, galleries in Lawrenceville, gentrifying East Liberty, Garfield, and Bloomfield, and the city's zoo in Highland Park.
Two of Pittsburgh's major league sports teams and many of the city's finest museums can be found here. (In common parlance, "Northside" most often refers to a few specific neighborhoods in this area; see the district page for details.)
A particularly hilly region famous for its incline railways up Mount Washington and great views of the city - as well as its bar scene in the Southside Flats. (In common parlance, "Southside" most often refers to a couple of specific neighborhoods in this area; see the district page for details.)
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
There are additional seasonal locations at the South Side Works mall and next to PNC Park on the North Shore.
As synonymous with Pittsburgh as the hot dog is to New York. The Primanti sandwich is served on a sheet of wax paper with two slices of Italian bread, piled high with coleslaw and french fries. The other ingredients after these depends on the sandwich you order. There are many locations in and around the Pittsburgh area (including at each of the three major league sports stadiums) but the original is in the Strip District. A stop should be made here to try some food that embodies Pittsburghers.
By bus
By car
The city proper is served by three interstate routes that spur from the triangular-shaped beltway formed by I-76 (PA Turnpike) to the north and east, I-79 to the west and I-70 to the far south.
By train
By public transit
The Pittsburgh Regional Transit, +1 412 442-2000 (previously known as Port Authority or PAT as some residents refer to it), operates bus, light rail and incline service in Pittsburgh.
By taxi
Taxis are a good (if expensive) way of dealing with Pittsburgh's spaghetti roads until you get used to them, at least within downtown and the inner areas of the city itself.
By car
With a multitude of hills and valleys, Pittsburgh is an eclectic town to travel by car for even the natives.
By boat
Gateway Clipper and Pittsburgh Water Limo offer shuttle services to sports events at Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park. Gateway Clipper operates all cruises from Station Square in the South Side.
By bicycle
Pittsburgh has a beautiful biking trail surrounding the city, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. You can enjoy most of the trail riding along the three rivers.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Pittsburgh · International · PIT
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Pittsburgh and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
9 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.