//
Neighborhood in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States
Photo: Flickr user: milesgehm https://www.flickr.com/photos/milesgehm/, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Downtown Pittsburgh is the main business district and urban center of life in the city. Constrained by the Allegheny River on the north and the Monongahela River on the south, which join to form the Ohio River at what is known as the "Point", Downtown has been forced to grow upwards. Although Pittsburgh is in some ways a small town, its downtown contains some big city structures and is a bustling center; office workers stream in and out on the weekdays, packing buses, light rail trains, and the bridges during rush hours. In Downtown, visitors will find exceptional examples of architecture, a picturesque park where Pittsburgh's three rivers meet, numerous hotels, restaurants, theaters, and the home arena of the city's hockey team.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Formerly known as the USX Tower
A 64-story triangular office building which is the tallest in Pittsburgh, and briefly held the honor of being the tallest building in the world outside of New York City and Chicago. It was built in 1971 of a special type of steel, "Corten" steel, developed by USS. It is not painted and is intended to rust to a tough, brown finish and then stop rusting. (One hopes.)
A sleek 55-story building which holds the title of the city's second tallest building. It is situated directly across from the U.S. Steel Tower, separated by only a street and a small park, standing as if to challenge the older and larger lion that is the Steel Tower. One of its unique features is the building's eight-sided design.
A unique set of buildings developed by Pittsburgh Plate Glass as their headquarters. All the buildings are faced entirely with a glittering, sun inhibiting plate glass and sport ornate, yet modern, glass pinnacles like candles on a birthday cake. One PPG Place (the tall one) is one of the most recognizable buildings in the skyline, with its neo-Gothic crenelations, and the city's third tallest. Among these buildings is an unusual park which, in the winter, is flooded with water and used for ice skating, like Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.
Highmark Place
The city's fourth tallest building, this building is easily recognizable due to its pyramid-shaped top with its tall mast. A food court is available on the second floor.
A gleaming white set of buildings, the tallest of which is the city's fifth tallest. At night they are lit up rather nicely.
An Art Deco edifice completed in 1932, this building was the city's tallest (and for that matter, the state's tallest) until the U.S. Steel Tower was completed in 1970. Today, it's the city's sixth tallest. The building is named for the Gulf Oil company, and the top of the tower is designed to resemble a step-pyramid/mausoleum which is illuminated at night with a coded system that shows the current weather with colors, or to celebrate the local teams' achievements and the holidays.
Facing the Monongahela River, this area was once a major commercial hub due to its proximity to the now long-defunct Monongahela Wharf. Along the 200 block of Fort Pitt Blvd is a surviving fragment of the commercial architecture of the late 19th century which defined this neighborhood. Cast-iron ornamental elements and Queen Anne-style structures reflect the architectural tastes of the time.
Regional Enterprise Tower
The first all aluminum building ever constructed. It stands 30 stories tall and was built of aluminum panels in 1953. In 2001, Alcoa built a new building on the North Side and no longer occupies this landmark building.
A gorgeous stone building built in 1884 that serves as the seat of the Allegheny County government. You can walk into the lovely courtyard with its fountain, overshadowed by the building's prominent tower. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and widely regarded as one of the most beautiful courthouses in the nation.
Built in 1917, the City-County Building is a grand structure which still serves as the seat of government for the city of Pittsburgh. Come during the holidays for full decoration and the community gingerbread house contest (displayed in the lobby). For those interested in the more prosaic functions of government, show up on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning to see a City Council meeting in their majestic fifth floor chambers, and maybe even a press conference on the portico.
The convention center is quite a sight, with its sweeping design facing the Allegheny River. Be sure to walk up to the entrance on 10th Street near Penn Avenue - a walkway starts there that runs underneath the building towards the shore of the Allegheny River. The walkway is flanked on both sides by illuminated waterfalls.
Fourth Avenue used to be the financial center of Pittsburgh, and a lot of great architecture remains on Fourth even if most of the banks have moved to taller, shinier buildings. However, a branch of the Dollar Savings Bank remains, with impressive classical architecture in dark stone and lion statues flanking the entrance.
A 20-story building constructed by the industrialist Henry Clay Frick in 1902. The building sports many lavish features, such as marble ceilings, intricate grillwork, and stained glass windows.
One of the best examples of Art Deco in Pittsburgh, this building is constructed with Indiana limestone and has a polished granite base, a dark copper roof, and marble walls in the lobby.
A gorgeous Flemish-Gothic structure built in 1916 by Henry Clay Frick, the structure is decorated with a steep mansard roof, terra cotta dormers, and two chapel-like towers. The church-like appearance of the structure owes to the previous use of the land, a nineteenth century catholic cathedral.
This lovely church looks particularly out of place next to the massive office buildings surrounding it, but serves as an interesting reminder that this was once a residential area.
Near Mellon Square
Intricately decorated.
Powerful water stream aimed upwards. A Christmas tree is installed instead in December.
A former redoubt - a structure that extends the line of fire beyond the walls of a fort - the Fort Pitt Block House is the only extant relic of Fort Pitt and is the oldest European-built structure west of the Allegheny Mountains. It has functioned as a museum of the French & Indian War era since 1894 and has a small gift shop.
Housed in a recreated bastion above the remains of one of Fort Pitt's structures, the museum explains some of the history of the forts on the Point, from the French and Indian War to the Whiskey Rebellion after the American Revolution. While parts of the museum may seem a bit bare, some of the exhibits and artifacts are very interesting and give a good insight into the history of the site.
Home of the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL hockey club; renamed from "Consol Energy Center" in October 2016. The arena also hosts many other events including basketball and concerts — both rock and classical. Check the link for the current event schedule.
Theater.
A large and very historic theater, built in 1927 and faithfully restored. The Benedum is home to the Pittsburgh Opera, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.
A grand historic theater with many lavish decorations, the Byham plays host to a variety of events.
Built as a movie theater, the Harris plays both movies and live performances.
A magnificent concert hall, Heinz Hall is the home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Home to the Pittsburgh Public Theater.
A contemporary art gallery with some interesting exhibits, with a focus on new media.
Provides eleven days of art through the month of June for the people with a mix of art, live music, food, and festival fun. The most popular parts of the Three Rivers Arts Festival are the program of free outdoor concerts, and the vibrant artist market where artists from all over the country display and sell their wares. The festival is located around Point State Park and the Gateway Center. On weekends, street closures will expand the area, creating a plaza to accommodate the larger events.
One of the world's two largest furry conventions (along with Midwest Furfest), held in Pittsburgh since 2006. Over 17,000 attended in 2024, and over 3000 costumed mascots and fursuiters participate in the parade. The all-ages event is held in late June or early July each year. Most events require a paid membership, available in advance or in limited numbers onsite; the parade and block party afterwards are open to public.
August event around Point State Park and just across the river on the North Shore, this massive event plays host to a lot of music, food, stunt shows, boating events, and family activities.
Handmade griddle burgers and sweet milkshakes.
Greek food.
Delicious cuts and very nice atmosphere.
This is a "must do" if you like seafood and historical places. Go back in time while eating the best fish sandwich you'd ever want to eat. Wash it down with creamy buttermilk or a beer. Of course, there are oysters, lightly breaded, or their specialty oysters which are sort of like a fritter. Other seafood dishes and foods are available and all delicious.
The definitive Pittsburgh chain, noted for its popular sandwiches.
Simple, no-frills Indian restaurant with great food. Their selection isn't big (they usually have only about five dishes per day) and it's pretty low-key (all dishes are served in styrofoam take-out containers), but it's very tasty and inexpensive.
A small hot dog stand tucked on Smithfield St. There are no tables or chairs here, just one small counter inside and an order window facing the street. But the franks are excellent, as are the fries and fish sandwiches.
A clean but unpretentious sports bar; its location just across the Clemente bridge from PNC Park makes it a popular choice for post-baseball game eating and drinking.
An all-suites hotel right next to PPG Paints Arena, with a walkway leading directly into the arena. Cambria has an expansive definition of "suite"; the most basic rooms have a semi-private sleeping area and an uncomfortable sleeper sofa. If you want a fully private bedroom, make sure you get at least a "one-bedroom" suite. Bathrooms are contemporary in design to the point of frustration. Can't beat the location if you're going to a Pens game, though. Private parking $14/night.
It hosts the Bigelow Grille and a complimentary swimming pool, on top of all the normal DoubleTree features.
"Habitat" restaurant on the second floor.
The renowned Omni William Penn is a historic landmark renovated while retaining its 1916 charm.
Despite the high price of the rooms, don't expect a lot of extras. There is no airport shuttle, no daily newspaper, and you only get one day of free Wi-Fi (after that, it's $9.95/day). The plumbing can be loud as well. However, one advantage is that this hotel has a skybridge connecting it to the Convention Center so there is no need to go outside if you are a convention attendee. They also have a full gym and provide loaner workout clothes.
15 shops and dining establishments housed in a glitter gold arcade.
18 shopping and dining establishments in the stunning PPG complex.
A large department store, bargain prices on many items, be sure to check for discounts at their website.
A small dusty shop holding a lot of terrific Pirates and Steelers merchandise, some of it vintage and most of it autographed by the players themselves.
An old-fashioned toy store, SW Randall is a survivor from Pittsburgh's heyday and worth a visit for its idiosyncratic collection. It is essentially Pittsburgh's version of New York City's FAO Schwarz.
A scaled-down version of the popular big-box retailer, which opened on the ground floor of the historic flagship Kaufmann's department store building in 2022. The ornate gold clock outside on the corner of 5th and Smithfield, forever known as the "Kaufmann's Clock," remains a popular meeting spot.
By car
Downtown Pittsburgh is readily accessible by a number of freeways and bridges.
By public transit
Because most bus routes terminate downtown, it is usually easy to access from any direction.
Downtown Pittsburgh is optimal for walking as it is small (covering approximately 0.7 square miles) and very dense.
Read in the guideChoose 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 Downtown 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.
8 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.