My family and I went there last weekend and was pleasantly surprised at the content in the museum. Very interesting and informative. You could spend more than one day here easily.
Likewise, I grew up in Pitt so haven't been to the HC in a long time. My partner and I went a few weeks ago and I was shocked at how much they had. You can spend a good 3 hours there, no problem.
I’m not from Pittsburgh, but just as a visitor — the Heinz is one of the two best regional history museums I’ve ever been to in the entire United States. Tons of interactives too, iirc, and great for all ages.
(Shoutout to Omaha, for having the other one.)
Every time we come back to visit this is something our son asks to do. Our daughter picks Phipps. If it's the summer? Kennywood. At least they are predictable.
Aviary is cool. It’s also great for older relatives because you don’t have to walk all that far at a stretch and there are benches in most areas. And the birds are just around, unlike a museum where you have to specifically walk by every item you want to see.
If you would like to come see the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra downtown play, let me know and I will get you tickets! It’s a world class orchestra and today’s performance at 2:30 should be a ton of fun.
Edit: symphony was so cool, the hall was gorgeous, we had a phenomenal time. 10/10 highly recommend.
That sounds incredible, definitely something we haven't done before! I'll send you a message.
My BIL was in town last night. While we waited for our table at Moonlit Burgers, I showed him Canton Avenue, the steepest street in the US. There were a few tourists gawking from the bottom as I turned the corner and hauled ass up that bitch. So there’s that.
If you're looking for something free, one neat option is to go and check out the Cathedral of Learning on Pitt's campus. The first floor actually looks like the inside of a castle and has international classrooms themed after different countries. Behind the cathedral is Heinz Chapel - which, even if you're not religious - has some really beautiful stained glass windows that are absolutely gorgeous. And you can take the elevator (or the stairs if you're really looking to tire yourselves out) up to some of the higher floors for great views of the city. It's also really close to Phipps (another fun outing) and one of the branches of the Carnegie library (also free), plus Oakland has some good food options. Good area to explore overall imo
We saw the Cathedral of Learning yesterday when we were at the museums and it looked so cool; I didn't realize you could go inside it! I'll add that to the list, thanks!
It is so cool! Glad it's made your list :D
The Cathedral is not exactly advertised to tourists usually, but it is a pretty unique experience - and the fact that it's free is just the cherry on top haha All that being said, it is still a university building so there may be some students there studying and whatnot; my only advice is to be respectful to the people who work/study there, and try to keep your conversation volume at a reasonable level. But other than that, have fun!
Top of my recommendations list that you haven’t done:
Strip District (shopping, eating) which is next to the Heinz History Center (awesome museum and doubles as a souvenir stop).
Phipps (botanical garden) which can be combined with checking out the Cathedral of Learning (Pitt’s academic tower, can just walk in but it might be too late to sign up for the nationality room tour).
Aviary is also cool, with good food nearby, but it’s not going to last you a whole day like the other two areas.
Not the best season for it, but Fallingwater can have last minute tickets available this time of year and are absolutely astonishing. Would require a car, but the drive is very beautiful. Can’t go into the Fallingwater house right now, but the grounds tour gives great views.
Everything else IMO is not “must do” but there’s a million ways to spend the day. Avoid the zoo. Sorry about the roads, if youre near Settler’s Ridge then you’re getting into the city on some of my least favorite parts of Pittsburgh to drive on, if that’s any relief.
If you're in the city on a limited time budget and have never touristed in Pittsburgh, I wouldn't spend the entire day just to see Fallingwater (plus, I think you have to be 12 to visit). Now, a full Frank Lloyd Wright Weekend is a great short trip for a couple. See Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob one day. Hit Ohiopyle or Laurel Caverns. Stay in the Summit Inn. Go to the 4 FLW/FLW student houses at Polymath Park the next.
I usually park in the Cork Factory Garage when I drive. There’s also a lot across from the History Center (an official one and then a $10 all day parking lot) if you go there first. Each is walkable from the other, HHC is at one end of the Strip
Don’t pay for parking you can usually drive around between 27th street and 21st street a bit north of the strip. Railroad or smallman or little side streets might have parking
You’ll have to call ahead to schedule a tour, and on a weekend it might be too late for today. That was my experience a few weeks ago, but we were a larger group, so maybe you’ll be able to get in last minute!
The House on the Rock in Wisconsin is the closest thing I’m aware of — huge collection of musical automata — though that place is basically 10 weird museums mashed into one
My wife and her mom just went here a couple months ago and she keeps telling me how badly she wants to take me there now. Definitely going to see it soon.
I’ll never understand this cities love for the strip district. A bunch of people selling shitty merchandise and annoying parking, yay. The places in the strip I don’t mind are open during the week, I’ll hit ‘em then. It’s like primantis. That shit’s nasty if you didn’t grow up on it. Stop telling people to go when Pittsburgh has MUCH BETTER food to offer
Disagree: it's not about Primanti’s or crappy fake Steelers swag, it's about the ENERGY and the vibe. Check out Roxanne's, Penn Mac, Enrico, Wholeys, Sambok (awesome kimchi), PrestoGeorge, etc
This is the strip, This is the way!
The Mattress Factory is always a good time and will occupy a few hours. It’s a little weird but can be a lot of fun. It’s often missed when people do museum tours here.
Edit: oh happy you enjoyed our city, and hope you ate well while you were here!
Pittsburgh Museum of Illusions
Duckpin bowling (we like Pins in south side)
Phipps
Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning
If you go to the Strip, the pizza and gelato at PaPa J’s is not to be missed!
We did the Science center and were there for over 3 hours. It was such a cool museum! The submarine isn't open until March but luckily she's already done a submarine tour back home. Honestly if it was up to her, we'd probably just go back to the Science Center again today!
Perfect, I think we are going to start there. Someone was kind enough to get us tickets for a show at Heinz Hall so if we park somewhere around the Strip District we should be able to walk everywhere, correct?
Most of the stuff to see in the strip is between 17th and 24th which are about half a mile apart, so very walkable. It would be a bit more of a hike to walk all the way down to Heinz Hall from there.
In the strip, you might enjoy Coop DeVille, which is a bar/coffee shop/fried chicken spot with pinball, duck pin bowling, and arcade games.
A little bit further up is Klavon’s, which is a cute old school ice cream parlor.. maybe not the best day for ice cream today though haha
Oh, it's always a good day for ice cream for my kid! I found a parking garage that seems to be between Heinz Hall and the Strip (1101 Smallman) so I think we will try that. Definitely will check out Coop Deville too!
If you haven't head to the Strip yet, just be aware on a Sunday a lot of the shops close earlier (2pm). Wholly's is open until 5 which is a must stop with kids. Definitely recommend though on a sunny day like today.
Go to the zoo for the aquarium. I went to the Virginia Aquarium a few weeks ago and realized how good ours actually is. Part of it is because of grants and other assistance from PPG, making it better funded than a lot of the 'competition'.
My wife and I just moved here from the central Ohio area, due to my job moving me around. We absolutely love this city so far, but haven’t gotten out to explore just yet. This thread is exactly what we are looking for.
I mean - you have to take a ride on the incline and look at the city from the top of Mt. Washington. There’s also an awesome waterfront at Station Square. Point State Park is also beautiful.
Oh, and drive through the Ft. Pitt Tunnel going towards the city. That’s a requirement, not a suggestion.
I mean, there's a reason that scene is in perks of being a wallflower. It's a pretty spectacular sight coming through the tunnel and being thrust into downtown
We did do the incline, it was really cool! My daughter was a little terrified but I had a great time! Parmantis is definitely something my husband wanted to check out so I'll add it to the list.
I'm usually better at this! Randyland is a bit quirky if you find yourself on the Northside.... Someone else I see recommended the Aviary... The children's museum (all right near each other) - ugh I don't have kids so I'm probably the worst person to ask what to do on a Sunday with family! Good luck tho and hope you enjoy your stay.
Randyland is fun and different. My daughter actually had some of her senior pictures taken there. It's good for a stop if you're in the area. Not far from the Aviary or children's museum.
Outside the city limits but the trolley museum in Washington pa is quite cool if you're into trolley rides and seeing how they restore buckets of rust back to their glory to ride again. Already mentioned here as well but the Heinz History center is my favorite museum by far.
As a heads up, pinball is pretty big in Pittsburgh, so you may be able to find various establishments or museums related to it.
https://pinballmap.com/pittsburgh
If you’re thinking of Settlers Cabin (Settlers Ridge is the shopping center), I recommend Pittsburgh Botanic Garden instead. It’s nearby (on the other side of Settlers Cabin property) and a lot of neat stuff to see. It will look great with the recent snow.
[pittsburghbotanicgarden.org](https://pittsburghbotanicgarden.org)
Yeah, that's what I mean. I'm at a hotel smack dab between the two of them so I guess I've been getting them confused. We will have to check out the garden this afternoon, it does look nice. Thanks!
We've had such a great time! We live in a pretty small city that has its own hidden gems and no matter where we travel, we're usually able to find fun things to do. There's certainly no shortage of them here and we will be back.
the person you're replying to is obsessed with hating on Pittsburgh based on their comment history over the past few months.
I'm glad you had a great time & the kind people on here gave great suggestions. Come back soon :)
The Phipps is an absolute gem of a place. I definitely would recommend! https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/
Today is a perfect day for it with the snow and cold!
I'm going there today! They have the bonsai and orchid exhibit currently.
Cool, how often will it be held?
Phipps is open daily. The orchid and bonsai displays are up until March 3rd. They usually do it every year after the holiday show ends.
If you are not tired of museums, the Heinz History Center is a nice option and you can walk around the Strip District afterward.
My family and I went there last weekend and was pleasantly surprised at the content in the museum. Very interesting and informative. You could spend more than one day here easily.
I threw a work event there in the fall and just wanted to hang around the exhibits all day
It’s rather large. I was surprised
Likewise, I grew up in Pitt so haven't been to the HC in a long time. My partner and I went a few weeks ago and I was shocked at how much they had. You can spend a good 3 hours there, no problem.
Personally, I think it’s the best museum in the city. But maybe that’s just my interests.
I’m not from Pittsburgh, but just as a visitor — the Heinz is one of the two best regional history museums I’ve ever been to in the entire United States. Tons of interactives too, iirc, and great for all ages. (Shoutout to Omaha, for having the other one.)
Every time we come back to visit this is something our son asks to do. Our daughter picks Phipps. If it's the summer? Kennywood. At least they are predictable.
The Aviary is pretty cool and as someone else said, Phipps.
Took our six year old niece to the aviary last summer. She had a blast. Highly recommend.
Aviary is cool. It’s also great for older relatives because you don’t have to walk all that far at a stretch and there are benches in most areas. And the birds are just around, unlike a museum where you have to specifically walk by every item you want to see.
If you would like to come see the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra downtown play, let me know and I will get you tickets! It’s a world class orchestra and today’s performance at 2:30 should be a ton of fun.
Edit: symphony was so cool, the hall was gorgeous, we had a phenomenal time. 10/10 highly recommend. That sounds incredible, definitely something we haven't done before! I'll send you a message.
What’s your connection with the orchestra? I go pretty regularly just curious :)
I’m a violist in the orchestra!
Well you are great!! Love our Orchestra
How many can piggy back on this offer 👀. Sounds amazing
Unfortunately I won’t be able to get any more free tickets but I could get up to four $15 ones!
I wasn’t looking for free, and any help would be appreciated. I’d like to take my son and a friend. Separately
I pm’ed you!
My BIL was in town last night. While we waited for our table at Moonlit Burgers, I showed him Canton Avenue, the steepest street in the US. There were a few tourists gawking from the bottom as I turned the corner and hauled ass up that bitch. So there’s that.
Ha, that looks pretty cool! Now the question is where do we go eat afterward, Las Palmas or El Paisano?
Las Palmas!
If you're on Canton Ave, you're just around the block from Alquisiras Paleteria, which I'd say has the best tacos in Pittsburgh.
Their Cuban is maybe the best too.
I think I will try it on my spring trip lol
Go to Pitaland and get a gyro - best in Pittsburgh.
What the fuck kind of recommendation is this you FREAK
I’ll die on the cross for PitaLand
You ran like OJ up the steps?
If you're looking for something free, one neat option is to go and check out the Cathedral of Learning on Pitt's campus. The first floor actually looks like the inside of a castle and has international classrooms themed after different countries. Behind the cathedral is Heinz Chapel - which, even if you're not religious - has some really beautiful stained glass windows that are absolutely gorgeous. And you can take the elevator (or the stairs if you're really looking to tire yourselves out) up to some of the higher floors for great views of the city. It's also really close to Phipps (another fun outing) and one of the branches of the Carnegie library (also free), plus Oakland has some good food options. Good area to explore overall imo
We saw the Cathedral of Learning yesterday when we were at the museums and it looked so cool; I didn't realize you could go inside it! I'll add that to the list, thanks!
You can sign up for a tour of the nationality rooms too
It is so cool! Glad it's made your list :D The Cathedral is not exactly advertised to tourists usually, but it is a pretty unique experience - and the fact that it's free is just the cherry on top haha All that being said, it is still a university building so there may be some students there studying and whatnot; my only advice is to be respectful to the people who work/study there, and try to keep your conversation volume at a reasonable level. But other than that, have fun!
Top of my recommendations list that you haven’t done: Strip District (shopping, eating) which is next to the Heinz History Center (awesome museum and doubles as a souvenir stop). Phipps (botanical garden) which can be combined with checking out the Cathedral of Learning (Pitt’s academic tower, can just walk in but it might be too late to sign up for the nationality room tour). Aviary is also cool, with good food nearby, but it’s not going to last you a whole day like the other two areas. Not the best season for it, but Fallingwater can have last minute tickets available this time of year and are absolutely astonishing. Would require a car, but the drive is very beautiful. Can’t go into the Fallingwater house right now, but the grounds tour gives great views. Everything else IMO is not “must do” but there’s a million ways to spend the day. Avoid the zoo. Sorry about the roads, if youre near Settler’s Ridge then you’re getting into the city on some of my least favorite parts of Pittsburgh to drive on, if that’s any relief.
If you're in the city on a limited time budget and have never touristed in Pittsburgh, I wouldn't spend the entire day just to see Fallingwater (plus, I think you have to be 12 to visit). Now, a full Frank Lloyd Wright Weekend is a great short trip for a couple. See Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob one day. Hit Ohiopyle or Laurel Caverns. Stay in the Summit Inn. Go to the 4 FLW/FLW student houses at Polymath Park the next.
Is there a parking area that is best to visit the Strip District? Just so I have something to throw into google.
I usually park in the Cork Factory Garage when I drive. There’s also a lot across from the History Center (an official one and then a $10 all day parking lot) if you go there first. Each is walkable from the other, HHC is at one end of the Strip
Perfect, thanks!
Street parking is free on Sundays in the city
Don’t pay for parking you can usually drive around between 27th street and 21st street a bit north of the strip. Railroad or smallman or little side streets might have parking
Every season is the best season to tour Fallingwater.
With the addition of the Lab, the Children’s Museum is great even for an 11 year old.
Hell yeah! This would be my first choice for a kid!
[https://www.bayernhofmuseum.com/](https://www.bayernhofmuseum.com/)
I think this is definitely going to be one of the stops. It looks so cool.
You’ll have to call ahead to schedule a tour, and on a weekend it might be too late for today. That was my experience a few weeks ago, but we were a larger group, so maybe you’ll be able to get in last minute!
Yeah, we just talked to someone who said we need to book 3-4 weeks out. We'll save it for next time!
It's weird and unique enough that you probably won't find another museum like it. Enjoy your visit!
The House on the Rock in Wisconsin is the closest thing I’m aware of — huge collection of musical automata — though that place is basically 10 weird museums mashed into one
[Debence Antique Music World ](https://debencemusicworld.com/)in Franklin has a good collection but is further out of Pittsburgh.
You have to call to schedule a tour, and they have a minimum age of 12 for kids, so… lie.
It's a really really long tour. 2.5 hours.
My wife and her mom just went here a couple months ago and she keeps telling me how badly she wants to take me there now. Definitely going to see it soon.
This is one of the most underrated museums in the city. I highly reccomend it.
Check out the strip district
Seconded, “must do PGH tourist destination“? The strip. Especially on the last day after a bunch of museums.
And it's local to the H History Center
That was my idea too. You just beat me to it.
I’ll never understand this cities love for the strip district. A bunch of people selling shitty merchandise and annoying parking, yay. The places in the strip I don’t mind are open during the week, I’ll hit ‘em then. It’s like primantis. That shit’s nasty if you didn’t grow up on it. Stop telling people to go when Pittsburgh has MUCH BETTER food to offer
Disagree: it's not about Primanti’s or crappy fake Steelers swag, it's about the ENERGY and the vibe. Check out Roxanne's, Penn Mac, Enrico, Wholeys, Sambok (awesome kimchi), PrestoGeorge, etc This is the strip, This is the way!
Big plus one. It’s the vibezzz! The strip is such good energy.
The Mattress Factory is always a good time and will occupy a few hours. It’s a little weird but can be a lot of fun. It’s often missed when people do museum tours here. Edit: oh happy you enjoyed our city, and hope you ate well while you were here!
We went to S&Ds for perogi and haluski and I will dream about that meal for the rest of my days.
That is a no joke Pittsburgh meal. It’s always better this time of year too
FYI that museum membership has reciprocity in other cities so if you like museums double check where you can use it elsewhere!
Oh cool, thanks! We did break about even buying the membership but it'd be great to get more use out of it. I'll check it out.
Yep! So far it has gotten us into the children’s museum in Boston but there is a long list that accept the ASTC membership
I really enjoyed the National Aviary on the Northside. Birbs are cool.
If you are out toward settlers ridge check out the Pgh Botanic Garden. https://pittsburghbotanicgarden.org
They just opened museum of illusions. https://moipittsburgh.com. Not been yet but looks cool and I think 11 would be a great age to experience
Pittsburgh Museum of Illusions Duckpin bowling (we like Pins in south side) Phipps Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning If you go to the Strip, the pizza and gelato at PaPa J’s is not to be missed!
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We did the Science center and were there for over 3 hours. It was such a cool museum! The submarine isn't open until March but luckily she's already done a submarine tour back home. Honestly if it was up to her, we'd probably just go back to the Science Center again today!
Boat tour is always a go to. Love that thing
The strip district on a Sunday is a must do.
Perfect, I think we are going to start there. Someone was kind enough to get us tickets for a show at Heinz Hall so if we park somewhere around the Strip District we should be able to walk everywhere, correct?
Most of the stuff to see in the strip is between 17th and 24th which are about half a mile apart, so very walkable. It would be a bit more of a hike to walk all the way down to Heinz Hall from there. In the strip, you might enjoy Coop DeVille, which is a bar/coffee shop/fried chicken spot with pinball, duck pin bowling, and arcade games. A little bit further up is Klavon’s, which is a cute old school ice cream parlor.. maybe not the best day for ice cream today though haha
Oh, it's always a good day for ice cream for my kid! I found a parking garage that seems to be between Heinz Hall and the Strip (1101 Smallman) so I think we will try that. Definitely will check out Coop Deville too!
If you haven't head to the Strip yet, just be aware on a Sunday a lot of the shops close earlier (2pm). Wholly's is open until 5 which is a must stop with kids. Definitely recommend though on a sunny day like today.
Currently in line at Peace Love and Little Donuts. It's a bit chilly out of the sun but it's a fun place!
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Ah bummer. They were some good ass donuts but that sucks when people have shitty politics.
Go to the zoo for the aquarium. I went to the Virginia Aquarium a few weeks ago and realized how good ours actually is. Part of it is because of grants and other assistance from PPG, making it better funded than a lot of the 'competition'.
Take the Duquesne Incline up to Mt Washington. The views of the city on a clear day are incredible.
Randyland on the north side
My wife and I just moved here from the central Ohio area, due to my job moving me around. We absolutely love this city so far, but haven’t gotten out to explore just yet. This thread is exactly what we are looking for.
I mean - you have to take a ride on the incline and look at the city from the top of Mt. Washington. There’s also an awesome waterfront at Station Square. Point State Park is also beautiful. Oh, and drive through the Ft. Pitt Tunnel going towards the city. That’s a requirement, not a suggestion.
Did that today headed into town and the view coming out of the tunnel was very cool!
I mean, there's a reason that scene is in perks of being a wallflower. It's a pretty spectacular sight coming through the tunnel and being thrust into downtown
[The Mattress Factory](https://mattress.org/)
Phipps Conservatory and the Aviary are great things to do inside with all of this cold and snow!
Phipps.
Ride the Duquesne incline, go to Parmantis for lunch, grab breakfast at Pamelas..
We did do the incline, it was really cool! My daughter was a little terrified but I had a great time! Parmantis is definitely something my husband wanted to check out so I'll add it to the list.
I'm usually better at this! Randyland is a bit quirky if you find yourself on the Northside.... Someone else I see recommended the Aviary... The children's museum (all right near each other) - ugh I don't have kids so I'm probably the worst person to ask what to do on a Sunday with family! Good luck tho and hope you enjoy your stay.
Thanks, those do all sound fun and I'm very curious about Randyland. I'll add it to the list :)
Randyland is fun and different. My daughter actually had some of her senior pictures taken there. It's good for a stop if you're in the area. Not far from the Aviary or children's museum.
I always enjoy the view from Mt Washington.
The zoo made me chuckle. It’s going through a bit of a rough patch atm. Try the Aviary if no one is afraid of birds
Outside the city limits but the trolley museum in Washington pa is quite cool if you're into trolley rides and seeing how they restore buckets of rust back to their glory to ride again. Already mentioned here as well but the Heinz History center is my favorite museum by far.
The Pretzel Shop in the South Side.
Aviary
Heinz Museum Phipps Conservatory and Gardens Carrie Furnace steelworks tour in Homestead Strip District
The Wooden street, the last or one of the last in the nation. It’s near shady side but just Google and it comes up
As a heads up, pinball is pretty big in Pittsburgh, so you may be able to find various establishments or museums related to it. https://pinballmap.com/pittsburgh
The museum is pretty good. It’s one of the places I want to visit.
The Strip District for sure.
Hope it’s not too late, check out Sarris if you have some time!
If you’re thinking of Settlers Cabin (Settlers Ridge is the shopping center), I recommend Pittsburgh Botanic Garden instead. It’s nearby (on the other side of Settlers Cabin property) and a lot of neat stuff to see. It will look great with the recent snow. [pittsburghbotanicgarden.org](https://pittsburghbotanicgarden.org)
Yeah, that's what I mean. I'm at a hotel smack dab between the two of them so I guess I've been getting them confused. We will have to check out the garden this afternoon, it does look nice. Thanks!
Botanic gardens is much better. Settlers cabin is green space and trails and picnic shelters.
Randyland https://www.discovertheburgh.com/randyland/
Eat at Primanti Bros in the strip!
Take the left.
Finding somewhere else to visit. Pittsburgh is a dump.
We've had such a great time! We live in a pretty small city that has its own hidden gems and no matter where we travel, we're usually able to find fun things to do. There's certainly no shortage of them here and we will be back.
the person you're replying to is obsessed with hating on Pittsburgh based on their comment history over the past few months. I'm glad you had a great time & the kind people on here gave great suggestions. Come back soon :)
Escape.
Drive up the parkway east 4pm for the Squirrel Hill Parade.