Pittsburgh Travel Guide
Pittsburgh isn't the "Steel City" anymore. These days it calls itself the "Renaissance City." And with a good deal of justification. With much of the industry shut down, Pittsburgh has remade itself as a center of not only commerce but culture. The city enjoys a "work hard, play hard" attitude and it maintains a lively relationship with its arts institutions and its various sports teams. It bustles day and night and visitors will not run short of fun things to do, no matter their interests.
Sights
Pittsburgh's north side is the place to find many of the most popular sightseeing attractions in the metropolis. There are museums like the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, the Andy Warhol Museum (this is his hometown), the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and the various Carnegie museums. Visitors who want to walk, jog or simply enjoy nature can have a go at any of the major urban parks in Pittsburgh: Schenley Park and its charming Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Frick Park (the city's largest) and Highland Park, where you'll find the zoo and aquarium. For culture after dark, you can take in a show at one of the city's many musical and performing arts venues. Check the schedules at Heinz Hall, Benedum Center, Quantum Theater, and the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theater. For cool views, ride one of the funiculars up Mount Washington (the vista of the skyline was once ranked second most beautiful in the country by USA Today). And since this is the city of three rivers, try to get out on one of the various river cruises in Pittsburgh.
Dining and Nightlife
The Strip District and Squirrel Hill are not just well-known shopping neighborhoods, they also offer a variety of unique eateries and some of the best high-end restaurants the city has to offer. You can get a taste of Italy in the Bloomfield District, also known as Little Italy. The historic Strip District, close to downtown, has a variety of cafes and bistros. The Shadyside is better known for upscale and family-friendly places. Oakland has an international flavor. Those who fancy a drink or two (or 10) will feel right at home in Pittsburgh. One of the most popular blocks for imbibing is the Flats, where, pub hoppers can choose from a variety of venues. There's also the South Side, where many of the historic buildings now house trendy bars and nightclubs. If you're in the mood for a little gaming, casinos in the city include the Rivers and the Meadows Racetrack and Casino, which also feature live entertainment.
Shopping
There are many shopping districts in Pittsburgh, each with its own ambience. Downtown Pittsburgh has the most chic and fashionable boutiques, stores and galleries. East Carson Street stretches about a mile and is packed with retail possibilities. There are also two large shopping centers here. Station Square is interesting not only for its many shops, restaurants and clubs but for its historical significance as onetime railway station. On the South Side there's SouthSide Works. Shadyside is also a good shopping destination and there are a lot of specialty shops in Squirrel Hill and the Strip District.
Where to Go in Pittsburgh
