Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is one of the most unique cities in the keystone state. Known as “Steel City” (for it’s huge play in America’s steel industry) and “The City of Bridges” (for it’s 446 bridges!), Pittsburgh is one of the most exciting places in visit in PA! If you’ve got 2 days in Pittsburgh PA, you’ll have plenty of time to see all the best landmarks, explore interesting museums, and of course taste some of the best food in the state!
One of my favorite ways to dip my toes into a new city is to book a one night stay and explore as much as I can across 2 days. We just recently got back from a one night, two day stay in Pittsburgh. We were able to experience so much! This is everything we did over 2 days in Pittsburgh along with some recommendations from locals that we will definitely try next time we visit.
An escape to Pittsburgh for 2 days is one of the best weekend getaways in Pennsylvania!
2 Days in Pittsburgh PA Itinerary
If you’re wondering if 2 days in Pittsburgh is enough time, I’m here to tell you YES! While you won’t be able to see everything in Steel City in just 48 hours (or less), you’ll definitely be able to get a feel for the city’s personality through attractions and awesome food. A Pittsburgh weekend vacation is one you’ll never forget!
When to Visit Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is on the Western side of Pennsylvania, not too far from Lake Eerie. Due to it’s location, Pittsburgh gets every season full on! The summer time is hot and the winter is very cold. Personally, I think the best time to visit Pittsburgh PA would be in the fall. Maybe because that’s my favorite season!
We recently visited in February and it was surprisingly sunny and mid-50s! I’d say any time of year is a wonderful time to visit.
Check in (or park) at your hotel
Photo from our room at The Priory Hotel – it was fantastic!
The first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive in Pittsburgh is get settled, or at least know where you’ll be hitting the pillow later that night.
If you’re planning to have a full first day in the city, you may arrive too early to check in to your hotel. Some hotels in Pittsburgh provide parking, so I always suggest parking your car at the hotel and letting the front desk know you’re in the area. That way you can start exploring and they can contact you when the room is ready!
Where to Stay in Pittsburgh PA
There are so many great hotels in Pittsburgh, it can be hard to know what area to stay in and which hotels are best! There are three main areas of Pittsburgh for tourists – Downtown, the Strip District, and the North Shore area.
Downtown Pittsburgh Hotels
Downtown is the place to stay if you want to be in the middle of all the excitement. Close to all the most popular downtown Pittsburgh restaurants, bars, shopping, and attractions. This is also where prices will be the most expensive.
Wyndham Grand Hotel $$ – One of the more affordable hotels Downtown, conveniently located right next to Point State Park.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh $$$ – 4-star award winning hotel with gilded-age chic interiors and raving reviews! Middle range price point for Downtown Pittsburgh
Omni William Penn Hotel $$$$ – One of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in the area, complete with a fitness center, in-room massage service, and dining options. This is the ultimate luxury stay right in the middle of everything!
Strip District Pittsburgh Hotels
Known by locals as a hub for diverse restaurants, shops, wineries, breweries and distilleries, the Strip District is the best place to stay for visitors who like to explore off the beaten path. These stays are also usually more affordable, ranging from $125-$175 per night.
Homewood Inn and Suites $$ – Located close to Downtown, it’s the perfect in-between stay for those wanting to spend extra time in both neighborhoods! Includes free breakfast, a fitness center, and a pool!
Hampton Inn and Suites $$ – One of the few Pittsburgh hotels in the Strip District with free parking! Close to the Heinz History Center and with views of the Allegheny River, it’s a great choice.
AC Hotel by Marriott $$ – On the border of Downtown, this sleek and modern stay is within walking distance of great restaurants in the cultural district and has an awesome rooftop bar!
North Shore Pittsburgh Hotels
The North Shore area of Pittsburgh is across the Allegheny River nearby lots of museums, restaurants, and sports events stadiums. If you’re in town for a Steeler’s game, North Shore is the best place to book a hotel night.
The Priory Hotel $ – (Pictured below) We stayed here and absolutely loved it! This former Monastery is now a quaint boutique hotel just a couple miles from great restaurants and the stadium. Extremely affordable, free parking, and an easy Uber drive to anywhere in Pittsburgh. Although it’s not in the best neighborhood, I’d still recommend this stay. Full hotel review coming soon!
Hyatt Place North Shore $$ – Within walking distance of the stadium, this is the ultimate place to stay after a football game. With affordable overnight parking, breakfast options and a restaurant, this Hyatt has everything you need.
Resident Inn Marriott North Shore $$$ – Centrally located within walking distance of all Pittsburgh sporting events, this is a great choice for access to North Shore activities, restaurants, and breweries.
Explore Downtown Pittsburgh in the Morning/Early Afternoon
No matter what hotel or neighborhood you choose to stay, you’ll always be in close proximity to everything Pittsburgh has to offer. If you’re wondering where to go in Pittsburgh to start off your day, Downtown is a great choice. With beautiful parks, museums, and shopping nearby, you’ll have a lovely start to your stay!
Point State Park and Fountain
Photo by Jocelyn Allen on Unsplash
Located at the meeting of three rivers, Point State Park is a great spot for a leisurely walk amongst historical landmarks. To this day, the land is preserved for its pivotal roll during the French and Indian War.
The focal point of the park has to be the incredible 150-foot fountain that frames perfect views of the three rivers and the city. With a LED waterfall feature, reflecting pool, public seating and restrooms, it’s a great photo spot in the ‘Burgh! Point State Park is absolutely a Pittsburgh must see.
Fort Pitt Museum
Within Point State Park, is the Fort Pitt Museum. If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to take the time to explore this museum! Point State Park was the home of Fort Pitt, an important landmark in Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the birth of Pittsburgh!
Complete with 200-year-old artifacts, true-to-size figures and tons of historical information, it’s a great stop for history lovers. In the summer months, make sure you catch the live colonial reenactments!
The Fort Pitt Museum is open every day from 10am – 5pm with general admission tickets starting at just $10! This is one of the most affordable must do Pittsburgh activities.
Market Square Area Downtown
After you’ve enjoyed the historical monuments and greenery at Point State Park, it’s time to explore some of the eclectic shops in the Market Square area of Downtown Pittsburgh! Market Square is one of the best places to find a unique souvenir and a tasty bite to eat.
There are tons of boutiques to explore such as Boutique La Passerelle, known for it’s European style apparel with a “Pittsburgh Flair”. Some of the best bites in Market Square are Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream and Las Velas tacos!
If you’re visiting on Thursday from May to October, you’ll find the Market Square Farmer’s Market, an amazing collection of local artisans, artists, and vendors. Enjoy live music entertainment while you try unique bites and shop local Pittsburgh goods.
Market Square is one of the best Pittsburgh places to visit. Experience the local charm of Steel City at one of the main hubs for shopping and eating!
Have Lunch in Downtown Pittsburgh
If you haven’t spoiled your appetite for lunch while perusing the vendors at the Farmer’s Market, then you’ll be nice and hungry for lunch!
Primanti Bros
Primanti Bros is an iconic sandwich shop in Pittsburgh that every visitor must experience at least once! With a location in Market Square and the Strip District, no matter where your morning has taken you, you’re not far from Primanti Bros!
Known for their huge sandwiches, homemade coleslaw, and fries, it’s a rite of passage to enjoy a Primanti Bros sandwich in Steel City. For the perfect lunch, you’ll want to order the iconic capicola sandwich with extra egg (a locally loved combination). Enjoying a sandwich at Primanti’s is a Pittsburgh must do!
Other Great Lunch Spots in Downtown Pittsburgh
Gaucho – A popular Argentinian restaurant where you can enjoy some of the most flavorful meat in town! Be sure to try their slow-cooked, braised pork.
The Commoner – Located inside the beautiful Kimpton Hotel Monaco, this restaurant has more refined menu items and a connected Biergarten.
Bae Bae’s Kitchen – The best spot for delicious and locally sourced Korean flavors in Pittsburgh’s cultural district.
Alchemy Bar and Kitchen – A great spot to enjoy shareable plates and craft cocktails for lunch!
Explore North Shore in the Evening
After you’ve had a taste of Downtown Pittsburgh in the morning and afternoon, it’s time to freshen up for a night out in North Shore. Just across the Allegheny River, you’ll find exciting breweries, museums, and dining experiences, all with incredible views of the Pittsburgh skyline and bridges! It’s a great neighborhood, especially for date night in Pittsburgh!
I recommend heading over to North Shore Drive and enjoying a walkable evening.
Visit the Breweries on North Shore Drive
Located on North Shore Drive, you’ll find lots of places to stop and enjoy a locally crafted beer! A Pittsburgh vacation wouldn’t be complete without sampling some local sips. Here are some of the best brewery spots in the North Shore area:
Southern Tier Brewery Pittsburgh – A great spot to enjoy a local beer inside the spacious bar or outside in the beer garden. I tried their Kamilla Wit Wheat Beer and Jonnie tried the 24 Karat Sour. Both were delicious!
Voodoo Brewing Company – An eclectic spot to enjoy craft beer right on North Shore Drive. Be sure to try the Voodoo Lovechild, their take on a Belgian Tripel!
Go Bowling at Shorty’s
Right next to the breweries and restaurants at North Shore is Shorty’s, a bar and restaurant with duckpin bowling, pinball, and other social games! We had the best time playing games while enjoying a beer.
Duckpin Bowling is their most popular experience at Shorty’s! Duckpin Bowling has all the same rules as regular bowling. The only difference is the pins are shorter and lighter and they are on strings, making it super easy to reset.
For $40 you can get 1 hour of bowling and access to food and drinks. This is a great activity in North Shore for couples or a group of friends! I’d highly recommend checking out Shorty’s while on your Pittsburgh trip for a fun evening.
Museum of Illusions Pittsburgh
After you’ve enjoyed a beer (or two!) and done your fair share of bowling, you may still need to kill some time before dinner. The Museum of Illusion is a quirky experience that will have you laughing, no matter what age you are!
Jonnie and I were needing to fill an hour or so before our dinner reservation and decided to see what this museum was all about.
Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits that put you at the center of an optical illusion. We certainly shared a few laughs!
Tickets are $25 each, which is a tad pricey (in my opinion) for the experience. We still had a great time, but if you’re on a budget you may choose to skip this experience.
Andy Warhol Museum
Located about half a mile walk from North Shore Drive, is one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic museums. The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is the largest collection of Warhol’s works in the world.
The Museum tells the story of Warhol through collections of unseen works and rotating exhibits. A visit to the Andy Warhol Museum is a fun and educational activity for visitors of all ages.
The Museum is open everyday except Tuesday from 10am – 5pm and general admission tickets are $25 per person.
Dinner in North Shore
Foundry Table and Tap Chef’s Table Experience
If you are looking for a unique dining experience in the North Shore area, I would highly suggest trying out the Foundry Table and Tap’s Chef’s Table. While it is a bit of a splurge, it was worth every penny.
This experience must be reserved online ahead of time and is totally private. Jonnie made a reservation for us as a Christmas present to me and it was so special!
You’ll be guided to your private seating inside the kitchen and have 6 courses prepared by the chef right in front of you! The chef was so personable and created a menu specifically for us. With beautifully plated dishes including a seafood chowder, crab cakes, and pork tenderloin, we were in heaven!
Better yet, they include a drink to pair with each course. Yes, you read that right. That’s 6 drinks over the course of dinner. We may have stumbled out of the restaurant but you can’t say we didn’t get your money’s worth!
This was one of the BEST dining experiences we ever had. Check out this post all about chef’s tables in Pittsburgh and a full review of the Foundry!
If you are more interested in a traditional dining experience, Foundry Table and Tap has a full service restaurant and bar, perfect for a nice dinner out in the North Shore.
It’s been a long day and now it’s time to head back to your hotel for a restful night! No matter where your hotel is located, booking an Uber is always an easy way to get around Pittsburgh, especially at night.
Visit the Duquesne Incline in the Morning
The Duquesne Incline is one of the best attractions in the city. A trip to Pittsburgh wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this historical mode of transportation! Located across the Allegheny River, you’ll board a cable car from the 1800s and see the best view of the city.
History of the Duquesne Incline
Since the mid-1800s, the Duquesne Incline has been a mode of public transportation to access Mount Washington, a charming Pittsburgh neighborhood. As the population began to grow and expand, the incline became a necessary access point for those building homes in the more elevated areas!
Today, it still serves as public transportation but also a tourist attraction. Visitors experience the incline’s slow ride up to Mount Washington to enjoy incredible views of the city from the viewpoint at the top!
Parking & Tickets for the Duquesne Incline
If you just checked out of your hotel and have your car, there is affordable parking right near the incline. Otherwise, an Uber ride is an easy way to get to the Incline.
Address for Incline Parking: 1197 W Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Parking costs $8 for 3 hours in the lot just under the incline entrance.
Once you’re there, head inside to the ticket center and purchase your roundtrip ticket with exact cash only! At only $5 per person for a round trip, it’s a super cheap thing to do in Pittsburgh.
Experience the Duquesne Incline
Now, enjoy the ride up! It’s a slow but breathtaking ride, with amazing views of the city. Once you reach the top, you’ll want to stop and snap some photos at one of the most Instagram-able spots in Pittsburgh, overlooking the skyline, Allegheny River and bridges.
At the top of the Duquesne Incline, you’ll also want to take some time to take a look at the historical markers and a World War One memorial. There is so much history at the Duquesne Incline. I highly recommend this extremely affordable activity in Pittsburgh!
Brunch in Mount Washington
Once you reach the top of the incline, you’ll find yourself in quaint Mount Washington. Noted as one of the most visited neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, it’s the perfect place to enjoy brunch with a view after your ride up. Here are some top brunch spots in Mount Washington!
Steel Mill Saloon – Located right across the street from the incline is the perfect place to enjoy brunch! Offered every weekend from starting at 10am, it’s the most convenient brunch spot to the incline.
Cafe Cravings Gourmet Coffee – This quaint coffee shop is just a short walk from the incline and the perfect spot for a breakfast sandwich and a specialty coffee. Jonnie and I enjoyed green tea lattes and a biscotti here. So yummy!
Coughlin’s Law Kitchen and Ale House – Serving up brunch on the weekends from 10-1, this is the perfect, relaxed spot for a delicious breakfast in Mount Washington!
Grandview Bakery – While not a full service restaurant, this is a great spot in Mount Washington for those who enjoy a sweet breakfast.
Enjoy one last Pittsburgh attraction before getting out of town
If you’ve got the time to spare, round out your Pittsburgh weekend trip by exploring one of the most popular educational attractions. These are some other must-see spots in Steel City!
Carnegie Science Center
The Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh is one of the most exciting attractions in Pittsburgh. With tons of awe-inspiring exhibits, it’s the perfect spot to end your weekend in town.
With interactive exhibits including the Buhl Planetarium, Mars: The Next Leap, and the BodyWorks Human Anatomy Exhibit, there is fun to be had for the whole family. The science center also holds special events, shows, and traveling exhibits.
A visit to the Carnegie Museum Science Center is a great family friendly activity in Pittsburgh. Museum hours are 10am – 5pm every day except Tuesdays. General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 3-12.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Located inside beautiful Highland Park, sits the amazing Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. Stretching over 77 acres of land, this zoo is one of the best in the country. With animals from every corner of the world, you’ll be sure to spot your favorite!
With unique animals such as Polar Bears and Red Pandas, you’ll want to spend at least a few hours taking in all the wild life. The Zoo holds special events throughout the year and also has wildlife encounter experiences (at an extra cost).
Zoo & Aquarium tickets can be purchased ahead of time online with prices ranging from $16 – $22 per person. Parking is free! A trip to the Zoo is a must in Pittsburgh.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Phipps Conservatory is the ultimate place to enjoy beautiful botanical exhibits in Pittsburgh. Known for it’s many types of plant collections, art exhibits, and seasonal events, Phipps is a wonderful stop while on your tour of Pittsburgh.
Phipps Conservatory is located East of Downtown Pittsburgh in Schenley Park. If your home is east of Pittsburgh, this is a great place to stop on your way out of town!
The Conservatory and Gardens are open every day with admission starting at $21.95 for adults and $13.95 for children. There is free and accessible parking on site as well!
A trip the Phipps Conservatory is a wonderful activity to add to your Pittsburgh weekend itinerary.
And there you have the ultimate short weekend in Pittsburgh itinerary! I hope you enjoy your time in Steel City and get to experience some of these exciting Pittsburgh PA things to do!
Wondering what to do in Pittsburgh this coming weekend?
Check out their events calendar!
FAQs About Visiting Pittsburgh
How Many Days Should I Spend in Pittsburgh?
I would recommend 2 days! As noted in this itinerary, it is very doable to see so much of Pittsburgh by staying just one night but getting in as much as you can over two days. Pittsburgh is a smaller city and tourists can usually get Downtown, to the Strip District, and hit many of the museums in the North Shore Area in a two day, one night stay.
It’s Pittsburgh a Walkable City?
Downtown Pittsburgh and the Strip District are very walkable! If you are staying at a hotel in those areas, you will have easy access to all the best restaurants and shops. If you are planning to visit the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Science Center, the Zoo, the Duquesne Incline, or other attractions outside of Downtown, you’ll need to use public transportation or take an Uber.
On the other hand, it’s not as difficult to drive in Pittsburgh as it is somewhere like New York City! While parking will cost you, it’s not impossible to drive your way around.
What is Pittsburgh Best Known for?
Pittsburgh is known as the “Steel City” due to it’s large role in the booming United States steel industry. It is also named “The City of Bridges” as it has 446 bridges!! When it comes to the food scene, Pittsburgh is known for Primanti Bros sandwiches, Pierogies, and Prantls Bakery Burnt Almond Torte!
Bonus Photo of Jonnie and I at a Pittsburgh Steeler’s game when we first started dating 🙂 Go Steelers!
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