Downtown Pittsburgh

You might say Downtown is Pittsburgh's oldest and newest neighborhood. That is, Pittsburgh celebrated its 250th birthday in 2008, and with that is a rapidly expanding downtown residency population. In fact, Downtown is now considered Pittsburgh's 89th neighborhood. Today, more than 3,000 residents call Downtown Pittsburgh home. And this number is sure to grow as newly constructed condos and renovated lofts and apartments become available.

Whether you're a resident or a visitor to Downtown, you'll want to put on your walking shoes! Only two miles in diameter, the neighborhood's compact size makes it easy to walk from hotels to shops, theaters and restaurants. You'll also find plenty of coffee shops, galleries, bike trails, parks and more. Check out the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation's free walking tours of the city!

Downtown's Cultural District has been bringing arts and entertainment to the city for nearly a century. Lovers of performing arts, history, visual arts and movies alike will find plenty to enjoy in this 14-block area.

Take a walking tour of Pittsburgh's public art—and see why Pittsburgh is consistently ranked among the best arts destinations in the country. From the blue LED text that scroll along the convention center roofline to colorful ceramic murals and fabricated "clouds," these self-guided walking tours of Downtown and Oakland are a great way to spend an afternoon. Download a copy of the tour for free from the Office of Public Arts.

You may also enjoy the fountains throughout the city on a warm summer day, or watch the streets glow during the holidays on Light Up Night or First Night—Pittsburgh's New Year's Eve celebration.

A riverfront trail system makes it easy to get around. With so much to do, the locals have picked their favorites to be traditions. Now it's your turn to see what being a Pittsburgher is all about!