Classic Pittsburgh Tour

The must-see sites in Pittsburgh make up the "Classic Pittsburgh" itinerary. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to have some serious fun!

Start with a ride aboard the historic Duquesne Incline to the top of Mt. Washington. Getting there is half the fun! And, once there, you will be thrilled at the magnificent view of downtown Pittsburgh and see why USA Weekend magazine calls it "the second-best view in America!" Don’t forget your camera!

Continue your exploration at the Senator John Heinz History Center, the largest history museum in Pennsylvania. The History Center brings the past to life through fascinating exhibits and one-of-a-kind artifacts. Don't forget to leave time for the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, too! After all, what's the history of Pittsburgh without Franco, Mario, Roberto and the gang?

Fly on over to the National Aviary, a unique place on the North Shore that’s home to more than 600 exotic and endangered birds from around the world. Visit Penguin Point and participate in FliteZone, an outdoor free-flight bird show. The National Aviary’s large walk-through exhibits create an experience unlike any other – an intimate, up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds.

Spend an afternoon in Oakland to visit the campuses of Carnegie Mellon University or the University of Pittsburgh. While you’re on Pitt's campus, be sure to check out The Nationality Rooms located inside the towering Cathedral of Learning. Each of the 28 classrooms reflects the culture and heritage of one of Pittsburgh’s diverse ethnic groups through authentic design and decoration.

The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History combines two world-renowned museums in one unforgettable visit. Discover dinosaurs, sparkling gems, ancient Egyptian treasures, and African and North American wildlife in the Museum of Natural History. Then, marvel at the Museum of Art's collections of American art, Impressionist paintings, furniture, architecture, and more.

Continue your Oakland exploration at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This Schenley Park jewel has delighted plant and flower enthusiasts for over 100 years. Housed in what is considered to be one of the largest and finest Victorian glasshouses in the country, the glass display rooms at the Phipps feature tropical, desert, regional, flowering, and fruit displays, as well as fabulous seasonal displays. The Phipps is your botanical oasis in the heart of Pittsburgh!

Enjoy an evening in the Pittsburgh Cultural District, the city's entertainment and cultural nerve center. Located in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of most major hotels, restaurants and shopping, the Cultural District is the place for the best of musical theater, ballet, modern dance, classic and popular music, drama and the visual arts. Take your pick – the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theater, August Wilson Center for African American Culture all call the Cultural District home.