30 Hidden Gems in Pittsburgh
Have you ever wished for a bonus day in Pittsburgh?
Imagine all that you could discover with an extra 24 hours in the city of bridges.
Thankfully, we have compiled a list of 30 Pittsburgh Hidden Gems. Whether your bonus day in the city is in coming up soon or later this year, there’s an off-the-beaten-path activity just waiting to be encountered.
1. The Laurel Highlands’ Frank Lloyd Wright Properties
Just about an hour south of Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands offers a unique opportunity to experience nature and architecture. Explore the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright properties, including Fallingwater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in addition to outdoor adventures like kayaking, white water rafting, hiking and more.
2. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
More than 50 unique trolley cars are on display at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington County. Visit for a nostalgic experience and stay for a scenic ride! Enjoy a piece of the region’s history that is fun for the whole family.
3. August Wilson House
Legendary playwright August Wilson called Pittsburgh home and was forever inspired by the landscape that surrounded his childhood. Head to Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood to experience the place that shaped this icon’s creative career.
4. Moraine State Park
North of Pittsburgh in Butler County, Moraine State Park puts visitors in touch with nature. With trails aptly named Sunken Garden and Butterfly, there is so much to explore on foot or by bike. If water play is more your style, opportunities for swimming and boating abound here.
5. Spoonwood Brewing Co.
This Bethel Park brewery is a must try for beer-lovers, but it’s not just about the brews. Just south of Pittsburgh, Spoonwood Brewing offers experimental and thoughtful beers, a delectable food menu and an open environment that is perfect for families.
6. Pittsburgh Glass Center
For those interested in taking home a hand-crafted souvenir from Pittsburgh, a class at the Pittsburgh Glass Center is an amazing opportunity to do just that. The studio offers classes for all skill levels that are often themed throughout the year.
7. Bicycle Heaven
This one-of-a-kind museum presents guests with the opportunity to explore more than 6,000 bicycles, from those that have been featured in movies to a few that glow in the dark. Bike lovers and cycling novices alike will find this a thrilling and exceptional experience in Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood.
8. S&D Polish Deli
Pittsburghers loves pierogies! With so much to explore in the Strip District neighborhood, it would be easy to spend a whole day browsing. A stop at S&D Polish Deli for authentic pierogies and more Polish specialties is definitely a must for a tasty treat.
9. Mr. Smalls Theatre
Tucked away in charming Millvale, Mr. Smalls Theatre hosts musical acts of all genres in an intimate venue loved by locals and visitors. Check out the Funhouse, a club and restaurant on the upstairs level.
10. Arsenal Bowling Lanes
Retro meets new wave at this funky bowling alley in Lawrenceville. Bring a group or just a friend and rock the night away in a lively atmosphere where having a fun time is not an option.
11. Great Allegheny Passage Trail
Kick off the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage trail at Point State Park in Pittsburgh! Bike, hike or walk some or all of the trail, which connects with the C&O Canal Towpath leading all the way to Washington, D.C., with stops along the way in Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia.
12. St. Anthony’s Chapel
More than 5,000 religious relics are available for public viewing at Saint Anthony’s Chapel, which boasts the largest collection outside of the Vatican. A true hidden gem of the Troy Hill neighborhood, this space is open for tours and accepts donations.
13. The Murals of Maxo Vanka
Tucked away at Saint Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale are one-of-a-kind masterpieces that have been beautifully preserved. These floor-to-ceiling murals by Croatian artist Maxo Vanka are radical works of art that are both timeless and poignant.
14. Rivers of Steel’s Carrie Blast Furnaces
For those interested in learning about Pittsburgh’s passion for innovation, a Rivers of Steel tour is just the ticket. Explore the Carrie Blast Furnaces for a taste of how Pittsburgh’s recent past has shaped the city of today.
15. Walk The Burgh Tours
What’s better than brushing up on some Pittsburgh knowledge? How about doing so while getting some fresh air and exercise. Walk The Burgh Tours offer everything from the basic facts to specialty knowledge while weaving in and out of historic buildings.
16. 31 Nationality Rooms
Pittsburgh is fortunate to reap the benefits of the diversity its universities bring to the city. At the Nationality Rooms, in the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus, 31 cultures that have shaped Pittsburgh are represented in beautifully decorated classrooms.
17. Trundle Manor
Creepy is cool. At least that’s how you’ll feel after a visit (by appointment only) to Trundle Manor, a museum of oddities located inside a home in Pittsburgh’s Swissvale neighborhood.
18. Pittsburgh Banjo Club
Wednesday nights in Pittsburgh get a little extra flavor at the Allegheny Elks Lodge on Pittsburgh’s North Side, where the Pittsburgh Banjo Club holds practices free to the public. Grab a friend and a beer and head on down for a night you won’t soon forget.
19. Wildcard
Wildcard shop in Lawrenceville is a treasure-trove of greeting cards, crafts, gifts, books and more. For anyone looking for a unique gift or a locally made item for the home, this is your place. We dare you to walk out empty handed.
20. The Manor Theatre
For under-the-radar movies in a neighborhood theater, The Manor is a perfect spot any day of the week. With a stocked bar and classic movie treats, this Squirrel Hill treasure is worth checking out for your culture fix.
21. Spring Hill Brewing
Pittsburgh’s rolling hills make for a beautiful landscape and incredible views, and Spring Hill Brewing, in Pittsburgh’s North Side, made its view even more enticing by adding beer! Try a craft brew in an outdoor oasis complete with picnic tables and yard games.
22. Roberto Clemente Museum
Pirates baseball legend Roberto Clemente is a hero in Pittsburgh – the player even has a bridge named after him. At the Roberto Clemente Museum, dedicated to his life and legacy, lifelong fans and rookies alike will be in awe.
23. Center for PostNatural History
This unassuming storefront in Garfield (open only on Sundays) is sure to catch your eye for its window display. This collection of specimens is meant to teach visitors about the connection between science, society and nature.
24. From Slavery To Freedom Garden
Nestled by the entrance to the Frick Environmental Center grows the From Slavery to Freedom Garden. A collaborative project between the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Heinz History Center, this garden showcases plants that were used for food and medicinal purposes found in woodlands and fields along the journey to freedom, as well as vegetables used in home gardens at the time.
25. Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village
Did you know that the oldest site of human habitation in North America is located in Western Pennsylvania? Visitors can experience a taste of what life was like more than 19,000 years ago at Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, an affiliate of the Senator John Heinz History Center.
26. Bayernhof Museum
The weird, the wonderful and everything in between is on display at the Bayernhof Museum in O’Hara Township just north of Pittsburgh. This mansion turned museum is filled with items previously owned by eccentric collector Charles B. Brown.
27. August Wilson African American Cultural Center
After stopping by his house for some photos, be sure to visit the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, where visual art, plus on-stage performances in dance, song and live music, are available. This is a space for storytelling inspired by the African American experience and guided by the work of the legendary playwright..
28. Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Legendary entertainers Billy Strayhorn and Gene Kelly called Pittsburgh’s East Liberty home. The Kelly Strayhorn Theater is a community and cultural center committed to diversity and inclusiveness.
29. Showcase BBQ
You will smell Showcase BBQ before you see it, but just wait until you taste it! This authentic barbeque joint in Homewood makes everything fresh, including its smoked items fired up on a giant, outside grill.
30. Unblurred: First Friday Gallery Crawl
On the first Friday of every month, rain or shine, Garfield hosts the Unblurred Gallery Crawl, a free experience to explore the artist studios, restaurants, shops and music venues of this awesome Pittsburgh neighborhood.
About The Author
Julia M.
Communications Coordinator
Julia Millman is a Pittsburgh transplant who is happy to call the 412 home. Her favorite activity is exploring and she loves all things food, drink and quirky culture.