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Pittsburgh is photo-worthy, but what are the top spots to snap a selfie for the Gram?
In Pittsburgh, there is no shortage of scenic backdrops for you to enjoy. No matter where you are in the city, there are Instagram-worthy pictures to grab. Here are the top places to snap when you're in the Burgh.
Fort Pitt Tunnel View
When you're approaching Pittsburgh from the South, you'll want to go through the Fort Pitt tunnel. Why? The view on the other side. Get your passengers ready and roll down the windows because when you exit the tunnel, you'll see one of the best views of the skyline. This view is even worth the traffic.
Why is this shot so Instagram-worthy? This view has been featured on the big screen in the movie Perks of Being a Wallflower!
Rooftop Bars
Pittsburgh has many rooftop bars to take advantage of. Get an Instagram-ready shot with your fancy cocktail overlooking the city from various spots. Find these Instagrammable locations at the Biergarten at Hotel Monaco, Il Tetto in the Cultural District or Level 7 near the convention center. Even when Pittsburgh's weather cools, several rooftop locations are equipped to be enjoyed year-round.
Find unlimited Insta-worthy spots in and around Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh. This location is filled with restaurants, coffee shops, art and scenic architecture to fill your feed no matter which way you point your phone. Plus, there's always something happening in Market Square from farmers' markets, yoga in the square, pop-up events, free festivals and the Holiday Market.
If you're in the mood for a stroll or a visit to our local botanical garden, Schenley Park is full of artsy shots. Flagstaff Hill sits right across from Phipps Conservatory giving you the perfect long distance view of the skyline and Oakland's famous Cathedral of Learning. There are also trails that run through the park with creeks, train tracks and tunnels that make the perfect photo opportunities.
Mount Washington Overlooks
The best view of Pittsburgh is just up Mt. Washington. You'll get a clear shot of the skyline, the point, North Shore and the three rivers. There is no better place to see the city of bridges from up on the overlooks. You can find multiple overlooks around Mt. Washington but our favorite view is from the one on Grand View Ave.
*Bonus tip: Take the Duquesne Incline up from Station Square to get pictures on the way up the mount.
Strip District
Pittsburgh history runs up and down Penn Ave through the Strip District. There are so many Instagram-worthy shots to grab, it will be hard to pick just one. We love the historic architecture of the local merchants that have been a part of Pittsburgh for years. Snap a picture of the local food, shops and street vendors to have a true Pittsburgher's feed.
Photo Credit: Jody Mader
Smithfield Bridge
Designated as both a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, famous for being one of the first bridges in the U.S. to use primarily steel in its construction.
With an iconic design and stellar location, this portal between Downtown and the South Side offers one of the best views of the skyline without heading up.
Head over to the pedestrian-friendly Hot Metal Bridge just east of the city to grab a panoramic photo of the river and skyline. You might be so lucky to catch a barge passing under, too!
The bridge itself is a unique and modern landscape for passersby to grab an artsy selfie. One side of the bridge will lead you to Pittsburgh's most visited street for nightlife, while the other side will put you out on an aesthetic bike path that runs across the city.
Pro Tip: This is an active path for bikers, so be aware of your surroundings as you snap that perfect selfie.
Bricks at your feet. Stunning stone architecture lit up all around you. A towering central skylight above. Though the train station that once stood here is one, this incredible historic structure remains. Maybe the best place in the Burgh for proposals, couples photography and selfies before and after major events Downtown.
In almost every season, you can head over to the North Shore to enjoy a game or an event at one of the stadiums. PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium are right along the Allegheny River Walk and within walking distance of each other as well as monuments, statues and the iconic Carnegie Science Center. This walk is the perfect way to incorporate Pittsburgh's black and gold into your timeline.
PGH Museums
On a rainy Pittsburgh day, you may find yourself in one of Pittsburgh's many museums (a perfect spot for an Instagram photoshoot). The infamous Andy Warhol red velvet couch is one of our favorite photo ops. It wouldn't be a trip to the Warhol without striking this popular pose.
Hundreds of murals beautify buildings and public spaces around our 90 neighborhoods, and these pops of color make for a perfect backdrop for your next profile pic.
The Roberto Clemente, Mac Miller, Tom Savini and Andy Warhol murals are a great place to start, or follow our mural guide for even more ideas.
