Pittsburgh named by National Geographic Book as a Top 100 Unexpected Global Travel Destination
New book reveals unexpected, alterative destinations for travelers
(PITTSBURGH, PA) – It’s time to let Pittsburgh surprise you. VisitPITTSBURGH today unveiled that Pittsburgh has been selected in a National Geographic book as a Top 100 Unexpected Destination.
The designation is a part of National Geographic’s new book Here Not There: 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations by travel writer Andrew Nelson, which is designed to prompt out-of-the-box thinking for travelers looking to plan their next vacation.
“What an incredible honor to have Pittsburgh featured in such an esteemed travel publication,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO. “We have worked hard to position Pittsburgh as a travel destination that will surprise and delight visitors, and this designation showcases our destination's ability to do just that. Tucked away in the heart of the East Coast, Pittsburgh is a place where tech meets rec, Warhol meets whiskey and unexpected adventures abound.”
Here Not There leverages the growing trend of destination dupes, providing travelers with intriguing alternatives to overcrowded, expensive and predictable destinations.
Longtime National Geographic Travel writer, Andrew Nelson carefully curated this list to showcase how Pittsburgh’s “hilly tech town” experience can easily rival a trip to San Francisco—from our steep neighborhoods, water views and robust line-up of tech-startups to our local shops and robust culinary scene.
"For those that haven't been, Pittsburgh is a revelation—like San Francisco it's a mix of forward-thinking technology sectors mixed with some of the most historic and community-minded 19th Century neighborhoods found anywhere. And, of course, hills,” said Andrew Nelson, author of Here Not There.
Pittsburgh joined the ranks among renowned global destinations, including Paris, France; Boroburdur, Indonesia; Lecce, Italy; Montevideo, Uruguay; Western Cape, South Africa, among others.
The article touts Pittsburgh’s resurgence from a steel city to a green, forward-thinking technology hub that is no stranger to record-breaking inclines. In fact, Pittsburgh’s Canton Avenue still holds the title for the steepest street in the country, with a 37 percent grade.
Providing a direct connection to San Franciso's Oakland neighborhood, the article concludes by showcasing Pittsburgh University’s historic Cathedral of Learning alongside must-see attractions at the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Also featured within the book is the Great Allegheny Passage, as an eastern mountain alternative adventure to the Appalachian Trail.
“It’s our team’s job to share with the world all of the reasons why Pittsburgh is a world-class tourism destination,” said Bachar. “This accolade speaks to the exciting energy around travel in Pittsburgh. It’s publications, like this, that travelers turn to when making their trip plans and result in real, lasting impacts.”
To explore Here Not There: 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations (National Geographic; April 2, 2024; ISBN: 978-1-426222580), click here. To learn more about travel to Pittsburgh, visit VisitPITTSBURGH.com.