Explore the Neighborhoods
Beyond the convention center and downtown hotel lobbies, you will find a city made up of 90 distinct neighborhoods. Each features its own unique personality, architecture, food scene, and culture. Best of all, many are just a quick 10-minute transit ride or rideshare from downtown.
Whether you have a free two-hour window between breakout sessions or a full day to explore after your conference wraps, there is more than one way to experience Pittsburgh.
How Do You Want to Explore?
- By Foot: Stroll through historic, highly walkable business districts filled with independent shops, local coffee roasters, and sidewalk cafés.
- By Bike or Trail: Hop on a POGOH bike and explore miles of riverfront trails connecting downtown directly to adjacent neighborhoods.
- By Transit: Take the "T" light rail or local bus routes for a fast, affordable trip across the rivers or up into the hills.
- By Incline: Ride one of the historic funiculars up to Mount Washington for iconic skyline views and neighborhood dining.
Find Your Neighborhood Vibe
Culinary Destinations and Historic Markets
If you want to sample incredible food between meetings, these neighborhoods should be at the top of your list. The Strip District is an absolute classic for morning walks, loaded with historic grocers, sidewalk espresso stands, and busy street markets. Over in Bloomfield, you will find cozy eateries, vintage coffee shops, and deep Italian roots along Liberty Avenue. If you are craving an incredible mix of international dining, local bakeries, and casual spots to grab lunch, head to the busy commercial heart of Squirrel Hill.
Nightlife, Craft Brews, and Evening Hangs
When the last session wraps and it is time to unwind, head out to the city's lively evening corridors. Lawrenceville stretches along Butler Street with an energetic mix of chef-driven spots, craft cocktail lounges, indie boutiques, and local galleries. Over on the South Side, East Carson Street features historic Victorian storefronts packed with pubs, live music venues, and late-night bites. For something a bit more polished, East Liberty delivers a great mix of upscale dining, craft cocktail bars, and repurposed industrial venues.
Cultural Centers, Museums, and Big Architecture
Looking for world-class arts and historic landmarks within a quick ride from downtown? Oakland is the cultural heart of the city, packed with university campuses, massive Carnegie museums, and the stunning Phipps Conservatory. Over in Garfield, Penn Avenue comes alive with community art galleries, performance spaces, and creative studios. Across the river, Allegheny City Central and the North Shore blend iconic museums, historic brick rowhouses, and waterfront paths right by the stadiums.
Scenic Skyline Views and Historic Heights
To grab the ultimate Pittsburgh photo, take a quick trip up into the hills. Mount Washington is world-famous for its historic inclines, giving you wide-open panoramic views of the downtown skyline alongside great ridge-top dining. Just across the Allegheny River, hilltop Troy Hill sits perched on the bluffs, offering incredible river views, quiet historic streets, cozy neighborhood taverns, and quirky off-the-beaten-path art installations.
Explore 24-Hour Itineraries
Have a full day to really dive in? Pick a neighborhood below to check out custom 24-Hour Itineraries built to help you get the absolute most out of your time in town.
