Top Free Things to Do in Pittsburgh

Downtown Walking Tours

See skyscrapers, soak up stories, scarf down a sandwich and more! Download one or all six free self-guided walking tours of downtown Pittsburgh to learn surprising tales from the past and see the best classic and modern skyscrapers. These tours, created by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, are one of the best ways to experience Pittsburgh's rich architectural history! Download Tour Here

If you happen to be touring downtown on the first or third Mondays of the month through October, stop by the Old Allegheny County Jail Museum between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. when a docent is available to tell the story of this historic building.

Old Allegheny County Jail Museum Self-Guided Tours

The Old Allegheny County Jail, as seen in the film "Mrs. Soffel," was completed in 1886 to the designs of Boston architect H. H. Richardson and in use until July 27, 1995. A portion of one of the cell blocks has been preserved as the "Old Allegheny County Jail Museum." Enter the facility through the main Ross Street entrance (between 5th and Forbes avenues behind the Courthouse) or through the courtyard arch on Fifth Avenue. At either entrance, you will have to go through security. Open Mondays (except on government holidays), Feb-Oct, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

View from Mt. Washington

Drive up McArdle Roadway to Mt. Washington any evening to see why USA Weekend called this vantage point "one of the Top 10 most beautiful views in the country." Daytime views are great too, and sightseeing can be paired with a visit to the Emerald View Park, a 257-acre green space.

Step It Up for An Urban Adventure

Go on an urban adventure and get a workout, too! Pittsburgh boasts more than 700 outdoor stairways within the city limits. You can climb more than 24,000 vertical feet if you tackle them all! Learn more about all the hiking and biking trails plus waterways - all waiting to be explored.

The Allegheny Observatory

Take a free evening tour and see the night sky in a whole new light. The visit includes a short presentation, tour of the building and an opportunity to look through the telescope. Reservations are required and the observatory operates on a seasonal schedule.

The Frick Art & Historical Center

Take a step back in time to the gilded age in this beautifully preserved series of buildings and gardens right here in Pittsburgh. The best part? It is completely free to tour the grounds, The Frick Art Museum permanent collection and Car and Carriage Museum.

Nationality Rooms at University of Pittsburgh & Heinz Memorial Chapel

Tour 30 classrooms designed to represent distinct nationalities and cultures. Housed in the university's beautiful Cathedral of Learning building, these amazing classrooms are a must-see. Just be aware, these are active classrooms during the semester, so specific rooms may be occupied for classes!

Farmers Markets

Starting in late spring and going all through the fall months, our farmers markets are something to behold. Try local foods, meet area farmers and mix with the locals at one of many fresh farm stands.

Take a Sunset Selfie at Pittsburgh's Most Famous Views

We are a city of gorgeous hills and vistas. Discover our best views and scenic overlooks and see if you can grab a selfie at each one! Point State Park and West End Overlook are two of our favorites!

Fort Pitt Block House

Built in 1764, it is the only surviving structure of the original Fort Pitt, and is the oldest building in Pittsburgh. It tells the story of western Pennsylvania's role during the French & Indian War and the American Revolution. Musket balls and rifle locks are two of the featured artifacts on display.

PPG Place and Market Square

There's no cost to walk around beautiful Market Square and PPG Place, located next to each other in the heart of Downtown. You might see fountains going off in the summer, ice skaters and holiday lights in the winter, plus artisan markets, live music, a holiday shopping village and more in this happening area.

Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park

Bring your blanket and some snacks and enjoy free Cinema in the Park! This program takes over local parks throughout the city to show free movies. Each location offers something different, whether you want to be in the heart of the action at Schenley Plaza or just take in scenic views from the West End Elliott Overlook.

Final Fridays

Mingle with some of the top artists and entrepreneurs in the city each month at the glittering Rose Way for Final Fridays, located right by The Warhol! Rainbow walls, live music and a canopy of lights make this free event one of the best secrets in Pittsburgh. A cash bar and food truck is also available.

Trundle Manor

When I asked the ChatGPT AI the top hidden gem in Pittsburgh, Trundle Manor was the top answer! A self-styled tourist trap, take a personal tour of the bizarre collection of taxidermy, weapons, medical devices and much more. While the tour is free, donations are appreciated!

Kelso Museum

The Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has had biblical archaeology as a focus since 1908, eventually expanding into the Kelso Museum that highlights daily life in ancient times for those in modern day Israel, West Bank and Jordan. Admission and lectures are all free.

The Strip District

The smells and sights are always free in the Strip, a vibrant, walkable neighborhood full of international food, fresh markets, local beverages and tons of shopping. The Strip is a great stop any time of year even if you're just browsing.

St. Anthony's Relics

St. Anthony is the Catholic saint you pray to to find lost things, and a fitting person for St. Anthony's Chapel, which houses the largest collection of Christian relics outside of the Vatican. Remember, this is an active place of worship, so please remain silent and dress modestly as you visit the Chapel.

Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden

Visit the Biblical lands without ever leaving the city! The Biblical Botanical Garden is the largest garden of its kind in North America, and the only one with ongoing research and publication! Waterfalls, streams and deserts adorn this garden with 100+ plants labeled with corresponding biblical verses.

Monuments and Redbuds Tours

You can see some of the best monuments in the city without ever entering a museum. Go on our North Shore walking tour to see the site of the Immaculate Reception and much more, and in the springtime walk this same route to see the redbuds in bloom.

Dog Days of Summer

Bring your pup for some four-legged fun at parks throughout Pittsburgh for a summer evening of fun and games. Giveaway bags full of treats are also passed out at this free event.

Open Streets

The last Sunday of May, June and July mean the return of Open Streets, the free community event that shuts down miles of city streets for you to enjoy via foot or bike. Activity hubs scattered throughout the route are packed with kids activities, exercise programs, live music and more.

Karpeles Manuscript Library

The former Holy Innocents Church has been wonderfully repurposed into the free Karpeles Manuscript Library. Rotating exhibitions here feature historical documents from the realms of literature, science, religion, music and art.