The ten-block district known as the Golden Triangle, lies at the heart of downtown Pittsburgh at the confluence of the picturesque Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers.   Once bitterly fought over as the gateway to the West, Pittsburgh today is one of America's most attractive and most livable cities.

Each of Pittsburgh's close-knit neighborhoods:  the South Side and Mount Washington  (across the Monongahela River from the Golden Triangle); the North Side, across the Allegheny River; and Oakland, the university area in the east, attests in its own way to the city's history and its resurgence. Easily accessible to each other, they retain individual identities, and each adds a unique element to the whole.

Industry in Pittsburgh began with the development of iron foundries in the early 1800s, and by the time of the Civil War, Pittsburgh was producing half of the iron and one third of the glass in the US. Soon after, the city became the world's leading producer of steel, thanks to the vigorous expansion programs of Andrew Carnegie, who, by 1870, was the richest man in the world. Present-day Pittsburgh is dotted with his cultural bequests, along with those of other wealthy benefactors who were Carnegie’s contemporaries.  These include the Mellon bankers, the Frick coal merchants, and the Heinz food producers.

A face-lift in recent years has involved large-scale demolition of abandoned steel mills and freed up much of the downtown waterfront for development and the surrounding areas for gentrification and preservation of historical treasures.  For shopping, fine dining and just enjoying the scenery, plan a visit to the Waterfront.  Located along the Monongahela River, the Waterfront is now a 360-acre landmark retail development that offers 1.8 million square feet of entertainment, retail shops and much more, making it a must see during any stay.

The popular Andy Warhol Museum, which opened in 1994, bolstered Pittsburgh's image as a destination city, and an enormous new Convention Center brings in major conferences.  The city is easily accessible via numerous interstate highways. 

During football season, Pittsburghers lovingly cheer on the hometown football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.  After the game, if someone offers to buy you an “iron”, it doesn't mean your clothes are rumpled. The local brand of beer in Pittsburgh is Iron City, popularly known as Iron. There are many other interesting local expressions that have become part of Pittsburgh’s culture and history.  For example, “city chicken” is not poultry but breaded pork and veal skewered and grilled. “Jumbo” does not refer to size but to bologna, and soft drinks are simply “pop.”

For a spectacular view of the city, take a ride on the Duquesne Incline.  Visitors can admire the view from a century-old cable car traveling between West Carson Street and the many fine restaurants of Grandview Avenue.  For a historical day trip, visit the Bushy Run Battlefield. It is Pennsylvania’s only recognized Native American battlefield.

A day at the Zoo and Aquarium is always fun for a change of pace.  As home to more than 2,000 animals, including a variety of endangered species, it’s a perfect all day outing. Summer is a perfect time to visit nearby Kennywood Park for a fun filled day with the entire family.  Kennywood is one of America’s finest traditional amusement parks.

History, attractions, fine dining, weather for all seasons; whatever the interest, the folks from the “burg” will warmly welcome you.

Population:                  350,363

Elevation:                    1,223 feet above sea level

Location:                     Located in the Western portion of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is within 500 miles of more than half the U.S. population.

Land Area:                   55.5 Square Miles

Time Zone:                  Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Pittsburgh, it’s 11:00am in Chicago and 9:00am in Los Angeles)

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

From an average high temperature of 82.5 F in July to an average low temperature of 20.8 F in January, Pittsburgh has four very distinct seasons. There are activities taking place year round, with no season in particular known as the “busy season”. However, summer tends to have more leisure visitors due to both the excellent weather and to visitors passing through the city as part of a summer road trip.  Fall can be spectacular with the changing of the seasons and the vibrant colors appearing.  The same holds true for spring when the numerous blossoms appear, signaling the end of winter.  Snow can be frequent and heavy during January through March but it also transforms the city into a postcard-like setting.

Getting There:

By Air

Pittsburgh International Airport

1000 Airport Boulevard

Pittsburgh, PA 15231

412-472-3500

Located 15 miles west of the city

The airport is served by many of the national airlines as well as certain regional carriers.

By Car

Major routes into the roads around the city are I-76 from the northwest (Cleveland) and east (Philadelphia), I-70 from the west (Columbus) and southeast (Washington, D.C.), and I-79 from the north (Erie, PA) and south (Charleston, WV).

By Train

Amtrak

1100 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

800-USA-RAIL

By Bus

Greyhound:

55 11th St
Pittsburgh PA 15222

412-392-6513

Getting Around Town

It is best to use either a personal or rental car to get around town.  Other services available:

Yellow Cab

412-321-8100

Checker Cab

412-664-5600

Embassy Coach

412-672-4600

National Holidays:

New Year's Day: Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day:  3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day: last Mon. in May

Independence Day: July 4

Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day:  4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve: Dec. 31

Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center
1212 Smallman St, Pittsburgh
412-454-6000
Hours: Open Daily 10am - 5pm
Admission charged.
This museum presents the history of western Pennsylvania. Visit the many changing exhibits as well as the three permanent exhibits. Points in Time, features life in Pittsburgh from 1750 to present time. Glass: Shattering Notions is an interactive story of glass in western Pennsylvania and the Prine Collection of Woodworking Planes - over 200 wooden planes used in Pittsburgh.

Carnegie Science Center
Allegheny Center, Pittsburgh
412-237-3400
Hours: Sunday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday 10am - 9pm
Admission charged.
This centers features an Omnimax Theater, over 250 hands - on exhibits, a WWII submarine and the world's only electronic exhibits theater.

Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh
412-237-8300
Hours: Sunday & Wednesday 11am - 6pm; Thursday - Saturday 11am - 8pm; closed Monday & Tuesday
Admission charged.
Visit the works of one of the most influential artists in 20th century U.S. history. This seven story building consists of more than 3000 forms of trans-media works of art. This is one museum that is not to be missed.

Gateway Clipper Fleet
9 Station Square Dock, Pittsburgh
412-355-7980
Hours: Depends on cruise
Admission: varies
A cruise? In Pittsburgh? You bet! Take your family on an adventure on the high seas. A favorite for everyone in the family.

Pittsburgh Children's Museum
10 Children's Way, Pittsburgh
412-322-5058
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday & Saturday 10am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 8pm; Sunday 12pm - 5pm
Admission charged.
This is a hands-on museum that can entertain children of all ages for hours. If possible, plan a visit on a Tuesday, which is family day.

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
1 Museum Way, Washington (30 minutes south of Pittsburgh)
877-Pa-Trolley
Hours: Closed January, February & March; April - December: weekends 11am - 5pm; Memorial Day - Labor Day: daily 11am - 5pm
Admission charged.
The clang of the trolley, the ding of the bell and a three mile trip in the past. When you're finished your ride, take a tour of the museum. Your ticket is good for the entire day. Don't let it go to waste!

The Jimmy Stewart Museum
9th & Philadelphia Sts, Indiana, PA
724-349-6112/800-83-JIMMY
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday & Holidays 12pm - 5pm; closed Monday & Tuesdays during Januray, February & March
Admission charged.
A legend in his own right. Anyone who has ever seen a Jimmy Stewart film won't want to miss this museum's dipiction of his life and accomplishments. You'll go back in time and may want to stay there.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History
4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
412-622-3131
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm - 5pm; open Mondays July 5 - August 3
Admission charged.
This is the place where you can dig for bones, go mining and see what our planet has to offer. One stop shopping for a fun and educational time.
 

Sandcastle Water Park
1000 Sandcastle Dr, Pittsburgh
412-462-6666
Hours: Beginning of June - Beginning of September Daily 11am - 6pm
Admission charged.
This park has water rides galore! A definate reason to visit Pittsburgh in the summer. Ride down 45' from the Bermuda Triangle. Start at the top of Thunder Run and expierence a ride from 50'. And for all that are fearless, the Cliffhangers is calling your name. Be prepared to get wet and stay that way.

Kennywood
4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA
412-461-0500
Hours: Daily May 12 - September 4 10:30am - 10pm
Admission charged.
This park will satisfy the needs of all family members. Roller coasters, water rides and special rides for the kiddies. Not just an amusement park, this is an historical landmark as well.

Idlewild Park
Rt. 30 E, Ligonier, PA
724-238-3666
Hours: Daily 10am - park closing announced daily(end of May - beginning of September)
Admission charged.
Perfect family setting!   Beside the rides, you can visit Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, listen to a story at the Story Book Forest and if there's still an ounce of energy left, tire the children out at the Jumpin' Jungle.

The National Aviary
West Park, Pittsburgh
412-323-7235
Hours: Daily 9am - 5pm
Admission charged.
 There are over 200 different species of birds to observe.

The Pittsburgh Zoo
One World Place, Pittsburgh
800-474-4966
Hours: Labor Day - Memorial Weekend 9am - 5pm;
Admission charged.
Take the children to the Kids Kingdom at the Pittsburgh Zoo and not only will they see animals, but they can get close to them at the Petting Zoo. . There is also a 42,000 sq. ft. aquarium.

Carnegie Museum of Art
4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
412-622-3131
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm - 5pm
Admission charged.
Located under the same roof as the Museum of Natural History, this museum features American & European art. You won't make to miss the Hall of Architecture. You'll see breathtaking recreations of architectural masterpieces from around the world.

Events

May

Annual Greek Food Festival

419 South Dithridge St
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-682-3866
Call for specific information concerning dates, hours and admission
One of the best food festivals in Pittsburgh featuring dolmades, spanokapita, tiropita, shish kebab, rice pilaf, and plenty of pastries for desert.

Pittsburgh Folk Festival

Chevrolet Amphitheatre

Station Square

Downtown Pittsburgh, PA

412-278-1267

Admission Free

Call for specific information concerning dates, hours and admission
The Folk Festival has been held in Pittsburgh for more than 40 years and features live music, ethnic food, dance and arts and crafts events.

June

Three Rivers Arts Festival

Point State Park

101 Commonwealth Pl
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-765-2102

Admission Free

Call for additional information

Experience the annual 17-day festival of the visual and performing arts in downtown Pittsburgh.

Wings Over Pittsburgh Air Show
Pittsburgh International Airport

1000 Airport Boulevard

Pittsburgh, PA 15231
412-474-8501

Admission Free

Call for specific information concerning dates and hours
The huge "Wings Over Pittsburgh" Air Show event allows the general public to observe the daily operations of the U.S. Military. Wings Over Pittsburgh features static displays, tactical demonstrations, numerous flybys of military aircraft, plus ground activities showcasing the military's day-to-day operations.  

July

Pittsburgh Blues Festival

The Pittsburgh Brewing Company

3340 Liberty Ave

Pittsburgh, PA  15201

412-460-2583

Call for additional information

Admission Charged
Live entertainment is performed on two stages during this lively three day festival.  The event raises money for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta

Point State Park

Downtown Pittsburgh, PA
412-875-4841

Admission Free

Call for additional information      

Along with Pittsburgh's largest fireworks spectacular, families will enjoy live music, water activities, a large Children's Village, great food and much more!  The festival is named for the three rivers that border Point State Park; the Allegheny River, Ohio River and the Monongahela River.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Schenley Park

Forbes Ave and Schenley Drive

Pittsburgh, PA
412-731-2878

Admission Charged

Call for additional information
Considered the premier Vintage Grand Prix event in the United States, the Grand Prix Race attracts Fans of all ages, who line the beautiful Schenley Park streets to cheer for their favorite Antique Autos.

 

September

Pittsburgh International Science & Technology Festival

Carnegie Science Center

One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-237-1552

Call for specific information concerning dates, hours and admission

The annual Pittsburgh International Science and Technology Festival (SciTech Festival) is a 9-day community event showcasing innovations in science and technology in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival

South Side Riverfront Park

Beneath the Birmingham Bridge on the Monongahela River

Pittsburgh, PA

412-231-8772

Admission Free

Call for additional information
The Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival features dragon boat races with teams from around the country participating.  Also at the festival are Asian restaurants cooking their specialties, food from other Pittsburgh Sister Cities, Dragon and Lion Dance performers, Chinese opera, Tai Chi performers, martial arts demonstrations, artist drawings, children’s events, and much more.

October

Pittsburgh International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

Melwood Screening Room

Pittsburgh Filmmakers facility

477 Melwood Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA

412-232-3277

Admission Charged

Call for specific information concerning dates, hours and admission
The Pittsburgh International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival is one of the most respected and highly attended alternative film events and includes more than 40 films and videos exploring lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered themes. The festival also includes a kick-off party, an opening night gala and a wrap party.

Arts and Culture

Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
719 Liberty Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-471-6070

Admission Charged

Call for additional information concerning scheduled performances, dates and hours

Pittsburgh’s magnificently restored 2,885-seat Benedum Center is home to opera, theater, dance, contemporary to classical music, and touring Broadway shows.

Byham Theater

101 Sixth St

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-456-1350

Admission Charged

Call for additional information

Originally built in 1903 as the Gayety Theater, the Byham Theater opened on Halloween night, 1904. It ran for many years as one of the country's foremost stage and vaudeville houses, with appearances from such stars as Ethel Barrymore, Gertrude Lawrence and Helen Hayes. 

An intimate 1,303-seat theater, the Byham is the only mid-sized performance hall Downtown.

City Theatre Company

1300 Bingham St

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

412-431-4000

Admission Charged

Call for addition information

City Theatre has been described as Pittsburgh’s most adventuresome theatre.  It produces contemporary plays of substance and ideas that engage and challenge a diverse audience.

Pittsburgh Filmmakers
477 Melwood Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-681-5449

Admission Charged

Call for additional information

Pittsburgh Filmmakers presents a selection of independent American and foreign films and displays the work of many prominent photographers each year.

Pittsburgh Symphony
Pittsburgh Symphony Heinz Hall
600 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-392-3320

Admission Charged

Call for specific information concerning performances, dates and hours

One of the world’s great orchestras makes its home in Pittsburgh’s premier theater, Pittsburgh Symphony Heinz Hall. Concerts and performances vary, but have included the Mellon Grand Classics Series, the music of Barbra Streisand performed by Julie Budd, the music of Irving Berlin and holiday classics.

Pittsburgh Symphony Heinz Hall

600 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-392-4900

Admission Charged

Call for additional information

Heinz Hall, the cornerstone of the Downtown Cultural District, has been elegantly restored and is home to the world-renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Sports

PNC Park is the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. This 38,000-seat classic baseball park features a center field that opens to a dramatic view of the city skyline. A short distance along the riverfront is Heinz Field, where the Pittsburgh Steelers play. Pittsburgh Penguins ice hockey takes place Downtown at Mellon Arena.

Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey

Mellon Arena

66 Mario Lemieux Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-642-PENS

Pittsburgh Pirates

PNC Park at the North Shore
115 Federal Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-323-5000

Pittsburgh Steelers

Heinz Field

300 Stadium St
Pittsburgh, PA 15204

412-323-1200

Carnegie Science Center
Allegheny Center, Pittsburgh
412-237-3400
Hours: Sunday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday 10am - 9pm
Admission charged.
This centers features an Omnimax Theater, over 250 hands - on exhibits, a WWII submarine and the world's only electronic exhibits theater.

Gateway Clipper Fleet
9 Station Square Dock, Pittsburgh
412-355-7980
Hours: Depends on cruise
Admission: varies
A cruise? In Pittsburgh? You bet! Take your family on an adventure on the high seas. A favorite for everyone in the family.

Pittsburgh Children's Museum
10 Children's Way, Pittsburgh
412-322-5058
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday & Saturday 10am - 5pm; Friday 10am - 8pm; Sunday 12pm - 5pm
Admission charged.
This is a hands-on museum that can entertain children of all ages for hours. If possible, plan a visit on a Tuesday, which is family day.

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
1 Museum Way, Washington (30 minutes south of Pittsburgh)
877-Pa-Trolley
Hours: Closed January, February & March; April - December: weekends 11am - 5pm; Memorial Day - Labor Day: daily 11am - 5pm
Admission charged.
The clang of the trolley, the ding of the bell and a three mile trip in the past. When you're finished your ride, take a tour of the museum. Your ticket is good for the entire day. Don't let it go to waste!

Carnegie Museum of Natural History
4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
412-622-3131
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm - 5pm; open Mondays July 5 - August 3
Admission charged.
This is the place where you can dig for bones, go mining and see what our planet has to offer. One stop shopping for a fun and educational time.
 

Sandcastle Water Park
1000 Sandcastle Dr, Pittsburgh
412-462-6666
Hours: Beginning of June - Beginning of September Daily 11am - 6pm
Admission charged.
This park has water rides galore! A definate reason to visit Pittsburgh in the summer. Ride down 45' from the Bermuda Triangle. Start at the top of Thunder Run and expierence a ride from 50'. And for all that are fearless, the Cliffhangers is calling your name. Be prepared to get wet and stay that way.

Kennywood
4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA
412-461-0500
Hours: Daily May 12 - September 4 10:30am - 10pm
Admission charged.
This park will satisfy the needs of all family members. Roller coasters, water rides and special rides for the kiddies. Not just an amusement park, this is an historical landmark as well.

Idlewild Park
Rt. 30 E, Ligonier, PA
724-238-3666
Hours: Daily 10am - park closing announced daily(end of May - beginning of September)
Admission charged.
Perfect family setting!   Beside the rides, you can visit Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, listen to a story at the Story Book Forest and if there's still an ounce of energy left, tire the children out at the Jumpin' Jungle.

The National Aviary
West Park, Pittsburgh
412-323-7235
Hours: Daily 9am - 5pm
Admission charged.
 There are over 200 different species of birds to observe.

The Pittsburgh Zoo
One World Place, Pittsburgh
800-474-4966
Hours: Labor Day - Memorial Weekend 9am - 5pm;
Admission charged.
Take the children to the Kids Kingdom at the Pittsburgh Zoo and not only will they see animals, but they can get close to them at the Petting Zoo. . There is also a 42,000 sq. ft. aquarium.

Carnegie Museum of Art
4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
412-622-3131
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm - 5pm
Admission charged.
Located under the same roof as the Museum of Natural History, this museum features American & European art. You won't make to miss the Hall of Architecture. You'll see breathtaking recreations of architectural masterpieces from around the world.