Pittsburgh Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Pennsylvania's second city, Pittsburgh is quickly becoming one of the top getaway spots in the U.S. Often referred to as The Steel City or The City of Bridges, Pittsburgh is known for its industrial history and for having more bridges than any city in the world. Pittsburgh is an excellent vacation destination for foodies, history buffs, and families.

Pittsburgh was founded in the late 18th century by Henry Forbes and was named after British politician William Pitt. Following the American Revolution, Pittsburgh continued to flourish due to an influx of Irish immigrants during the Great Famine and the continued success of coal and iron manufacturing across the city. Today, Pittsburgh is considered one of the most livable cities in the U.S. 

A weekend in Pittsburgh

Whether you're searching for an adventure or just looking to relax, Pittsburgh won't disappoint. You'll struggle to fit everything you want to do into a weekend, so ensure you drop your bag off at a Pittsburgh luggage locker so you can explore with ease. 

• Discover artwork by one of Pittsburgh's most famous sons at the Andy Warhol Museum. This pop art icon was born in Pittsburgh, and the museum contains a multimedia collection of thousands of works spread across 17 galleries. 
•  Take a stroll through the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens covers 15 acres and contains ornate greenhouses with exotic gardens. Examples include the Tropical Fruit Room, the Fern Room, and the Orchid Room. 
• Pittsburgh is renowned for its culinary delights, and there are plenty of places across the city where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Some of the best restaurants include Point Brugge Cafe, Pamela's Diner, and The Melting Pot.

Pittsburgh lockers

A bustling city with innumerable bridges and dozens of skyscrapers, you may want to avoid lugging any cumbersome bags around The Steel City. Despite being pretty walkable, downtown Pittsburgh tends to be crowded, making it tricky to tour with large bags in tow. Make your vacation stress-free by booking yourself in at a Pittsburgh luggage storage service. Bounce has several services across The Steel City, where you can quickly drop off your bags before exploring. Download the Bounce app and find a secure luggage locker in Pittsburgh today!

Off the beaten path in Pittsburgh

Planning a peaceful getaway? While many consider Pittsburgh to be a busy metropolis, there are plenty of places in and around the city where you can escape the crowds. From stunning parks to hidden gems, here are a few of the best ways to get off the beaten path in Pittsburgh. 

• Enjoy a riverside stroll along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. This scenic urban walking trail runs for 33 miles along the Allegheny River and Monongahela River before they converge into the Ohio River. 
• Discover Pittsburgh's wartime history at Point State Park. Situated on Pittsburgh's "Golden Triangle," Point State Park encompasses 33 acres and features two of Pittsburgh's oldest buildings, Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne, which were active during the French-Indian War.
• Take in sweeping city views on the Duquesne Incline. This funicular takes visitors 800 feet above Pittsburgh to the top of Mt. Washington and boasts the best panoramas of Pittsburgh available. 

What to do alone in Pittsburgh

With countless museums, historic sites, and fascinating landmarks, Pittsburgh is well-suited to individual sightseers. Keep your bag safe during your solo city tour at a Pittsburgh luggage storage service with Bounce, and check out some of these exciting excursions. 

• Come face-to-face with exotic critters at Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, the Pittsburgh Zoo is home to many endangered species, including black rhinos, Amur tigers, and polar bears.
• One of Pittsburgh's top attractions, the Carnegie Science Center is perfect for families and individuals. This museum features interactive exhibits on a range of topics, including human anatomy, robotics, and outer space.
• Peruse the fine art collection at the Carnegie Museum of Art. The museum contains works by many of the most famous names in the art world, including Paul Signac, Claude Monet, and Vincent Van Gogh.

The best souvenirs in Pittsburgh

Looking for a souvenir in the Steel City? There are a number of superb nicknacks to pick up in Pittsburgh to remember your trip by. Station Square is regarded as one of the best places to find souvenirs in Pittsburgh, from hand-drawn sketches of the cityscape skyline to a Steelers jersey. 

The Heinz 57 Gift Shop is also a great spot to pick out a memento relating to one of Pittsburgh's most famous exports. If you can't decide on a souvenir, consider picking up "A Basket of Pittsburgh," which contains an assortment of goodies with over 250 products on offer.