Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania deserves a lot more credit than it usually gets. Outgrowing its “steel city” shell, the city is now impressive for many more reasons.
On top of the list are the clean streets and buildings. A new survey by the William M. Mercer consulting firm, as well as Forbes magazine, lists Pittsburgh as one of the cleanest cities in the world.
Pittsburgh also has the title of one of the top 10 underrated cities in the United States, according to Sherman's Travel. Who would have thought?
Recommended Pittsburgh Attractions
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: For kids and kids-at-heart, this 77-acre habitat houses such fascinating animals as amur tigers, polar bears, reindeer and penguins. Take a walk through the African Savanna or the Tropical Forest as visitors “ooh” and “ah” over nature’s wonders.
- One Wild Place, Pittsburgh, PA
- Phone: 1-800-474-4966
- Admission: $8-$12 USD (children under two years are free)
Andy Warhol Museum: From Pittsburgh, the eccentric artist Andy Warhol is represented at this phenomenal museum on the city’s North Shore. The most comprehensive single-artist museum in the world, seven floors of Warhol memorabilia, drawings, prints, photos, films and videos will satiate even the most devoted fan.
- 117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA
- Phone: (412) 237-8300
- Admission: $8-$9 USD (Fridays 5:00-10:00pm half price)
The Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center: This intriguing museum takes a look into the history of western Pennsylvania. From early 20th century, exhibits follow the residents and workers who made the area what it is today.
Also home to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, this is where visitors can get an understanding of why the city bleeds black and gold (Pittsburgh Steelers fans are rated as one of the top football fans in the NFL, colours the city’s baseball and hockey teams also wear).
- 1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA
- Phone: (412) 454-6000
- Admission: $5-$9 USD (children under five and History Center members are free)
Recommended Pittsburgh Hotel
Located on the edge of downtown Pittsburgh, the Doubletree Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh City Center (One Bigelow Square, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1-800-222-TREE) is great for its close proximity to attractions.
Rooms are clean, spacious and good value for families, and service is friendly. Make sure to take advantage of the free downtown shuttle that takes guests to nearby attractions at no charge.
Pittsburgh Travel
The easiest way to plan a trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is to contact the friendly folks at VisitPittsburgh (1-800-359-0758), the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau. They can assist travellers with flight arrangements, hotel bookings and sightseeing options.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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