One Day in Pittsburgh, PA (A Perfect 24-hour Itinerary)
We recently visited Pittsburgh for a SUPER short visit to see Aaron Rodgers play the Packers (Go Pack Go), and we ended up LOVING everything about the city. It’s super underrated and not talked about nearly enough! So, without further adoooo, here’s exactly how to spend one day in Pittsburgh. It’s the perfect 24-hour itinerary to explore the best of this riverfront city.
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Table of Contents
1 Day in Pittsburgh, PA Itinerary Quick Overview
- 7:00-10:00 McConnels Mills State Park
- 11:00 Randyland
- 12:00 Phipps, Mattress Factory, or Kamin Science Center
- 3:00 Cruise
- 5:00 Incline
- 6:00 Dinner on Mount Washington
- 8:00 Nightlife
One Day in Pittsburgh, PA Full Details
Here are all the details on how to exactly spend one full day in Pittsburgh! You’ll get a bit of nature, some history, unique attractions, and some fun nightlife. Let’s dive in.
7:00-10:00 McConnels Mills State Park
Kick off your Pittsburgh day trip with a dose of nature at McConnells Mill State Park. Just under an hour from the city, this scenic gorge is worth the early wake-up call.
Hike along the Slippery Rock Creek (we did the short Hells Hollow Creek trail), check out the overlook at Cleland Rock, and then cross the photogenic covered bridge.
Bonus points if you can time your visit with the fall foliage because it makes it more magical!
11:00 Randyland
Head back into Pittsburgh and dive straight into one of the most colorful (and strange) places in the entire city. Randyland is a bright, eclectic outdoor art space created by local artist Randy Gilson.
Every corner bursts with color, quirky decorations, and photo-worthy murals. It’s free to visit and makes for a fun stop.
Note: I was surprised to find that it’s located right inside a neighborhood.
12:00 Phipps, Mattress Factory, or Kamin Science Center
Since you only have one day in Pittsburgh, you of course won’t be able to fit all the fun things to do in your itinerary. So this afternoon, you have a few choices!
Choose your own adventure for the early afternoon:
- Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Perfect for plant lovers or anyone who appreciates architecture. Wander through themed rooms filled with orchids, bonsai, desert cacti, and tropical forests. Seasonal flower shows make this a top pick year-round.
- The Mattress Factory: One of Pittsburgh’s most unique modern art museums, featuring immersive, room-sized art installations. Expect thought-provoking exhibits, sensory surprises, and some truly unforgettable spaces. This one is right by Randyland!
- Carnegie Science Center: Ideal for families or curious travelers. Hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, a WWII submarine, and rotating STEM experiences make it easy to spend a couple of hours here.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll get a taste of Pittsburgh’s cultural side before heading out on the water.
3:00 Cruise
Experience the city from its best angle…the water. Book a sightseeing tour with the Gateway Clipper Fleet and enjoy a relaxing cruise along Pittsburgh’s three rivers. Various sightseeing tour times depend on the season!
You’ll float past the stadiums, under the iconic yellow bridges, and get panoramic views of the skyline. It’s one of the most scenic (and relaxing) ways to understand why Pittsburgh is known as the “City of Bridges.”
5:00 Incline
Next, make your way to the historic Duquesne Incline for a classic Pittsburgh experience. These historic cable cars climb the steep hillside of Mount Washington and offer postcard-worthy views of downtown (especially close to sunset). It’s a quick ride, but a quintessential must-do.
Note! They take exact cash only for entry. At the time of our visit (November 2025) it was $2.50 pp each way.
Once at the top, be sure to check out the free museum and see exactly how the incline works!
6:00 Dinner on Mount Washington
After exploring the incline museum and checking out the overlook, it’s time for din din! Mount Washington is the perfect place for dinner with a view. Choose from restaurants like:
- Grandview Saloon: laid-back with sweeping views (This is where we ate due to our casual outfits, but the view was great and the food was tasty!)
- The Summit: modern American dishes
- Altius: upscale, ideal for special occasions
Good food tastes even better when you’re overlooking the sparkling skyline (100 percent proven by science…right?)
8:00 Nightlife
End your one day in Pittsburgh with a night out in the North Shore, home to some of the city’s most lively bars. Whether you want live music, line dancing, or arcade-style fun, you’ll find something that fits your vibe.
- Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar: Country music, rooftop views, and a fun party atmosphere.
- Tequila Cowboy: A huge country-themed bar with live music, dancing, and everything you need for a classic honky-tonk night.
- Shorty’s Tap x Taco: A playful spot with arcade games, great cocktails, and a lively crowd — perfect if you want something a little more laid-back but still energetic.
More Things to Do in Pittsburgh (DIY Your Own Itinerary)
If you have extra time in the city (or want to swap stops in your itinerary), here are more great things to do in Pittsburgh:
- Point State Park — Located where the three rivers meet, this downtown park is perfect for walking paths, river views, and seeing the iconic fountain up close.
- Strip District — A lively neighborhood full of markets, local shops, street vendors, and some of the best food in the city. Great for breakfast or souvenir hunting.
- Andy Warhol Museum — The largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. Explore galleries filled with Warhol’s iconic pop art, films, and personal artifacts.
- PNC Park Tour — Even if you’re not a baseball fan, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Pirates’ stadium offers incredible skyline views and a fun peek into one of MLB’s most beautiful ballparks.
- Cathedral of Learning — Visit the Nationality Rooms inside this stunning 42-story Gothic tower at the University of Pittsburgh. Each room represents a different culture and is beautifully designed.
- Kennywood — One of America’s oldest amusement parks, known for classic wooden coasters, nostalgic rides, and family-friendly fun.
- The Frick Pittsburgh — Stroll through historic homes, gardens, art galleries, and a collection of vintage cars at this elegant East End estate.
- Sandcastle Waterpark — A summer favorite with slides, lazy rivers, and pools right along the Monongahela River.
- Schenley Park — One of Pittsburgh’s most beloved green spaces with trails, viewpoints, a conservatory, and space to relax between sightseeing stops.
More East Coast Getaways!
There ya have it…the perfect day in Pittsburgh! The city really surprised me (in all the best ways), and I’d love to return again someday! If you are looking for more East Coast fun, check out some of my favorite spots!
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