Pittsburgh is a world-class destination, full of character and personality. The city is full of interesting nightlife, attractions, sports, and nature, ideal for any type of traveler. It is impossible to fit everything in Pittsburgh into a one-weekend visit, so this guide is here to help you choose the best options for the most enjoyable 3-days in Pittsburgh. In my (not-at-all-biased) opinion, it’s the best way to spend one weekend in Pittsburgh! 🙂
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Pittsburgh?
Depending on where you are coming from, there are a few different options to get to Pittsburgh. If flying, the closest airport is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), located about 20 minutes outside of the city. Depending on location, visitors can easily drive to the city of Pittsburgh as well, if having a vehicle is important.
Another popular option is to travel to Pittsburgh by train. The city is home to one of the most popular Amtrak stations in the country, going and coming from cities nationwide. Keep in mind, that train travel in the United States can be pricey, especially compared to flights and other options.
Tip!! Use the DiscoverCars search engine to find the best deals on rental cars in Pittsburgh!
What is the best time to visit Pittsburgh?
The best time of year to visit Pittsburgh is during the summer or early fall seasons. These weather conditions are most ideal, as Pittsburgh tends to be a cold city, especially in the wintertime. Summertime is also peak season, but the city isn’t too overpopulated and it’s easy for visitors to spread out. There are also a lot more events happening during the late summer and fall seasons as well, including NFL Steelers games.
Average Pittsburgh Weather by Season:
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 38/24 (8.5 days of rain)
- Spring (March-May): 61/41 (9 days of rain)
- Summer (June-Aug): 82/62 (9 days of rain)
- Fall (Sept-Nov): 63/44 (7 days of rain)
Where should I stay in Pittsburgh?
When taking a Pittsburgh weekend trip, the most recommended areas to stay in are Downtown Pittsburgh or Central Pittsburgh. This will put visitors within walking distance of a lot of various attractions, restaurants, and shops, as well as more access to transportation.
There are a lot of accommodation options in the area, for any budget. Opt for a guesthouse or Airbnb, or stay in one of the many fabulous hotels. Some of the highest-rated hotels in Pittsburgh are The Mansions on Fifth, William Penn Hotel, Even Hotel, and the luxurious Kimpton Hotel Monaco.
Sample 3-Day Pittsburgh Weekend Itinerary
You won’t believe all the exciting things to do in Pittsburgh! This guide shows you exactly how you can spend one weekend in Pittsburgh!
Day 1 in Pittsburgh:
Morning:
The Monongahela Incline is the perfect way to kickstart your weekend in Pittsburgh. Take a journey up the side of a mountain in old carriage hill carts. The views of the city alone are worth the trip, as well as the rush of energy you will receive as well. It is one of the most unique things that Pittsburgh has to offer.
Afternoon:
After your adrenaline rush, spend an afternoon hopping around the strange or unique attractions nestled in Pittsburgh; Randyland, Trundle Manor, and The Weeping Glass.
Randyland was developed by an artist to bring fun and color to the block, with bricks from destroyed local sights, and renewed or resourced materials.
Trundle Manor, or the oddities house, is more than just a haunted house and is filled with taxidermied animals and creepy trinkets.
The Weeping Glass is a store filled with the most unsettling of objects and great weird and unique gifts. You never know the kind of strange items to be found, from attractive to repelling.
Evening:
Spend the evening on a brewery tour between Church Brew Works and Penn Brewery. Both breweries are very popular in the cities, attracting visitors and craft beer lovers from all corners of the country. Take the plunge and go for a beer platter, tasting various types of different brews, instead of just one.
Day 2 in Pittsburgh:
Morning:
Begin your morning with a little exercise on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The trail will give you a chance to see views of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela rivers, as well as other amazing city sights.
Want a more guided experience? Check out this bike tour through four of Pittsburgh’s most interesting neighborhoods!
Afternoon:
Among one of the top museums in the state, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is an amazing experience if you are interested in humans and animals. Take the afternoon to visit one of Pittsburgh’s must-see attractions. Visitors of all ages will enjoy learning all about science and natural history, with some artifacts dating back thousands of years.
Evening:
Historic Market Square can’t be missed while in Pittsburgh and is the perfect place for a night out on the town. There are various shops and restaurants to enjoy including the Famous Pittsburgh Oyster house, as well as different events depending on the season. In the heart of downtown, Historic Market Square is the most diverse area in the city.
Day 3 in Pittsburgh:
Morning:
Although Pittsburgh is a large and bustling city, a trip to the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a serene and enchanting escape. Located in Schenley Park, this historic glasshouse and its extensive gardens provide a lush oasis of tranquility and beauty.
You’ll find 23 distinct gardens featuring exotic tropical flowers to ancient bonsai trees and vibrant seasonal displays. The gardens open at 9:30 am with a $22 admission fee.
Afternoon:
Catch a baseball game in the afternoon at PNC stadium. Tickets can usually be purchased at an affordable price on the day before game day. Pittsburgh is a big sports city, and the amount of excitement in the atmosphere at games is something Pittsburgh fans are best at. There is no better way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Visiting during the off-season? Use your afternoon to check out the Pittsburgh Zoo instead or take an afternoon distillery tour!
Evening:
Complete your Pittsburgh weekend trip and venture to the top of Mount Washington for the best views of the city of Pittsburgh. It is the perfect place for a photo opt, and seeing the city lit up at night makes the view even more amazing.
While you are there, stop for dinner at one of the various restaurants in the neighborhood such as Monterey Bay Fish Grotto for some yummy seafood.
You may also like: One Weekend in Philadelphia
Other things to do in Pittsburgh:
Although you may not have time for all of these during your weekend in Pittsburgh, here are some more exciting things to do in case you want to switch anything around!
- Pittsburgh Zoo: The Pittsburgh Zoo is a very family-friendly attraction and could easily keep you busy for a whole day. The zoo takes pride in conservation and making sure visitors, and animals, have a nice and pleasant experience. Hours and cost will depend on what time of year you visit (holidays and summer seasons are most expensive).
- National Aviary: Calling all bird lovers! The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is one of the best bird refugee centers in the country. There are over 150 different species of birds from owls, sparrows, and even flamingos.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: Discover Pittsburgh at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Covering major attractions and neighborhoods, it’s a convenient way to explore the city’s history, architecture, and art without the hassle of navigating on your own.
- Pittsburgh Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour: Immerse yourself in Pittsburgh’s rich culinary scene with a food tasting and cultural walking tour. Explore neighborhoods like the Strip District or Lawrenceville, sampling local specialties and learning about the city’s history and culture.
Keep Reading! Continue exploring the further east with One Weekend in Boston, MA!
More Restaurant Recommendations in Pittsburgh:
- Altius (fine-dining): Perched on Mount Washington, Altius offers not just an elevated dining experience but also one of the best views of Pittsburgh’s skyline. This upscale restaurant is renowned for its contemporary American cuisine, emphasizing fresh, sustainable ingredients and artistic presentation.
- Gaucho Parrilla Argentina: Gaucho Parrilla Argentina brings the taste of authentic Argentinian barbecue to the heart of Pittsburgh. The bustling, casual atmosphere matches the robust flavors of wood-fired meats, vegetables, and delectable sides. With its open kitchen and communal seating, Gaucho offers a lively and engaging dining experience, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Morcilla: Bringing the flavors of Spain to Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, Morcilla shines with its vibrant, authentic Spanish cuisine.
Other Tips to know before visiting Pittsburgh:
If you plan on doing a lot of art or cultural attractions around the city, it may be a good idea to get a PGH a la carte pass, as the pass allows free or discounted entries to most museums and other centers around Pittsburgh. This is recommended for longer stays, but it still might save you some time and money on shorter weekend trips as well.
3-day Pittsburgh, PA Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: The Monongahela Incline, Randy Land, Trundle Manor, The Weeping House, Brewery Tour
- Day 2: Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Carnegie Museum of Art, Historic Market Square
- Day 3: Botanical Gardens, Baseball Game (or zoo or Conservatory), and Mount Washington
One Weekend In Pittsburgh Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Pittsburgh that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Pittsburgh itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Pittsburgh!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Pittsburgh” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
Other Pennsylvania Weekend Trips
- 3 Days in Gettysburg (From a Local)- 3 hours 50 minutes from Pittsburgh
- A local’s guide to Philly- 5 hours from Pittsburgh
- One Weekend in Erie, PA– 2 hours from Pittsburgh
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