Only in the 'Burgh

Day 1:

Arrive in Pittsburgh from London: From the moment visitors land at Pittsburgh International Airport, named 2017 Airport of the Year by Air Transport World, a sense of place is created through local art installations and refreshments.

A city with an entrance: After a short ride, you arrive downtown via the Fort Pitt Tunnel to see the incredible Pittsburgh skyline before you (as seen in the film: The Perks of Being a Wallflower). Check into your downtown hotel then step out on the town!

Dinner with a view: There’s no better way to get acquainted with Pittsburgh than experiencing the famous journey up the historic Duquesne Incline, equally beautiful day and night. The Duquesne Incline runs from early morning through midnight. The cable car dates back to 1877 and once carried steel workers from their homes on Mt. Washington to the steel mills along the river. Walk through the complimentary museum to see the original 1877 hoisting mechanism for yourself. Out on the observation deck atop Mt. Washington, the incredible panorama of three rivers, skyscrapers, and the water fountain at Point State Park are before you.

Continue to enjoy the view during dinner at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, or one of the many other restaurants nearby. After dinner, your hotel is a short ride away by vehicle or incline.

Day 2:

Breakfast at Pamela’s: Voted Best Breakfast in Pittsburgh and named in the top ten of USA's Hotcakes, Pamela’s has something for everyone from classic local dishes to their famous hotcakes and traditional breakfast fare. With several locations throughout the city, Pamela’s is an easy itinerary add-on. Note: Pamela’s is cash only and reservations are not accepted, though large groups should call in advance.

Heinz History Center: Visitors of all ages will delight in a visit to the Heinz History Center, a Smithsonian affiliate. You’ll recognize the building by the illuminated Heinz Ketchup bottle that adorns the top! Explore six floors of permanent and rotating interactive exhibits that present the most compelling stories of American history and innovation with a Pittsburgh connection. Afterward, you’re just a few steps from the historic Strip District, a culinary destination and former shipping hub.

Lunch at Primanti Brother’s: Grabbing a “sammich” at one of the many Primanti’s locations throughout the city is another Pittsburgh favorite. The traditional sandwiches have French fries (visitors may refer to them as chips) and coleslaw right on the sandwich! This unique culinary tradition dates back to the Great Depression and the blue collar workforce that needed a quick and hearty meal. The original location in the Strip District is open 24/7. After lunch, explore some of the other Strip District culinary treasures and sportswear stands.

Andy Warhol Museum: Pittsburgh, the place of contemporary artist Andy Warhol’s birth, is also home to his namesake museum. The Andy Warhol Museum holds the largest collection of Warhol’s artworks and archival materials including his Time Capsules. It is the largest single-artist museum in North America and one of the most comprehensive in the world. Start at the top, and work your way to the first floor as you enjoy pieces such as Warhol’s Crushed Campbell’s Soup Can and stand in the middle of his Silver Clouds exhibit. Note: some portions of the museum are recommended for mature audiences.

Untraditional dinner: A Pittsburgh favorite, The Church Brew Works is a 1901 church turned brewery and restaurant! Painstaking effort was taken to restore the building to its former glory. The original pews were transformed to table benches, a confessional now houses merchandise while steel and copper tanks glisten from the altar. The atmosphere is only paralleled by the brews and diverse menu! A great choice for diners of all ages as well as large groups, The Church Brew Works is minutes from the city and downtown.

City of Champions: For sports fans, no trip to the ‘burgh is complete without experiencing a Pirates baseball game, Steelers American football game, or Penguins hockey game. PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, boasts incredible views of the downtown skyline from just across the river.

Day 3:

Breakfast or Brunch: Weekend brunch is popular in the ‘burgh, but you can even find weekday brunch at the Moby Dick-inspired restaurant Or, The Whale located in the trendy Distrikt Hotel.

Opt for the Outdoors: Stretch your muscles with Kayak Pittsburgh as you explore from the river! Located next to PNC Park Kayak Pittsburgh is perfect for adventurers. See the three rivers of Pittsburgh and the beautiful fountain at Point State Park from the water.

Embark on a tasty adventure: Skip lunch and hop on a  ‘Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour. These walking tours are offered in a variety of neighborhoods central to the city such as the Strip District, Little Italy in Bloomfield, the South Side, and Lawrenceville. Learn what makes each eatery unique and enjoy tastes along the way! After the tour, you can explore the neighborhood further on your own. Advance purchase required; private tours available for groups.

Cathedral of Learning: Nearby, the Cathedral of Learning is the tallest educational building in the western hemisphere. The gothic-styled, 42-story Pittsburgh landmark (and free attraction!) , affectionately called “Cathy” by University of Pittsburgh students, contains 30 Nationality Rooms, each designed to celebrate a culture that influenced Pittsburgh’s growth.

Dinner and a Show: the 14-square block Cultural District in the heart of downtown encompasses over 50 dining establishments, 7 theaters, and a dozen art galleries.

Day 4:

Countryside at your fingertips: Whether visitors are headed home after a long weekend, or continuing on to their next destination, an excursion into the countryside offers a change of pace.

A Slice of Life in Butler County: Just 20 minutes outside of the city, Butler County is home to the Jeep and offers exciting new experiences. Self-drive through the Barn Trail or Farm Tour for a glimpse into the beautiful farmland. Or try your hand at birding as you spot a variety of bird species from your hideout. Butler County exudes small town charm and European heritage.

Fall in love with Fallingwater: Renowned American architect Frank Llyod Wright’s Fallingwater is a popular destination for Pittsburgh visitors. Located about 90 minutes outside the city in the Laurel Highlands, it makes for the perfect day trip. Tours of Fallingwater treat visitors to captivating design and unexpected views of trees and water, most notably, the water fall beneath the house. Please note that advance reservations are required and tours are seasonal; age and photography restrictions apply.