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Home to the Heinz food empire and Andy Warhol, the world-famous pop artist, the city of Pittsburgh, located in the western part of the state of Pennsylvania, in the north-eastern U.S., has enjoyed a spectacular cultural renaissance and tourism boom since the noughties. Once known for its industrial might and homegrown steel industry, today visitors flock to experience its world-class cultural institutions, big draw festivals and vibrant food scene, centred on the Strip District.

The city enjoys a dramatic setting, watched over and framed by lofty peaks such as Mt. Washington. Point State Park, at the edge of its vibrant Downtown, meanwhile, marks the spot where three mighty rivers – the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio – meet and converge. This, in turn, has given rise to one of the city’s affectionate nicknames, the ‘City of Bridges’, Pittsburgh being home to 466 of the structures.

Pittsburgh’s vibrant and rejuvenated Downtown area boasts a seriously impressive skyline, awash with modern architectural marvels and historic gems, many the legacy of local industrialists turned philanthropists such as Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish-born steel magnate. This has led movie directors to come calling, the city providing memorable backdrops for blockbuster movies such as The Dark Knight Rises, leading to yet another of the city’s nicknames, ‘Hollywood East’.

Having reinvented itself as a major technology hub in recent years, with a strong record in sustainability, Pittsburgh has become increasingly popular with young professionals and hipsters, the latter thronging the bars and eateries of its regenerated areas such as Lawrenceville. Combined with other strengths such as its abundant green spaces, this has helped Pittsburgh earn some impressive plaudits, including being voted ‘most liveable city in the U.S.’ by the likes of Forbes magazine and The Economist.  

In short, Pittsburgh, backed by the rural charm and small-town appeal of surrounding areas such as Butler County – not to mention its direct British Airways flight service from London Heathrow – is a great sell for repeat visitors to the U.S., either as the focus for an entire trip or twinned with other regional centres in the north-east such as New York or Philadelphia.

The best way to get to Pittsburgh from the UK is via British Airways’ daily direct service (from March 2025) from London Heathrow (LHR) to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) . The year-round service has a flight time of around 8 hours.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) also enjoys a wealth of direct domestic flight connections, opening up a variety of indirect routes to and from the UK, making booking twin centre trips, open jaws and multi-centres a breeze. Some of the best options to consider are Philadelphia, New York and Washington D.C..

Top tip: For up-to-date information on the airlines and routes servicing PIT visit FlyPittsburgh.com.

Pittsburgh is also within easy reach of other major centres in the north-eastern U.S., such as New York and Philadelphia, by road and rail (see the table below). In fact, the city is within a six-hour car ride of 10 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C., not forgetting Canada.

Useful rail services worth keeping in mind include Amtrak’s daily Pennsylvanian service to New York via Philadelphia, which takes a scenic nine hours and 20 minutes.

Don’t forget: Pittsburgh is on Eastern Standard Time (EST), five hours behind London.

Spring (20 Mar – 21 June)

• Average temperature: 10°C to 27°C (approx. 51 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit)
• How to pack: Light jacket, long pants and rain boots
• What to eat: Fish Fry

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Spring is a magical time to visit Pittsburgh as the city shrugs off its winter weather and spring showers while temperatures rise and its parks burst into bloom. Seasonal highlights include the North Shore’s magnificent cherry blossoms and the wildflowers atop Mount Washington, with more flowery fun on tap at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, in the Oakland district.

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Assure clients that even on damper days rain doesn’t stop play as many of the city’s greatest attractions can be found indoors, such as its galleries and museums. Another great option is to follow the locals, or ‘Yinzers’, as they’re commonly known, to one of the major stadia to catch a Steelers (American football), Pirates (baseball) or Penguins (ice hockey) game. Sports are a massive deal in Pittsburgh and it’s home to some of the country’s best stadia, not least the Pirates’ stunning home, PNC Park.

‍Summer (22 Jun – 21 Sept)

• Average temperature: 17°C to 28°C (approx. 63 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit).
• How to pack: Shorts, T-shirt and flip flops
• What to eat: Ice cream

Summer in Pittsburgh is all about embracing the outdoors, from catching a live music show to maxing out the three rivers. Popular picks include stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking excursions; sightseeing or dinner boat tours, as offered by local operators such as Kayak Pittsburgh and Gateway Clipper; or simply hiking and biking the extensive riverfront trails.

Summer also marks peak festival season and the city sure likes a party. Just ask anyone who’s ever been to June’s Pride on the Shore, or August’s delightfully quirky Picklesburgh – a nod to the Pittsburgh-born Heinz food empire which enjoyed early success manufacturing pickles.

The city’s innumerable family attractions also come into their own on a hot summer day. Top picks include cooling off at Sandcastle Waterpark or spending a day riding the coasters at historic Kennywood theme park, celebrating its 125^th anniversary in 2022.

Top tip: Make sure clients don’t forget their sunglasses and sun cream – they’ll most definitely need it!

‍Autumn (22 Sept – 20 Dec)

• Average Temperature: 8°C to 17°C (approx. 46 – 62 degrees Fahrenheit)
• How to pack: Thick top/long sleeves, jeans and trainers
• What to eat: Pierogi – small Polish-style dumplings  

As Autumn engulfs Pittsburgh, the city’s parks and the surrounding area run to reds, gold and copper. The ‘fall foliage’ provides a stunning backdrop to the cityscapes, making for epic photos and outdoor activities and more than offsetting the impact of the cooling temperatures.

Clients looking to make the most of the spectacle should hotfoot it to the city’s impressive green lungs such as Frick, Schenley and Highland Park. Better still, suggest clients head to the hills for a commanding, front row view, possibly riding one of the remaining historic funiculars, such as the Duquesne Incline. Alternatively, suggest a ‘leaf-peeping’ road trip or tour in an outstanding surrounding area such as Moraine State Park.  

Fall festivals are another draw, from Three Rivers Beer Week to pre-Halloween events such as the Monster Pumpkins Festival. Plus, autumn is a fantastic time of year for sports fans, the first Monday in September marking the start of football season for the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers, six-time winners of the Superbowl.

Winter (Dec 21 – Mar 19)

• Avg. Temp: -5 °C to 4°C (approx. 23 – 39 degrees Fahrenheit)
• How to pack: Winter coat, boots, hats and scarves
• What to eat: Soup and hearty diner food

Pittsburgh enjoys snowfall each winter making the city looking extra magical, and it’s the perfect time to catch a Pittsburgh Penguins ice hockey game. Better still, clients can strap on some skates and hit the ice themselves at UPMC Rink at PPG Place, near Market Square in Downtown.

Visitors should also consider following the locals to Pittsburgh’s parks for some  sledging fun. Flagstaff Hill, Schenley Park and Blue Slide Park, Frick Park are among the top spots while Boyce Park is known for its snow tubing.

Festive lights are another highlight on a winter visit. The Wintergarden at PPG Place and the Carnegie Trees at the Carnegie Museum of Art are among the annual attractions, another being the holiday lights illuminations at nearby Kennywood theme park. Other family-friendly events helping to put the ho-ho-ho into the holidays include Elfburgh.

Send serious snow sports fans and skiers to establishments elsewhere in Pennsylvania state such as Seven Springs Mountain Resort, around a one-hour drive southeast of Pittsburgh, its myriad slopes and trails backed by a snow sports school and equipment rental centre.

There’s no single reason why Pittsburgh has been named one of the best places in the world to visit, and one of the best places to live in the U.S. Here is a selection of its major selling points to whet your clients’ appetites:

• It’s a city of firsts and superlatives: From being home to Andy Warhol and the Andy Warhol Museum to giving the world the smiley face emoticon and housing the world’s largest display of bicycles at Bicycle Heaven, visitors will be wowed and wooed by a succession of unique experiences and ‘only in Pittsburgh’ moments (you’ll discover more on these in Module 2).

• It’s got THAT skyline: With a Downtown skyline to challenge that of New York or Chicago, the city bursts into visitors’ views as they emerge from the Fort Pitt Tunnel on the drive from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), leading some to declare that Pittsburgh is the only U.S. city with a front door! The city similarly sizzles when viewed from atop the nearby hills and mountains, with national newspaper USA Today having called the view from atop Mount Washington ‘one of the best views in America’.

• It’s incredibly family friendly: From classic attractions such as Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium to fun-zones such as Sandcastle Water Park and Kennywood theme park and educational options such as the Senator John Heinz History Center, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Science Center, it’s not for nothing the city has been dubbed KidsBURGH®. New options include Astrobotic’s space-themed Moonshot Museum, opened 2022, located inside Astrobotic’s North Side headquarters.

• It’s a drinking town with a sports problem!: Or so joke some of the locals, alluding to the excellent nightlife and fierce focus on its local sports teams, chiefly the Pittsburgh Steelers, six-time Super Bowl champions; Pittsburgh Pirates, five-time World Series champions; and Pittsburgh Penguins, five-time Stanley Cup champions. Even if you don’t catch a game, their stadia make for interesting tours, particularly PNC Park, home to baseball team the Pirates. Send clients looking to uncover more on the city’s major sports obsession to Western PA Sports Museum, part of the Heinz History Center.

• It’s an arts and culture powerhouse: Hometown of the pop artist Andy Warhol, his work celebrated in the excellent museum that shares his name, Pittsburgh is dripping with incredible cultural institutions such as Carnegie Museum of Art, Wood Street Galleries and Mattress Factory with its focus on installation art. Other big draws include the city’s 14-square-block Cultural District, home to nine theatres.
• It’s got a world-renowned food offering: Pittsburgh’s long history of immigration from areas such as Poland, Germany and Italy underpins an endlessly rewarding local cuisine that’s best evidenced in the Strip District, its undisputed foodie hotspot. More on this later.

• It’s a craft ale colossus: Long lauded as ‘a craft beer destination’ by those in the know, such as the website American Craft Beer, there are more than 40 craft breweries in the wider Allegheny County area, making Pittsburgh one of the best places in the U.S. to hail the ale. Local operators worth seeking out include East End Brewing and Church Brew Works, housed in an old church. Events such as Three Rivers Beer week, in October, make great hooks for trips, too.
• It has ninety unique neighbourhoods: Locals are justifiably proud of their city’s 90 neighbourhoods, from hip and trendy enclaves such as Lawrenceville to more upscale areas such as Shadyside. As Pittsburgh is very pedestrian and cycle friendly, unlike some U.S. cities, it’s really easy to sample a spread of what’s on offer, even on a short city break, aided by the excellent local transport network services, not least the bus and ‘T’ light rail services, backed by the handy ConnectCard.

• Public Transportation: The Port Authority of Allegheny County, the public transit agency for the Greater Pittsburgh area, provides the local bus and ‘T’ light rail services. All local bus fares are $2.75 cash (exact change required), payable when boarding the bus, or $2.50 if using a ConnectCard pre-loaded with credit. These can be purchased at the Port Authority’s Downtown Service Center on Smithfield Street.
• Duquesne and Monongahela inclines: Also overseen by the Port Authority of Allegheny County, these historic funicular services charge $5 for a round trip and tickets can be purchased at the upper or lower stations. The Duquesne Incline is exact cash only while ‘the Mon’, as it’s affectionately known, also takes cards.

• All major hotels in the Downtown area have both taxis and zTrip cars waiting outside their front doors. zTrip is a handy local licensed service, much like Uber, operated via the zTrip app, with clients able to schedule rides and choose between levels of transportation and comfort.
• Bicycles: The ‘City of Bridges’ is incredibly bike friendly and cycling offers a great way to experience the city and its popular pathways such as the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. From providers such as Golden Triangle Bike Rentals to Pittsburgh’s Healthy Ride bike share scheme, clients will have no problems securing a ride. Alternatively, book clients on a fun and informative cycling tour with Bike The Burgh.

Pittsburgh’s 90 neighbourhoods and diverse districts cater to all clients. From walkable Downtown, with its Cultural District, public art and Point State Park, through to the foodie Strip District and Lawrenceville with its hip bars, boutique shops and street art.

Just across the Sister Bridges from Downtown, North Shore is home to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ stadium, Heinz Field, and PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Steer art lovers to North Side, home to The Andy Warhol Museum, Randyland and the Mattress Factory.

North Side and North Shore hotels are also well-placed for family-friendly attractions such as Carnegie Science Center and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh while South Side and South Shore properties are convenient for outdoorsy options such as the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Awash with offerings from major names such as Hilton, Marriott and IHG, the city’s surprisingly affordable accommodation offering may be lacking in the five-star segment but more than makes up for it in other areas, offering remarkable value. Here is just a taste of what’s on offer:

Budget (around £100 or under)

Distrikt Hotel Pittsburgh – This 2017 opening, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, has gifted a contemporary design ethos to an historic Downtown building, the former Salvation Army centre at 453 Boulevard of the Allies. In addition to offering good value, there’s a decent fitness centre and dining proposition. Plus, clients can expect some ‘wow factor’ from the public spaces and Terrace views.

TRYP Pittsburgh-Lawrenceville – Opened in mid-2019, this contemporary-styled dependable from Wyndham, located at 177 40^th Street, is a good value option for those looking to stay in the hip Lawrenceville district. Strengths include the Brick Shop restaurant and rooftop bar Over Eden.  

Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh East Liberty – This modern, contemporary-styled pet-friendly property from IHG Hotels and Resorts offers a lot of bang for not so many bucks and East Liberty is a nice, relaxed area to stay in, too. Plus points include its restaurant and bar offering, Wallace’s Whiskey Room and Kitchen, and the 24-hour fitness centre access.

Mid-market (around £100-£150)

The Priory – This 42-guest room North Shore historic boutique hotel, at 614 Pressley Street, is a safe bet for clients looking for a smaller, more informal offering with more than a splash of character, charm and cosiness. Highlights at the property, formerly a Benedictine monastery, include the courtyard garden, Monks Bar and the spacious Large Suite.

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Omni William Penn Hotel – One of the main reasons to stay in this four-star grand dame hotel on William Penn Place, a mainstay of the local hotel scene for more than 100 years, is to experience the delightful old building it’s housed in, a truly grand edifice with ornate features and impressive public spaces. Another is to experience its tried and tested old world style of hoteliership at surprisingly affordable prices. Nice touches include The Speakeasy, a 1920s-style bar that reopened in April 2022.

The Maverick – This East Liberty property, at 120 South Whitfield Street, a recent addition to the Kasa chain, was formerly the Ace Hotel, a pioneering, well-loved design hotel housed in a former YMCA building.

Mansions on Fifth – As you’d expect from an upscale boutique hotel on Fifth Avenue, once known as Pittsburgh’s ‘Millionaires Row’, this historic, country house-style charmer in upscale Shadyside impresses with its grand exterior and cosy interiors in equal measure. All told, it’s a great option for those wanting a relaxed stay in a leafy setting while still being close to the main attractions. Recommend the suites.

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Luxury (£150 and up)

Kimpton Hotel Monaco – You know what you’re getting with a Kimpton property, with their keen eye for interior design and client comfort, and this little gem is no different. A great bet for couples, perks include the rooftop Biergarten and its restaurant, The Commoner. The complimentary bike rental is another nice touch.

Fairmont Pittsburgh – This light-filled lovely at 510 Market St is a great bet for a Downtown stay, offering 185 luxurious guest rooms and suites and the level of facilities you’d expect from a larger property and the trusted Fairmont brand, not least its fl.2 restaurant and the Health Club & Spa.

The Westin Pittsburgh – With its meeting spaces, fitness centre and skywalk access to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, this four-star Downtown hotel, at 1000 Penn Ave, is a particularly good bet for business travellers.

The Renaissance Pittsburgh – Located in Downtown, in the historic Fulton Building, at 107 6^th Street, the Renaissance is one of the city’s finest, well located for all of the Cultural District’s main attractions. From its grand lobby area and prime location to the well thought out food and beverage outlets, Braddock's American Brasserie and Braddock's Street Side bar, it ticks all the main boxes. Aim for a river view room.

The Oaklander – Part of Marriott’s upmarket, contemporary-styled Autograph brand, this recent addition to the Oakland neighbourhood is within easy reach of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

The Industrialist Hotel – One of the city’s newer offerings, having opened in 2021, this four-star property at 405 Wood Street, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, makes the most of its excellent location in an historic Downtown building and impresses with its trendy interiors, expansive views and Rebel Room restaurant.