5 Pittsburgh Attractions You Can't Miss

Hey there! My name is Anna and I’m a second-year studying information systems with a minor in American politics and law. Before coming to CMU, I hadn’t been in Pittsburgh for more than a day, so once I arrived, I was determined to explore the city. Now having been here for well over a year, I think I’ve become quite acquainted with the area (and according to my friends, I have some of the best recommendations for things to do). So you’re in luck, because I’m going to share some of my favorite attractions in Pittsburgh that will give you a taste of the community here. 

1.  Schenley Park
After exploring our campus, I recommend checking out the incredible green space right in our backyard, Schenley Park! Immediately upon exiting campus you’ll find Flagstaff Hill, a gently sloping hill right that boasts incredible views of the city. Especially when it's warm out, Flagstaff is a popular spot to hang out with friends or for clubs to meet. Some of my favorite memories include watching the sunset there and sledding down the hill in the winter.

Once you walk down the other side of Flagstaff, you’ll be right near one of my favorite trails, Panther Hollow Trail. This is part of Schenley and super accessible from campus (I usually enter behind the Schenley Park Visitor Center). This roughly 2-mile loop makes for a pretty easy walk and is so beautiful. My roommate and I like to run the loop at least once a week, but our favorite time of the year to be there is the spring. It’s so lovely to see the trees blooming again after a snowy winter. 

2.  Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 
After exploring Schenley, you have to check out Phipps! It has a massive, historic glasshouse with breathtaking flower shows year-round. My personal favorite room is the Tropical Forest. Every year in December, during finals week, my friends and I visit Phipps to see the holiday display. It's such a fun and festive activity to end the semester with. 

3.  The Strip District
The Strip District is easily my favorite neighborhood of Pittsburgh, with lots of shopping, dining and life! There you’ll find an incredible mix of old-style grocers and newer shops, and between all of it, a lot of charm. The Strip District  used to be an industrial neighborhood but has recently experienced a revival. While you’re there, if you’re interested in breakfast, you should check out Pamela’s Diner. If you want a sandwich, definitely check out Primanti Bros.— in fact, it’s the original location!

After lunch, there's still so much to do in the Strip District. First check out the Produce Terminal, which was built in the early 1900s and served as the hub for produce wholesale businesses. Now, it's been renovated to include various retailers and restaurants as well as many events. If you’re looking for some Pittsburgh merchandise, check out Steel City. 

4.  Museums
If you’re more of a museum person, I highly recommend visiting some of Pittsburgh's incredible museums. If you’re interested in history, check out the Senator John Heinz History Center, also in the Strip District. If you enjoy contemporary art, the Mattress Factory is one of my favorites. If you don’t have a lot of time and want to stay closer to CMU’s campus, check out the Carnegie Museum of Art or Natural History in Oakland. While you’ll have to purchase tickets for these attractions, once you’re a student here, you’ll be able to get into them for free! 

5.  Walnut Street
If the weather is nice, take a walk over to Walnut Street in Shadyside, around a 15- to 20-minute walk from campus. Though a very different vibe than the Strip District, Walnut Street also hosts lots of shopping and dining options. Given its proximity to campus and the easy walk over, I’ve been a frequent flyer to Walnut Street. Some of my favorite shops include Kards Unlimited and Heat Check, while some of my favorite restaurants include Mercurio’s and Cafe Moulin. As a student, you’re likely to pop over with friends to Walnut Street pretty often, so definitely check it out now! 

I hope you’re able to visit some of the attractions I’ve highlighted here and get a feeling for what it's like to live in Pittsburgh. This city has so many incredible parts to it, but I think this list should do a good job at giving you a taste for Pittsburgh.