Add Pittsburgh to your list of must-visit places and use this guide to have a picture-perfect day trip
By Bryn Dippold
Located just over four hours east from Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the perfect place to get away to have, well, a getaway. It isn’t so far away that you’ll need a house sitter, but close enough to have a good time and still make it back before work the next day. Plus, Pittsburgh all but guarantees a packed day of museums, restaurants and activities. As Tom Loftus, chief marketing officer of Visit Pittsburgh, tells us, “The city [sells] itself along with our residents who are really friendly.”
Museums
Start your day with a stop at The Andy Warhol Museum, the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. The museum has a rotating list of exhibitions that either showcase collections of Andy Warhol’s work or that of other artists. Another museum is the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, which offers a combination of art, music and multimedia galleries in honor of the American playwright.
The Best Views
Either the Duquesne or the Monongahela inclines would be great for a mid-morning ride up the side of a mountain. Going up the inclines will guarantee stunning views of downtown Pittsburgh and surrounding neighborhoods. If you’re heading to Pittsburgh during the summer, take in a Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park. Not only will you relax and watch some baseball, but you will get a gorgeous view of downtown Pittsburgh.
Casual Dining
This iconic sandwich shop, Primanti Bros. Restaurant & Bar, started as a cart in Pittsburgh during the Great Depression and has since grown to 37 locations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland and Michigan. A must-try is one of its famous sandwiches piled high with coleslaw and French fries. Pamela’s Diner has been a Pittsburgh staple for the past 40 years, and its stacked menu of omelets, hash, pancakes, burgers and sandwiches would make a perfect brunch or lunch.
Outdoor Recreation
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a riverfront trail system that spans 33 miles. Walking the trail leads you to neighborhoods, business districts and local attractions, like the Mister Rogers statue. At Kayak Pittsburgh, you can rent a canoe, hydrobike or solo or two-person kayak for a late day paddle along the three rivers with incredible views.
Unique Meals
Gaucho Parrilla Argentina is a well-known restaurant smack dab in the middle of downtown. It serves up steak plates, empanadas, chorizo, sandwiches and paella, which takes 40 minutes to cook and serves 4-6 people. Täkō is a popular Mexican joint with a variety of classic and modern appetizers, tacos and margaritas. The Big Board, which gives you the choice of six pairs of tacos, guarantees something for everyone.
