How to Spend a Weekend in Pittsburgh

If you’re planning a weekend in Pittsburgh, you’ll find an array of fun attractions and experiences for an unforgettable trip. Take a look at this suggested itinerary and ideas for spending 2 or 3 days in Pittsburgh to find inspiration for how to enjoy a weekend in the city.

Friday Evening

Friday evening begins your 72 hours in Pittsburgh. You can start with dinner at Spirits & Tales, a stylish restaurant with small plates and entrees that emphasize vegetables and high-quality ingredients. You’ll also like Dish Osteria, a popular restaurant with a rotating dinner menu that features Sicilian-inspired dishes.

After dinner, visit Howl at the Moon bar to enjoy live music and specialty cocktails. If you want to take in the culinary culture of the city, you can try a ‘Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour, which takes you through some of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants and bars.

SkyWatch Evenings is another must during a visit to the city. Hosted by the Carnegie Science Center, the event takes you out on guided tours of downtown Pittsburgh to learn about the stars and planets. You’ll also like Bar 11, a unique location that offers you a novelty toy along with your drink, such as candy necklaces or finger traps.

Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, you’ll have 48 hours to explore the attractions of the city. Enjoy a little indulgence at Café Moulin, a French-inspired café and creperie with breakfast and brunch. You can choose from healthy options like fruit and granola or decadent treats like French toast and crepes. You’ll also like Caffe Mona, a bistro with a beautiful deck to enjoy the weather while you eat savory crepes or omelets.

If you’re bringing the kids, be sure to stop at the Heinz History Museum to see exciting attractions such as a display celebrating Mister Rogers, the beloved host of the popular children’s show. You can see many iconic pieces from the set, such as the living room and entryway. You could also visit the illusion hill, located at the intersection between McKinney and Kummer roads. Once there, you put your car in neutral and roll uphill. There’s fun in North Park as well, such as kayaking and ice skating.

For lunch, stop in Two Sisters, a highly praised Vietnamese restaurant that features rice and noodle bowls, pho, and summer rolls.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch is the perfect time for the Carrie Furnace Tour. The tour takes you through the historic steel and iron-making locations that were once so valuable to the city’s economy. The tours range in interest, from the impact of the steel industry on the landscape to machine-shop tours.

Saturday night in Pittsburgh is an exciting time. You can start with dinner at Six Penn Kitchen, a restaurant with delicious food and tasting classes that educate you on beer, cocktail, and wine pairings. You could also venture a little outside the city to La Casa Narcisi Winery for wine tasting and live music events.

If you’re looking for something different, the Pennsylvania Coin Operated Hall of Fame is a great place. The huge arcade has a wide array of old-fashioned and retro games and pinball machines, so you can spend hours reliving your childhood. You could also see a show at Latitude 40, a comedy club that’s hosted some of the most hilarious comedians working today.

Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning in Pittsburgh, you’ll have 24 hours left to experience anything you may have missed. Start with breakfast at Braddock’s American Brasserie, a popular local restaurant with classic breakfast options ranging from continental breakfast to omelets or sweet griddle treats.

Work off your meal with a trip to Market Square. The vibrant area offers a range of events throughout the year, such as live performances, art exhibits, and holiday markets. You could also visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a vast garden space with unique plant life and a Victorian greenhouse.

For lunch, stop at Bonfire Food & Drink, an acclaimed restaurant with a diverse range of options. Downstairs, you can enjoy small plates and sandwiches, while the upstairs offers a refined menu of gourmet dishes. You’ll also like Pie for Breakfast, a unique diner with locally sourced ingredients and comfort foods, as well as a range of pies.

Sunday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, you can take in the sights you may have missed. This is a good time to visit the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, a wildlife attraction that offers everything from polar bears and elephants to sharks and reef life in naturalistic habitats. You could also see the Andy Warhol Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famed artist and director.

On Sunday night in Pittsburgh, you’ll have endless options for how to enjoy the evening. Start with dinner at Fish nor Fowl, an innovative restaurant with modern American dishes fused with Italian and Asian flavors. They also offer a high-end cocktail program that’s perfectly paired to the delicious dishes.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing evening, you can take a moonlight horseback ride at Rolling Hills Ranch. While the ranch offers trail riding during the day, it’s beautiful to ride under the stars in this tranquil place away from the activity of the city. You’ll also like Voodoo Pub, a laid-back nightspot with its own brewery, trivia nights, and other events.

Ready for the perfect weekend getaway?

If you’re planning a weekend trip, visit Expedia to check out Pittsburgh vacations and plan your unforgettable getaway!