Downtown Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA Area Guide

The foundation of Pittsburgh stretches back to the Industrial Era when great minds like Andrew Carnegie and H.J. Heinz took the city in a new direction, transforming the Golden Triangle into the “Steel City”. When the collapse of the steel industry came, the downtown area suffered greatly. However, the city of Pittsburgh bounced back transforming a former railway station into Station Square, a popular destination for shopping and a lively bar scene.

Art and history lovers flock to downtown Pittsburgh to visit the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and the world-renown Andy Warhol Museum. Taking a stroll through the cultural district gives art lovers a chance to experience the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performing in Heinz Hall or the latest music playing at the O’Reilly Theater House.

Downtown Pittsburgh is a food lover’s paradise that raises one question: What would you like to eat? Whether you are traveling along Wood Street or hanging out in Market Square, you will have a variety of cuisine options to choose from.

Whether you are new to the area or were born and raised in Pittsburgh, there is one restaurant every Pittsburgher eats at: the original Primanti Brothers location on 18th Street. This restaurant has been a Pittsburgh legend for 80 years and counting. Offering locals and visitors a warm environment to sit down with friends anytime day or night for a good sandwich and cold beer. You cannot stop in Primanti Brothers without trying the Pitts-burger or roast beef and cheese sandwich. Each grilled sandwich piled high with homemade sweet and sour coleslaw and hot, fresh fries.

When it comes to good pizza and authentic Mediterranean food, Ephesus Mediterranean Kitchen is the best choice in town. This diverse little pizza shop caught the attention of residents, business executives and college students with fresh ingredients and well-rounded menu. Locals highly recommend the Pide to experience authentic Turkish flavors. If you are looking an exotic treat, tantalize your taste buds with the dry plum pizza.

Pittsburgh’s first gastropub, Meat & Potatoes, convenient lies in the cultural district of downtown. Whether you are in the mood for a snack before the matinee at Heinz Hall or the Benedum Center, or in the mood for a cocktail after the evening show at the Cabaret, Meat & Potatoes has you covered. For an afternoon snack, stop in for the fried taters and black truffle mayonnaise. At lunch, sink your teeth into a sloppy Joe with a playful twist, wild boar with friend jalapenos and house-made pickles. If you are visiting for the popular Bloody Mary bar, you will not be disappointed with 20 different possible combinations and infused vodkas.

The nightlife downtown is never ending. After a long day at work, locals enjoy a refreshing martini with friends at Olive or Twist. For a night of fun, live music and cheap craft beer locals head over to The Backstage Bar. During sporting events head over to Heinz Field or PNC Park to catch the ball game, or watch the Penguins battle their rivals in Consol Energy Center. Black and gold fans not attending the game enjoy gathering with friends at Redbeard’s on Sixth to cheer on the Steelers. When after hours rolls around, the younger crowd heads over to the after hour clubs on Penn Avenue to keep the party going through the wee hours of the morning.

Most residents of downtown Pittsburgh walk or rely on various forms of public transportation to get around. Those, who are staying within the limits of the downtown area may ride PAT buses or the T free of charge, and once you enter travel into the uptown section of the city or within the Zone 1 routes, the ride will only cost a few dollars.

While you will see taxis driving around the city of Pittsburgh, you must call the cab company to arrange a pickup time. For those looking for a move convenient way to schedule a ride, Uber is available via a smartphone app.

Public parking downtown can be rather costly, ranging anywhere from $5 a day to $20 per day.

Getting around the city and connecting to the surrounding neighborhoods is quick and easy thanks to the convenient access to Interstates 79 and 279. Residents can also jump onto Interstate 376 and 576 to travel east and west of the city.

The most well-known park in downtown and the city of Pittsburgh is Point State Park. Point State Park is right at the heart of the Golden Triangle, featuring an extravagant water fountain where the three rivers meet. Locals and residents of the surrounding suburbs frequent this community part to enjoy a scenic stroll on warm summer days or to take part in holiday festivities during the city’s annual Light Up Night.

Point State Park hosts a variety of festivals and events all year-round, keeping the locals entertained while drawing in other from the surrounding areas. During the summer months, you cannot miss out on the Three Rivers Regatta for good food, live music, and plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Locals look forward the annual Rib Fest and music festivals that occur at the park each year.

The cost of living in downtown Pittsburgh is approximately 27 percent higher than other parts of the city. Those looking to move into the central business district should expect to pay around $1,210 per month for a one bedroom apartment.

Those, who choose to travel around downtown via car, can expect to pay about 16 percent higher gas prices than the national average. The average price of beer runs around $4 to $5, although happy hour specials often make the price lower.

The sheer amount of shopping opportunities in Downtown Pittsburgh brings shopaholic's dreams to life. While walking the streets along Wood Street on your way to Market Square, you pass dozens of little shops and retail stores.

Local ladies love to flaunt their latest steals from the upscale women's clothing boutique Boutique la Passerelle. This inviting little shop carries upscale premium women's clothing with a European flair, and you can't go wrong with the trendy headbands or scarves to complete the look.

When it comes to groceries, residents usually hop on a PAT bus for a short ride over to shop in the Strip District at an array of specialty shops like the Enrico Biscotti Company, Strip District Meats, Stan's Market, S&D Polish Deli, Penn Avenue Fish, and many others. The Strip District also features restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and other businesses.