Pittsburgh is far more than a center for steel manufacturing. Thanks to geniuses like Frank Lloyd Wright, architectural masterworks characterize the cityscape creating a striking skyline. The city is full of fiercely loyal locals and diverse neighborhoods made for exploring. Visit the Andy Warhol museum on the North Side, or stop by the Mattress Factory. (No, it doesn’t showcase firm, soft and memory foam varieties; it’s a museum for room-sized art installations.) If you prefer outdoor recreation, hike, bike or amble along Regent Square’s tree-lined streets. Wherever you go, you’re sure to hear the gurgle of babbling water; three rivers run through Pittsburgh, inspiring a variety of waterside activities. Leave your bags in a budget-friendly hotel room or a lavish suite, just don’t hole up for too long—shop downtown, immerse yourself in Carnegie-sponsored culture in Oakland or choose from a wide variety of ethnic and traditional American restaurants throughout the city.

	Top rated hotels
	1. Microtel Inn and Suites Pittsburgh 900 Chauvet Drive 4. Holiday Inn Pittsburgh-Parkway East 915 Brinton Road 2. Days Inn Pittsburgh 1150 Banksville Road 5. Mainstay Suites Pittsburgh 1000 Park Lane Drive 3. Pittsburgh South Airport Red Roof Inn 6404 Steubenville Pike 6. Hilton Pittsburgh 600 Commonwealth Place View more Pittsburgh hotel info »«

	Top rated attractions
	In Pittsburgh 1. Visit Fallingwater Rent a car for the day and drive about two hours southeast of Pittsburgh to see one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces. The structure blends seamlessly with nature; rock ledges jut over a babbling stream, emulating natural rock formations. Donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in 1963, the home—with many of its original Wright-designed furnishings—is now available to the public for tours. Make reservations at least a few weeks in advance; it’s a popular site! Children under 6 are not permitted on regular tours, and children under 9 are not allowed on in-depth tours. They’re free to stay in a supervised care center that charges only $2 an hour. Unless they’re particularly precocious, they’ll be happier there anyway. Bring cash for the café, or picnic at the nearby Bear Run Nature Reserve.  « hide 2. Check out the former location of Forbes Field Use the Pittsburgh Port Authority Trip Planner online to map your bus route and head on over to University of Pittsburgh, the former location of Forbes Field. Although the field was damaged by fire in 1972, home plate is still in its original location, enclosed under Plexiglas in the main hallway. You’ll also find the famous Life magazine print of students watching the World Series from atop the nearby Cathedral of Learning. Outside, see the exact spot where Bill Mazeroski’s World Series-winning homerun left the park. The best part of this activity: it’s absolutely free.  « hide 3. Bird watch at the National Aviary The National Aviary offers a full schedule of demonstrations, feedings and events focusing on wetland habitats and rainforests. With over 600 exotic birds—many endangered species—this bird park is a great place to bring the kids. Take a self-guided or guided tour to learn everything you ever wanted to know about winged species across the continents. If you find dining in restaurants to be for the birds, the National Aviary has you covered; “Breakfast with the Birds” and “Lunch on the Fly” combine eating with interactive exhibits.  « hide 4. Bring the family to Sandcastle Waterpark Take the 59A bus to Sandcastle Waterpark which boasts 14 slides, a pool, a wave pool and a go-kart track. Sandcastle also has a kid-friendly area called Wet Willies, an entertainment complex and a marina. If you’re feeling a little sluggish, relax in the Jacuzzi or lounge in the “lazy river.” You’ll have no problem finding things to do here, but if you decide to end your visit early, head over to the nearby Waterfront area for shopping or a trip to the movies.  « hide 5. Check out Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial A historical landmark, the Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial has been honoring war veterans since the early 1900s. You may need to take a breather while traversing the vast front lawn, peppered with cannons and other firearms. Walk through the Hall of Valor, dedicated to veterans who went above and beyond the call of duty, or take an hour-long tour of either the entire museum or just one particular war. For a more comprehensive look, take the 4 ½ hour tour—it’s a bargain at $7 per person! Visit www.portauthority.org to map your travel route.  « hide 6. Visit Andy Warhol Museum The Andy Warhol Museum is an extensive tribute to the artist, showcasing everything from doodles to infamous pop art paintings, like Campbell’s Soup Cans. Located in a seven-story warehouse near PNC Park, the Warhol Museum displays both a permanent collection and a series of changing exhibits, including works by other artists. Visit the basement café for a snack or save your money for the Warhol store. Where else can you get an Edie Sedgwick magnet and a shoe-shaped notebook?  « hide View more Pittsburgh attractions » « View less Pittsburgh attractions

	Top rated restaurants
	1. Café Roma Café Roma, Pittsburgh, offers a taste of Sicily with only the freshest ingredients. Choose from classic pasta dishes and daily specials, or try some of their best selections in the “Tour of Italy” sample platter. The casual atmosphere and cozy dining room make Café Roma an ideal lunch spot for small groups.  « hide 6. Wholey’s Kitchen at Wholey’s Market Wholey’s Kitchen at Wholey’s Market, Pittsburgh, offers cafeteria-style service to a constant stream of customers who know the food is worth the wait. Choose from an extensive seafood menu upstairs or opt go raw at the downstairs sushi bar. This is a great spot for people-watching—or lobster-watching in the large tank.  « hide 2. Del’s Bar and Restorante DelPizzo Del’s Bar and Restorante DelPizzo, Pittsburgh, is a family-owned ‘Burgh favorite with almost a century of history. For lighter fare, try a panini or a delzone, or opt for a classic Italian entrée. Del’s gives new meaning to the term “early bird.” During the week, the menu is significantly cheaper between 2:00 and 8:00 in the evening. Come on Friday for karaoke, or stop by during a Steeler’s game—the buffet and pizza are often free then!  « hide 7. Le Pommier Le Pommier, Pittsburgh, has three dining rooms, all generally packed, yet still quiet and warm. In the summertime, patrons duke it out to get a sidewalk table. All dishes are organic, made with fresh local produce, and all wines are French labels. The prix fixe menu, offering three courses and desert, is available Monday through Thursday.  « hide 3. Pleasure Bar and Restaurant Pleasure Bar and Restaurant, Pittsburgh, offers a true taste of Italy, from its trellis and garland-laden décor to its hearty menu. Try an “Italian Medley” platter for a taste of several entrées, or go with Pleasure Bar’s signature dish, eggplant parmigiana. Not hungry? Although it’s a shame to come here and not try the food, you’ll still enjoy yourself camping out at the bar. Happy hour is from 4:00–6:00.  « hide 8. Isabella on Grandview Isabella on Grandview, Pittsburgh is romance central. Towering high above the city on Mt. Washington, Isabella practically floats above the skyline. The entire menu is prix fixe with seven courses. Choose a signature cocktail or peruse the extensive wine list. Connoisseurs will not be disappointed!  « hide 4. Benkovitz Seafoods Benkovitz Seafoods, Pittsburgh, a seafood emporium with an eat-in counter, is a mainstay for locals. Try their renowned fried fish sandwich, pick on sushi or go for chowder and salad. If you plan to come around lunchtime, be prepared to get to up close and personal with the other patrons; it can get pretty crowded.  « hide 9. Café Du Jour Café Du Jour, Pittsburgh, is an intimate bistro with courtyard seating. The owners designed the space to reflect the old world charm of New Orleans’ French Quarter. The French-American menu changes with the seasons but one thing remains the same—creative dishes always come out looking like art. Dining room is small.  « hide 5. Roland’s Seafood Grill Roland’s Seafood Grill, Pittsburgh, has a balcony, a jukebox, a second-level game area with pool tables, air hockey and darts, and a teeming seafood bar. With pizza, pasta and salads on the menu, there’s something for everyone here. Come on Friday or Saturday to check out local performing artists.  « hide

	Pittsburgh Insider tips
	1. Visit Homestead One of Carnegie’s largest steel mill operations, Homestead Works, once sat in this neighborhood, just a few miles from Oakland. Make a day of it and soak up some history walking along the Monongahela River. Stop by the Pumphouse to see where labor strikers went to battle with capital in 1892. The Bost Building on 8th Avenue, which served as union headquarters for the workers, displays labor artifacts. If your group’s history buff takes you here and you’re less than enthused, rest assured: there’s a ton to do that isn’t educational. Shop in the Waterfront complex, watch a movie, dine at one of the many casual and fine restaurants, or visit Dave’s and Busters to play skee ball, pool and other games.  « hide 2. Pittsburgh Neighborhoods to Avoid Pittsburgh is not a dangerous city, but some neighborhoods can be unsafe at times. The Hill District spans along Centre, Forbes and Fifth Avenues and is bordered by downtown and Oakland. All of these areas are a tad inhospitable after sunset. Crime is prevalent in Homewood and East Hills, adjacent neighborhoods on the city’s east side. It’s best to avoid these areas altogether. The other dangerous place to be: in a bar badmouthing Pittsburgh. The people are nice but they’re not shy when it comes to defending their home.  « hide 3. Be Street Smart There are a few things you need to know about the roads in Pittsburgh. First: some streets look like one-way streets but aren’t. In Oakland, for example, buses travel against the traffic in a special lane. Second: don’t bang a u-turn unless you see a sign indicating it’s permissible. Lurking cops are often waiting to stop drivers for illegal U-ies. Third: beware of potholes; they’re everywhere and will destroy your tires. Last: get good directions. Many street signs are missing or obscured, so the city can be difficult to navigate.  « hide 4. Beware of Station Square—It’s a Tourist Trap Touted as Pittsburgh’s most popular tourist attraction, the area doesn’t live up to the hype. Franchise restaurants abound and the stores are overrated. Locals agree the nearby South Side is a better spot to visit; the shopping is more eclectic and the food is a veritable slice of Pittsburgh. If you find yourself happiest in malls and food chains, then by all means, visit Station Square!  « hide

	Pittsburgh nightlife
	In Pittsburgh 1. Pure This upscale, 7,000 square foot nightclub is located above Isoldi’s Italian restaurant, an elegant spot for casual fine dining. With a heated deck and a glass dance floor, Pure offers plenty of space to get overheated and then cool off. Enjoy VIP table service either in or outdoors and choose from an extensive bottle list. Wherever you plan to sit, come dressed to impress—if you’re not dressed just so, you may not get in.  « hide 2. Bash Nightclub Bash Nightclub is a rowdy spot where topless waiters serve free shots to early birds. It’s a magical place where cover charges are obsolete. From rock to top 40s to country to techno, the music is diverse. Dance your way around the neon DJ booth or camp out at one of the bars; the drinks are huge, strong and fairly cheap.  « hide