These Are the 6 Things You Need to Know Before You Travel to Pittsburgh

If you think Philadelphia gets all the love in Pennsylvania, wait ‘til you discover this city. Here’s what to know when traveling to Pittsburgh.

When you think about exploring the US, many cities come to mind. And oftentimes, Pittsburgh might not be near the top of the list, unless you’re a faraway fan of the Steelers or Penguins.

You might want to bump it up, as the city offers more than most people think. But to explore Pittsburgh to the fullest, there are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind. 

The city has many unique features that are worth mentioning, so let’s go over the most worthy.

1. Pittsburgh Has a Lot of Bridges…

If someone asked you to name the city with the most bridges, you’d probably give the most common answer in Venice. After all, the city stands on the water.

But did you know that Pittsburgh has more bridges than Venice? 446 of them, to be exact. Most of them are across the three Pittsburgh rivers that converge in the downtown – Monongahela, Ohio, and Allegheny.

The meeting of these three rivers offers a picture-perfect view. Not to mention, you can take some stunning pictures from any of the city’s bridges. But for some of the best sceneries, you should climb the Duquesne Incline.

2. …and Many Hills (One of Which Will Blow Your Mind)

Hills, valleys, and rivers create an interesting terrain in Pittsburgh. This is excellent news if you’re into hiking or biking on steep grounds, but not so much if you abhor waking.

Now, there’s one hill in particular that will leave you in awe. If you ever find yourself in North Park, make sure to check out the road between Kummer and McKinney roads.

Here’s something to try out for yourself. If you go by car, stop it and put it in neutral. You’ll notice that the car is moving uphill on its own! Try placing a ball on the road and it will do the same thing.

But there’s no magic involved here; just an optical illusion, unlike anything you’ve seen before. This is one of those things that you need to see for yourself to believe.

3. The Weather Conditions Are Very Comfortable

Pittsburgh weather seldom leaves you guessing what will happen next. Throughout the year, the weather is very balanced and pleasant.

In the winter, Pittsburgh is cold – but not so much that you can’t enjoy a pleasant stroll through the streets. There are rarely any extremes, so you can expect the usual winter weather and not a lot of surprises.

The same goes for the summer, which is hot but not scorching. You surely won’t have to stay indoors with the AC on. And as far as the fall and spring go, they’re absolutely beautiful! You can enjoy those perfect weather conditions that will make your stay that much more enjoyable.

4. It’s the Home of “the Most Unique House in the World”

Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the world’s most famous architects, created lots of stunning buildings in his career. And to this day, Fallingwater is among his most successful projects.

The house itself isn’t too exciting. It’s a modern-style house with a few exciting features. 

But the fascinating part is what the home sits on.

Instead of standing on solid ground, the house actually stretches over a beautiful 30’ waterfall. And the water runs through it!

Wright finished the house in 1937, after which it became an immediate success. Today, the project is a national historical landmark that you surely don’t want to miss.

5. The Food Scene Is Incredible

Whichever Pittsburgh travel guide you pick up, you should see that the food scene is a notable highlight. In fact, some of the world’s most famous foods come from this city. These include the Klondike bar, Heinz ketchup, and even the Big Mac, which was technically invested just outside of Pittsburgh.

Today, the number of places to enjoy a delicious meal seems endless. Just when you think that you’ve tried it all, you’ll notice another place that you must visit. You can find a restaurant in Pittsburgh dedicated to just about any cuisine.

6. It’s Budget-Friendly

Many cities in the US require you to spend a ton of money just to get a taste of what they have to offer – but not Pittsburgh. The city is very livable, and the standard of living is more than reasonable.

When it comes to groceries, transport, and accommodation, the costs are around 10% below the national average. As such, Pittsburgh can be a very good idea if you’ve caught a travel bug but don’t want to spend a whole lot of money.

In addition, there are many things to do in Pittsburgh on a budget or even for free. From the beautiful parks to the cheap yet interesting museums, you can fill your day with different activities without breaking the bank.

A Hidden Gem

Now that you understand what to know when traveling to Pittsburgh, can you see why it’s so underrated? It’s a charming and exciting town that has a lot to offer, and you won’t have to save a lot or overspend to have a good time.

Be sure to explore Pittsburgh’s bridges, hills, restaurants, and bars. You’re likely to find many unique places that you’ll want to return to.