48 Hours in Pittsburgh
From pop art to rooftop brews, this two-day guide highlights Steel City’s past, present, and personality
Founded in 1758 at the strategic confluence of three rivers, Pittsburgh has transformed from an industrial powerhouse into a vibrant city bursting with culture, innovation, and charm. Today, it draws history buffs, captains of industry, foodies, and casual wanderers eager to explore its storied past and dynamic present. This 48-hour itinerary will help you make the most of a quick escape to Steel City.
Before you go
Just as Pittsburgh’s steel shaped the nation, a well-planned itinerary will shape your trip. Here are some tips before you set off.
Pinpoint your interests
From charming urban eateries to whitewater rafting and architectural wonders, Pittsburgh offers a diverse array of attractions and activities. Explore the Visit Pittsburgh website to identify your musts.
Choose your neighborhood
Pittsburgh is home to more than 90 unique neighborhoods. Learn about them in advance to select the best home base for your two-day adventure.
Book well in advance
Events at Duquesne Incline, PNC Park, and other Pittsburgh hotspots can fill up fast, so be sure to reserve tickets well in advance, especially during busy summer travel periods.
Day 1
Morning
Kick off your adventure in the bustling Strip District with a hearty breakfast from DeLuca’s Diner, a beloved local landmark dishing out oversized pancakes, sizzling skillets, and old-school charm since 1950. Inside, chrome fixtures and red vinyl booths evoke a bygone era.
With your appetite satisfied, wander the Strip’s colorful corridor of specialty shops, open-air stalls, and gourmet grocers. Keep an eye out for culinary favorites such as Primanti Bros., where French fries come tucked inside their behemoth sandwiches, and Pennsylvania Macaroni Co., a foodie haven stocked with specialty cheeses and cured meats. You’ll want to mentally bookmark a few of these spots for a return visit.
Afternoon
Cross the Allegheny River and head to The Andy Warhol Museum to celebrate the life and art of one of Pittsburgh’s best-known natives. Spanning seven floors, the museum houses the largest collection of Warhol's art and archives globally.
Once you’ve had your fill of iconic pop art and avant-garde filmography, make your way to the Original Oyster House to feast on fried fish in what is Pittsburgh's oldest bar and restaurant, serving hungry patrons since 1870.
After lunch, it’s time to enjoy one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic experiences: riding the historic Duquesne Incline to the top of Mount Washington for a scenic walk and dramatic photo ops along the Grandview Avenue overlook.
Evening
End your first day in Pittsburgh with a memorable dinner at Meat & Potatoes, a trendy downtown gastropub that’s known for its hearty, modern American dishes—with a menu that includes a 50-ounce Tomahawk and Beef Wellington for Two. If you’ve got the energy (and appetite) for a nightcap, head to Acacia in South Side. It serves up speakeasy-style cocktails along with romantic river views.
Day 2
Morning
After a busy first day, ease into the morning with a coffee and breakfast at La Gourmandine, a French bakery in Lawrenceville, a trendy Pittsburgh neighborhood known for its historic charm and vibrant food scene. Its croissants and pastries are the stuff of local legend.
With a full belly, dive into another gem from the trio of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh still waiting to be explored (you’ve already sampled The Andy Warhol Museum). Choose from the Carnegie Museum of Art, home to masterpieces by Monet and Cézanne; the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, where a towering T. rex skeleton steals the show; or the Carnegie Science Center, packed with interactive exhibits covering robotics, sports science, and space exploration.
For lunch, you can’t go wrong with Sienna Mercato for delicious wood-fired pizza. Before you leave, check out the stunning city views and craft libations from Il Tetto, the restaurant’s rooftop beer garden.
Afternoon
Pittsburgh is known for its green spaces, and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers an ideal spot to unwind after a big meal and a full morning of exploration. Located in Schenley Park, just a few miles from downtown Pittsburgh, this Victorian-style greenhouse features lush gardens, rotating seasonal displays, and interactive examples of sustainable design.
Evening
Wrap up your visit with dinner at The Church Brew Works, a Roman Catholic cathedral-turned-brewery. The stunning setting—paired with craft beers and inventive pub fare—makes for an unforgettable and quintessentially Pittsburgh dining experience.
If you're up for a final cultural treat after dinner, catch a performance at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, or take a walk along the North Shore for views of the Roberto Clemente Bridge and PNC Park—home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the city’s Major League Baseball team.
Pittsburgh is a city that blends industrial grit with modern flair, showcasing its natural beauty at every turn. Whether your focus is food, history, art, or the great outdoors, this classic American city is not to be missed.