Pittsburgh was once known for its industry, but is
now completely transformed into a green city with recreational riverfronts that are right downtown. Pittsburgh boasts more bridges than any other American city or region, owing to its spectacular location at the confluence of the Allegheny, Ohio,
and Monongahela Rivers. The "Golden Triangle" is bounded by the rivers and nowadays Point State Park sits at the apex of the confluence. It’s the only State Park in an urban setting and kayaking and fishing are popular occupations right in the heart of the city.
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Point State Park is the start of 335-mile hiking or biking trip to Washington DC along the Great Allegheny Passage trail and the whole city is walkable and bikeable with 24miles of riverfront trails. No wonder Pittsburgh was among the top 5 Best Cities for an Active Lifestyle, according to WalletHub.
Pittsburgh has always been a getaway destination for Canadians drawn by its great shopping and its over-abundance of culture and exciting urban vibe. Now there is an alternative to the 5 hr drive from Toronto – just a 45 minute flight on Porter Airlines from Toronto to Pittsburgh’s award winning international airport.
Expect the unexpected when you visit Pittsburgh - with natural beauty, unique terrain and exciting urban views at every turn. Pop Culture icon Andy Warhol has left his mark on Pittsburgh – and this friendly, accessible city combines art, culture, shopping, dining, sport and family fun, making it a great getaway destination. It is a foodies’ paradise and both the Beer Institute and Redfin heralded Pittsburgh as The Best City for Beer Lovers. And on top of that – Pittsburgh is the birthplace of American Whiskey!
Pittsburgh has lots of new restaurants especially in its eclectic neighbourhoods and Zagat named Pittsburgh the "No. 1 Food City in the U.S." You'll find everything from James Beard-nominated chefs and restaurants to casual family spots, upscale and romantic eateries, late-night bites or convenient take-out. Penn Brewery began brewing craft beer back in 1986, making them one of the earliest pioneers in the American craft beer movement and now the Pittsburgh region boasts over 30 awesome breweries.
To gain a unique perspective on Pittsburgh - ride the Duquesne Incline, a 140 year old cable car that travels up a 300-foot bluff to Mt. Washington, for spectacular views of the beautiful Golden Triangle. Downtown is Pittsburgh Cultural District with a 14-square-block collection of art galleries, historic theatres and museums and a lively Market Square.
Pittsburgh is so cool that Infogroup tagged it among the Top 10 Hippest Cities in the US. Amazon passionately named it one of the country’s Most Romantic Cities and Forbes described it as one of the world’s Most Unexpectedly Romantic Cities. Behind these accolades is a wealth of arts, theatre, music and culture that enriches the city and makes it such an exciting destination to visit.
Some of Pittsburgh’s world class cultural attractions stem from wonderful endowments from early titans of industry such as the Heinz and Carnegie families. Carnegie Museum of Art, The Frick Pittsburgh and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art are all examples of this. But Pittsburgh hasn’t stood still! Pop Culture icon Andy Warhol, was a Pittsburgh native and his home town houses the museum that is the global keeper of his legacy. The Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum and experimental lab and the Pittsburgh Glass Center is dedicated to teaching, creating and promoting glass art.
The list of affordable, accessible cultural activities goes on and on with institutions like Carnegie Museum of Natural History as well as a vibrant performance arts scene thanks to PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh, The Public Theater, The City Theatre, the Pittsburgh Ballet, Pittsburgh Opera and more!
But that’s not all! Pittsburgh boasts three major league sports teams – The Penguins NHL team with Canadian hero Sidney Crosby, The Steelers NFL team and the Pirates major league basketball team. There are also no shortage of activities for families – including the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, the National Aviary, Carnegie Science Center and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh – so you can be sure that everyone from groups of friends to couples to kids will find plenty to do during a Pittsburgh getaway.
Opportunities for shopping in Pittsburgh are as endless as they are interesting. From the fun and funky South Side to the hip and happening Lawrenceville, neighborhood shops are fun to explore. And don’t miss other popular neighborhood shopping districts including Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Sewickley and the Strip District.
Destination Downtown
You’ll find a mix of retailers Downtown – including upscale Larrimor’s, Brooks Brothers and Jos. A. Bank. Other fashion outlets include Boutique La Passerelle, Burlington Coat Factory and Avenue. Inside Fifth Avenue Place, you’ll find a variety of specialty shops like Crystal River Gems and its wide variety of collectables. Don’t forget to visit WELCOME Pittsburgh Information Center & Gift Shop for souvenirs, Pittsburgh apparel and more. Other interesting Downtown retailers include the Broadway Army/Navy Store, Ewe Can Knit, Shaw Galleries and Specialty Luggage.
Want to take home a taste of Pittsburgh? If you’re Downtown, just head to Market Square for some famous pepperoni rolls from Mancini’s Bread Company or stop by Nicholas Coffee Company, a true Pittsburgh original since 1919. The Pittsburgh Popcorn Company and Sinful Sweets make for more tasty shopping.
During the holidays, visit Pittsburgh’s newest holiday tradition – the Peoples Gas Holiday Market. Inspired by the original German Christkindlemarkts, the holiday market mixes international flair with local charm. Weave your way through the Alpine-style wooden chalets, brimming with high quality gifts, for a unique holiday shopping experience in Market Square.
Into the Neighborhoods
The charming S.W. Randall Toyes and Gifts, with its three locations (downtown, Shadyside and Squirrel Hill) is a treasure trove for toy lovers of all ages. Kawaii Gifts in Shadyside specializes in cute Japanese gifts and overflows with everything pink and fuzzy. And Dragonfly Castle Toys in Lawrenceville goes totally cool, old-school with toys from around the world – and no batteries!
The Store at Contemporary Craft in the Strip District has unique jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber and furniture. Studebaker Metals in Braddock is the place for hand-forged metal goods, made to last a lifetime. From silver handmade razors and mustache combs to artsy earrings and necklaces.
Who Knew? Retro Mod Décor in Lawrenceville is known as one of the best vintage shops in Pittsburgh. It specializes in Mid-Century Modern design ranging from high-end designer pieces to kitsch. Perlora on the South Side offers the best in modern furniture. Shadyside-based Weisshouse offers furniture and accessories from the world’s most original manufacturers.
Literature lovers love Caliban Book Shop in Oakland, Amazing Books and Records (Downtown and Squirrel Hill), Penguin Bookshop in Sewickley and Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont. While music lovers love Dave’s Music Mind on the South Side, Eide’s Entertainment in the Strip District and Juke Records in Bloomfield.
Seeking one-of-a-kind items? Check out Wildcard in Lawrenceville for an awesome Etsy-like assortment of whatnots, Ten Thousand Villages in Squirrel Hill for fair-trade crafts and housewares or La Feria in Shadyside for original Peruvian crafts. Commonwealth Press on the South Side and Mt. Lebanon is the place to go for some seriously funny tee shirts and, say, a parking chair.
Malls, Malls, Malls
Spend some time to get your shop on as some of the 40+ shops at the Pittsburgh International Airport Airmall. Named by TripAdvisor “Traveler’s Choice” for airport shopping in 2016, you’ll find top local and national brands including Sportzburg, Nine West and Three Rivers Harley-Davidson along with unique luxury retailers like Hugo Boss and Armani Jeans.
High-end fashion can also be found at Ross Park Mall, with more than 150 retailers, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Burberry and more. The Waterfront in Homestead has more than 50 retailers. You’ll also find fine selections at Monroeville Mall and Galleria of Mt. Lebanon. And, if you’re looking for a bargain, motor over to Grove City Premium Outlets, just 50 minutes north of Pittsburgh on your way home to Canada, it's home to more than 130 shops.