48 Hours in Pittsburgh: Making the Most of Every Moment

Located in Western Pennsylvania and situated at the confluence of the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, the scenic city of Pittsburgh is basks in well-deserved accolades as a must-see destination.

Harper’s Bazaar named it one of the Best Places to Travel for its award-winning restaurants, vibrant arts and culture scene, and world-class accommodations.

Choosing from among the many attractions is the difficult part, but getting there is easy. Most destinations are located within 20 minutes of the downtown area. Less time commuting and more time enjoying is certainly a plus when schedules are tight during a short getaway.

Staying in the Heart of the Action

Omni William Penn

First-time guests of the Omni William Penn Hotel are often mesmerized by the beauty of the opulent lobby, with its crystal chandeliers, oversized archways, and a floor that mingles marble from seven different countries. Built by Pittsburgh industrialist Henry Clay Frick and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel dates back to 1916 and still exudes much of that old-world charm. The icing on the cake is that it’s conveniently located within a short drive of many destinations.

There are a number of activities to enjoy while staying at the Omni, from kayaking, to biking, to touring and dining at any of the restaurants perched atop the Duquesne Incline. No visit is complete without a trip to Grandview Avenue’s Mount Washingtons' Restaurant Row, where diners are treated to spectacular views of downtown, especially as the sun sets.

The Omni also provides guests with its own dining options, from the elegantly appointed and upscale Terrace Room, with its original molded plaster ceiling and mahogany arches and creative American cuisine, to the more casual Taproom. Once deemed “The Continental,” the Taproom dates back to 1934 and is one of two “Repealatoriums” that opened in the hotel after Prohibition ended.

Tucked away beneath the stairs of the grand lobby is another celebratory toast to the end of Prohibition. The Speakeasy, named among the 12 Most Essential Bars by Thrillist, with its cozy ambiance and plush red-velvet décor is a welcome respite for guests seeking a place to relax with their favorite libation.  

Taking a Tour

Pittsburgh is all about choices and finding a tour tailored to one’s interests is as easy as consulting a concierge, or AI these days.

The one-hour Gateway Clipper tour traverses the three rivers and treats visitors to a beautiful view of the city, while providing them a unique glimpse into Pittsburgh’s past and future via onboard narrators. It’s a 15-minute walk from the hotel and an interesting way to view the architecture of the city and our bridges.

For the foodie, there’s “Burgh Bits and Bites," which takes guests on a walking tour to their choice of several different neighborhoods, including Pittsburgh’s acclaimed Strip District. The excursion convenes in Old St. Patrick’s Church courtyard. Sylvia McCoy, tour founder, offers guests a “behind-the-counter” peek at a variety of eateries in Pittsburgh’s market district. “The Strip District features an array of cuisines, from Asian, to Polish, Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, all on one street,” she says.

And no trip to Pittsburgh is complete without a ride on the famous Duquesne Incline, which is a historic funicular railway located at 1197 W. Carson Street.  The Incline was designed by Samuel Diesher, a Hungarian-American civil engineer based in Pittsburgh and was completed in 1877 It offers scenic views of the city and its three rivers, including the Allegheny, Ohio and Monongahela.  

An Insider Tip: Exit the incline, turn to the right and head up the hill to view the spectacular “Point of View” sculpture, which features George Washington and the Seneca leader Guyasuta. It conveys what their face-to-face meeting may have been like in 1770 while Washington was in the area examining land for future settlement along the Ohio River. The two-minute walk from the Incline is worth it for the unobstructed view of the skyline alone.

George Washington and Seneca Leader Guy Asuta.

Nature, History and Art Abound in Oakland

One can spend an entire day in Oakland soaking in the exhibits at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Carnegie Museum of Art and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. All are conveniently located within walking distance of each other, making it easy to mix and match as time permits.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Phipps dates back to 1893 and is often described as one of Pittsburgh’s “crown jewels.” Visitors are often in awe of the striking botanical displays, many of which change throughout the year. Phipps Conservatory is also one of those places you can visit multiple times each year for their seasonal flower shows.

Phipps also has the distinction of being LEED™ platinum certified. Designed to be the greenest building in the world, Phipps generates all of its own energy and treats storm and sanitary water on site.

The Children’s Discovery Garden is a big hit with the kids and is designed to attract birds, butterflies, and bees. It also includes a bog garden, a sensory garden, and outdoor spaces to entertain and enlighten the youngsters.

Allocate approximately 90 minutes to tour the indoor and outdoor gardens, which feature stunning displays of plants ranging from palm trees, to orchids, bonsai and cacti, to name just a few.

Insider Tip: To avoid crowds, plan to visit on a Monday or Tuesday.

Carnegie Museum of Art

It’s easy to spend hours roaming the halls of the Carnegie Museum of Art (CMOA), so if this destination is at the top of your list, you may wish to get an early start by visiting when doors open at 10 a.m.

The impressive collection exists courtesy of Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy industrialist/philanthropist and proud Pittsburgher who envisioned opening up the art world to all segments of society.

The 110,570-foot space is comprised of 33 galleries which feature approximately 1,800 works of art at any given time.  Painting and sculpture, prints and drawings, photographs, architectural casts and film and video are all represented under one roof, ensuring that the museum offers something for every taste.

Artists run the gamut from Van Gogh, to Matisse, Picasso, Warhol and more.

A unique exhibit featuring a piece of furniture that is universally pressed into service is the chair collection, which celebrates the diversity of chair design from the 17^th Century to the present.

Also notable is the cast of the West Portal of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard located in the Hall of Architecture. Paid for by Andrew Carnegie at the recommendation of art experts, it is said to be the largest architectural cast ever made.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Adjacent to the CMOA is the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, also founded by Andrew Carnegie. Ranked among the top five natural history museums in the United States, it boasts a collection of 22 million specimens, 10,000 of which are on view at any given time.

The family friendly destination features an array of dinosaurs and mammals, fossils, mummies and more, which are sure to intrigue guests of all ages.

Don’t miss the Hall of Gems for a dizzying array of rocks and minerals.

Insider Tip: The price of admission to both museums is reduced to half off after 3 p.m. on weekdays.

These are just a few of the many options available in a city where choices abound and making the most of every moment is limited only by the imagination of the visitor.

Photo Credits:

Gateway Clipper (with picture of bridge) Courtesy: Gateway Clipper/Visit Pittsburgh

Omni William Penn, Courtesy: Omni Hotels and Resorts

Duquesne Incline: Credit: Richard Nowitz