A couple of months ago, I was able to sneak away with family to visit a city I had never, ever been to: Pittsburgh. Thanks to a ton of y’all’s recommendations and a lil’ research on my end, we were able to find some really awesome spots in this underrated city. It’s a super short drive from Columbus (about 3 hours) and well worth the trip on 70E for a change of pace. Here’s what I think you should do while you’re in Pittsburgh (with my personal faves being #1, 2, 8, & 9):::

1.) Stay at a beautiful, downtown hotel.

The outstanding Omni William Penn Hotel or the new, fabulously decorated Hotel Monaco are well worth it. Bonus: There’s a Speakeasy in the basement at the at the William Penn.

2.) Ride the incline.

Experiencing the Monongahela Incline and/or the Dusequsne Incline are absolutely a must-do while in Pittsburgh.

3.) Mingle in Mt. Washington.

After riding the incline, be sure to visit the Mt. Washington Observation Deck for photo opps, followed by The Summit for a casual bite or Le Mont for a fancier taste + amazing views of Pittsburgh.

4.) Shop the historic Strip District.

Shop for flowers at a streetside market, grab some fresh fruit + veggies, or grab a treat at Mancini’s Bakery.

5.) Grab lunch at a notorious Pittsburgh establishment.

Primanti Brothers‘ original location is in the Strip District but you can find them sprinkled throughout the city. Or nosh on some crêpe-style pancakes at local favorite, Pamela’s Diner, again with various locations around the city but note the original Pamela’s is in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood.

6.) Take in a museum… or two… or three.

The Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, or the Heinz History Center are all stellar picks.

7.) Imbibe in the city’s drinking scene.

Wigle Whiskey, Church Brew Works, and The Beer Market top the list of unique places to grab a drink.

8.) Enjoy the the city lights on a rooftop.

The Il Tetto Rooftop Beer Garden boasts a stunning evening setting for socializing with friends.

9.) Eat at a delicious restaurant.

You really can’t go wrong with Butcher and the Rye or Meat and Potatoes! Be sure to call for reservations.

10.) Bar hop in the Historic Southside.

Try Fat Head’s or Steel Cactus. Also, Dish Osteria has been credited as the best Italian in the city!

Have you ever been to Pittsburgh? What are some of your favorite weekend getaways?

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