Downtown Pittsburgh: Top things to do

Downtown Pittsburgh is a hub of activity with no shortage of things to see and do. From historic attractions to art museums and professional sporting events, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few ideas on what to do in downtown Pittsburgh, whether you're in town visiting or live in Steel City and want to explore your own backyard.

Attractions:

Carnegie Science Center
1 Allegheny Ave.
412-237-3400

Explore all things science throughout the Carnegie Science Center's four floors of interactive exhibits. You can also take in a cosmic show at the center's planetarium or enjoy a 3-D movie adventure in the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets start at $11.95 for children and $19.95 for adults.

Duquesne Incline
1197 West Carson St.
412-381-1665

Take a ride on a century-old cable car that was once used as a coal hoist. The cable car takes guests to an observation deck that offers panoramic views of Steel City that are unbeatable. Tickets are $5 round trip for adults and $2.50 round trip for children.

Market Square
24 Market Square
412-566-4190

Located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, the historic Market Square offers a variety of popular eateries and local boutiques where you can shop to your heart's content.

Point State Park
601 Commonwealth Place
412-565-2850

Check out sights from the very tip of Pittsburgh's famous Golden Triangle at historic Point State Park. Along with the incredible views of the surrounding city and rivers, guests can enjoy the park's paved greenways and historic landmarks, which date back to the French and Indian War and include the Fort Pitt Blockhouse, the oldest authentic building in the western part of the state. Admission to the park is free.

Station Square
125 W. Station Square Drive
800-859-8959

Station Square is another popular destination that features 52 acres of indoor and outdoor space full of dining, shopping and entertainment in the downtown Pittsburgh area. Visitors will find a mixture of old and new with historic buildings that have been transformed into upscale restaurants and boutiques. The Station's Bessemer Court is known for its state-of-the-art fountain that puts on a impressive show with more than 40 multicolored water jets shooting into the air.

Museums:

Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky St.
412-237-8300

Explore the largest collection of Andy Warhol works in the world through seven floors and an underground area full of exhibits and archives at the Andy Warhol Museum. Tickets for adults are $20 and tickets for seniors (62+), students and children (ages 3 -18) are $10.

ToonSeum
945 Liberty Ave.
412-232-0199

For everything related to comics and cartoon artists, visit the ToonSeum, a small boutique museum with more than 100 exhibits celebrating the art of cartooning. Museum exhibits feature popular superhero comics, such as Wonder Woman and Star Trek illustrations and graphic novels from the civil rights era. Tickets are $6 for adults and children over the age of 13, $4 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and under.

Sports:
Downtown Pittsburgh is heaven for sports fans of all kinds, with three professional sports teams that all play within city limits.

PNC Park
115 Federal St.
412-321-2827
Baseball fans can cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Tickets start around $19.

Heinz Field
100 Art Rooney Ave.
412-697-7150
NFL fans can take in a Steelers game at Heinz Field. Tickets prices vary by game.

PPG Paints Arena
1001 Fifth Ave.
412-642-1800
See the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins take on opponents at PPG Paints Arena. Tickets start around $30 each. If you can't make it to a game, check out the behind-the-scenes tour.