Pittsburgh's top attractions: Visitors guide

There is plenty to see and do in Pittsburgh. Art, culture, history, natural beauty and sports are among Pittsburgh's top attractions. Pittsburgh is also a great foodie town, has a burgeoning art scene and great places to shop.

Harper's Bazaar once declared Pittsburgh America's most underrated city and more recently ranked it fourth among the 17 best places to visit in the world. Visit Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive guide for visitors.

>>Top attractions for singles | families | kids

It's a beautiful place, with rivers, hills, bridges, interesting architecture and history. Spring, summer and fall are great times to visit. Winter, not so much. Here's an overview of Pittsburgh's top attractions.

Great sports town

Pittsburgh calls itself the city of champions - and it's hard to argue with five Stanley Cups, six Super Bowl championships and five World Series titles.

If you're in town, depending on the season, make it your business to take in a game at Heinz Field, home of the Steelers and the Pitt Panthers. The Pirates play at the award-winning PNC Park, an intimate old-school ballyard that opened in 2001. PPG Paints Arena is a great place to watch the Penguins or to take in concerts and family shows.

Museums and the arts

The Andy Warhol Museum has the largest collection of the legendary artist's work. Warhol was a Pittsburgh native son who revolutionized the world art scene. In addition to his transformative work, the museum is full of immersive experiences. Try your hand at silk-screening or making a short film.

The Carnegie Museums of art, natural history and science are world-class, offering a wide range of exhibits and attractions to entertain and educate the entire family.

No list of Pittsburgh top attractions would be complete without a nod to Randyland. Randy Gilson, a formerly homeless artist, has put up Pittsburgh's most colorful attraction in his backyard, featuring found objects splashed with vibrant colors and a joy of life that's infectious. 

The Duquesne Incline is a rolling museum. Trolley cars carry riders 400 feet up a steep incline for a stupendous view of the Pittsburgh skyline.

The Frick Art and Historical Center is located in an old mansion that was the home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick and his wife, Adelaide Howard Childs. Their descendants left the house, named "Clayton," to the people of Pittsburgh, with instructions that it be made into a museum. Visitors will learn about the Frick family and life in the 1800s, along with viewing  traveling exhibitions of the world's great artists.

Shopping, eating

The list of restaurants is far too extensive to list. But here are a few to think about, and you'll want to do your own research and ask the locals.

Altius, Montery Fish and Grotto and Eleven are elegant, fine-dining restaurants that will cost a lot for a memorable culinary experience. Meat and Potatoes and The Butcher and the Rye are good American food places and so is Pamela's Diner, a less-expensive option that doesn't skimp on quality. Umami is a first-rate Japanese pub; Tako is a new, well-reviewed Mexican place and DiAnola's is an Italian place beloved by the people of Yelp.

The Shadyside neighborhood is the place to go to walk and visit the interesting shops and boutiques like Eureka!, Henne Jewelers and Shadyside Variety Store. Also check out downtown, which features national brands like Brooks Brothers and Burlington Coat Factory alongside local shops. The Strip District, Butler Street in Lawrenceville, and South Side are also loaded with shopping and entertainment options.

Cox Media Group