Nicknamed “The City of Bridges,” Pittsburgh sits on the junction of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. More than 400 bridges assist in connecting Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, giving the city a quaint, picturesque look. Add in a plethora of museums, sports teams, and parks, and Pittsburgh becomes a must-visit destination. From deluxe apartments overlooking the downtown area to charming houses on the waterfront, browse through plenty of Pittsburgh vacation rentals and book your getaway today. That said, here are the most scenic neighborhoods to visit in Pittsburgh.
1. Downtown Pittsburgh
Staying in downtown Pittsburgh means having a city’s worth of fun at your fingertips. Give your kids an educational and fun experience at Heinz History Center. It is a unique museum that has an entire exhibit dedicated to Pennsylvania sports. Stroll Market Square, a foodies paradise featuring Pizzaiolo Primo’s wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, Prantl’s Bakery’s fresh goods, and Nola on the Square’s Creole eatery. If you need to stretch your legs, Point State Park lies at the junction of the rivers. It offers boating and hiking paths. In fact, you can take the Three Rivers Heritage Trail around the park and along the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers.
2. Manchester, Pittsburgh
Manchester, on the other side of Allegheny River, has much to offer a family with kids. It’s right next to the National Aviary, which boasts over 150 species of birds that your kids can feed and interact with. After a fun, educational trip, head next door to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh with its hands-on exhibits that get your little ones excited about the world around them. Take a break from the big-city bustle at the Roberto Clemente Memorial Park and walk the trails or visit the memorials. Also within walking distance are PNC Park and Heinz Field, home of the pirates, Steelers, and Panthers, respectively. Catch a game while eating hotdogs and peanuts or just bask in the majesty.
3. Central Northside, Pittsburgh
Central Northside borders the National Aviary and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, making it a prime place to stay for a fun-filled family vacation. If you’re up for an interesting trip through history, walk the paths of historic Union Dale Cemetery and Highwood Cemetery. If you go far enough north, you’ll find Riverview Park. It’s a wooded oasis that features several hiking paths, a swimming pool, and the Allegheny Observatory.
4. South Side Flats, Pittsburgh
South Side Flats lies on the south side of Monongahela River. Three Rivers Heritage Trail run along the river’s bank on the north boundary of the neighborhood. It’s a good place to rent some bikes and go on a riding tour of the city. You can sign up with Bike the Burgh Tours if you want, to get professional commentary as you explore. Another tour option is the Duquesne Incline, an uphill trolley that takes you up Mount Washington to view the city below. If you need a little nature relief, stroll to South Side Park or Grandview Park, and take a mini-hike on the walking paths.
5. Carrick, Pittsburgh
If you want to distance yourself from the hustle and bustle or urban life, while still remaining within driving distance of the downtown area, Carrick, Pittsburgh offers plenty of vacation rentals for your family to stay at. South Park lies to the south and features a stream, golf course, skate park, and wave pool, making it the perfect place to spend a long afternoon. If you’re feeling adventurous, tour the Hundred Acre Manor Haunted House.
6. Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh
Squirrel Hill is nestled between two parks and a cemetery, just north of the Monongahela River. Stop at Murray Avenue or Forbes Avenue for some culinary delights, such as the Ramen Bar, a Japanese eatery, Thai food at Bangkok Balcony, and thick, hearty sandwiches at Nu Modern Jewish Bistro. You can take a breath of fresh air at the 456-acre Schenley Park. It offers activities for everyone in the family. You can go to from Bob O’Connor Golf Course for the adults and Schenley Oval Sportsplex for the kids, to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for everybody. Don’t neglect the hiking trails that thread through the entire park and along the Panther Hollow Run stream and pond.
7. Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh
Enjoy a taste of waterside living at Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, which is positioned directly north along the Allegheny River from downtown. This puts you within sauntering distance of downtown shopping and eating and at the beginning of Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Hit the trail for a thrilling bike ride with the family along the river, or drive over to Highland Park. The park encompasses two reservoirs, gardens, swimming pools, hiking trails, and the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Spend days exploring the exciting attractions, such as a polar bear sanctuary, a shark aquarium exhibit, and the super playground.
8. Carnegie, Pennsylvania
The Carnegie neighborhood is about as rural as metropolitan Pittsburgh gets with wider spaces. It’s far enough away from downtown to avoid the chaos of the big city when you’d just rather relax with the family. It’s also close enough to take a day trip to the Carnegie Science Center. A few minutes west of Carnegie lies Settler’s Cabin Park and Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. It’s perfect for taking a picnic lunch for a day of swimming and hiking. Plus, you can visit some of the old structures, such as Walker-Ewing Log House for an educational counterpoint to your day of relaxation.