Pittsburgh is in the US Northeast and has an amazing blend of small city vibes and outdoor activities in the area. Despite its industrial beginnings and decline, it's growing so much as people come here for a low cost of living and ease of access to the beautiful Appalachian outdoors.
This trip was very emotionally conflicting for me as well. I was reminded of the things I missed but also many reasons why I left. I try to keep my blog posts "straight-to-the-facts" so Subscribe to My Travel Newsletter to read more on the personal feelings and stories from my trip back home after seeing more of the world.
Overall, I had an AMAZING time visiting friends, family and some of my favorite places. I can't wait to come back again during the fall!! I visited for a week but spend a lot of time catching up with family but still got to do a ton! Here's everything you need to plan your trip to Pittsburgh!
Steal My Itinerary
My Favorite Time to Go: Spring and Fall - 3 or 4 days for a long weekend is my preference.
How to Get There: There are not a ton of flight options so I recommend a road or train trip if you’re in the Northeast. Parking is plenty.
Where to Stay: in the North Shore, I’m a Hilton girlie but love the Hyatt Place on the North Shore for its better rates and walkability & activities there.
How to Get Around: if you’re only staying in the “city” ride-share is very accessible, BUT I think Pittsburgh really shines in the activities outside the city, so I try to always rent a car when I visit.
What to Do Inside the City:
- Historic Strip District - shops, coffee & restaurants
- Primanti's Sandwiches is a MUST
- Shady Side for Shops and evening events
- Make sure you get an Almond Torte from Prantl's
- Anything Deshantz Restaurant Groups - fun themes and good eats
- Overlook & Restaurants on Mt Washington
- Catch a night baseball game for the BEST views of the City
What to Do Outside the City:
- Kennywood Amusement Park - 30 mins away - 125 year old historic amusement park with wooden rollercoasters
- Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium - 20 mins away
- Frank L Wright Falling Water House - 1.5 hours away - worth the day trip to see one of the most famous architectural homes in the world
Things I Missed:
- Mattress Factory Art Museum
- Andy Warhol Art Museum
Pro Tip: When you stay on the North Shore, get up early to take a morning sunrise walk, go across the bridge and to Point State Park - bonus points for a cool fall morning.
Transparent Tip: the airport is about 45 mins to 1 hour away from the city, with VERY variable traffic during the day - plan for extra transport times to and from the airport.
Cost Review
Just like every post, Here's a breakdown of everything I've spent on this trip! Plus my Travel Money Chat Wins and Losses.
- Travel Money Chat Wins:
- Hotel Cost!! I spent only $526 because got 1/2 off this hotel for 7 DAYS!! by using my Hilton points - this is my favorite way to save on travel because Hotels are usually the largest cost on your trip.
- Rental Car Cost: I spent about on the Car($350) in Gas($150) for the rental, I get car rental discounts as a work benefit, check if your company has these too!
- Kennywood Park Entry Cost: The gate price was $80 to enter but I paid the online rate was $45, check for these illogical cost differences between purchase methods when you buy travel activities
- Trave Money Chat Losses:
- I was so excited to try the new food places! So I unfortunately over ordered at 2 restaurants on this trip. Wasting a lot of food I actually didn't like or eat costing me about $60 on this trip. This is the risk when you want to try everything somewhere new. I'll be more mindful and order food more intentionally on my next trip.
- Scroll Down Below for a detailed breakdown of EACH expense on my trip
Check out my Travel Money Chat Blog Post Series to learn how to make the most of your travel budget!
My total cost for this trip was $1998 for 7 days and 2 people, creating a cost per person per day of $142.
Subscribe to My Travel Newsletter to see how this cost per day compared to other trips and to see in TOTAL how much I've spent on travel this year!
Photos From Everything We Did!
This trip also had some work elements! I went to my hometown (about 1hr south) to visit my local public library because I sent them copies of my self-published travel handbook! It is such an honor to add to the multi-generational history of my family in West Newton, PA.
And fun fact! My Mother Published a book as well so we added her book to the library on this trip too!
If you stop in my hometown, mostly known for the GAP River boking trail, make sure you stop and get pizza at Pizza House pizza! This is an OG local pizza spot that has been around since 1957.
My home town of West Newtown also has an amazing brewery that focuses on sour beers (my favorite!!!)
Back in Pittsburgh, we also walked the Strip. This is one of my favorite areas in Pittsburgh. It's packed with small shops, vendors and craft stores. This is also the center of all sports apparel shopping so don't forget to grab a souvenir.
The Strip District has been the center for commerce and vendors for centuries in Pittsburgh. They have recently renovated a vendor area into new shops and restaurants, including the Nova Asian food court. It's beautiful decorated and has tons of options.
Also visit Wholeys Market - for a fresh fish market, made to order food and groceries. My favorites are their fried fish sandwich, calamari and Sorgles local apple cider - also don't for get some perogies! I like mine fried with butter and onions!
I also love to visit Shady Side, it's a beautiful strip of shops and restaurants. One of the most famous is Prantl's bakery. Don't wait too late in the afternoon to grab their famous Almond torte!!
We also visited the Kennywood amusement park! Its over 100 years old and has an amazing blend of new and old style rollercoasters, Including wooden ones! I also couldn't pass up their funnel cake with ice cream and strawberries for $12. My family has been coming here for generations, so it was a very special day that I got to visit with my mother.
Thank you so much for reading!!
Keep reading for a detailed list of everything we spent!
Happy travels!!! - XOXO Lydia
Travel Cost Receipts - Detailed Spend Review