Pittsburgh is known as a 'city of neighborhoods.' Here are the top ones to explore

Pittsburgh is indeed a 'city of neighborhoods,' a fact that locals proudly highlight.

The Steel City features 90 unique districts, many shaped by the waves of immigrants who once filled the factories and steel mills that made Pittsburgh the industrial hub of the USA. Visitors might not notice when transitioning from Shadyside to East Liberty or from Bloomfield to Friendship, but locals certainly do. Each neighborhood has its own distinct personality, and residents can pinpoint borders down to specific stop signs and fire hydrants.

While debates over the 'best' neighborhoods can spark lively discussions among locals, some areas are undoubtedly more accessible and rewarding for newcomers. These neighborhoods are excellent starting points for navigating the streets, hills, and bridges that make Pittsburgh an exciting place to explore.

1. Downtown

Top neighborhood for arts and entertainment

Downtown Pittsburgh earns its nickname 'Golden Triangle' from the triangular land where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers converge to form the Ohio River. At the tip of this land is Point State Park, often referred to as 'the Point,' where scenic paths and green spaces have replaced the colonial Fort Duquesne. The remnants of a later fortification, Fort Pitt, now function as a museum honoring Pittsburgh’s frontier history.

Much of Downtown—affectionately pronounced 'dahntahn' by locals—is lined with skyscrapers showcasing a variety of architectural styles. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has revitalized this area, transforming it into the Cultural District, a lively corridor filled with art galleries and performance venues.

Notable venues in the area include the Greer Cabaret Theater, a cocktail lounge that hosts variety performances; the expansive SPACE Gallery, known for its art installations; the Arcade Comedy Theatre, which is a favorite for sketch and improv acts; and the uniquely designed August Wilson Center, a multi-functional space celebrating African American culture, named after the renowned playwright from Pittsburgh who set many of his works here.

2. Northside

Top neighborhood for sports and culture

Every weekend, the Northside attracts tens of thousands of sports enthusiasts eager to see a Steelers game at Acrisure Stadium or a Pirates game at PNC Park. ESPN viewers recognize the Northside skyline from impressive aerial shots on game days, where ticket holders crowd the parking lots for tailgating. The stands are filled with gold as fans wave their iconic 'Terrible Towels' in support of their legendary football team.

Beyond professional sports, the Northside buzzes with activity year-round. The Andy Warhol Museum, a seven-story tribute to the Pittsburgh native and his Pop Art legacy, is a must-visit. Nearby, the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh offers interactive STEAM activities, crafting areas, and a three-dimensional maze. Right next door, the National Aviary serves as a historic indoor sanctuary housing around 500 bird specimens.

On the eastern edge of the Northside lies the Mexican War Streets, a charming neighborhood of brick and pastel-hued row houses. Wander through these quaint streets until you discover the Mattress Factory, a transformed industrial space featuring mind-bending installation art. Conclude your stroll at Alphabet City, a bookstore and arts center run by the free-speech advocates at City of Asylum.

3. Strip District

Top neighborhood for shopping and history

Next to Downtown lies the Strip District, a former industrial hub that was once dominated by factories and warehouses. The area still holds onto its wholesale vibe, thanks to establishments like Wholey Fish Market and the Pan-Asian Lotus Food Company. Specialty shops and eateries line Smallman Street, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

With its rich history, the Strip District is home to the Heinz History Center, a striking vintage brick building offering 275,000 square feet of exhibition space. Here, you can explore an authentic streetcar, the original set from PBS’ Land of Make Believe, and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, which highlights the city’s history from the French and Indian War to the famous Immaculate Reception (a legendary football moment).

Just down the road is the Clemente Museum, located in a renovated firehouse. Join a guided tour to learn about the life of the iconic Pirates player Roberto Clemente, celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to baseball and humanitarian efforts.

4. Oakland

Best neighborhood for museums and a vibrant college atmosphere

Oakland boasts not one, but three major universities, which greatly influence the dynamic energy of the area. At its heart lies the 42-story Cathedral of Learning, an impressive Gothic skyscraper that serves as a well-known landmark. Open to visitors, this iconic structure of the University of Pittsburgh features 31 “Nationality Rooms,” each showcasing a unique cultural heritage.

In a single complex, you’ll find three of Pennsylvania’s most esteemed institutions. The Carnegie Museum of Art features a rich assortment of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia artworks, while the Carnegie Museum of Natural History displays fascinating dinosaur skeletons, geology exhibits, and taxidermy dioramas. (Outside, you’ll spot a life-size brontosaurus, affectionately known as “Dippy.”) Lastly, the Carnegie Library serves as the cornerstone of the city’s library network, and its updated interiors provide a cozy refuge on rainy days.

One of Pittsburgh's finest retreats is Phipps Conservatory, a vast greenhouse established in 1893. This renowned venue is celebrated for its impressive orchid collection, butterfly habitat, and an array of cultural events that change throughout the year.

5. Squirrel Hill

Best neighborhood for strolling and exploring

Charming and vibrant, Squirrel Hill is often regarded as one of the finest neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. It’s also a fantastic destination, celebrated for its diverse array of international eateries. The neighborhood’s focal point is the bustling intersection of Forbes and Murray Avenues, filled with cafes, ice cream shops, and pubs. Squirrel Hill boasts a strong Jewish community, particularly visible on Shabbat, when many Orthodox families stroll to the synagogue.

This neighborhood is nestled between Frick Park and Schenley Park, both expansive urban parks. Here, you can enjoy hiking trails, mountain-biking paths, a golf course, a skating rink, and numerous other outdoor activities.

6. South Side

Best neighborhood for enjoying a drink with a view

The primary thoroughfare of the Southside is East Carson St, a lively 21-block stretch filled with restaurants, bars, and specialty shops. Known as Pittsburgh’s nightlife hub, the Southside buzzes with young crowds flocking to its taverns and lounges every weekend. Long-established favorites like Fat Head’s Saloon and the Smiling Moose stand as local landmarks, alongside newer, unique venues such as the Tiki Lounge and The Library on Carson.

Despite its lively nightlife, the Southside is also an excellent spot for daytime visitors, including solo travelers and families. A must-see is Station Square, a repurposed train station transformed into a vibrant retail and entertainment hub. Visitors can stroll along the historic platform, explore remnants of the Southside’s industrial history, and enjoy a delicious meal at Grand Concourse or Kiku.

From Station Square, simply cross the street to reach the Duquesne Incline station, a funicular that has been transporting riders up the steep slopes of Mt Washington since the Victorian era. During the ride, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of one of the most stunning urban skylines in the nation. From the observation platforms, you’ll gaze over the Southside, Downtown, and the Monongahela River, illustrating why this hilltop street is aptly named Grandview.