Why Pittsburgh is one of America’s most underrated cities to visit in 2026
From riverfront parks to new performance art venues to a $60 million expansion of the Andy Warhol Museum—see how this former steel town is transforming itself.
Once a steel mill giant, Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania, has revamped its image through a massive revitalization initiative to attract tourists to new places, such as the Andy Warhol Museum, where a $60 million expansion is underway to build a new performance arts venue in the hip Pop District. The downtown construction of Arts Landing—a new city park with trails, sculptures, and a performance space—will be completed in time for the 2026 NFL draft.
Historic Market Square, the posh Cultural District, and the downtown infrastructure have and will continue to see upgrades. The city added LED lights to the Three Sisters Bridges, which honor three local heroes: baseball great Roberto Clemente, pop artist Andy Warhol, and conservationist Rachel Carson.
With its strong blue-collar heritage, Pittsburghers love a challenge like the annual Dirty Dozen bike race, which requires competitors to pedal 13 grueling cobblestoned hills. Or for a less intense challenge, go hiking within sight of downtown skyscrapers in Emerald View Park.
If you’re contemplating a trip to Pittsburgh, this guide offers the best and newest sights and things to do in this Western Pennsylvania city.
(See all 25 destinations that made our list of the best places to visit in 2026.)
What to do
Carnegie International: Catch the zeitgeist of the world’s cutting-edge art, opening May 2, 2026, at the Carnegie Museum of Art and spilling into galleries and museums all across town. Explore the North Shore, a 19th-century neighborhood with a Brooklyn vibe; the contemporary scene includes theMattress Factory, with installation art by Yayoi Kusama and James Turrell.
Pittsburgh Children’s Museum: The museum offers more sophisticated and joyful public art—including an approaching herd of elephants—across leafy Allegheny Commons. The museum also has a "Kindness Gallery" dedicated to Mr. Rogers, who lived in Pittsburgh and filmed his popular show here.
Andy Warhol Museum: This can't-miss museum has a massive collection of the Pop master’s work and thoughtful explorations of his impact. Arrive for weekly “Good Friday” events, with rare films, concerts, and a cash bar.
Troy Hill Art Houses: A collection of four modest row houses that conceal fascinating surprises.
City of Asylum: Before departing the North Shore, stop by this spirited bar-meets-bookstore, which hosts international writers, music, readings, and more.
TheMaxo Vanka murals: St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in nearby Millvale boasts powerful, unsettling works that blend religious imagery with stark social commentary.
The 2026 NFL draft: For a city with legendary devotion to its professional sports teams, hosting the annual professional football player selection is a big deal. Around 775,000 fans are expected to converge on the city April 23-25, 2026.
Cover the Waterfront:Anew downtown dock rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboarding gear for exploring local waters along the Allegheny River. Head east past the Heinz History Center to the Strip District, which features markets and shops adjacent to chic new condos and bars. Wear (or buy) black and gold Steelers gear here to blend in with the locals on game day.
Rivers of Steel: This vast site commemorates the might of American steelmaking. Artists and performers now work here—thinkKing Lear set among the blast furnaces.
When to go
The brightest time to plan a visit is May through October, when the mountains turn lush and pleasure boats anchor along the downtown riverfronts. Summer (June-August) brings 80°F temps and a packed schedule of outdoor fun, from thePittsburgh Marathon to concerts atStage AE,Pride Week in early June, and thePittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix that winds through Schenley Park in July.
Fall foliage and cooler temps are big reasons to cycle theGreat Allegheny Passage, a 333-mile recreational trail that connects Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. December through March is cold and snowy, with averages around 22°F, ideal for winter sports in the peaks of the nearbyLaurel Highlands.
Where to eat
Con Alma: After a show in the downtown Cultural District, duck into this lively cabaret and restaurant that offers live jazz seven nights a week—and adds a side of jazz to Sunday brunch, too.
Fet-Fisk: Book the city’s hottest reservation at this heralded newcomer. With a James-Beard-Finalist menu best described as Appalachian seafood, it wows with a cool Scandinavian vibe.
Apteka: Think dumpling with a Polish pedigree. The veg-friendly cafe pairs the Pittsburgh favorite with soups, schnitzel, and a selection of fine natural wines.
Pusadee’s Garden: In the Lawrenceville neighborhood, contemporary Thai entrées in a starry outdoor setting make this an upscale choice.
Grist HouseorAllegheny City Brewing: For a pint with a side of music and food truck fare, spend a sunny afternoon at these leaders of Pittsburgh’s craft brewing boom.
Jackworth: If funky Star Wars decor and zingy ginger beer cocktails appeal, grab a round at this East End spot.
Alberta’s: features wood-fired pizza, oysters, and a buzzy bar scene on Western Avenue.
Wise County Café: This family-friendly restaurant serves a daytime menu completely based on fresh-based biscuits.
Where to stay
Hotel Bardo: The 1932 downtown landmark, crowned with a pyramid, offers 130 guest rooms and suites, 220 residences, and three restaurant and bar concepts.
The Boggs Mansion: bordering Allegheny Commons in the North Shore neighborhood, this grand hotel was designed by H.H. Richardson. He created the distinctive arched style, dubbed Richardson Romanesque, and its eight plush rooms overlook Lake Elizabeth and the Pittsburgh skyline.
The Oaklander Hotel/Autograph Collection: Conveniently located at the intersection of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, this hotel's 10th-floor bar and brasserie is a polished perch for city views.
The Landing: With river views and stadiums too, this new hotel puts Steeler fans steps from the action.
Getting around
PIT’s recent 1.7-billion-dollar renovation includes outdoor green terraces, and expands its international non-stop flights. On the ground, the 28X flyer offers frequent bus service to downtown and the campuses of University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Express buses on the University Line speed east to Oakland and East Liberty, the city’s AI and research hubs, while the T light-rail line connects downtown with the pro sports stadiums and southern suburbs.
Climb aboard the city’s historical funiculars, here called “IN-clines,” to enjoy the cityscape from 450-feet-up. The city’s bike-share system,POGOH, includes 600 e-assist and pedal bikes at 60 stations around town.
