7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Pittsburgh | Let’s Walk Through the Steel Town

Pittsburgh is a city located in the western part of Pennsylvania, USA. As seen with the NFL team "Steelers," it was once a city that thrived on steel production. Andrew Carnegie, known as the "Steel King," also found success in business here. Pittsburgh is home to universities and museums founded by Carnegie, which are popular tourist spots.

It is also said that Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh, and there is a museum displaying his vast collection of art. Although Pittsburgh is famous as a commercial hub, it is not widely known as a tourist destination, but it offers plenty of attractions. Here, we introduce some of the most recommended spots.

1. Fallingwater

Fallingwater is an unmissable tourist spot in Pittsburgh. It is considered one of the representative works of residential architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the three great masters of modern architecture, also known for designing the Imperial Hotel. This architectural masterpiece is so famous that it is even sold as a LEGO set.

The unique feature of Fallingwater is that the house is built over a waterfall. The story goes that an American department store owner requested a house with a view of a waterfall, and Wright designed the house directly above a large waterfall. The building, which makes it look as though the waterfall is flowing from the house itself, has become a popular tourist destination, with tours available. The tours, which can be booked through the official website, are very popular, so it is recommended to book in advance.

Located about an hour and a half by car from Pittsburgh, another Wright-designed house called Kentuck Knob is located about 10 minutes away by car. Architecture enthusiasts may want to visit this as well.

2. Andy Warhol Museum

Andy Warhol is said to have been born in Pittsburgh. This museum, located in his hometown, is a sacred place for Warhol fans.

The museum's collection includes around 900 paintings, over 100 sculptures, more than 2,000 works on paper, and 4,000 photographs. It even displays Warhol's student works and sketchbooks.

The exhibits are arranged chronologically, making it easy to understand how his art evolved over time, which has earned praise from visitors. Interestingly, the second floor of the museum serves as a storage space for Warhol's beloved high-heeled shoes.

If you join a guided tour, you'll receive detailed explanations from the upper floors. There's also a service that prints your favorite artwork onto a T-shirt, making for a great souvenir of your Pittsburgh visit.

3. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Pittsburgh is closely linked to the famous "Steel King," Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie found success in business here in Pittsburgh, becoming a world-renowned entrepreneur. Known for his philanthropy, Carnegie donated to many educational and cultural institutions, establishing universities, museums, and art galleries in Pittsburgh. Today, these institutions are popular tourist destinations.

One of these is the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the five major natural history museums in the United States and a must-visit spot. The highlight is its dinosaur collection, considered to be one of the highest quality in the world. The fossils are so lifelike they almost seem ready to move. Some dinosaurs on display even remain unnamed.

Another highly recommended section is the mineral and gem collection, which is famous for its beauty, so be sure to check it out.

4. Nationality Rooms

The Nationality Rooms are classrooms located inside the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. Built with the purpose of teaching about the cultures of immigrants who came to the United States, these rooms are still in use as classrooms today. Due to their exceptional beauty, they have become a popular tourist attraction in Pittsburgh.

There are classrooms themed around various countries, including Switzerland and India. A must-see is the Austrian room, which is so grand it feels like stepping into a medieval castle.

As you visit each room, you'll experience the cultures of the world. Not only the classrooms but also the majestic, open atrium is worth seeing. The grandeur of the space feels like stepping into a movie, and just imagining taking a class in such a setting is exciting.

5. Monongahela Incline

This cable car has been in operation since 1870 and is one of the oldest cable cars in the United States. Pittsburgh's rapidly expanding industry created a need for transportation, which led to the opening of the incline to Mount Washington, a hill near downtown Pittsburgh.

The Monongahela Incline is still used by locals for commuting, but it is also popular with tourists because it offers beautiful views overlooking Pittsburgh's downtown.

At the top of the incline, there are numerous restaurants, bars, bakeries, and chocolate shops, making it another popular spot. You can enjoy a night view and dinner, so it's especially recommended to ride in the evening. It's a great way to end a day of sightseeing.

6. Carnegie Science Center

The Carnegie Science Center is a fantastic place for visitors of all ages to enjoy in Pittsburgh. A highlight here is the enormous model railway, which recreates Western Pennsylvania from the 1880s to the late 1930s. This detailed diorama provides a vivid glimpse into the lives of people from that era.

The townscape of Pittsburgh, including landmarks like Fallingwater and the Monongahela Incline, is also part of the model. The scene changes from day to night, creating a highly realistic effect that makes you feel as though you're walking through the town. The diorama is famous in the world of railway models for being the first to use 3D printing.

In addition, visitors can operate robots in games, build models, and even experience spacewalks and enter a real submarine. It's a place where you can easily lose track of time while exploring.

7. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is popular not only with Pittsburgh residents but also with visitors. The spacious grounds allow the animals to roam comfortably, and simply watching them is a relaxing experience.

Here, you can see endangered species like the cute African wild dog with large, round ears, and the spectacled bear, which resembles a raccoon. There is also a spot where you can enter enclosures and touch kangaroos and deer, so don’t miss it.

The zoo is also home to an aquarium, where you can see piranhas, polar bears, and sharks. The zoo holds special events, such as a penguin parade, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.

◎Summary

We’ve introduced some of the most captivating tourist spots in Pittsburgh. In addition to sites rich in history, there are many academic and cultural institutions like museums and universities that make you feel like you're on an intellectual journey. Be sure to visit Pittsburgh—especially in the summer, when the weather is cool and comfortable for a pleasant trip.

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7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Pittsburgh | Let’s Walk Through the Steel Town