Looking for a US city break with a difference? Pittsburgh offers great cycling, food tours, museums, galleries and more...
View from the top of the Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh View from the top of the Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh Fallingwater designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright The Strip District in Pittsburgh The Strip District in Pittsburgh Mural in the Strip District in Pittsburgh Staff at Parma Sausage in the Strip District Brilliant Branch Railroad Bridge on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. Amy Blaney biking along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in Pittsburgh Fallingwater designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright "If you go to this location, don’t ask for the fries to be put on the side,” says Sylvia McCoy. “Just take the sandwich, go to your table, and eat!" Pittsburgh, once known as the Steel City, has transformed from an industrial powerhouse of the early 20th century into a vibrant destination with neighbourhoods brimming with character.
That’s quickly becoming apparent on the Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour ( burghfoodtour.com ; from $53pp), a guided grazing adventure through the Strip District. A visit to the city isn’t complete without a handcrafted sandwich from Primanti Bros – which is where we learn that Pittsburgh residents (or Yinzers, as they call themselves) put fries in everything.
Even salads! The Strip District in Pittsburgh McCoy - who humorously dubs herself "Spillvia" - started the tours in 2008, linking local history with the culinary treasures peppered along Penn Avenue. The experience blends a history lesson with a bellyful of food in a vibrant neighbourhood packing ethnic eateries into a one half square mile. The Strip District’s energy is palpable, with the aroma of freshly baked bread, roasted coffee and international spices filling the air.
The food scene here offers an impressive variety, from casual street vendors to upscale restaurants, and we savour samples from Italian pastries to Mediterranean delights, Polish specialties, European meats and fresh cinnamon bread. Around the corner from Primanti Bros is Parma Sausage, a small Italian family business established in 1954. Here, we are greeted by the rich aromas of cured meats and fresh herbs, with strings of sausages and prosciuttos hanging from the ceiling.
Sylvia jokes that Rina, the daughter of the founders, Luigi and Lodovico Spinabelli, grew up with sausages hanging above her cot - a testament to the family's deep-rooted culinary tradition. Staff at Parma Sausage in the Strip District Beyond food, Pittsburgh’s eclectic dive bars are also worth exploring, with Gooski’s in the Polish Hill neighbourhood standing out as a quintessential example. This gritty, charming bar features dim lighting, vintage posters, graffiti and a jukebox.
And in a surprising twist, smoking is still allowed here. Food and drink aside, one of the best ways to explore Pittsburgh is by bike. I rent a bike from Bike the Burgh tours ( biketheburgh.
com ; $8 an hour) and embark on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail towards Point State Park along the Allegheny River. This trail offers spectacular views of PNC Park, home to Pittsburgh Pirates baseball, and Acrisure Stadium, where the Steelers football team plays. Amy Blaney biking along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in Pittsburgh Continuing along the trail, the Allegheny River merges with the Monongahela River, forming the Ohio River.
Here, you can bike towards the Smithfield Street Bridge, enjoying the tranquility as you leave the downtown hustle behind. Crossing the bridge, you enter Pittsburgh’s South Side, a neighbourhood rich in history and charm. Pittsburgh’s South Side is a vibrant area known for its well-preserved 19th century architecture and lively atmosphere.
The neighbourhood is divided into the South Side Flats and the South Side Slopes. The Flats are a bustling hub, featuring a plethora of shops, restaurants and bars along East Carson Street. This area is famous for its nightlife, diverse dining options and unique boutiques.
The South Side Slopes, on the other hand, offer a more residential feel with steep, winding streets and breathtaking views of the city skyline and rivers. The Slopes are distinguished by their intricate staircases. From here, the bike trail passes through Colour Park, where ever-changing painted art adds a vibrant touch to your ride, and then through Southside Riverfront Park, a serene spot along the river.
Crossing the Hot Metal Bridge, you join the Great Allegheny Passage, a renowned trail leading back towards downtown to complete your cycling adventure (for those adventurous enough, the trail continues all the way to Washington DC via the Great Allegheny Passage) Bike the Burgh also offers tours priced at $49 for adults and $34 for children, with different routes available. Fallingwater designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright For those seeking to escape the city, I would highly recommend a visit to Fallingwater house in the Laurel Highlands ( falllingwater.org ; $36).
Nestled in the lush, forested hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, Fallingwater is a masterpiece of modern architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. Just an hour outside Pittsburgh, this iconic home is both a sanctuary and a symphony of design, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Perched dramatically over a cascading waterfall, the house seems to float above the Bear Run stream, a perfect marriage of architecture and nature.
Wright’s use of organic materials - locally quarried stone, warm woods and expansive glass - allows it to harmonise with the environment. As you wander through the rooms, you’re treated to breathtaking views from every angle, with the sounds of rushing water and the scent of pine. Brilliant Branch Railroad Bridge on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania.
The mountainous region of the Laurel Highlands spans 3,000 square miles of Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties, and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Water sports are a big draw in this region, with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boarding on the area’s lakes and rivers (visit golaurelhighlands.com for more).
A visit to Pittsburgh would not be complete without visiting one of its many museums. The Andy Warhol Museum ( warhol.org ; $25), located on the North Shore, is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist.
It celebrates the life and legacy of Pittsburgh native Andy Warhol, with an extensive collection of his art, films and archival materials. The Carnegie Museum of Art & Natural History ( carnegieart.org ; $25), located in the Oakland neighbourhood, features an impressive collection of contemporary and classical works.
While the Natural History Museum captivates visitors with dinosaur skeletons, a vast mineral collection and immersive dioramas. The Heinz History Center ( heinzhistorycenter.org ; $20) is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum and a Smithsonian affiliate.
The museum explores Western Pennsylvania’s rich history, from early settlers to the steel industry's rise. The Heinz Company artefacts collection is also a nostalgic highlight. And yes, there are fries there too! Flights to Pittsburgh International Airport are available via London Heathrow with British Airways from London Heathrow.
britishairways.com A night's stay at The Joinery, a leading downtown hotel, starts from around €137 per night. joineryhotel.
com Amy was a guest of Visit Pittsburgh and The Joinery. For more information, see visitpittsburgh.com Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.
