Where to Stay in Pittsburgh – A Guide to the City of Bridges
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania and the most populous in the Appalachia region. Known by the names Steel City and City of Bridges, this important town is famous for its industrial heritage, its +400 bridges, and its vibrant cultural life. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Most of Pittsburgh’s top cultural attractions are located in the city center and include The Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Science Center, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, The Mattress Factory Museum of Contemporary Art, and Fort Pitt Museum. See accommodation in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburg is also home to numerous urban parks such as the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the National Aviary, the Pittsburg Zoo, Riverview Park, and Point State Park.
Much of Pittsburg’s charm lies in its vast industrial heritage. This important city has been one of the manufacturing epicenters of the United States since its founding and many of the neighborhoods in its central area are a clear reflection of its industrial power and wealth during the 19th and 20th centuries. These areas include the South Side Flats and Lawrenceville.
For visitors interested in the industrial history of Pittsburgh, this city offers the Rivers of Steel initiative. Rivers of Steel attractions include three former factories declared a National Historic Landmarks, as well as the Riverboat Explorer, which offers heritage river sightseeing tours. See tours and activities in Pittsburgh.
Due to its location in the Appalachian region, Pittsburgh has a humid continental climate. Summers in Pittsburgh are placid, with moderate temperatures ranging from 63 – 68 ºF (16-28ºC) and with frequent rains. On the other hand, winters are cold, with minimum temperatures that can reach 21ºF (-6 ºC) and lots of snow. The best time to visit Pittsburgh is from May to October when temperatures are pleasant and allow for outdoor activities.
To get to Pittsburgh by air, the city is served by Pittsburgh International Airport. Located about 10 miles (15 km) west of the city center. This important hub offers a wide range of connections to many domestic destinations in the United States, as well as international routes to Canada and the Caribbean.
Pittsburgh’s geographic location, midway between the industrial centers of the Midwest and the large cities of the East Coast, makes the city a major rail hub, with train connections to Cleveland, Chicago, New York, and Washington DC. See train schedules, routes and fares. Likewise, Pittsburgh has excellent long-distance bus connections to many destinations in Pennsylvania, the Atlantic Coast, and the Midwest. See bus schedules, routes and fares.
To get around the city, Pittsburgh offers several public transportation options including three light rail lines (T Light-Rail System) and nearly a hundred city bus routes. Additionally, Pittsburgh has local taxis, mobile applications, and car rental offices.
The best area to stay in Pittsburgh is Downtown and in the Cultural District. This lively district is close to most of the city’s attractions and offers excellent accommodation options, the best restaurants, and nightlife. See accommodation in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Other areas to take into account when choosing between the best locations in Pittsburg are the district of North Shore, which also offers culture and museums, the lively South Side, Uptown, and the neighborhoods of Oakland, Squirrel Hill, and Shadyside.
Read on to find out more about our selection of the best areas to stay in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Best Areas to Stay in Pittsburgh, PA
1. Recommended area: Downtown Pittsburgh & Cultural District
Locally, the downtown area is known as The Golden Triangle or Central Business District.
This lively area is located at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers and is the heart of Pittsburgh.
Downtown Pittsburgh contains a wealth of historical, cultural, and entertainment sites.
This large district includes some of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city.
At the confluence of the two rivers is Point State Park, with its giant fountain and the Fort Pitt Museum. This park was the original site of Fort Duquesne, founded by the French, and the later Fort Pitt, built by the British.
The cultural district along Penn and Liberty avenues on the Allegheny River includes numerous theaters, galleries, and concert halls, including Heinz Hall, Byham Theater, O’Reilly Theater, Benedum Center, and Wood Street Galleries, as well as restaurants and residential buildings.
The Fifth and Forbes Corridor is the city’s quintessential business district and includes the historic Market Square.
Downtown Pittsburgh is also the best-connected district in the city. All the metro lines and most of the urban bus routes converge in this area.
Downtown is also home to a large number of hotels of all categories and is the best area to stay in Pittsburgh, whether you visit the city for sightseeing or business.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pittsburgh, PA:
- Cultural attractions
- Parks and green areas
- Great area to walk around
- Best area for tourists
- Best area for business travelers
- Best area to stay without a car
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown
Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown offers accommodations and an indoor pool in Pittsburgh. All rooms at this hotel have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
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Budget
Stay Pittsburgh
Conveniently located in downtown Pittsburgh, Stay Pittsburgh is 0.6 mi from Point State Park, 0.9 mi from David L. Lawrence Convention Center and 0.9 mi from Andy Warhol Museum.
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Luxury
Fairmont Pittsburgh
Offering free bikes, Fairmont Pittsburgh is located in Pittsburgh, a 6-minute walk from Point State Park. This 4-star hotel has a bar and air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. There is also a restaurant on site, and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center is 0.3 mi away.
2. North Shore
North Shore is located north of Downtown Pittsburgh.
This neighborhood is home to the city’s two main stadiums, PNC Park and Heinz Field.
The area is well-served by public transportation and the light rail system, with stations next to PNC Park and near the Allegheny River tunnel.
North Shore is a recommended area to stay in Pittsburgh thanks to its cultural offerings and the views it offers of Downtown.
However, North Shore is not all about stadiums and sports, the area also offers renowned museums such as the famous artist, Andy Warhol.
Other museums in the district include the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Science Center.
North Shore in Pittsburgh is one of the best areas to stay for a short trip.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pittsburgh, PA:
- PNC Park Stadium
- Good public transport connections
- Andy Warhol Museum
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore
Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore is located in Pittsburgh, 0.2 mi from PNC Park and 0.4 mi from Andy Warhol Museum.
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Budget
Comfort Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn & Suites is located in Pittsburgh, less than 0.8 mi from the Andy Warhol Museum. Nearby attractions include the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, PNC Park and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Point State Park is 1.1 miles from the hotel.
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Luxury
Residence Inn Pittsburgh North Shore
This hotel is within a 5-minute drive of downtown Pittsburgh and 4 miles from the Carnegie Museum of Art. It has an indoor pool and suites with a fully equipped kitchen.
3. South Side
The South Side District is known for its incline railways connecting the area to Mount Washington and offering spectacular views of the city.
The South Side is located on the south shore of the Monongahela River and is one of the best areas to stay in Pittsburgh if you are looking to party.
South Side stands out for its multitude of restaurants and bars.
Staying on the South Side of Pittsburgh allows you to explore one of its main streets, East Carson Street, where most of the nightlife and food scene are located.
In the past, the South Side neighborhood was home to many immigrants who worked in the city’s steel mills and factories.
As a consequence, today this area has a multicultural atmosphere with lovely townhouses, bars, shops and a commercial and alternative atmosphere.
Among the tourist attractions on the South Side is Mount Washington, with lots of tourist sights.
In terms of public transport, the light rail system connects Downtown to the South Side, making it an convenient area to stay in Pittsburgh.
The South Side is one of the best areas to stay in Pittsburgh if you want to party.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pittsburgh, PA:
- Best nightlife
- Restaurants and shops
- Mount Washington
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
HYATT House Pittsburgh-South Side
Located adjacent to UPMC, this extended-stay hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and rooms with a flat-screen cable TV. PNC Park Stadium is 3.8 miles away.
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Budget
Morning Glory Inn
Morning Glory Inn is situated in the South Side district of Pittsburgh, 1.6 mi from Monongahela Incline and 2.3 km from University of Pittsburgh. It is 2 mi from downtown Pittsburgh.
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Luxury
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh-South Side
This Pittsburgh hotel is 3 miles from Heinz Field and Rivers Casino. It offers a shuttle service, free Wi-Fi and rooms with luxury bedding, a microwave and a refrigerator.
4. Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill is a residential and commercial district located in Pittsburgh’s East End.
Officially, Squirrel Hill is divided into two neighborhoods, Squirrel Hill North and Squirrel Hill South.
This neighborhood is the epicenter of Pittsburgh’s Jewish culture, with kosher butchers, delis, Jewish restaurants, bookstores, and boutiques.
In addition to being the city’s Jewish quarter, Squirrel Hill is the quintessential hipster area in Pittsburgh, with a multitude of cafes, shops, ethnic restaurants and pizzerias.
The Squirrel Hill shopping area along Forbes and Murray avenues is known as “upstreet” (a contraction of “up the street”).
Squirrel Hill is home to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Community Center.
For nature lovers, Squirrel Hill is located between Frick Park and Schenley Park, with easy access to the main green spaces of the city.
Squirrel Hill is the best area to stay in Pittsburgh for hipsters and young travelers.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Pittsburgh hipster neighborhood
- Jewish quarter
- Parks and green areas
5. Oakland
Oakland is one of Pittsburgh’s academic, health, and cultural districts.
This area is located about 3 mi east of downtown Pittsburgh.
It is officially divided into four neighborhoods: North Oakland, West Oakland, Central Oakland, and South Oakland. Each area has a unique identity and in terms of attractions and leisure.
Oakland is home to three universities, several museums, and hospitals, as well as a host of shops, restaurants, and recreational activities.
Oakland is also home to three historic neighborhoods: Schenley Farms National Historic District, Oakland Civic Center Historic District, and Oakland Square.
Among the main attractions and things to see in Oakland, the Carnegie Cultural Complex stands out. This large cultural complex includes the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Library and the Carnegie Music Hall.
Oakland is also in close proximity to other Pittsburgh attractions such as the Carnegie Mellon University campus, Schenley Park, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and Flagstaff Hill.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Historic neighborhoods
- Carnegie Cultural Complex
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place
Located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, this hotel features an on-site restaurant. The University of Pittsburgh is half a mile and Carnegie Mellon University is 0.9 mi away.
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Luxury
The Oaklander Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Oaklander Hotel, Autograph Collection has a restaurant, fitness center, a bar and shared lounge in Pittsburgh. It offers family rooms and a terrace. The accommodation has a 24-hour front desk, room service and luggage storage space.
6. Uptown / The Bluff
Known by the names Uptown, The Bluff, and Soho, this neighborhood located east of Downtown and near Oakland.
It is home to Duquesne University and offers a quiet environment to stay.
Uptown borders Downtown Pittsburgh to the west, the Hill District to the north and Oakland to the east. It is also located across the Monongahela River from South Side.
Uptown is home to the most striking set of city steps in Pittsburgh. The 170 steps flight connects Bluff Street and Second Avenue.
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Cambria Hotel Pittsburgh
Cambria Hotel Pittsburgh – Downtown offers free WiFi, an indoor pool, hot tub, and free shuttle service to downtown Pittsburgh.
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Budget
Hampton Inn Pittsburgh University Medical Center
Located in the University District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this hotel offers free shuttle service within a 3 mi radius and free Wi-Fi. The University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University are within a 2 km radius of the Hampton Inn Pittsburgh University Medical Center.
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Luxury
Pittsburgh Marriott City Center
This Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania hotel is within walking distance of Mellon Arena and PNC Park, where the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team plays.
7. Shadyside
Shadyside is located in the East End of Pittsburgh.
This laid-back area is a popular area among young people and university students. It is considered best neighborhood in Pittsburgh for millennials.
Shadyside is home to an eclectic mix of upper-class families, young professionals, artists, musicians, and university students. This area displays several Victorian mansions, as well as modern apartments and condominiums.
Shadyside is also home to Pittsburgh’s high end stores and boutiques. The area’s main commercial corridors are Walnut Street, Ellsworth Avenue, and S. Highland Avenue.
Chatham University is located just across the southern edge of the neighborhood in the Squirrel Hill district. Other nearby attractions include the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hyatt House Pittsburgh Bloomfield Shadyside
Hyatt House Pittsburgh Bloomfield Shadyside features a bar and free shuttle service to and from 3 miles away. UPMC Shadyside is 0.3 mi away. The University of Pittsburgh is 1.5 mi away, while Carnegie Mellon University is 1.1 mi away.
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Luxury
Mansions on Fifth
Mansions on Fifth is a boutique hotel located in Pittsburgh that offers free coffee and free Wi-Fi. Carnegie Mellon University is 0.4 mi away.
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