Why Stay In The North Shore
The North Shore is a great location because of its accessibility. Located just across the Allegheny River from downtown proper, everything moves at a more relaxed pace while still remaining close. Within a 15 minute walk you can stroll past both stadiums, see the Mr. Roger’s Memorial, pass two breweries, and still cross the bridge into downtown.
For those coming in to a game, you can avoid the parking traffic completely and be back in your hotel room all before most guests reach their cars as well.
Things To See And Do In Downtown
- Feel like a kid again at Toonseum, a museum dedicated to cartoons.
- See the gorgeous 18th century stone Allegheny County Courthouse.
- Take a stroll through Point State Park.
- Catch an incredible operatic or ballet performance at the historic Benedum Center.
- Shop until you drop at one of the 15 shops in the Arcade at Fifth Avenue Place
- Savour one of the best fish sandwiches in the city at Patty Kraus.
- Grab a pint at fun and friendly Tavern 245.
- Watch Sidney Crosby and the NHLs Pittsburgh Penguins in action at PPG Paints Arena.
Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Travel Bag.
Want more deetz on why we love it so damn much? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
Why Stay In The Strip District
Accessibility is the name of the game for the Strip District hotels, as the properties in this neighborhood are actually located on the western edge of the neighborhood- which borders downtown proper. This means that with less than 10 minute walk you can be at all of the best shops, restaurants, and bars in the Strip District but you are also within a 10-20 minute walk of everything in downtown Pittsburgh in the opposite direction.
Not bad at all!
Read Also: Best Places To Stay In Northern Idaho
Where To Stay In Pittsburgh On A Budget
- COOLEST thing to do in Bloomfield if youre visiting in September, attend the Little Italy Days and learn about the neighborhoods heritage
- BEST place to visit in Bloomfield during the rest of the year, learn in a more traditional manner by visiting the Bloomfield Preservation and Heritage Society Museum
Located close to the universities, Bloomfield is a popular student district thanks to its affordable restaurants! It is also a great choice for budget travellers who want cheap bars, attractions and accommodation. Known colloquially as Little Italy, Bloomfield has an astonishing past that most recently has resulted in it becoming a major Italian community.
There are plenty of interesting surrounding areas too! Lawrenceville borders Bloomfield on one side and Highland Park on the other. Highland Park is a great choice for getting away from city life and enjoying a relaxing stroll in a leafy neighborhood. Despite this calm vibe, it is also inexpensive.
Strip District Where To Stay For Food And Markets
For those of you who love to travel with your stomach while on your vacation, Strip District is going to be a blast! This area is a foodie heaven due to its wide array of different markets, restaurants, cafes, and breweries. Strip District also boasts a decent selection of art studios, boutiques, and antiquity stores, so if you love shopping, the area will definitely keep you busy.
As with many places with an industrial past, many of the original warehouses and factories here have been transformed into hip cocktail bars and hangouts, creating a vibrant new atmosphere that is something you need to experience for yourself.
You will find Strip District on the waterfront, just a 10-minute drive east of the cultural area of Pittsburgh Downtown, making it a great alternative location if you arent so keen on the higher prices of the city center. So I hope you have an empty stomach and are ready to hop between restaurants and markets all day! Here are some of the best hotels in the Strip District.
Recommended Reading: Romantic Places To Stay In Greece
Best Hotel In Lawrenceville: Residence Inn Pittsburgh
A central location makes this hotel an excellent choice for your time in Pittsburgh. Located in Upper Hill, this hotel is close to the Strip District, Lawrenceville, and the citys coolest hoods. This three-star hotel boasts spacious room, wellness facilities and free wifi. Breakfast is also available.
Complete With Floor To Ceiling Windows And A Location Putting You Right Smack In The Middle Of Pittsburghs Downtown You Are Sure To Fall In Love With This Bnb After A Long Day Of Exploring The City There Is No Better Place To Call It A Day Than Here
This four star hotel is not only luxurious for humans they are also pet-friendly, making them very popular with travellers from elsewhere in the US! Rooms come with excellent views of either Downtown or the park area, and a complimentary American style breakfast is provided every morning.
We are obsessed with backpacks weve tried them all! And our favourite carry on backpack in the WORLD is the Nomatic Travel Backpack. This backpack has revolutionized the backpack industry and will change the way you travel forever 🙂 Check it out here!
Recommended Reading: Good Hotels To Stay In Los Angeles
Why Avoid East Liberty
To us, East Liberty has lost a lot of its character from the construction boom in recent years. Yes, many of the historic buildings and churches remain, but are shadowed by luxury housing that is, to be quite honest, ugly.
Restaurants in this neighborhood are also a bit hit or miss, as the rush to be in around the neighborhood has produced some less than stellar options. However, as dining is a personal preference this thought is mostly our opinion only as many restaurants in the neighborhood have great reviews overall.
How To Choose Where To Stay When You Visit Pittsburgh
Disclaimer: Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please check out our Terms and Conditions. Pricing, operating hours, or menus may have changed since our initial visit and may not be reflected in subsequent updates. Please confirm these directly with any business or attraction prior to visiting.
If you are looking to visit Pittsburgh from out of town, one of your first thoughts is likelywhere do I stay?
In a city of 90 neighborhoods, figuring out where to stay in Pittsburgh could make or break your visit almost entirely. So finding a spot that fits your style, budget, and interests is key.
As with most of our guides, we want to take a detailed dive into the best neighborhoods to stay in for your Pittsburgh visit.
But not only are we going to dive into our favorite aspects of each neighborhood , we also want to provide the reasons why you may not want to stay in the neighborhood as well!
Because as awesome as these neighborhoods are, none are perfect. Depending on your style, budget, and trip goals there may be some things you need to keep in mind before booking.
With that, let’s jump into it!
Read Also: Cheap Places To Stay In Fort Walton Beach Fl
Downtown Pittsburgh Where To Stay For The First Time
Downtown Pittsburgh is, as you can imagine, right in the middle of the action. Occupying the iconic pointed area of land which splits the Ohio river in two, this area absolutely teems with activities and attractions making it the most popular place to stay for first-time visitors. In Downtown Pittsburgh, you will find a mix of modern skyscrapers that make up the central business district, historical places of interest like Point State Park, as well as great theatres and restaurants in the cultural district .
With so many of the citys top attractions located here in this small, walkable neighborhood, you may even think you never have to leave! But dont worry, Downtown Pittsburghs central location is well connected to all the other parts of the city by a great system of bridges and public transport. I highly recommend you walk across the bridge to ride the Duquesne Incline for an incredible view of the city.
Being such a popular part of the city, its easy to find great hotels as well as restaurants, bars, and museums. Here are your top options for each price range in Downtown Pittsburgh.
- See whats happening at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
- Head across the bridge and ride the Duquesne Incline
Hotel Options In Oakland Include:
- Hampton Inn University Center Rather small rooms offering a modest amount of comfort. Select rooms on upper floors have a great city view. Furthest from the universities.
- Residence Inn Oakland Modern rooms located just on the outskirts of Oakland .
- Quality Inn University Center Extremely bare bones rooms and mostly dated, but often the cheapest hotel in the entire city . Free parking on-site as well.
- Hilton Garden Inn University Place A conventional Hilton Garden Inn located just a few blocks away from Pitt’s campus and just over a half mile from CMU.
- Wyndham Pittsburgh University Decently sized rooms with modern designs. Located right next to Pitt’s campus allowing for the shortest walk to both universities.
*Officially most of Carnegie Mellon is in Squirrel Hill, but because Oakland is known for the colleges it generally gets lumped in.
Recommended Reading: Best Places To Stay In Merida
Alternative Arts And Culture
Pittsburgh is home to several unique museums. The ToonSeum is dedicated to cartoon art, while the Mattress Factory hosts large scale contemporary installation pieces. For a more traditional experience, the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History are worth visiting.
Pittsburgh’s first theater was built in 1812, and the city continues to produce a variety of world class plays and operas. Small and independent venues dot the city, often producing the most interesting entertainment.
Best Neighborhood In Pittsburgh For Couples
- COOLEST thing to do in Lawrenceville take a tour of the Church Brew Works, a unique brewery in a restored church
- BEST place to visit in Lawrenceville take a calm stroll through Arsenal Park and enjoy the beautiful nature
Located on the banks of the river, right next to Strip District, Lawrenceville is a sleepy neighborhood in the evenings but a cultural delight during the day! This makes it the ideal destination for couples that want to discover a unique side to Pittsburgh without the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas.
Lawrenceville is a well-known haven for food with the locals and whether you want heart grub on a budget, or a more upmarket date night venue, there are plenty of fantastic options across the area! It is slowly becoming a more culturally diverse area and has some great boutiques dotted along the streets.
- For a great date night venue, head to Allegheny Wine Mixer they offer great tasting sessions right by the river
- If budget restaurants are more your style, Franktuary are a fantastic hot dog restaurant offering a great selection of toppings
- Round Corner Cantina, on the other hand, have some fantastic Mexican cuisine by day and a laid back bar by night
- Morcilla is a great tapas restaurant perfect if you only want a light meal to share before heading out for drinks
Recommended Reading: Best Place To Stay In Rome For First Timers
Pittsburgh Is One Of The More Unique Places I Visited
Pittsburgh is one of the more unique places I visited. It has a great charm and plenty of things to visit. Some of the best food I had. Peppi’s and DeLuca’s were fantastic. May have had the best breakfast of all time at DeLuca’s. You can take the light rail/subway for free if you visit downtown spots. The people were very nice as well.
The Best Cheap Hotels To Book In Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Why come to ? Imagine a vacation exploring the picturesque waterfront downtown, wandering historic neighborhoods and enjoying the excellent local dining and nightlife. But thats not the only good news. Cheap hotels in Pittsburgh abound, making this often overlooked but dynamic metropolis a great choice for a city break or for getting under the skin of the place during an extended stay. If youre searching for Pittsburgh at a nice price, halt the search here here are, for our money, the best of the bunch. Book your accommodation with Culture Trip, and enjoy.
Also Check: Best Places To Stay In San Sebastian Spain
Best Airbnb In Strio District: Comfy And Minimalistic Studio
If youre into unqiue homes, industrial interior design, massive windows and want to get a lot of bang for your buck, look no further than this stunning Airbnb. Not only can you enjoy a truly special home, youll also be in one of the best locations in the city. The studio accommodates 2 people, making it perfect for a solo traveller or a couple. if you need to cure a hangover after a big night out, just roll back into bed, turn on the TV and enjoy a lazy lay-in day.
Bonus: Parking In Pittsburgh
Something that everyone should know before traveling to Pittsburgh is that parking is a nightmare! You may be thinking, yes its always hard to find a park in any city, well this time I really mean it. Finding free parking is almost impossible in Pittsburgh, and if you are planning on renting a car, it is definitely something you should consider when choosing a place to stay.
Since you have so few options for vehicles in the city, here is a quick rundown of everything you should know about parking in Pittsburgh.
Hotel ParkingNot all hotels have car parking available, so this is one of the first things you should check when looking at hotels in Pittsburgh. For the hotels that do have parking available, it is still not usually free. You can expect to pay around $30 per day to park at your hotel.
Private Parking LotsPrivate garage parking is probably the best bet if you are looking to quickly find a spot. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5-$9 per hour. This could be a good short-term option if you are just parking for the day but will probably end up being costly if you stay overnight.
Download the ParkPGH app to see which garages have spots available in real-time to avoid driving in circles around the city.
Downtown Metered ParkingOn-street parking is paid by the hour Monday-Saturday, 8 am 6 pm. Sundays and nights are free, but spaces can be difficult to find. During paid periods, you can expect to find rates between $0.50 $4 per hour.
Don’t Miss: Where To Stay In Cape Coral Fl
Best Neighborhood In Pittsburgh For Your First Time
- COOLEST thing to do in Strip District wander around the local food market, one of the oldest parts of the neighborhood
- BEST place to visit in Strip District no visit to the Strip District is complete without a trip to the Heinz History Museum
Located just above Downtown on the banks of the river, the Strip District is a great example of the transformations Pittsburgh has undergone in recent years! Once the industrial heart of the city, it has since been gentrified to feature a wide array of boutiques, restaurants and bars. It also has the oldest market in the city.
Whilst there is some good nightlife in the area, the bars have a more laid-back atmosphere. This means the Strip District is the perfect location if you want somewhere to sleep that isnt too busy in the evenings! That being said, it is still a very vibrant and welcoming neighborhood during the day.
- Like the Heinz History Museum, the Fort Pitt Museum also has some fascinating exhibits about the history of the city
- Penn Avenue is the major shopping thoroughfare through the area, offering high-class goods as well as bargain discounts
- Take a relaxing walk along the Allegheny River to unwind from a long day of exploring the city
- 21st Street Coffee is a fantastic speciality cafe that offers Intelligentsia coffee and a great selection of freshly baked goods
- There isnt really an LGBTQ+ district in Pittsburgh, however, Real Luck Club is the most popular gay bar in the city
Best Airbnb In Pittsburgh: Noble Apartment In The City
If you stay here, you are guaranteed to see the best side of Pittsburg! This walkable location is ideal for those who want to explore the city on foot. With iconic views of the night lights and a number of tasty restaurants nearby, you wont need to travel too far. And if you have midnight munchies, theres a 24/7 convenient store across the street! Its easily one of the best Airbnbs in Pittsburgh and wed definitely recommend staying here if you want to get some real value for your money!
Also Check: Where To Stay In Tampa Bay
Why Avoid South Side
As far as neighborhoods are concerned, the pros and cons of South Side are one and the same. You get access to a lot of bars to drink, but with that comes the crowds of people who want to drink .
South Side has higher incidents of accidents, petty crime, and public intoxication, and is generally a bit louder and more rough around the edges than other neighborhoods in the city. Most of this is nothing to truly be concerned about, but in being a bar hopping neighborhood you get all of the things that go with it.
Most of the hotels in South Side are located in an area known as South Side Works, a walking / shopping area that features many chain restaurants and national stores. While popular, these do not add to what makes Pittsburgh a unique city to visit.