Six reasons to visit Pittsburgh

Trading its rugged steelmaking past for a new role creating cool robots and hot restaurants, Pittsburgh’s energy flows along its three rivers. Local writer, Christine O’Toole tells us why this western Pennsylvania metropolis – blending high culture with cheeky art, sports mania and a quirky sense of humour – is the place to be right now

Pop in

Though he found fame in New York, the legacy of Pittsburgh’s king of Pop Art lives on in his hometown’s Andy Warhol Museum. The nine-storey museum hits refresh on the artist’s legacy with provocative exhibits exploring his influence on contemporary giants such as Ai Weiwei. Stroll a half-mile to the Mattress Factory, where you will find a wide-awake collection of installation artworks by local and international talent.

Take me to Pittsburgh

Spirit animals

Head to Lawrenceville, the city’s hipster hangout, and follow the vegan feast at Apteka or head for charcuterie at Morcilla, with a stop at Spirit, a multi-level space with excellent pizza. The former Moose Lodge is the venue for unpredictable nightlife, from pro wrestling to themed dance parties, live soul and funk.

Birds of a feather

Downtown’s Hotel Monaco tweaks a grand old structure with bold colours and whimsical design touches, such as fantastic chandeliers and birdcages. The property features the city’s best rooftop drinking at the ninth-floor Biergarten. At the shabby-chic Ace Hotel, dodgeball games and art events in the upstairs gym make it fun to stay at this century-old former YMCA.

Strip search

Pick up a jar of fragrant za’atar, hot pepperoni rolls or a life-sized inflatable Steeler football mannequin in the Strip District. At dawn, chefs arrive to claim the freshest fish and produce at the open-air market along the Allegheny riverfront. At dusk, join the locals – here called Yinzers – downing the classic shot-and-a-beer at the friendly bars along Smallman Street. In between, eat your way through neighbourhood history on a taste-as-you-go tour with ‘Burgh Bits and Bites.

Robber baron beauty

Glimpse the high-rolling style of Pittsburgh’s 19th-century steel tycoons at the magnificent Union Trust Building, reopened after a $100m restoration. Commissioned by Henry Clay Frick in 1915, it’s a temple of commerce crowned by a 40-foot Tiffany glass dome. Or make a day trip to another architectural masterpiece, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, opened to the public in 1964 – a river runs through it.

How to roll

Grab a two-wheeler from one of the blue city bike-share kiosks and take a ride along the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. From the heart of downtown, you can pedal the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage, one of the country’s most scenic long-distance riding trails.

British Airways will be the first airline to connect London and Pittsburgh, thanks to a four-per-week service launching from Heathrow starting in April 2019. To read more click here

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This article has been tagged Destination, Travel Tips