Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – We only spent a few days in Pittsburgh, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this unheralded city. There are vibrant, bustling neighborhoods, a hip and happening university district, excellent restaurants, and an authentic gritty working-class core. Here are my highlights from Pittsburgh:
Duquesne Incline
It costs $5 round-trip to ride the Duquesne Incline, one of two working funicular railways that climb Mount Washington. It’s a popular tourist attraction, because the skyline view from the railway car is lovely. Plus, it’s just fun to ride an old-fashioned cable car. The inclines date to the 1870s, when they functioned as a practical and critical means of transportation for residents of Mount Washington.
Phipps Conservatory
The Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden was a perfect place to come with the kids (four of them!) when they needed to run around, and we wanted to see some sights. The gardens are lovely and the special exhibits (trolls, in this case) made it more fun for the kids. My personal highlight was the scattering of fabulous Chihuly glass art pieces that are on display among the gardens.
Other Highlights from Pittsburgh
We didn’t really have time for much more than that, but the twins stayed on for another five days. They stayed with our friends in Squirrel Hill, and they fell in love with this vibrant neighborhood, where they were completely independent and free to shop for comic books and go out for bubble tea. They also went to Kennywood and Sandcastle Water Park. And they spent a whole week with their best pals. So what more could they possibly want from their vacation?
