Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Pittsburgh?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Pittsburgh?

Since it's a good-sized city, you'll probably need more than a weekend to take advantage of everything to do in Pittsburgh. Two or three days still gives you a good amount of time to explore, though, as you'll have a chance to experience at least some of the major attractions. In addition to the great museums and landmarks and fun nightlife, visitors can enjoy the food, shopping, and local culture by staying for a weekend.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Pittsburgh?

Many travelers spend two to three days in Pittsburgh during their visit. After all, the under-rated city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the nightlife scene, and the big city activities.

Pittsburgh is a city in western Pennsylvania that has working class roots. It sits at the junction of 3 rivers and it is filled with museums and fascinating activities. While many travelers overlook this city, those who take the time to explore will enjoy an authentic and genuine experience.

Do you have one or two days to visit Pittsburgh? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is a great place to visit if you want to avoid the tourist crowds. It has some interesting activities and attractions. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions around the city. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the under-rated city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have two to three days to fully enjoy the city even though it's not huge. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.

How to spend a day in Pittsburgh

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Pittsburgh, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

A few tour suggestions include:

Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl ($13)

The public transit in Pittsburgh is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Pittsburgh?

Since it's a good-sized city, you'll probably need more than a weekend to take advantage of everything to do in Pittsburgh. Two or three days still gives you a good amount of time to explore, though, as you'll have a chance to experience at least some of the major attractions. In addition to the great museums and landmarks and fun nightlife, visitors can enjoy the food, shopping, and local culture by staying for a weekend.

Pittsburgh

How to spend 2 days in Pittsburgh

With a weekend (two to three days) in Pittsburgh, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Pittsburgh is Mount Washington, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.