Photos by Sydney Schaefer
I’ve lived in Pittsburgh for a year now and it has been the best year of my life. I’ve done more exploring this past year than ever before. Since day one, wandering around the city with friends has become one of my favorite past-times. Pittsburgh has so much to offer and so many different things to do and see! So if you’re someone who has just moved to Pittsburgh (incoming PPU freshman!), I highly advise you check all the places on this list before the year ends! You have 9 months…ready, set, GO!
The Point:
There is no better place to start than The Point (Point State Park). Most of you have probably are been here since it’s so close to Point Park’s campus, but that shouldn’t stop you from going back! During the beginning months of the first semester, the fountain is turned on and the sun is shining, making it the perfect hang out spot. The Point is especially gorgeous at sunset when the sun is dipping down at the point of the three rivers. It’s definitely an amazing sight to see.
South Side:
Pittsburgh’s South Side has a great variety of places to explore…from independently owned record stores, art and photo galleries, to awesome shopping and dining in South Side Works. South Side also has fantastic murals to marvel at. So if you’re down for some awesome shopping, good food, and some Pittsburgh culture, definitely take a bus across the river to South Side.
Mount Washington:
Mount Washington will take your breath away. You can literally see the entire city from up there! If you haven’t seen Pittsburgh in all it’s glory, I would highly recommend taking the incline up to Mount Washington and soaking in the view, especially at night with all the city lights.
The Strip District:
I would explain Pittsburgh’s Strip District as one big farmers’ market. If you want fresh fruit and veggies (and other good, fresh food), check out the food stores like Wholey’s Fish Market on the main drag. If you’re ever looking for some weird, funky things, check out the small shops. And if you want to have the best breakfast you’re ever going to have, definitely head over to Pamela’s (in my opinion, Pamela’s in the Strip is the best Pamela’s in the city, by far).
The North Side/North Shore:
Pittsburgh’s North shore is home to PNC Park, Heinz Field, and Stage AE. All of Pittsburgh’s sporting events are held at these parks and (a lot of) the city’s concerts are held at Stage AE. If you wander further off the shore however, you’ll end up on the North side, which is mainly residential. However, there a a few gems like: Randyland, a crazy colorful garden in local resident, Randy Gilson’s backyard; the Mattress Factory, an on sight installation ar museum; and Pittsburgh’s beautiful Historic Deutchtown.
Shadyside:
Shadyside is more of a higher end neighborhood in the city with really great shopping. Walnut Street is also a perfect area to just take a walk. There are great stores and places to eat there, and you can also gaze at the gorgeous houses on that street!
Oakland/Pitt and CMU Campus:
Oakland is the biggest college neighbor in Pittsburgh. University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, and Carlow are all schools that are centrally located in Oakland. And since those are the bigger schools in Pittsburgh, Oakland is the place to be on the weekends if you’re looking for a party. The majority of the houses and apartments in Oakland house college students. A lot of Point Park students live in South Oakland right near the shuttle stop. Also, Oakland is also great place to explore. You could check out the Carnegie Museums, the Cathedral of Learning, Schenley Park, Phipps Conservatory, and so many other cool spots that you’ll just have to discover for yourself!