Pittsburgh Things to Do Tips by Parklife Top 5 Page for this destination

Bridge of Sighs

The similarities between Pittsburgh and Venice aren't just the number of bridges (Pittsburgh is 2nd in the world only to Venice in # of bridges within city limits - 720). Both cities also have a Bridge of Sighs.

Pittsburgh's Bridge of Sighs crosses Ross Street between Forbes and 5th Ave. It connects the courthouse with what used to be the old county Jailhouse.

Pittsburgh's defining building

The PPG building downtown is the most recognizable building in Pittburgh. This striking plaza can be seen on most any picture of the 'burgh skyline and is made up of over 1 million square feet of clear reflective glass.

Website: http://www.ppgplace.com/

Drinking with Mao and Cows

The Andy Warhol Museum is the largest collection of Warhol art in the world and home to most of his major works. Find out what makes Andy, Andy as you find yourself walking through a room with floating Mylar balloons or staring at a wall full of Cows.

Every Friday evening, the Warhol museum is open until 10pm and for a minimal cover charge, you can check out the museum and visit their cash bar. They also put on special programs (concerts, movies, lectures, parties, etc...) every Friday for an additional cost in various parts of the museum.

Get to the point....

It's not enough to check out the point from across the rivers, from atop Mt. Washington or while driving across a bridge. To appreciate where you're at, go to Point State Park. Not only will it give you a different perspective of the surrounding areas, but you'll be down near the waterways, standing where our country's forefathers stood. One of the most important forts in the history of our country stood a couple hundred yards behind you. Go visit the museum and get an idea of just how strategic this area was in the foundation of America and the not too distant pass when the rivers running beside you shipped steel down the Ohio.

Cathedral of Learning Cathedral of Learning Review

The Cathedral of Learning is the second tallest education building in the world (42 stories tall). If for nothing else, go inside the building to view the gothic commons room. Arches, gargoyles and large open spaces are often the home of university student study sessions and quiet places to talk. Grab coffee from a nearby cafe and unwind.

There is more to see inside this building though. There are 26 Nationality Rooms that depict classrooms from around the world decorated and design in the unique style of a countryies culture. I know they do tours but I don't recall when or how often. There is a help desk in the commons area that can help.

Address: In Oakland near the Univerity of Pittsburgh

Heinz Chapel Heinz Chapel Review

Not only do they give us condiments, but the Heinz family also brought us one hell of a church. I'm not much the religious sort but Heinze Chapel is one site to behold. It's an interdenomonational church built in americanized neo-gothic architecture. Of note are the 73 foot tall transept stained glass windows (among the tallest in the world) depicting an equal number of men and women.

Directions: Heinze Chapel is found next to the Cathedral of Learning near the University of Pitt in Oakland.