12 Reasons to Fall in Love With Pittsburgh

Pittsburghers are second to none. Their love for this city runs deep, and you feel it surround you in every way. Friends visiting Pittsburgh frequently tell me how surprised and touched they are by the friendly and kind nature of the people here. For many, it’s refreshing to experience something as small as people saying hello and asking how your day is, just because. In Pittsburgh, it’s not uncommon for Pittsburghers to strike up a conversation with you in line at a grocery store, or become a new friend after sitting next to you at a Pirates game. People are happy in Pittsburgh, and their spirit and the energy is contagious.

New breweries are popping up left and right all over the city. These spaces are great for both indoor and outdoor social gatherings and events, and many even offer great food menus or rotating food truck schedules to pair and enjoy with their local brews. There are almost too many to name, but a few breweries that have a special place in my heart include Penn Brewery, 11th Hour, and East End Brewing. Check out some of my favorite picks for some local winter warmers here.

The Booming Restaurant Scene

It’s not hard to fall in love with the food scene in Pittsburgh when there are so many options to choose from. Outside of iconic spots like Primanti Bros. or Pamela's Diner, there's a growing scene of restaurants opening up all over the city, a few that have even started to catch some national attention. Apart from Yelp naming Gaucho Parrilla Argentina as one of the top 100 places to eat in the US, the city itself has racked up accolades including one of the best for pizza lovers and even beat out our state rival Philadelphia for best cheesesteak!

Related: 5 Pittsburgh Restaurants to Add to Your List

Years ago, it wasn't uncommon for visitors to only associate Pittsburgh with its industrial history as a steel town. But today, with a variety of diverse industries blossoming, Pittsburgh has extended its reputation to mean more than just steel mills. Pittsburgh's renaissance has earned the city a spotlight as a destination worth visiting, both domestically and internationally.

With Pittsburgh's iconic yellow bridges weaving between streets of modern and historic architecture, the Pittsburgh skyline is a sight that never gets old. Whether it's your first or thousandth time seeing the skyline when you drive into the city from the Fort Pitt tunnel, it's a view that's unbeatable and truly unlike any other.

Related: Instagram-Worthy Spots in Pittsburgh

No matter the season or what the weather holds outside, you can always count on having first-class entertainment options to choose from in Pittsburgh ranging from theatre, concerts, art galleries, and more. Some of the locals’ favorites include checking out a show at the Byham Theater or the Benedum Center downtown. If you’re interested in a day of art, check out the Mattress Factory, the Andy Warhol Museum, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and many more throughout the city.

Sitting at the heart of three rivers - the Monongahela, Allegheny, and the Ohio River - Pittsburgh is proud of their waterways and with good reason. Not only are the rivers breathtakingly beautiful, they’re also great places to get out and exercise or explore the city. Whether it’s kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, or taking a spin on the Gateway Clipper, you can’t go wrong with spending a day out on the water.

Related: 7 Things to Do on Pittsburgh's Rivers

While the skyscrapers and downtown skyline can be impressive enough to stop you in your tracks, the greenery around the city will also leave you equally as stunned. From the parks nestled within the city limits like Frick Park, Schenley Park, to larger green spaces just outside downtown, there’s an outdoor area for everyone. Each park offers endless opportunities for activities like biking, hiking, running, and places to relax with friends and family over outdoor picnics and get-togethers.

It’s no exaggeration that the entire city of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas bleed black and gold for not just one, but all of the sports teams here in Pittsburgh. More than just team spirit, the sense of black and gold bring the city a sense of community and comradery that help foster the neighborly and friendly spirit in Pittsburgh.