Take a Hush Trip to Pittsburgh
Open an Incognito Tab at Work and Read On
Shhhh. Don't tell your boss, but hush trips are the best new part of working from "home." Similar to taking a workcation or what is called bleisure (business + leisure) travel, a hush trip is working remotely at a different location without letting your job know.
According to Fortune, 56% of adults say they're very or extremely likely to go on a hush trip in 2023, showing this trend has exploded in popularity. Considering where to go for your next hush trip? Grab your mobile hotspot, blur your Teams background and follow our guide to planning your Pittsburgh hush trip (just remember to clear your browser history after reading this 😉).
Bosses reading this: Hush trip takers have already been shown to be happier and more productive, so maybe something to build into your next employee handbook.
Head to the Squares
If it's your first time in the city, I think your first stop on the Hush Trip should be to explore our scenic squares dotting our 90 neighborhoods. Market Square puts you right in the heart of Downtown where you'll be surrounded by markets and dining all located on a pedestrian-friendly historic square. From here, you're also a one-minute walk from PPG Place, with towering skyscrapers and a lively fountain to keep you entertained as Downtown workers pass by. Plus, WiFi is free anywhere Downtown.
Snag a bench in Station Square's Bessemer Court for views of the river and city skyline, or head to Bakery Square in East Liberty for upscale, open-air shopping and dining as well as Google and Sheetz offices in this old factory-turned-tech-hub.
Other popular outdoor retail locations to sit and enjoy the city include The Terminal in the Strip District, Southside Works and The Waterfront.
Never Leave Your Room at Trendy Hotels
Of course, you can just keep the robe on all day and never leave your hotel while you take a hush trip, too. Stay at The Industrialist in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh in a trailblazing skyscraper with unobstructed city views and lofty layouts, then venture into attached The Rebel Room for inspiration and a tasty cocktail.
Another inspiring stay is The Oaklander, located in a happening educational hub with fantastic views of the Oakland neighborhood amid laid-back elegance. Work all day from your clawfoot soaking tub, dine at attached Spirits & Tales and make some music to unwind at their new Rock 'n' Oak Recording Booth.
Find more hotels to base your hush trip in here.
When in Doubt, Head Up
If your hush trip was about getting a breath of fresh air, you're in luck in Pittsburgh. Head up to our rooftops throughout the city to find relaxing lounges, terraces and bars with great views. Watch bikers zip over bridges and through the South Side at Eliza Hot Metal Bistro, watch convention and business foot traffic from Level 7 or head to Over Eden and watch the sun set over the city from your cozy Lawrenceville spot.
Sip & Synergize at Local Breweries
In the old days, the bar is where you went to after work to relax. Hush trips can combine the two giving you a local craft beer in hand while completing your assignments for the day at storied Pittsburgh breweries. Some of my favorite spots to relax with laptop in hand are historic Penn Brewery, Pittsburgh's oldest craft brewery, the expansive outdoor seating at Grist House, the Strip District-overlooking Cinderlands and the house of prayer-turned-microbrewery hotspot Church Brew Works.
Pour Fresh Ideas at Coffee Shops
If you're anything like me, you get twice as much done sitting with your laptop at a coffee shop than at work or at home. Make your own coffee tour of the city and sample your favorite hot bean waters in colorful Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Some of my favorite places in the Burgh right now that also have great seating options are Espresso A Mano in Lawrenceville, Commonplace Coffee in the Northside and De Fer Coffee & Tea in the Strip.
Post Content at Pittsburgh Parks
From hidden oases to sprawling spaces, Pittsburgh parks make a fitting backdrop for your hush trip. At Frick Park in Point Breeze, look around you to discover more than 100 species of birds. Or, venture to August Wilson Park, one of Pittsburgh's newest additions, in the Hill District for a unique view of the city surrounded by local art and quotes from the famed playwright it's named after.
Pick a Neighborhood
Pittsburgh is a city of multitudes with 90 unique neighborhoods full of history and culture to explore. With map in hand, you could work from a new neighborhood each day and experience the differences and charm that make each one wonderful.
Grab a bench along Grandview Ave. for scenic lookouts from Mt. Washington, post up along the swanky shopping district in Shadyside on Walnut St. or people watch from The Terminal in the Strip District as shops and restaurants pop to life. Each place you visit will uncover a new side of Pittsburgh.
Sync up at Coworking Spaces
If you really need to head into the office, we have you covered. Pittsburgh has a variety of coworking spaces available to help you take that important meeting that just popped up on your schedule without anyone knowing you're gone.
You can book hourly meeting space, day passes or monthly office and desk space (for our extended hush trip takers) at the stunning OneValley in Hazelwood Green, Spaces - Bakery Square, Code & Supply in Friendship, Industrious at Liberty Center and Expansive - Golden Triangle in the Cultural District, Alloy 26 and Fulton Commons on the Northside.
Related Content:
Cinderlands Warehouse2601 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
The Waterfront Town Center149 West Bridge St.
Homestead, Pennsylvania 15120
The Terminal2101 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
The Church Brew Works3525 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201