5 Places to Visit in Pittsburgh from a Student in the City

If you’re visiting the Steel City for the first time at this year’s DrupalCon, welcome! You’re hearing this from a four-year student, and fresh graduate, from the University of Pittsburgh.

Though I am not originally from this city – home is across the state in Philadelphia – I would argue that gave me a leg-up in the amateur tourism game. The city never lost its shiny newness, and as such, I explored with the zeal of a traveler on limited stay.

Here are five of my true favorite places in the city, and they are ones you’re not likely to find on a travel guide.

Robert E. Williams Park

robert e williams park
Photo: Aidan Dean Dunn

I’m truly letting you all in on my “happy place” here. This secluded park is tucked into the peaks of the Upper Hill District and is one of the highest elevations in the entire city. Upon arriving, walk up the steps to the reservoir where you can find a 360-degree view of the city and its extremities. I discovered it one day while crossing the Bloomfield Bridge, where I saw sign for “Blessing Street” that was on an extremely sharp incline and lead into a neighborhood I didn’t know existed. Following my explorative instincts, I headed up the hill and landed at the Robert E. Williams Park.

Con Alma

Con Alma
Con Alma’s Shadyside Location. Photo Courtesy: Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership via Google Images

Con Alma: with two locations, one Downtown and one in Shadyside, this beautiful and stylish jazz bar was named one of The Best Bars in America by Esquire Magazine in 2021! It is a fantastic place to get a cocktail, eat a superb vegan meal, and listen to jazz musicians play their tunes right up close. It’s relaxing, comfortable, and I would particularly recommend the Shadyside location.

The slow pace and decorum are perfectly my speed, and I love to grab the tables right out front, where I can still hear the music but can also watch the world go by. P.S. Just a few doors down from the Shadyside location is one of the best thrift stores in Pittsburgh – “Hey Betty!”

Pitaland

Pitaland
Courtesy:  Audacy via Google Images

Located on 620 Brookline Ave, this is some of the best Mediterranean food I have found in this city. I myself come from a Lebanese heritage, and there is no food that leaves me feeling cleaner, healthier, and happier than a good Lebanese meal. This is that place to find it! Listed in Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants to Visit in 2023, Pitaland definitely has the social approval. But who needs that anyway?

Point State Park

Point State Park
Photo: Aidan Dean Dunn

This one you are likely to find on a travel guide. But that’s because it is quintessential in nature! Here at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh, you can see the sparkling convergence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers and watch as our city's people stroll the park and float on the deep blue waters.

Gooski’s

Gooski’s
Courtesy: Imbibe Magazine via Google Images

This raw dive bar in Polish Hill is a spot to have a drink, play some pool or chess, and enjoy the company of your friends. That is, if you enjoy graffiti and, rock music. It’s cash only, but you won’t have to spend much of it. If you have a little punk inside of you that’s kicking and screaming to be let out, check out Gooski’s.

Polish Hill, the neighborhood in which Gooski’s is located, is a cheeky and comfortable neighborhood in Pittsburgh’s iconic Strip District.

If you were a friend of mine, visiting Pittsburgh, these are the places I would take you. If you go see any of these places, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I’d genuinely love to hear about it.

Safe Travels!

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