40 Free Things to Do in Pittsburgh For Your Next Day Trip

A list of 40 free things to do in Pittsburgh on your next day trip or weekend getaway! Find outdoor activities, museums, unique neighborhoods, and even things to do for sports lovers!

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Growing up, I never really appreciated the beauty of Pittsburgh. I would always dream about moving somewhere “cooler” and would describe Pittsburgh as “the boring little town” to all of my college friends.

It wasn’t until I moved back home a few months ago (at the wise old age of 34) that I realized just how much this city has to offer.

Pittsburgh is a mid-sized city located in the southwestern region of Pennsylvania. It was a major hub for steel production in the 1800s — hence its nickname, “The Steel City”. Although there are no longer steel mills within city limits, Pittsburgh has really transformed into a modern city over the past few years.

Whether you’re a sports fan, art buff, history lover, or a nature enthusiast – you will find many activities to enjoy in Pittsburgh. The best part is that many of these activities are completely free!

So grab your Steelers jersey, pack a snack, and get ready to explore Pittsburgh without breaking the bank!

Short on time? Here’s a budget-friendly tour!

Although it’s not free, it’s a fun and budget-friendly way to learn about Pittsburgh from a local tour guide! Perfect if you’re short on time or want to learn more about the history and culture of Pittsburgh.
Rated 4.8/5 ⭐️ on TripAdvisor

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Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Views

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Left: Mount Washington
Right: Duquesne Incline

1. Take in the views from Grandview Avenue on Mount Washington

This is one of the best places to get a beautiful view of the Pittsburgh skyline, as you can see in the picture on the left above! There are many overlooks where you can get panoramic views of the city. You can also catch the Duquesne Incline for a few bucks (seen in the right picture above). This is a tram ride that will take you down to Station Square while you get breathtaking views of Pittsburgh.

2. Visit Point State Park and relax by the fountain

This park is located at the tip of Downtown Pittsburgh where the three rivers meet. It has a giant fountain and makes a great photo-op against the Pittsburgh skyline!

3. Walk the North Shore Riverfront Park

This is a really nice place to take a walk around the Pittsburgh riverfront! You also get a nice view of the city’s two major sports stadiums.

4. Walk the Three Rivers Heritage Trail

This scenic trail runs along Pittsburgh’s three rivers, offering stunning views and a great way to experience the city on foot or by bike.

5. Hike through Frick Park

As the largest park in Pittsburgh, Frick Park offers an escape from the hustle-bustle of the city with wooded trails and scenic overlooks. They also have an off-leash dog park for furry friends! (PS: Pittsburgh is very pet-friendly!)

6. Walk or bike across the Hot Metal Bridge

This historic bridge was once part of the steel industry’s infrastructure. You can read about the bridge’s history while you walk across. Once you get across the bridge, you can explore the South Side neighborhood or enjoy the waterfront views at Riverfront Park.

7. Wander through Schenley Park

Known as Pittsburgh’s ‘Emerald Jewel,’ this large park has walking trails, beautiful gardens, and free public sports courts.

Museums & Historical Sites

Cathedral of Learning

8. Explore the exhibits at the Contemporary Craft

This free museum showcases contemporary art focused on craftsmanship and design. Click here to check out the current & upcoming exhibitions.

9. Take a self-guided tour of murals & street art

Pittsburgh has a growing collection of street art, especially in neighborhoods like the Strip District and East Liberty. You can walk around to admire these vibrant murals for absolutely free! Here are some of the murals and where to find them.

10. Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning

The Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh are an absolute gem. Each of the 31 rooms represents a different nationality (German, Polish, Scottish, etc) and are filled with authentic furnishings, artwork, and decor that reflect each nation’s unique culture, traditions, and history. You can tour the rooms for free during the weekdays, but just be mindful that these rooms are also used for university classes.

11. Visit one of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust free art galleries

Several galleries in Downtown offer rotating exhibits at no cost. Click here for a list all the free galleries you can explore!

12. See the colorful Randyland

This is one of the most unique public art spaces in the city. It’s an outdoor art museum and colorful oasis designed by Randy Gilson. Apparently, it’s also one of the most photographed places in Pittsburgh!

13. The Frick Pittsburgh

The Frick is a cultural center that includes a museum, historic mansion, and gardens. Although some parts do required paid admission, you can visit the Car and Carriage Museum or the Frick Art Museum’s permanent collection for free.

14. Free JazzLive concert at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Pittsburgh has quite a big jazz scene and there are many free opportunities to listen to live jazz music here! You can attend a free JazzLive concert every other Tuesday from 5-7pm (click here for the schedule). The University of Pittsburgh also holds free jazz concerts that are free to the public- you can browse the schedule here.

Neighborhood Strolls

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Left: Views down Penn Avenue of Downtown, Pittsburgh
Right: PPG Place

15. Market Square & PPG Place

These are two of the most iconic landmarks in Downtown Pittsburgh! Market Square is a public square in the heart of Downtown with a mix of shops and restaurants. They also host seasonal events & festivals like free lunchtime concerts, farmers markets, and winter holiday markets.

PPG Place is an office complex located right next to Market Square. It’s one of the most recognizable buildings in Pittsburgh known for its stunning glass architecture & modern design as you can see in the picture on the right above. They also have an ice rink here every winter!

16. Walk around the Strip District

This is my favorite neighborhood in all of Pittsburgh! It is a lively area with lots of shops, restaurants, and specialty grocery stores. It’s also a great place to buy Pittsburgh souvenirs and Steelers gear! You can also check out the newly opened Strip District Terminal with shops, a large food hall, indoor mini-golf, VR experience, and so much more!

17.Take a self-guided walking tour of university campuses

Pittsburgh is home to many top-notch universities and colleges. Two of its biggest universities are Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh (my alma mater!). They both have a beautiful campus that’s worth checking out. You can take a free self-guided tour of each campus to learn about its history.
Click here for the Pitt self-guided tour map. You can learn about the highlights by clicking here
Click here for the CMU self-guided tour map

18. Stroll through Lawrenceville

This is a trendy neighborhood in Pittsburgh known for its art scene, hip cafes, & boutique shops. I like to think of it as the Brooklyn of Pittsburgh! It’s a great place to explore local art, indulge in craft breweries, and enjoy the neighborhood’s growing food scene.

19. Walk through Shadyside

This neighborhood is a fashionable, upscale neighborhood known for high-end boutiques, trendy restaurants, and tree-filled streets. It’s a favorite spot for shopping and dining, but it’s also a popular residential neighborhood in central Pittsburgh.

20. Explore Squirrel Hill

A charming neighborhood with cozy cafes, ethnic restaurants, tree-lined streets, and beautiful parks. It’s also home to Pittsburgh’s Jewish community. You will also find many delicious Asian restaurants and bubble tea shops in this neighborhood.

Unique & Quirky Stops

Andy Warhol bridge

21. See the Mr. Rogers statue

Head over to the North Shore to see a tribute to the beloved children’s TV icon next to the riverfront. Click here to see the location on Google Maps.

22. Walk across the Andy Warhol Bridge

This is the iconic yellow bridge that you will find in many photos of Pittsburgh – also seen in the photo above! You can walk across this bridge from Downtown to North Shore while getting beautiful views of PNC Park, the city skyline, and other bridges along the way.

23. Do a self-guided walking tour of the historic Allegheny Cemetery

This is one of the oldest cemeteries in America. You take a self-guided tour of the grounds to admire its architecture. Click here for a map of the self-guided walking tour.

24. See the Dippy statue outside the Carnegie Museum

If you are in the Oakland neighborhood, be sure to check out this life-size monument of Dippy the dinosaur! I’ve seen it decorated for various holidays, and the locals place a scarf around its neck over the winter! It even has its own location marker on GoogleMaps!

25. Visit the Pittsburgh Glass Center to watch glassblowing demonstrations

If you’re a fan of glassworks, be sure to check out a live glassblowing demonstration (for free!) at the Pittsburgh Glass Center in the Friendship neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

26. Free tours at the Allegheny Observatory

For all astronomy fans (or if you just want a unique experience!), the Allegheny Observatory at the University of Pittsburgh offers free tours and events. You do have to make a reservation, but the tours are free. Check out an upcoming free event and get more information about the tours here.

Sports Lovers

Baseball game at PNC Park – image courtesy of Pexels

27. Walk Around PNC Park & Heinz Field (now Acrisure Stadium)

Even if you’re not attending a game, you can still take a walk around the outside of these iconic stadiums. Here you will find statues of Pittsburgh sports legends and a Pittsburgh Panther statue! You can then walk to North Shore Riverfront Park for beautiful views of Pittsburgh.

28. Visit the Roberto Clemente Statue & Walk the Clemente Bridge

A must-see for baseball fans, honoring the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates player. The bridge is closed to motor traffic on game days, making it a fun spot to experience the game-day energy!

29. Check out the Pittsburgh Panthers

You can walk around the University of Pittsburgh’s sports facilities like Acrisure Stadium (for football) and the Peterson Events Center (basketball).Sometimes, Pitt hosts free or low-cost sporting events like open practices or scrimmages if you’re on a budget!

30. Join a free pick-up game at Mellon Park or Highland Park

Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or ultimate frisbee, these parks often have free games where you can jump in and play.

31. Play basketball or pickleball at Schenley Park

This park is great for sports lovers! Courts are free to use, and it’s a great way to get some exercise on your day trip or weekend getaway.

Seasonal & Event-Based Activities

PPG Plaza and the ice rink during the holiday season

32. Watch a free outdoor movie at Schenley Park in the summer

Watching outdoor movies in the summer is such a fun experience! Bring a picnic and lawn chairs to make this a fun summer activity with friends or family.

33. Explore Open Streets Pittsburgh

A free community event in the summer where major streets are closed to vehicle traffic on certain dates, allowing visitors to walk, bike, run, & explore freely! This is a great way to support local businesses, connect with the community, & enjoy the fresh outdoors!

34. Attend a free summer concert

Various parks and venues in the city host free concerts during the summer months. Here’s the lineup!

35. Attend the Three Rivers Regatta for Fourth of July

I may be biased, but I think Pittsburgh has one of the best Fourth of July festivals! The event is free to attend and takes place in Point State Park. There are boat races, jet ski shows, live music, kids activities, and of course – a great fireworks display to end the night!

36. Browse farmer markets

Enjoy fresh produce, artisan goods, and live entertainment at one of Pittsburgh’s many farmers’ markets. Here is a list of the farmers markets.

37. Enjoy free live music at the Three Rivers Arts Festival

This is a multi-day festival in the summer that features free live music and art. The festival has no admission or entry fee!

38. Check out the Houston Pumpkin Festival

A classic fall activity! The Houston Pumpkin Festival (located in Washington County, PA) offers free admission to the festival with items & activities for purchase. You will find many food and craft vendors, children’s activities, a parade, and many pumpkin related contests to enjoy!

39. Watch the Pittsburgh Light Up Night holiday celebration

This is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! The event is free to attend and is located in Downtown. You can watch fireworks, live performances, light installations, and of course – the annual Christmas tree lighting!

40. See the Christmas tree at PPG Plaza

Head over to Downtown to see the dazzling Christmas tree in the center of the ice rink at PPG Plaza! Although ice skating is a paid experience, you can still sit and enjoy the festive vibes for free. The lobbies inside PPG Place have holiday displays which you can also enjoy for free!

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I hope you found this list helpful, whether you’re a local or visiting Pittsburgh! I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you have other suggestions for free things to do in Pittsburgh – share in the comments below! Happy exploring!

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