What to do in Pittsburgh
Where to start
Everything you need to know—from the weather to great restaurants to what's happening in town right now—can be found online with help from Visit Pittsburgh, the city's convention and visitors bureau. Go to www.visitpittsburgh.com or follow @vstPGH on Twitter.
If you'd like to explore on your own, check out this Pittsburgh walking/running route map. The routes start downtown and range from 1.25 to 5 miles.
Take me out to the ball game!
If you'd like a night out at the ballpark, consider catching a Pittsburgh Pirates game. The city's major-league baseball team has a home stand against the Milwaukee Brewers while we're in town. The Bucs, as the local team is fondly known, has discounted tickets available for AFT convention delegates and your guests. Get a group together, take a look at the schedule and plan your outing at www.pirates.com/aft.
PFT Picks
Have a night out on the town as recommended by the locals! Read the suggestions below, and download
.Entertainment
Cabaret & Backstage Bar at Theater Square
Thursday, July 12 - Pittsburgh Improv Jam, 10 p.m., $3 at the door
Friday, July 13 – Chris Hannigan, guitar & vocals, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m., FREE
Friday, July 13 - Salsa Dancing, 10:30 p.m.-1:00 a.m., $5 at the door
Saturday, July 14 – Scott & Rosanna, folk/jazz acoustic duo, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m., FREE
Late-night menu until 11 p.m.
Downtown
Live jazz and creole cuisine, open Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.
Seafood and steak, open Friday and Saturday until 11p.m.
Andy’s Bar in the Fairmont Hotel
Live jazz, open Thursday until midnight, and Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m.
Late Night Happy Hour, 10:00 p.m.-midnight
$5 house wine, martinis, and appetizers
In the Strip District
Open Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.
Caribbean, S. American and Pacific cuisine
Contemporary cuisine with seasonal menu
Want to venture a little farther out of downtown?
Try the free Deutschten Music Festival on the north side.
Friday and Saturday, over 300 hundred local bands, indoor/outdoor venues, food and drink
Where to eat
Pittsburgh has traditional, can't-miss fare, starting with Primanti's Bros. sandwiches stacked high with meat, cheese, slaw and French fries. And though not invented in Pittsburgh, many claim delicious pierogies have been perfected in the Steel City and are a must-eat when you're in town.
Check out this map of local restaurants in walking distance of the convention center and AFT hotels.
The restaurant and brewery scenes in Pittsburgh are hopping, and there are many terrific eateries downtown and nearby. Find a guide to the best of the city on Thrillist's website, including lists for best Irish bars, pizza and burgers.
If you're looking for something international, consult Anthony Bordain's Parts Unknown compilation, Eating the World in Pittsburgh.
How about a tour?
Run. Want to learn about Pittsburgh and see historic sites while getting a workout at the same time? Pittsburgh Running Tours offers 5k running sightseeing tours in various neighborhoods around Pittsburgh, including downtown. The runs are at a casual pace and accessible for all runners. Find more information and sign up here. Use the promo code AFT18 at check out for a 10% discount.
Walk. Spend two hours on a Walk the Burgh tour through various Pittsburgh neighborhoods, learning about the Steel City's historic neighborhoods, iconic architecture, unique public art and biographies of important Pittsburghers. The "Best of the Burgh" tour focuses on downtown, but there are several others to choose from, including specialized ones on architecture, public art, and movie locales. Tours cost $25 for adults and $20 for kids (ages 6-13). Find more info on Walk the Burgh's website or check them out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Bike. Looking for something a bit faster paced? Try Bike the Burgh's three-hour tour through downtown and other Pittsburgh neighborhoods. An expert guide will lead you through city squares and by public art, show you buildings old and new, and teach you the city's history. Tours range from 6-8 miles; bikes and helmets are provided; and the routes have no hills! Tours cost $39 for adults and $30 for kids (ages 8-13). Find more info on Bike the Burgh's website or check them out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.