10 Pittsburgh Date Ideas
Pittsburgh is a city known for sports, bridges, and scenic views. While most attractions are crowded with lots of tourists, families, and big groups, there are a number of romantic destinations to consider if you are seeking something to do that is both fun and low-key. All of Pittsburgh date ideas below can be enjoyed for less than 30 bucks per person.
Take a stroll around the Carnegie Museum of Art
The Museum of Art receives much less foot traffic than the adjacent Natural History museum. While both museums are fantastic (and included with your admission ticket), the Museum of Art is the more quaint choice for those looking to enjoy a romantic afternoon. The museum houses over 34,000 pieces of wonderful artwork including a large section dedicated to iconic impressionist artists like Claude Monet and Paul Cezanne. Other highlights include a mesmerizing Hall of Sculpture and a Hall of Architecture featuring 140 plaster cast replicas of iconic monuments. After your stroll, enjoy a cozy coffee and meal at The Cafe Carnegie.
Tip: If you are a Bank of America cardholder, you will receive free admission the first full weekend of any month. Check out the Museums on Us promotion for more details.
Ice skating at the North Park Ice Rink
The Pittsburgh metro is home to a number of decent ice rinks. While the downtown rink at PPG Place is fantastic, it’s pricey, always crowded, and usually requires advanced online registration or a lengthy wait. Also, parking is a hassle to find and there are not many good restaurants in the area. The North Park Ice Rink, on the other hand, is just 5 bucks for admission and $2 for skate rentals. The rink is NHL sized and never overly crowded. The setting is gorgeous with beautiful trees comprising the backdrop. Benefits include no loud music (outside of the festive Christmas season), hot cocoa and coffee for sale inside, and easy access to numerous local restaurants in Wexford.
Enjoy a cozy cup of coffee at Mel’s Petit Cafe
Most coffee shops in Pittsburgh receive lots of traffic which means it can be a little difficult to enjoy a date let alone a conversation. Mel’s Petit Cafe is located in a quiet section of Mt. Lebanon, an upscale suburb in the South Hills. The setting here is very quaint, and thus, this cafe attracts more couples than families. Here you can enjoy a savory or sweet crepe, delicious coffee drinks from local roaster La Prima, and homemade bakery treats. The presentation is nice and the ambiance clean and refined.
Take a stroll along the North Shore Riverfront Path
A long walk along the North Shore Riverfront Path will allow you to take in some of the most beautiful city vistas in the metro. From the iconic yellow Clemente and Warhol bridges, to the gorgeous skyline, and Point State Park (the meeting place of the Three Rivers) you will see some of the city’s most impressive sights via a 7 mile walk. Attractions along the way include a Mr. Roger’s memorial, Water Steps fountain, and The Andy Warhol Museum. Assuming there is no event or game going on, you are bound to enjoy a picturesque and tranquil experience.
Get back to nature at Phipps Conservatory
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in exchange for a walk around this urban nature oasis. With over two dozen gardens to explore, the Phipps Conservatory is one of the best urban escapes in Pittsburgh. Highlights include a large 14 room glass house. The tropical, fern and desert gardens, as well as the year-round orchid room are amongst the most impressive sights. Also quite memorable are the colorful glass blown art sculptures from iconic artist Dale Chihuly. Seasonal flower shows and special holiday events keep things interesting all year-round.
Enjoy a sweet treat at Mediterra Bakery
For the best homemade pastries in the city, look no further than Mediterra. This upscale bakery specializes in farm-to-table breakfast fare, artisan breads, and the most decadent sweet treats. From croissants, to danishes, to cookies and cheesecakes, you can find just about anything here to tempt your sweet tooth. Best of all, they always offer new treats along with the changing seasons, from a Pumpkin Crumpet, to an Egg Nog Danish. The coffee is easily amongst the best in the city and the ambiance is just perfect for a classy date. Visit in the morning at the quieter Sewickley location to ensure a peaceful experience.
Play with cats for a good cause at Cats N’At
Spending time at a cat cafe is a great way to find new adoptable kittens or simply donate to a good cause. Cat cafes have become more popular across the US since the opening of the first cafe in Oakland (Cat Town) back in 2014. At Cats N’At, you will pay a small cover charge ($8 pp) that goes towards the maintenance of the facility (which is beautifully decorated with cat art, cat trees, and cat furniture). You will get a half hour to play with/observe the cats. There are teaser toys and treats to keep the cats entertained. Even if you do not decide to adopt, you will feel good knowing that your donation went towards providing care to needy kittens.
Take a cruise along the Three Rivers
Gateway Clipper offers a number of picturesque cruises where you can enjoy the urban scenery in a comfortable climate controlled setting. A cruise is a wonderful alternative for those who want to enjoy the pretty skyline scenery but skip a lengthy walk or bike ride. Cruises operate year-round with outdoor seating in the summer months and a cozy heated indoor deck available in the winter. Specialty cruises include holiday, dinner, and dance parties. A special 21+ wine tasting cruise is a perfect date night activity!
Take a blast to the past at Pinball Perfection
For anyone into old school gaming, Pinball Perfection is the ideal date destination. Here you can play over 300 different pinball games, ranging from the 50’s-90’s. The museum really is a blast to the past. Along with pinball, you have arcade bowling, stand up arcades, skee-ball, foosball, and more. The collection of Star Wars and Star Trek machines is quite impressive. Lots of classics here including Back to the Future, The Addams Family, and The Empire Strikes Back. Best of all, you can play to your heart’s content for just $15. A much better value than Dave and Busters for anyone into arcades. Leave the cell phones at home and enjoy the temporary jump back in time to the heyday of pinball!
Brunch at the Terrace Room at the Omni William Penn
This beautiful resort in the downtown Cultural District offers a great brunch buffet on Saturday and Sundays. Pricing is high ($27 pp) although the selection is fantastic, service is great, and the ambiance is beautiful. Highlights include an omelet station, assorted breakfast pastries, fresh cut fruits, and unlimited coffee, tea, and juice. If you are willing to pay the high price tag, the food is great and the atmosphere perfect for a special occasion. Check out the brunch menu.
More fun date ideas
Sign up for a class at Painting with a Twist – A unique date night experience where you paint and drink wine. No art related skills required.
Be dazzled at Liberty Magic – Be entertained at a fun magic show on the street where Harry Houdini performed death defying stunts in 1916.
After Dark at The Carnegie Museum of Natural History – Explore one of Pittsburgh’s top museums after dark. Admission is limited to those 21 and over to ensure a more peaceful experience.
Treat yourself to a hot chocolate at Coffee Tree Roasters – Coffee Tree Roasters has many convenient locations across the city. They serve great coffee in an upscale setting. Also, they are known for their specialty drinks including a decadent white hot chocolate. Perfect place for a winter cocoa date.
All-you-can-bowl at Arsenal – This trendy bowling alley is the perfect destination for date night. Bowling is all-you-can-bowl for one price ($10-20 depending on day). Special themed nights are 21 and over and include 80’s/90’s night, craft beer night, and rock n’bowl.
Good Fridays at The Warhol – On Fridays, from 5-10pm, The Warhol Museum offers half price admission. Enjoy a DJ and cash bar.
