Winter Fun in Pittsburgh: 10 Things to Do & See
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
6. Take a winter walk at the zoo or any city park
If you prefer to take your workout outdoors and avoid the germy, stuffy, overcrowded gym, a brisk walk around the Pittsburgh Zoo is a great alternative. The zoo is large enough (77 acres) to get in a nice moderate 2+ mile workout. As a bonus, it’s much less crowded and admission several bucks cheaper during the winter months.
A few indoor exhibits including the PPG Aquarium, Tropical Forest, a 5 acre indoor rainforest housing 16 primate species, and an underground seal viewing area, will help you keep warm even on the coldest days. I was a zoo member while living in the ‘Burgh – check out some of my favorite exhibits. It’s a great little zoo – not too big, lots of animals, and I love the natural setting.
A few great parks to enjoy assuming there is no snow/ice:
Allegheny Commons – The city’s oldest park dates back to 1867. A walking path takes you past mature trees and tranquil Lake Elizabeth. After your walk, I recommend warming up with an espresso at Commonplace Coffee in the adjacent historic Mexican War streets neighborhood. It’s one of my favorite local coffeeshops.
Highland Park – Take a 1 mile stroll along the reservoir path – a super peaceful place during the slow winter months. As a bonus, it’s just minutes from the zoo. I often combine both to maximize my drive.
Frick Park – Enjoy a refreshing 1 mile loop walk along the North-South Clayton Loop. Afterwards, I recommend exploring the free Frick Art and vintage car and carriage museum.
7. Enjoy a quiet ride up the Duquesne Incline
The most iconic tourist attraction (and the first thing I did on my first trip to the city years ago) is a century’s old historic red cable car which travels up a funicular railway to the top of 400 foot Mt. Washington. This viewpoint is by far the most dazzling in the city. In fact, many major publications have rated it one of the most scenic skyline vistas in the country.
Fares are just $5 round trip, so a great budget friendly activity. Winter is a great time to take the incline as you can avoid the lengthy wait and oftentimes enjoy the ride (and view) all to yourself! Views are dazzling both day and night, so if you have the time, be sure to see one of the country’s best skylines in both mesmerizing settings.
8. Explore the local coffee scene
What better way to warm up on a cold winter’s day than by sipping a fabulous cup of coffee in a cozy space? This metro offers an abundance of local coffeehouses where you can relax, enjoy a drink, and plan your next adventure. I wasn’t overly impressed with the foodie scene, but I really loved the local coffeeshop diversity. On any given weekend, you could find me enjoying a delicious pastry and cup of joe.
Big Dog Coffee – Spacious coffeehouse with plenty of cozy seating. Interesting artwork. Great bagels.
Mediterra – Trendy coffee house + bakery with 2 locations and another on the way. Always busy – get here early. The chocolate croissants and seasonal danishes are awesome, so is the housemade bread. Order the shakshuka for breakfast for a savory treat. The pastries are so good I don’t know where to start.
Defer – Trendy hipster coffee shop in The Strip District. Delicious dark roast coffee with 1 free refill. Try the Matcha green tea bread for a “healthier” treat. Best of all, this shop is convenient to many Strip restaurants and shops.
My full guide to the Pittsburgh coffee scene
9. Take a stroll around the Phipps Conservatory
It’s always nice to escape the cold with a warm walk around a beautiful always warm conservatory. Although Phipps is a bit small and quite overpriced, the plant collection is gorgeous. This natural oasis is located in the middle of the bustling Oakland neighborhood, an area loaded with shops, restaurants, hospitals, and several colleges.
Permanent collections include bonsai, desert plants, ferns, orchids, and palms. You can enjoy my tour through the gardens for a preview. Beautiful glass blown art pieces from renown artist Dale Chihuly can be enjoyed throughout various gardens. I really love his colorful work, so this was a big bonus for me. Be on the lookout for special events including seasonal flower shows, holiday lights, and winter lights.
10. Explore The Strip District
One of the oldest neighborhoods in the ‘Burgh was once home to mills and factories (including the Heinz co.). Today, it has been transformed into a place to dine and shop, a place to live, and a place to work with many tech companies taking up residence. I ended up here several weekends a month as there is so much to do.
For starters, you can enjoy a cup of joe at a local roaster, treat yourself to a sandwich at the original Primanti Bros, shop for ethnic groceries, pick up Steelers merchandise, and savor an authentic Italian pastry. I recommend exploring the city’s history at the Heinz History Center. I loved seeing the Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood set – so nostalgic!
These are just a few of the things you can do in The Strip District. Be on the lookout for many events including farmer’s markets, yoga, holiday events, and more. Winter offers a more peaceful experience, as the summer tourists crowds are long gone.
