π Jump to:Preeminent Locations to Reside in Pittsburgh | Communities & Regions | Suggestions | FAQ
Iβm a lifelong Pittsburgh local here to help you plan your visit.
Pittsburgh has many neighborhoods to explore, each with unique features and attractions. Itβs important that you stay in an area close to your desired attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops, as there are so many fun things to do around the city!
In this article, I examine the top neighborhoods and recommend lodgings for each area. Let`s begin our exploration.
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Best Places to Stay in Pittsburgh
Just seeking a quick suggestion for where to stay in Pittsburgh? Here are some top recommendations:
- πBest Overall Hotel β Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh
- π Best Location β Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh
- π Best Luxury Hotel β Fairmont Pittsburgh
- πͺ Best for Families β Residence Inn by Marriott
- π» Best for conducting Business β Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites
- ποΈ Best Boutique β The Priory Hotel
- ποΈ Best Near the Stadiums β Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore
- π§ββοΈ Best for Young Adult Travelers β TRYP by Wyndham
- ποΈ Best Budget β Wyndham Pittsburgh University Center
Okay, letβs do an intensive examination of the prime areas and neighborhoods in Pittsburgh:
9 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Pittsburgh
Pittsburghβs Downtown is located at the convergence of the three rivers: the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio. The neighborhoods radiate out from that central location.
Downtown
π Best Area for First-Time Visitors β¨ Best Downtown Hotels: Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh β’ The Industrialist Hotel β’ Fairfield by Marriott
Downtown Pittsburgh is the optimum area to lodge if youβre a newcomer visitor. It is a central location so you can explore surrounding neighborhoods in the vicinity. Many ponder whether Pittsburgh is safe, particularly in a congested place like Downtown. The response is yes; generally, Pittsburgh is secure to inhabit and visit.
If you are staying at a hotel in the downtown area, there are excellent restaurants and attractions nearby. The Wyndham Grand and the Courtyard by Marriott are two very good options situated in a prime locale.
Downtown is also close to the baseball and football arenas as well as the hockey venue, so itβs a good place to lodge if youβre coming to see a game or a concert.
While in Downtown, one can see The Point, where the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers converge. During summer, the rivers are a fun place for water activities like boating and kayaking.
Pros of Staying in Downtown:
- Central location for other neighborhoods
- Close to many attractions
- Has eateries and attractions within walking distance
Cons of Staying in Downtown:
- There can be traffic, especially during weekdays
- Hotels can be pricey
- Some crime in the area
π Downtown Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for First-Time Visitors
Google Map
π« Top Hotels β Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Β· The Industrialist Hotel Β· Fairfield by Marriott
π Strong>Housing options β Strong> Browse Top Residential Options in Downtown
π½οΈ Where to Eat β The Yard ($$), The Speckled Egg ($$), Meat & Potatoes ($$$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Bridges & Bourbon,Forbes Tavern,Speakeasy
ποΈ Top Attractions β Point State Park,Cultural District,David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Shadyside
π Best Area for Shopping and Dining Pleasuresβ¨ Top Accommodation Choices in Shadyside: Hyatt House β’ Two-Bedroom House Rental β’ One-Bedroom House Rental
Shadyside is a stylish and cozy Pittsburgh neighborhood. It is a more affluent area and is situated close to Oakland, Downtown, and Squirrel Hill. Shadyside is mainly residential.
Walnut Street in Shadyside is the main commercial area where youβll find many bars, restaurants, and shops. Ellsworth Avenue also has restaurants and stores worth exploring.
Explore Roslyn Place while youβre here. This is the last wooden streetway in Pittsburgh and one of the last wooden avenues in the country. Shadyside is easily accessible via public transit, but possessing a motor vehicle to travel between neighborhoods remains a good plan.
There werenβt many hotel selections in Shadyside, but this Two-Bedroom House Rental is just a few minutes from Walnut Street.
The Mansions on Fifth Avenue is an exceptional boutique hotel if youβre looking for unique lodging alternatives. The hotel often caters brunch for special events and can also serve as a venue for weddings, anniversaries, and other memorable occasions.
Pros of Staying in Shadyside:
- Central location for other neighborhoods
- Close to popular attractions in town
The neighborhood had many restaurants, bars, and shops.
Cons of Staying in Shadyside:
- It is a primarily residential neighborhood
- Hotels and restaurants can be pricey
π Shadyside Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Shopping and Restaurants
Google Map
β¨ Best Lodging β Hyatt House β’ Two-Bedroom Home Rental β’ One-Bedroom Home Rental
π Accommodations β Browse Peak Vacation Rentals in Shadyside
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Casbah ($$$), Paris 66 ($$$), Girasole ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Shadyside Hideaway Bar,Cappyβs Cafe,St. Clair Social
ποΈ Top Attractions β Walnut Street link,Roslyn Place link
Lawrenceville
π Best Area For Young People | β¨ Best Lawrenceville Accommodations: TRYP by Wyndham β’ Butler Street 1 Bedroom β’ Central Lawrenceville Rowhouse
Lawrenceville has been revitalized into one of the hippest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. This neighborhood attracts many younger individuals with its nightlife, restaurants, and local stores.
Market Public Domicile is a favored gathering place. Rowhouse Cinemas is a cool, arthouse theater that often shows old and cult movies. This neighborhood even has bowling and an arcade, so there is plenty to do in Lawrenceville!
Many attractions are located along Butler Street, which makes this one-bedroom rental unit an ideal place to lodge. The TRYP by Wyndham Pittsburgh Lawrenceville also offers excellent accommodation with a popular rooftop bar overlooking the neighborhood.
Lawrenceville is centrally situated. You can easily access the Strip District, East Liberty, Highland Park which is home to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, Shadyside, and more.
Pros of Staying in Lawrenceville:
- Lawrenceville is in a central location
- Itβs a walkable neighborhood
Cons of Staying in Lawrenceville:
- The neighborhood can have a lot of traffic
- Eateries and bars can be crowded, especially on weekends
π Lawrenceville Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Young Adults
Google Map
β¨ Best Accommodations β Three highly rated accommodation options are highlighted: TRYP by Wyndham , Butler Street 1 Bedroom , Central Lawrenceville Rowhouse
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π½οΈ Where to Eat β Industry Public House (), Morcilla ($$$), The Church Brew Works ()
πΈ Where to Drink β Remedy,The Abbey on Butler Street
ποΈ Major Attractions β Indie cinema,Retro games cafe
North Shore
π Best Area For Sports Fans | β¨ Best North Shore Hotels: Hyatt Place β’ Residence Inn β’ Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Pittsburgh is renowned as the City of Champions, so you must see a sports contest while youβre in town. If you have interest in sports, the North Shore is the optimum place to stay. This is the site of the cityβs football stadium and baseball arena. Hyatt Place is within walking distance of both.
Even if you donβt have tickets for a game, plenty of sports bars like Tequila Cowboy, will show all the action. The North Shore also has many restaurants that are great for a night out.
North Shore is also home to the Childrenβs Museum and Science Center, which are great outings for families. You can walk along the river and get great views of the Point as well. The North Shore is right across the river from Downtown.
Pros of Staying in North Shore:
- Close to the stadiums
- Many bars and restaurants
- Near Downtown
Cons of Staying in North Shore:
- May need a car to get to other neighborhoods
- It can become loud and busy on weekends and when sporting events are occurring
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the most competitive rates.
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β While downtown has a few decent bars, youβll discover more appealing choices in the Montrose district, especially along Westheimer Road and the adjacent Midtown area. In Montrose, recommended bars include Anvil Bar & Refuge and AvantGarden for their cocktails, as well as the hip dive bar Catbirds. Montrose is also Houstonβs friendly gay neighborhood, with well-known LGBTQ bars like The Eagle,JRβs,Ripcord, and Numbers among the most popular choices)
π½οΈ Where to Eat β The Foundry Table & Tap ($$), Burgatory ($$), Macs and Stacks ($)
πΈ Where to Drink β Southern Tier Brewery,Tequila Cowboy
π© Main Attractions β Acrisure Stadium,Andy Warhol Museum
Mount Washington
π Best Area For Breathtaking Views | β¨ Best Mount Washington Lodgings: Home with Yard β’ Two-Bedroom with Panorama β’ Colorful Residence
Mount Washington has excellent prospects of Pittsburgh. This area is situated south of the city and it`s elevated on a mountain, so it overlooks Downtown and the Point. From here, you can observe the silhouette, the arenas, and distant into the suburbs surrounding the city. Get good views from the overlook or from lodgings like this two-bedroom house.
This area is a great place for celebrations and special occasions. There are upscale restaurants that have unblocked views of the city. Mount Washington is also a great place to watch fireworks when theyβre ignited at The Point.
When visiting Mount Washington, I highly suggest experiencing the iconic cable cars. These trolleys are an essential part of Pittsburgh`s past and provide a unique way to view the city. While there are no hotels situated within Mount Washington, guests do have the option to book temporary lodging options.
Pros of Staying in Mount Washington:
- Great views of the city
- Luxury restaurants
- Close to Downtown
Cons of Staying in Mount Washington:
- Use of a vehicle would be needed to access the city center and other neighborhoods
- Expenses can be elevated, particularly during holiday periods and special events
π Mount Washington Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Stunning Views
Google Map
β¨ Premier Accommodations β Residence with Yard β’ Two-Bedroom with Panorama β’ Colorful Domicile
π Dwellings β Browse Primary Leases in Mount Washington
Seahorse Guesthouse β’ Snooze Hotel
πΈ Where to Drink β Bigham Tavern,RedBeardβs Bar & Grill
ποΈ Top Attractions β Grandview Overlook,Duquesne, and Monongahela Inclines
Squirrel Hill
π Best Area For Families | β¨Best Squirrel Hill Accommodations: Luxurious Home β’ Country Residence β’ Flat near the Park
Squirrel Hill is a favored residential area in Pittsburgh. This is one of the most common locations that people decide to settle down in. It is within city boundaries but still has a cozy, small-town feel. Itβs more sparse in terms of lodgings, but itβs a great neighborhood to establish long-term residency in.
The neighborhood contains many locally-owned shops and eateries. Forbes Avenue and Murray Avenue serve as the main thoroughfares through the community and where its business district is found.
Squirrel Hill sits in a very convenient area close to other popular neighborhoods, like Downtown and Shadyside. This neighborhood is also home to Schenley Park and Frick Park, providing plenty of greenery to enjoy.
If youβre looking for an area that is more peaceful but still in close proximity to many attractions, Squirrel Hill is worth considering. I recommend lodging like that luxury residence. Squirrel Hill features residences and homes that can be rented, so it is a good choice for family vacations.
Pros of Staying in Squirrel Hill:
- Squirrel Hill is in a convenient location
- The neighborhood is walkable
- Many restaurants and shops
- Public transportation through the bus system
Cons of Staying in Squirrel Hill:
- It can be an expensive area
- Personal vehicle often needed to access other areas.
π Squirrel Hill Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Families
Google Map
β¨ Most Excellent Accommodations within Squirrel Hill: Luxurious Home β’ Carriage Residence β’ Apartment near the Park
π Dwellings β Browse Top Lodging in Squirrel Hill
Hotel website β’ Check prices listed for Rafalias Mansion
πΈ Where to Quench Your Thirst β Squirrel Hill Cafe,Hidden Harbor
ποΈ Top Attractions β Frick Park,Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media
Strip District
π Best Location For Proximity | β¨ Top Strip District Hotels: Hampton Inn & Suites β’ AC Hotel by Marriott β’ Homewood Suites by Hilton
If there is one area that maintains some of Pittsburghβs historic character, itβs the Strip District. This neighborhood is home to many culturally diverse grocery stores and old marketplaces as well as contemporary restaurants and distilleries.
The Strip District is where one can purchase goods and meals made locally in Pittsburgh. Pamela`s is one of the most visited breakfast locales in the city and seeing it is highly proposed. Sports equipment representing the Steelers and other teams can be obtained from neighborhood retailers. Travel to the Heinz History Center to learn regarding Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania history.
The hotels ” Auberge Saint-Antoine” , ” Le Capitole HΓ΄tel” , and ” Fairmont Le ChΓ’teau Frontenac” as well as ” MonastΓ¨re des Augustines” are listed.
Pros of Staying in Strip District:
- Walkable neighborhood with many restaurants, breweries, and bars
The location was conveniently near other popular neighborhoods.
Cons of Staying in Strip District:
- It can be a busy area
- Most businesses close in the early afternoon
π North Shore Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Sports Enthusiasts
Google Map
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π Accommodations β Browse Premier Rentals in Strip District
π½οΈ Where to Eat β DiAnoia`s Eatery (), Eleven ($$$), Luke Wholeyβs Wild Alaskan Grille ()
πΈ Where to Drink β Leftyβs,Cellar on Penn
ποΈ Top Attractions – The Strip Terminal,Senator John Heinz History Center
Oakland
π Ideal Location for College Visits & Budget-Conscious Travelers | β¨ Top Oakland Accommodations: Hampton Inn β’ Residence Inn by Marriott β’ Hotel Indigo
Oakland is regularly perceived as Pittsburghβs university town. The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) are both situated in this neighborhood, so college students often roam, study, and reside in the area.
Furthermore, here is Gion Corner, a performance complex introducing long-held Japanese cultural customs through displays of flower preparation, tea ceremony traditions, music, dancing, and bunraku (Japanese puppet theater). ShijΕ-dΕri goes west from Yasaka-jinja and creates the main road through Gion, at some point crossing the Kamo River and penetrating Central Kyoto (see above). The Gion segment is lined with shops, renowned snack and dessert shops, and the grand Minami-za Theater for kabuki performances.
Though Pitt and CMU are prominent features of the neighborhood, theyβre not the only ones. Oakland is also home to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. The Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning display architecture and culture from around the globe. The Phipps Conservatory has beautiful plants and floral exhibits.
Pros of Staying in Oakland:
- Conveniently located to other neighborhoodsΒ
- Numerous points of interest and in a walkable neighborhood
- Inexpensive dining and shops
- Great for college students and young adults
Cons of Staying in Oakland:
- Traffic can be heavy
- University events can impact traffic, parking, and pricing
π Oakland Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for College Visits & Budget Travelers
Google Map
β¨ Highly Recommended Hotels β Hampton Inn hotel β’ Residence Inn by Marriott hotel β’ Hotel Indigo
π Dwellings β Inspect First Rentals in Oakland
π½οΈ Where to Eat β The Porch ($$), Butterjoint ($$), Lucca Ristorante ($$)
πΈ Places to Drink β Marioβs Oakland Saloon,Hemingway Cafe,Bootleggers
ποΈ Main Attractions β Cathedral of Learning,Phipps Conservatory,Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Museum of Art
South Side
π Best area for nightlife | β¨ Best hotels in the South Side: The SpringHill Suites β’ The Holiday Inn Express Hotel β’ The HYATT House
South Facet is the area to head to if youβre searching to spend an evening out in Pittsburgh. The region is a hot spot because of its thick selection of bars and clubs on Carson Street. My partner and I just spent an evening at Club Cafe, seeing local musical acts.
The area can get a little boisterous on weekends, and many college students spend their nights out here. But bars arenβt the only thing the South Side has. There are also restaurants and coffee shops where you can spend the day and shops to explore.
South Side is also near neighborhoods such as the Downtown area and Mount Washington, and across the river from places like Squirrel Hill. Lodge at the HYATT House or SpringHill Suites so you wonβt have to travel far after an evening out.
Pros of Staying in South Side:
- Great restaurants, bars, and clubs for nightlife
- Walkable neighborhood
- Close to other areas of Pittsburgh
Cons of Staying in South Side:
- It can get rowdy on the weekends
- Some instances of petty crime
π South Side Mini Guide π
Best Area for Nightlife
Google Map
β Highest Rated Lodgings β SpringHill Suites β’ Holiday Inn Express Hotel β’ HYATT House
π Apartments β Browse Prime Home Rentals in South Side
π½οΈ Where to Eat β The Urban Tap ($$), Cucina Vitale ($$), Twelve Whiskey Barbecue ($$)
- Berlin International Film Festival β For 10 consecutive days in February annually, the red carpet is unrolled at Berlin theatres, bringing more than 20,000 professionals in the film industry, such as world-famous stars, along with over 400 films.
ποΈ Prime Attractions β South Side Works,Southside Riverfront Park
Tips for Staying in Pittsburgh
Stay Centrally
Pittsburgh divides into neighborhoods each with unique appeal. Choosing lodging centrally located grants easy access throughout elsewhere. Travel between districts usually consumes 10 to 20 minutes.
Bring a Car or Rent a Car
Pittsburgh is a fairly auto-centric city. While it does have public transportation, such as a bus system, a vehicle is generally the most dependable way to get around. An automobile is necessary to reach neighborhoods outside of city limits.
Venture Out Into the Neighborhoods
While there is plenty to do within Downtown Pittsburgh, the city has significantly more to offer beyond those limits, so itβs worth exploring and venturing into surrounding neighborhoods.
Youβll Need a Few Days
There is such a lot to do in Pittsburgh that youβll need a few days to really understand the city well. I recommend staying between three and five days at a minimum, but youβll want to return to explore more.
Keep an Eye on Events
Pittsburgh has lots of happenings including sports games, concerts, and festivals. These can be very fun but they bring a great deal of traffic. Keep an eye on occasions that might affect your trip with higher lodging costs and more people out and about.
FAQs
What are the best areas to stay in Pittsburgh for first-timers?
Some of the best areas for first-time visitors to Pittsburgh to stay include the central business district, the Strip District featuring shops and markets, and the university neighborhood of Oakland. These locations are centrally situated, provide many attractions, and are close to other neighborhoods.
What are safe areas to stay in Pittsburgh?
The generally safer areas for accommodation in Pittsburgh include Squirrel Hill,Shadyside, and Lawrenceville, which normally have low instances of crime and can be very family-oriented.
What are the best parts of Pittsburgh to stay for a weekend?Β
The best places to stay in Pittsburgh for a weekend are Downtown, the North Shore, the South Side, and Oakland. These locations are strategically situated, and all offer a primary attraction. If youβre only in Pittsburgh for a limited number of days, these are suitable places to reside that will permit seeing much.
How many days do you need to explore Pittsburgh?
You need at minimum three to five calendar days to sufficiently explore Pittsburgh. This duration will allow you to view a few different neighborhoods and attend some of the cityβs best attractions. However, the longer you spend your time in Pittsburgh, the better your experience will be.
Is Pittsburgh a walkable city?
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Pittsburgh has a distinguished background with enjoyment activities and an animated nightlife scene. If youβre considering where to remain in Pittsburgh, you will have numerous choices. Traveling more around Pennsylvania? Check out our guide on where to stay in Philadelphia next!