There’s no shortage of prizes in Steel City, but when it comes to finding them. the best Things to do for free in downtown Pittsburgh, where do you start? Thankfully, we’ve created a list to help you plan your next visit. We promise that all of these activities are free and without any restrictions.
1. Visit Point State Park
Marking the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers to form the Ohio River, Point State Park offers some of the best views of Pittsburgh’s major waterways. On sunny days, the fountain provides a luxurious respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and the hot weather that comes with it. We also have plenty of space for dogs and lawn space, so please feel free to use them.
2. Try riding the “T”
One of the best free things to do in downtown Pittsburgh is to take advantage of the mass rail transit system. As long as you stay within the Golden Triangle or North Shore area, you won’t have to pay a penny to use it. However, if you cross the Monongahela River past Station Square, there is a small fee that you must pay when you get off.
3. Shop the Strip
The eclectic and endlessly charming Strip District is one of my absolute favorite places in downtown pittsburgh. Filled with mom-and-pop grocery stores, this is the place to go for fresh produce, flowers, bread and cheese, and even Pittsburgh sports team merchandise. Saturdays are the busiest, but it’s open all year round except Sundays.
4. Play in the market square
Within walking distance of Point State Park, Market Square is a small but charming spot. The central area is where families can play games and listen to live music, while the surrounding buildings include restaurants and seasonal pop-up bars. During winter vacationvisitors and locals flock to the German Market to meet and greet Santa Claus.
5. Visit bicycle heaven
North Shore’s Bicycle Haven is a collection of beautiful two-wheeled vehicles, with countless bikes for sale and even some of the most famous from the movies. This two-story building is packed with inventory and is a parts shop, parts museum, and the world’s largest bicycle museum. My personal favorite is the red and white bike. Pee-wee’s big adventure and an impressive collection of vintage bikes.
6. Learn about world cultures in the Nationality Room
When Mosey walks into the Cathedral of Learning at Oakland’s Pitt University, he feels like he’s stepped out of a Harry Potter movie. Once she starts peeking behind the classroom door (unless her guidance is taking place), it becomes a completely different and surprising experience. She has 31 nationality rooms where she holds classes, each beautifully ornately decorated to reflect the country they represent. At Christmas, rooms are refreshed and decorated with traditional seasonal decorations to celebrate the winter holidays.
7. Bike or hike the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
The 53-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which includes the downtown area of Pittsburgh, was created for hiking, biking, and walking. Since groundbreaking in 1991, each section is approximately less than 11 miles long and features beautiful views of Pittsburgh, including famous bridges and waterways. If you don’t want to pay for parking downtown, you can save money by parking just outside the area at Schenley Park, Millvale Riverfront Park, or Peggy’s Harbor Marina.
8. Enjoy Allegheny Landing
As temperatures rise, so does the number of visitors to Allegheny Landing, which offers stunning downtown views any time of the year. Located on the North Shore near PNC Park, this sculpture park opened in 1984. As part of Pittsburgh’s Riverfront Trail System, it’s a great stopping point for biking and walking, with views of the Golden Triangle and the Allegheny River.
9. Turn junk into beautiful art at Randyland
Pittsburgh has a lot to offer, and Randyland is one of the most famous. Located on Arch Street on the North Shore, Randy Land started out with a small loan on his run-down two-story house. Owner Randy Gilson turns literal trash into beauty and encourages visitors to do the same by painting on trash. This is one of the things you can do for free in downtown Pittsburgh, but donations are gratefully accepted.
10. Learn about Pittsburgh history at the Fort Pitt Block House
For those not familiar with Pittsburgh and its war history, the Fort Pitt Block House is the only remaining portion of Fort Pitt, now Point State Park. More than 250 years old, this small building was used for defense against Native Americans in the mid-18th century. For many years it was a trading post and home. These days, it serves as a reminder of Pittsburgh’s distinguished history.
11. Get some exercise on Pittsburgh’s streets.
Open Streets Pittsburgh closes major downtown streets once a month in May, June, and July. Cycling, roller skating, and even dancing are open to the public, making it a fun way to get some exercise without worrying about the city’s busy traffic. Learning how to ride a bike is a fun station for beginners, and local merchants sell food and drinks. Additionally, free exercise classes will also be offered as an incentive for using the enclosed area.
Travel journalist, published author, editor, copywriter
- Expertise: Travel content, travel field experts
- Education: Kent State University
- Published works: secret pittsburgh (2020)
- Over 700 articles published both online and in print.
experience: Karyn Locke started writing Walt Disney World reviews for trekaroo over 10 years ago. Having been raised as a military brat, she was troubled by her compliments about her travels, and she expressed her passion for road trips by visiting theme parks, big cities and small towns, and popular destinations frequented by locals. content, and of course the Disney theme parks.
Karin is currently the lead writer and editor for a travel website. sand and snow. She also presents the best places to visit as a travel expert on KDKA’s Her Pittsburgh Talk Her Pittsburgh Show monthly live on her TV segment. Additionally, she is proud to call herself a travel expert and travel editor at Wealth of Geeks, and she uses her experience in both jobs to help guide all who love to travel. I offer tips and tricks to people.
Karyn can be found on her travel website Sand and Snow, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and X @karynlocke. Email Karyn at klocke@sandandorsnow.com.
