Fun things to do alone in pittsburgh

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Whether you are a single business traveler, a tourist on your own, or a single Pittsburgher with some time on your hands, there are so many fun things that you can do alone in the Steel City.

Below are some ideas.

Sightseeing:

During the first half of the 1900s, the city of Pittsburgh had a reputation for being a dirty, smoggy steel town - not the kind of place you'd choose as a vacation destination. But all that has changed. In the 1970s and 1980s, Pittsburgh underwent a renaissance that transformed the city into a bona fide tourist spot, with plenty of options for folks who enjoy sightseeing.

Start at the Golden Triangle, where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers meet to form the Ohio River. Here in the heart of the city's downtown business district, you'll see some striking architecture, as well as a variety of interesting shops and eateries.

Next, head down to the South Side and take a cable car ride up the Duquesne Incline to the top of Mount Washington. After soaking in the breathtaking panorama of the city below, stop in at the upper station, where you can tour a small museum of Pittsburgh history, or purchase souvenirs in a quaint gift shop.

Art and History Museums:

Pittsburgh's museums offer something for everyone.

If you are into modern art and pop culture, be sure to check out the Andy Warhol museum, located on Pittsburgh's north shore. The museum features extensive permanent collections of Andy Warhol's paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculpture.

Then, if you still want more fine art, head over to the Oakland district and visit the Carnegie Museum - America's first contemporary art museum. Here you'll find a noteworthy collection of art and architecture from the late seventeenth century to the present, including film and video works.

History buffs will enjoy the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center. Located in the city's historic Strip District, it is Pennsylvania's largest history museum. The center documents the history of western Pennsylvania, and features a 1790s log cabin, a 1940s trolley, Pittsburgh sports memorabilia, and much more.

Science and Nature:

Pittsburgh offers a wide variety of activities for lone lovers of science and nature.

The Carnegie Science Center, located on Pittsburgh's North Shore, features a variety of science exhibits. Highlights include the EcoStation, a weather and environmental exhibit area; SeaScape, a five-tank, 1,800-gallon coral reef ecosystem; and the USS Requin, a real submarine. The center also includes a four-story Omnimax Theater and the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium and Observatory.

Also check out the National Aviary, located at the Allegheny Commons West, which is the nation's premier bird park. It features 250 species of birds on display in 23 acres of recreated natural habitats.

Phipps Conservatory, in Oakland's Schenley Park, is one of the largest and finest botanical conservatories in the country. The conservatory hosts flower shows, educational classes, and a variety of special exhibits and horticultural events.

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, located approximately five miles east of Pittsburgh, is a 77-acre facility that houses thousands of animals representing hundreds of diverse species. Highlights include the Asian Forest, the African Savanna, the Tropical Forest Complex, Cheetah Valley, and Niches of the World.

Shopping:

If you're in the mood for shopping, you need look no further than Station Square, downtown Pittsburgh's landmark shopping mall. Located along the Monongahela River, this former train station now houses over 50 shops.

Or, for a more upscale shopping experience, head downtown to Fifth Avenue Place, where you'll find an impressive variety of specialty stores.