Pittsburgh On A Budget: 3 Days Of Fun!

Experience the Steel City without breaking the bank: Pittsburgh on a budget.

21 June 2023

Pittsburgh is a great option for budget-conscious travellers looking for an affordable destination in the United States. Some of the must-see attractions include the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art, and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Visitors can also experience the city's food scene by trying classic dishes like pierogies and Primanti Brothers sandwiches, with many affordable options available. Staying in budget-friendly accommodation such as hostels or Airbnb can help keep costs down without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Get Your Game On

  • Start the day with a classic Pittsburgh breakfast at Pamela's Diner.
  • Head to PNC Park for a Pirates game (tickets start at $15).
  • Take a stroll through the Andy Warhol Museum ($20 admission).
  • Have lunch at Primanti Bros for a Pittsburgh-style sandwich.
  • Visit the Duquesne Incline for stunning views of the city ($5 round trip).
  • Enjoy dinner at Gaucho Parrilla Argentina, a popular Argentinean steakhouse.
  • Hotel recommendation: The Days Inn Pittsburgh.
Day 2

Discover the Strip District

  • Brunch at Smallman Galley, a food hall featuring four unique restaurants.
  • Shop at one of the many specialty stores in the Strip District, like the Pittsburgh Popcorn Company or Pennsylvania Macaroni Company.
  • Have lunch at the famous DeLuca's Diner for a classic breakfast dish.
  • Learn about Pittsburgh's industrial heritage at the Heinz History Center ($18 admission).
  • Visit the Randyland art installation for a colorful and quirky experience.
  • End your day at The Church Brew Works, a brewery housed in a former church.
  • Hotel recommendation: The Hampton Inn Pittsburgh Strip District.
Day 3

Explore the Great Outdoors

  • Take a morning hike in Frick Park, a massive park located in the heart of Pittsburgh.
  • Grab lunch at The Porch, a trendy restaurant nestled in the park.
  • Visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for a breathtaking display of plant life ($19 admission).
  • Head to Mount Washington for a panoramic view of the city.
  • Have a final dinner at the aptly named Meat & Potatoes, a rustic restaurant with delicious comfort food.
  • Hotel recommendation: The Quality Inn University Center.
  • With this itinerary, you'll have seen all sides of Pittsburgh the culture, the food, the history, and the great outdoors. It's a perfect balance for any budget traveler!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Pittsburgh by plane is to fly into Pittsburgh International Airport from your departure airport. There are multiple major airlines that service this airport making it a convenient option for travelers.

Car

Driving to Pittsburgh is an option for those nearby or looking for a road trip. Major highways leading to Pittsburgh include I-76, I-79 and I-376. Once in Pittsburgh, it is recommended to park in one of the public parking garages located throughout the downtown area.

Train

Unfortunately there is no direct train service to Pittsburgh. However, Amtrak has stations in nearby cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. which offer connections to Pittsburgh via bus or rental car.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Pittsburgh, it is possible to travel by boat on the Ohio River which runs through the city. There are various boat tours and rentals available for those interested.

Bus

There are several bus companies such as Greyhound and Megabus that offer travel to Pittsburgh from various cities. The main bus station in Pittsburgh is the Pittsburgh Intermodal Station located in the downtown area.

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