Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania offers visitors a variety of fun activities to enjoy without emptying your wallet. From scenic parks and historic landmarks to cultural attractions and lively neighborhoods, the Steel City has an impressive array of free things to see and do.
| Free Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Point State Park | Offers a fountain, riverfront promenade, and historical sites. |
| Cathedral of Learning | Features Nationality Classrooms and an observation deck. |
| Monongahela Incline | Provides city views via a historic incline railway. |
| Carnegie Museum of Art | Hosts free viewing hours for its art collection. |
| Andy Warhol Bridge | A scenic walk across a bridge named after the artist. |
| West End Overlook Park | Offers panoramic views of Pittsburgh’s skyline. |
| Heinz Field Tour | Behind-the-scenes tour of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ stadium. |
| Randyland | An interactive art space with murals and performances. |
| Free Festivals | Various cultural and music festivals throughout the city. |
| Self-Guided Walking Tour | Explore architectural and historical sites at your pace. |
| Street Art Hunt | Discover murals and installations in different neighborhoods. |
| Mattress Factory | A contemporary art museum with unique installations. |
Pittsburgh’s affordable and wallet-friendly options make it an ideal destination for budget travelers. Avoid admission costs at these top free attractions and activities around Pittsburgh:
Explore Point State Park
Name and Location: Point State Park is located in downtown Pittsburgh at the tip of the Golden Triangle.
History and Significance: This National Historic Landmark commemorates the strategic “point” where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River. The park features memorials, trails, and sweeping city views.
What to Expect: Walking paths, green spaces, fountain, Fort Pitt Museum, outdoor concerts and events. The iconic 150 ft tall fountain shoots water plumes synchronized to music.
Visitor Information: Located where Commonwealth Pl meets Liberty Ave. Open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission. Paid parking in nearby lots and garages.
At the tip of Pittsburgh’s downtown where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River, Point State Park occupies 36 acres loaded with free things to do. The park’s iconic fountain shoots 150 feet in the air at the point. Stroll along the riverfront promenade, learn about the French & Indian War at the Fort Pitt Museum, relax on the lawn, and enjoy free summer music concerts. Stop into the park’s Blockhouse for panoramic views from the second floor observation deck.
Tour the Cathedral of Learning
Name and Location: The Cathedral of Learning is located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh.
History and Significance: This soaring 42-story Gothic tower is the tallest educational building in the Western hemisphere. Dedicated in 1937, it houses 31 national rooms inspired by different cultures.
What to Expect: Guided and self-guided tours of the ornate Commons Room and ground floor national rooms representing countries like Scotland, Russia, and Japan.
Visitor Information: Located at 4200 Fifth Ave. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. Admission is free, donations accepted.
Ranking as the second tallest university building in the world, the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh awes visitors with its Gothic grandeur inside and out. Take a self-guided tour through the ground floor to see 30 charming Nationality Classrooms representing various world cultures. Ride the elevator up to the top floor Observation Deck for sweeping city views. Photography lovers appreciate the stone arches, tall pillars, carved wood ceilings and ornate details throughout the Commons Room and other public spaces.
Ride the Monongahela Incline
Name and Location: The Monongahela Incline ascends Mount Washington, alongside Grandview Ave in downtown Pittsburgh.
History and Significance: Built in 1870, this famed funicular railroad climbs a steep slope overlooking the city. It provides direct access to scenic views atop Mt. Washington.
What to Expect: A charming vintage cable car ride up a steep hillside. At the top, panoramic vistas of Pittsburgh from an elevated perch. Interpretive information explains the railway’s engineering.
Visitor Information: Located at West Carson St near Smithfield St Bridge. Fare is $2.75 each way, seniors $1.75. Open daily 6:30am-11:50pm.
For outstanding city views without the high admission cost, take a ride on the Monongahela Incline railway running up Mount Washington. The famed inclined plane opened in 1870 to transport residents between Pittsburgh’s riverfront industrial zone and the residential neighborhood atop Mount Washington. Today, it functions as an inexpensive alternative to watching the sunset over the Steel City’s skyline. The small parking lot fills up quickly, so arrive early or use Pittsburgh’s walkable streets and free “T” light rail system to reach the Monongahela Incline.
Marvel at the Carnegie Museum of Art’s Collection
Name and Location: The Carnegie Museum of Art is located in Oakland, east of downtown Pittsburgh.
History and Significance: Founded in 1895, this renowned art museum houses important collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and American art. The museum’s own collection numbers over 35,000 objects.
What to Expect: Sprawling galleries displaying works by masters like Monet, Degas, O’Keeffe, Warhol, and Cassatt. Interpretive displays provide insight on artists, movements, and individual pieces.
Visitor Information: Located at 4400 Forbes Ave. Open W-Su 10am-5pm, F until 8pm. Admission prices vary, with discounts for seniors, students, and children.
One of Pittsburgh’s top art museums boasts an extensive collection available to enjoy at no cost. The Carnegie Museum of Art’s galleries display paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, armor and decorative arts from around the world. Must-see pieces include Monet’s Waterlilies, works by Mary Cassatt, Andy Warhol’s Mick Jagger screenprints, Renaissance armor collections, and Asian decorative artifacts. On Fridays from 5-9pm, visitors can explore the galleries at no charge. Remember that special exhibitions do have an entrance fee at all times.
Stroll across the Andy Warhol Bridge
Name and Location: The Andy Warhol Bridge crosses the Allegheny River, connecting downtown Pittsburgh to the city’s North Side.
History and Significance: Completed in 1926, this cantilever truss bridge was renamed for Pop artist Andy Warhol, a Pittsburgh native, in 2005. Pedestrian walkways were added during renovations.
What to Expect: Sweeping views along a pedestrianized bridge observing river traffic and cityscapes. Interpretive panels about Warhol’s life. Perfect for an easy stroll between downtown and the North Side.
Visitor Information: Access the pedestrian walkway from either shoreline. Open daily 24 hours for walking. Well-lit at night.
Pay tribute to Pittsburgh’s famous pop artist by taking a walk across the striking Andy Warhol Bridge. The cable-stayed bridge connecting downtown to the city’s North Shore neighborhood was renamed for Warhol in 2005. The iconic yellow bridge provides eye-catching city views day or night. Linking the Great Lawn of Point State Park with the park outside of the Carnegie Science Center, the bridge makes for a scenic leisurely stroll between attractions on both sides of the Allegheny River. Look down through the open steel grid walkway for unique perspectives.
See the city from West End Overlook Park
Name and Location: West End Overlook Park sits atop Mt. Washington overlooking downtown Pittsburgh.
History and Significance: This small landscaped park features prime panoramic views from a dramatic bluff overlooking the Point and surrounding city.
What to Expect: Postcard-perfect vistas of downtown Pittsburgh from an elevated vantage. Ideal for photos, especially at sunset. Interpretive panels identify city landmarks.
Visitor Information: Located at West End Ave and Grandview Ave. Open daily. Free admission. Paid parking at nearby Grandview Ave lot.
For more incredible panoramic views without paying a cent, head to West End Overlook Park located off Route 51 across the Monongahela River from downtown. The overlook sits 300 feet above the shoreline and provides the perfect spot to photograph Pittsburgh’s skyline, bridges and surrounding hillsides. Interpretive panels describe the history and identity of the city’s distinct neighborhoods and rivers. Grab a picnic lunch and relax on the park benches watching boats ply the waters below. The park is accessible by car or by walking the pedestrian lane of the West End Bridge from downtown.
Tour Heinz Field
Name and Location: Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.
History and Significance: Opened in 2001, this 68,000-seat stadium hosts Steelers NFL football games and other sporting and concerts events. It was designed to reflect Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage.
What to Expect: Behind-the-scenes tours showcasing the field, locker rooms, luxury suites, press box, and more. The adjacent Steelers Museum houses team history exhibits and trophies.
Visitor Information: Located at 100 Art Rooney Ave. Tours available daily year-round.
Football fans visiting during the offseason can take a free 2-hour walking tour of Heinz Field, home stadium of the beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Explore the press box, locker rooms, and areas typically reserved for authorized personnel only. Learn fascinating facts about the stadium’s design, construction, special features and game day operations. When available, a visit to the memorabilia-filled Coca-Cola Great Hall tops off the experience. Make reservations in advance to ensure a spot on this popular behind-the-scenes tour.
Visit Randyland
Name and Location: Randyland is a public art installation located in the Central Northside neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
History and Significance: Local artist Randy Gilson began transforming his dilapidated home into a vibrant, mosaic-covered oasis in the 1990s. Randyland now encompasses an entire block and draws visitors from around the world.
What to Expect: Walkways, fences, and buildings covered in mosaic art, mirrors, found objects, and repurposed materials. Visitors are also invited to view Randy’s studio.
Visitor Information: Located at 1501 Arch St. Open Saturdays 12-5pm or by appointment. Free admission but donations welcomed. Closed winter.
This delightfully quirky attraction offers free interactive art activities, storytelling and performances in Pittsburgh’s northern neighborhood of Central Northside. Randyland started out as resident Randy Gilson’s own hand-painted property and grew into a creative place to engage community youth. Visitors are welcome to explore the bright murals, mosaics, sculptures and more spanning the buildings and grounds. Kids can make their own art projects from recycled materials found in the Art Yard. Randy frequently gives in-character tours and shows. Randyland’s visual magic and welcoming spirit make for an uplifting, one-of-a-kind visit.
Attend a Free Festival
Name and Location: Pittsburgh hosts free arts, food, and cultural festivals throughout the year across the city’s neighborhoods.
History and Significance: Examples include the Three Rivers Arts Festival downtown in June, Little Italy Days in Bloomfield in July, and the Polish Hill Arts Festival in September. Most celebrate community heritage.
What to Expect: Live music, food trucks, arts & crafts vendors, cultural performances, activities, and community camaraderie. A showcase of local talent.
Visitor Information: Held on weekends in downtown and neighborhood parks and streets. Check online event calendars. No admission but food/items cost.
Throughout spring and summer, Pittsburgh hosts tons of free festivals to join in the fun. The Three Rivers Arts Festival along the downtown riverfront features live music, theater, dance, cinema, and artist markets. Enjoy jazz, blues, soul and funk at the Mellon Park Jazz Festival. Foodies indulge at the Little Italy Days festival celebrating cuisine and culture in the Bloomfield neighborhood. More options include the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, Three Rivers Regatta and the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Many city neighborhoods host their own free festivals as well.
Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Name and Location: Self-guided walking tours can explore Pittsburgh’s downtown, individual neighborhoods, architectural sites, and more.
History and Significance: Following mapped routes introduces visitors to key sites and city history at their own pace. Helpful for getting oriented to Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods.
What to Expect: Flexible sightseeing to fit your interests and schedule. Walking tours may have printed maps or audio tours available. Stop as you please at landmarks, attractions, and noteworthy buildings.
Visitor Information: Self-guided tour route maps found on tourism websites. Good walking shoes, mobile phone, and map recommended. Tour lengths range from 1-5 miles.
Pittsburgh’s communities are filled with architectural gems, historic sites and public art available to discover at your own pace for free. Grab a map and stroll city districts like downtown, the Strip, Market Square, Cultural District, Andy Warhol and East Liberty. Follow the riverfront Riverwalk with interpretive signs about local history. Guides like WalkScore and GPSmyCity offer self-guided tours of neighborhoods, city stairs, bridges, parks and architectural attractions. Observe beautiful churches, old market houses, vintage neon signs and ornate building details as you explore.
Hunt for Street Art
Name and Location: Street art and murals can be spotted in neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, Garfield, East Liberty, Polish Hill, and more.
History and Significance: Pittsburgh has vibrant street art and graffiti showcasing local artists. Murals depict community stories and beautify neighborhoods.
What to Expect: Colorful, creative artworks ranging from building-sized murals to small installations. Tours and maps identify key pieces but wandering may reveal Hidden gems.
Visitor Information: Use the interactive Mural Map locator online.
Pittsburgh’s streets are splashed with impressive murals, graffiti-style art and creative installations thanks to a robust street art scene. Hot spots to spot works by local artists include the Strip District, Lawrenceville, Garfield, East Liberty, South Side and Polish Hill. Guided tours like PGH Street Art and Upstreet Walking Tour point out noteworthy pieces and explain their historical and cultural significance. For some extra fun, download street art scavenger hunt lists and see how many items you can photograph around the city.
Visit the Mattress Factory
Name and Location: Mattress Factory is located at 500 Sampsonia Way in Pittsburgh’s North Side.
History and Significance: Founded in 1977, Mattress Factory hosts artists creating site-specific installations and contemporary works. Exhibits often use unique spaces, materials, and lighting.
What to Expect: Immersive and thought-provoking exhibits that vary wildly across mediums like painting, sculpture, video, and sound art. Allow 1-2 hours to explore.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Admission is $20 for adults, discounted for seniors, students, and under 6 free.
Known for promoting installation and contemporary art, the Mattress Factory offers free general admission to its exhibits in the city’s Mexican War Streets. See evocative room-sized creations using an array of media and materials. Exhibits rotate frequently to feature new artists and works like Yayoi Kusama’s eye-popping Infinity Dots Mirrored Room, Greer Lankton’s haunting doll sculptures and more. Guided tours held most Saturdays provide deeper insight into the installations. After getting your fill of contemporary art, peek into the on-site Beautiful Bedroom gallery shop.
Conclusion
With this list, visitors can fill their itinerary with memorable Pittsburgh experiences that won’t break the bank. From picturesque riverfront walks to artistic neighborhoods bursting with cultural treasures, Steel City has plenty to offer for free. Take in the views, learn the history, explore the local spirit, and enjoy the arts scene without opening your wallet. Pittsburgh provides budget-friendly options for transportation, activities, events, museums and more. Tourists will leave with fuller wallets and richer experiences after enjoying these top free attractions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.