Randyland
If you’re looking for something completely unique and eccentric, make your way over to Randyland in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhood. Part art installation, part gallery, part garden, and completely inspired, Randyland is the fantastical, handmade creation of local artist Randy Gilson. Randy began transforming the exterior of his Victorian row house into a colorful, mosaic wonderland in 1995 and hasn’t stopped since. Here you’ll find mosaics made of everything from tiles and bottles to toys covering every inch of the property – even the roof! Beyond the outside decor, Randyland houses an ever-changing collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations inside created by Randy and a community of fellow artists. This magical place truly has to be seen to be believed. Best of all, Randyland is completely free and open to visitors daily from 11am-6pm. Just be sure to call 412-321-9550 before your visit since Randy does limit the number of daily guests.
Bayernhof Music Museum
For an unusual experience, check out the Bayernhof Music Museum in Pittsburgh’s South Side. It houses an unbelievable collection of mechanical musical instruments, player pianos, and music boxes dating from the 1800s to the 1950s. Visiting this hidden gem feels like stepping back in time. In addition to the antique music machines, you’ll find 9 displayed model trains running through replications of Western Pennsylvania towns and coal mines. The museum’s artifact-filled Victorian parlor, old-time ice cream parlor, and vintage general store add to the historic atmosphere. Guided tours offer a fascinating look at how the machines work and share tidbits about their interesting history. Don’t miss a short concert to see and hear many of them in action! The Bayernhof Music Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-5pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors over 65, and $5 for children ages 6-18. Younger children are free! Call 412-431-9353 before your visit to confirm hours and schedule a tour.
Games N’at
If you need a fun break from sightseeing, check out Games N’at, Pittsburgh’s first board game bar and cafe. Choose from a massive collection of over 500 tabletop games and enjoy food and drinks in a relaxed, retro atmosphere. Their menu offers typical cafe fare like paninis, wraps, and shareable snacks alongside a full bar including Pennsylvania craft beers. Admission is free, but you pay a small fee to play the games which ensures you’ll always have a great selection to choose from. Inexperienced gamers can try something new, and hardcore gamers can find rare titles. Games N’at also hosts special events like trivia and game nights to amp up the fun. With 30+ tables to choose from, it’s easy to join a game or start your own. Gather your group here for a unique gaming experience not available anywhere else in Pittsburgh. Games N’at is open Mondays through Thursdays 3pm-11pm, Fridays 3pm-2am, Saturdays 12pm-2am, and Sundays 12pm-11pm. You’ll find them at 2125 Penn Ave in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Call 412-904-4505 with any questions.
North Park Boathouse
Nestled on the shore of North Park Lake lies a scenic boathouse offering kayak, canoe, paddleboat, and rowboat rentals during warmer months. Spending time on the water offers a lovely chance to admire Pittsburgh’s natural surroundings and wildlife. It’s also excellent exercise and fun for all ages! Single and double kayaks, canoes that fit 3 people, paddleboats for 2-4 people, and rowboats for 3-4 people are available for rent. Rental rates range from $10-15 per hour depending on the type of boat and day of the week. North Park Boathouse is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 11am-7pm, weekends in May and September, and sporadically in April and October. Call 412-321-0333 to check weather-dependent, seasonal hours and confirm your reservation. Then head out on Pittsburgh’s best-kept boating secret! The boathouse is located at 2328 N. Park Road within North Park.
Games Unlimited
If you’re craving some nostalgia, visit Games Unlimited in the South Hills. This beloved arcade has been family-owned and operated since 1982. With over 200 classic arcade and pinball machines from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, it lets you re-live the golden days of gaming. Test your skills on arcade legends like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With most games only costing a quarter per play, you can easily try all your old favorites. Their pinball selection includes classics like The Addams Family, Terminator 2, Twilight Zone, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. You’ll find rare games here that you won’t see anywhere else. Games Unlimited is open every day except Tuesday. Sunday-Thursday they’re open 12pm-11pm, Friday they close at 1am, and Saturday they close at 2am. They’re located at 320 E Bridge St in West Homestead. Call 412-462-0550 ahead to confirm hours and plan your ultimate nostalgic gaming experience.
Allegheny Cemetery
While cemeteries may seem like an odd choice for a trip, the historic Allegheny Cemetery offers a fascinating glimpse into Pittsburgh’s past along with gorgeous architecture and landscaping. Founded in 1844, it’s the final resting place for many famous Pittsburgh residents. The cemetery spans 300 acres with miles of winding roads and paths through hilly, forested terrain. You’ll find elaborate mausoleums, towering obelisks, magnificent angels, and stunning sculptures alongside more modest memorials as you explore. Notable gravesites include industrialists Henry Clay Frick, Andrew Carnegie, and George Westinghouse. There’s also a memorial to the 20 children lost in the Knoxville Mine Disaster of 1891. Free walking tour maps are available on-site. The cemetery grounds are open daily from 7:30am until dusk. You can easily spend hours admiring the artistry and reading the names of so many who helped shape Pittsburgh into the city it is today. Allegheny Cemetery is located at 4734 Butler St in Lawrenceville. Call their office at 412-682-1688 for more information.
Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
Discover Pittsburgh’s thriving arts scene at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. This community arts center in Shadyside offers exhibitions showcasing regional talent, art classes, and unique special events. The PCA’s galleries rotate monthly, highlighting new artists and a wide variety of mediums from painting to photography to glasswork and more. With 200+ art classes open to students of all skill levels, the PCA is an excellent place to explore and develop your own talents. options range from drawing and painting to ceramics, jewelry making, digital arts, and beyond. They also host fun events like live figure drawing sessions and art happy hours that are open to the public. The PCA is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sundays from 12pm-4pm. They’re located at 6300 Fifth Ave.
Millvale Murals
One of the best ways to explore a new place is to simply walk around and soak up the sights. That’s exactly what you should do in the small borough of Millvale, where you’ll find over 40 colorful outdoor murals throughout the community. This former industrial town has reinvented itself as a hub for art and creativity in recent years. Wander along North and South Avenues to take in the variety of murals. They showcase everything from realistic portraits of historic figures to abstract swirls of color and imaginative landscapes. Some span entire building sides while others are small pop culture gems easy to overlook. Grab a Millvale Mural Map to make sure you catch them all. Many of the murals were created during the town’s annual Mr. Roboto Project, welcoming both local and internationally-acclaimed muralists. They’ve transformed Millvale into a dynamic open air art gallery celebrating its past and future. Beyond viewing the one-of-a-kind murals, Millvale also offers antique shops, cafes, breweries, and live music venues to explore along its charming main street. Murals can be viewed at any time. For more information and a mural map, visit or stop by the Millvale Community Library at 213 Grant Ave.
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