Strip District
The Strip District is a bustling marketplace located northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh. Named for its one-mile stretch of warehouses, produce markets, ethnic groceries, restaurants, and nightclubs along Liberty Avenue, the Strip District has been a hub for industry and commerce for over a century. While the area retains its industrial grittiness, it has transformed into a trendy hotspot over the past decade. One of the first stops for any Pittsburgh tour group should be the 16th Street Bridge. This iconic yellow bridge provides stunning views of Downtown Pittsburgh and the Allegheny River below. Walk along the bridge to see Heinz Field, PNC Park, and riverfront skyscrapers before heading into the Strip District. Every Saturday and Sunday, the Strip District comes alive with vendors and shoppers at the Strip District Farmer’s Market. Local farmers, bakers, and artisans sell fresh produce, dairy, meats, baked goods, flowers, and handcrafted wares. Your group can grab breakfast or brunch from one of the food stands while taking in the sights and smells of this lively open-air market. The Strip District is also home to the Pittsburgh Public Market, open year-round, where local businesses sell specialty foods, artisanal cheeses, handmade gifts, and more. Be sure to stop by iconic shops like Wholey’s Fish Market, Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, Stamoolis Brothers Olive Oil, and Mon Aimee Chocolat for a true taste of Pittsburgh.
Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville is one of Pittsburgh’s hippest neighborhoods located northeast of Downtown in the Lower Allegheny River valley. Having undergone major revitalization in the 2000s, this former blue-collar community is now a hub for arts, shopping, dining and nightlife. Must-see destinations in Lawrenceville include the Allegheny Cemetery, with sprawling gravesites dating back to the 1840s. Kids and adults alike will enjoy marveling at the historic headstones and mausoleums. Stop by the Pie Shoppe for a slice of freshly baked pie or the famous “pie shake” milkshake. Grab a coffee at one of the many cafes like Artisan Cafe & Bakery, Constellation Coffee, or Espresso a Mano. For a true taste of Lawrenceville, order a flatbread pizza with creative toppings at Piccolo Forno or Pusadee’s Garden. Lawrenceville’s main thoroughfare, Butler Street, is lined with indie boutiques, art galleries, breweries, distilleries, and unique shops. Browse handcrafted jewelry and ceramics at Making + Altering, Lawrenceville United’s community store. Find one-of-a-kind t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats celebrating Pittsburgh at Commonwealth Press. Don’t miss Arsenal Cider House and Roundabout Brewery to sample locally made ciders, beers and cocktails. Your group can work up an appetite browsing Butler Street before enjoying dinner at one of Lawrenceville’s top restaurants. Cure serves elevated seasonal New American cuisine in a chic exposed-brick interior. For Italian, The Vandal offers housemade pastas and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with a hip atmosphere. Morcilla mixes Spanish and South American flavors with a buzzy tapas bar.
Shadyside
Leafy, upscale Shadyside has long been one of Pittsburgh’s most desirable neighborhoods, known for its historic mansions, trendy shops and restaurants, and neighborhood feel. Located east of Downtown Pittsburgh, Shadyside seamlessly blends residential streets with commercial and retail centers. Upscale Walnut Street serves as the neighborhood’s main shopping district, with national chains, local boutiques, antique stores and more lining the pedestrian-friendly corridor. Stop in Kate’s Tracks for chic women’s apparel or Averé for apothecary goods and gifts. The neighborhood icon, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, showcases contemporary visual art alongside community studio space. When you work up an appetite strolling Walnut Street, Shadyside offers no shortage of dining options. Girasole serves fresh, authentic Italian cuisine in a rustic trattoria setting. Alla Famiglia highlights bold Italian flavors with housemade pastas and Neapolitan pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. Coca Cafe dishes out Caribbean and Latin American fare in a cozy and colorful interior. Beyond Walnut Street, Ellsworth Avenue buzzes with activity day and night. Grab an iced coffee at the quirky Big Dog Coffee before spending an afternoon browsing vintage vinyl at Jerry’s Records. In the evening, the street comes to life with college students and young professionals flocking to watering holes like Mario’s, The Holiday Bar and Patio Grill.
Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill is Pittsburgh’s vibrant Jewish neighborhood and cultural hub located southeast of Downtown. Tree-lined residential streets anchor the community, while Murray and Forbes Avenue serve as bustling commercial corridors dotted with kosher eateries, Judaica shops, cafes and bakeries. Start your Squirrel Hill visit at Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden to admire lush greenery and flowers alongside biblical and Talmudic plants. The neighborhood landmark Kaufmann’s Department Store now houses a vibrant Jewish Community Center with fitness facilities, cultural programming, and events. Squirrel Hill is home to several synagogues, but an architectural standout is Beth Shalom Congregation designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The soaring glass and bronze design resembles Goldberg’s famed works like the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Going to the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition allows you to get a feel for the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage through exhibits and artifacts. When hunger strikes, Squirrel Hill offers a delicious array of kosher eateries and Jewish bakeries. Get your bagel fix at Squirrel Hill Cafe & Creperie or Bagel Factory. Enjoy overstuffed deli sandwiches at Ritter’s Diner or modern Israeli cuisine at Pigeon Bagels. For dessert, stop by Gaby et Jules Patisserie for French pastries, cakes and macarons.
South Side
Located along the Monongahela River, Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood balances its industrial roots with lively entertainment and nightlife. By day, the South Side Works retail and residential area hums with activity. By night, East Carson Street comes alive as a regional draw for dining, bars and clubs. History buffs will appreciate a stop at Station Square, set inside an historic railroad terminal on the riverfront. Shop, dine and take in views of downtown from this riverfront complex. Nearby, kids can burn off energy climbing, bouncing and zip-lining at River City Adventures’ aerial adventure park. East Carson Street’s restaurant and bar scene kicks off at happy hour and continues late into the evening, especially on weekends. Your group can grab wings and local brews at Piper’s Pub or feast on BBQ ribs, brisket and more at Pork & Beans. Sing your hearts out at karaoke night at Cruze Bar or catch live bands rocking the stage at Smiling Moose.
Oakland
Oakland is Pittsburgh’s education and medical hub, anchored by flagship institutions like the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC medical centers. Located adjacent to Schenley Park, Oakland also contains a diverse mix of museums, cultural attractions and green spaces. Must-see stops include the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh complex housing the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and Andy Warhol Museum. Marvel at dinosaur skeletons, wander European paintings galleries, and learn about Pittsburgh native Andy Warhol’s pop art. Oakland is also home to the Cathedral of Learning, the soaring centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh campus. Ride the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city. Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens contains lush indoor displays and seasonal flower shows under its iconic glass dome. For eats, fuel up at popular Pamela’s Diner known for their crepe-style pancakes, or grab a falafel pita at conflict-free diamond certified dining spot Conflict Kitchen. Enjoy late-night pizza slices at Empire Pizza. If you visit Pitt’s campus, swing by the unique Cathedral Cafe located inside the Cathedral of Learning’s Commons Room.
North Side
Just across the Allegheny River from Downtown, Pittsburgh’s North Side contains a blend of sports, cultural attractions, parks and restaurants. Family-friendly sights make it an ideal neighborhood for groups with kids and teens. Catch a Pirates baseball game at PNC Park, take a behind-the-scenes tour of Heinz Field where the Steelers play, or visit the National Aviary to admire tropical birds. Ride the antique carousel at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. At Carnegie Science Center, kids can view fish at the aquarium, experience hands-on exhibits, catch an Omnimax film, and more. History buffs of all ages will appreciate a visit to the Mexican War Streets to see restored historic rowhomes built for Civil War veterans. Get skyline views and snap selfies with the iconic Pittsburgh sign at North Shore Riverfront Park. Recharge with Greek eats at Pamela’s Diner or sandwiches and milkshakes at DeLuca’s Diner, a retro 1950s-style diner. Try Italian favorites like pizza, pasta, and antipasti at Max’s Allegheny Tavern, a North Side institution since 1933.
Bloomfield
Historic Bloomfield offers a blend of old and new Pittsburgh along Liberty Avenue located northeast of Downtown. This community hub balances its deep Polish roots with an influx of new residents and businesses. Start your tour at Immaculate Heart of Mary, a Roman Catholic church featuring soaring blue steeples and opulent Polish Baroque architecture. Stroll the Bloomfield Bridge, which provides picturesque city views, before grabbing authentic pierogies, kielbasa and stuffed cabbage at longtime local favorite Apteka. Or sample creative pierogi fillings at more modern S&D Polish Deli. By day, Liberty Avenue hums with locals grabbing coffees, picking upprescriptions, and running errands. By night, crowds flock to popular watering holes like Kelly’s Bar & Lounge, Delanie’s Tavern, and Soba for cocktails with friends. For live music, head to Bloomfield’s only rooftop bar, Stage AE, to catch local and national bands perform. Shop for Polish pottery and gifts at Polish Art Center. Find funky art, jewelry, housewares and vintage clothing at Shop Made In Pittsburgh. Asti Caffe dishes up homemade pastas and sauces in a cozy setting, while Legume offers a creative plant-based menu.
Book a Bus With Us
With so many unique neighborhoods and attractions to explore, touring Pittsburgh by bus is the most efficient way for groups to take in all the sights. Pittsburgh Party Bus Company can take the stress out of planning group transportation so you can simply sit back and enjoy discovering the city. Our spacious, modern buses keep your group together as you journey from neighborhood to neighborhood. Onboard a/c, leather seats, luggage compartments, and WiFi let you ride in comfort. With Pittsburgh Party Bus Company as your transportation provider, your group can effortlessly explore Pittsburgh’s dynamic communities. Ready for a seamless group trip to Pittsburgh’s top neighborhoods and attractions? Call Pittsburgh Party Bus Company at (412) 755-0083 today to reserve your charter bus rental. Our team will match you with the perfect transportation for your next Pittsburgh tour!