The Walkable Pennsylvania Town That’s Known for Its Epic Skyline and Bridges

Ask Pittsburghers what the city is known for, and you’ll likely get varied responses. It’s the City of Champions, where Pittsburghers bleed black and gold for the Steelers, Pens, and Pirates, and the Steel City, known for its storied industrial history. Pittsburgh is a cultural melting pot, home to an epic St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the best homemade pierogis. If you ask most Pittsburghers, including me, the first place they take a visitor to the city, you’ll likely hear Mount Washington, which shows off the skyline of this walkable city in Pennsylvania.

All that separates Downtown Pittsburgh from the most iconic view of the city skyline is the Monongahela River. Park downtown and stroll over the Smithfield Street Bridge, a National Historic Landmark leading to Station Square, a riverfront dining and shopping complex. Across the road from Station Square, hop aboard the Monongahela Incline to Mount Washington and the best view of the Pittsburgh skyline.

While parking is available at Station Square, I always park downtown because walking over the river is so relaxing and pretty, and riding up and down the incline is something you must experience once. Once you reach the top of Mount Washington, stroll to one of the scenic overlooks for those awe-inspiring views. If you can, try to go at night, and bring a camera.

For another vantage point of the skyline, buy tickets for a journey on the Gateway Clipper Fleet, which offers sightseeing cruises and special events, including a haunted cruise at Halloween and an Easter Bunny cruise for the kiddos. Cruises leave from the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s dock at Station Square.

With 446 bridges in Pittsburgh, it’s not surprising that those same bridges are part of what makes the city so walkable. The 14-block Cultural District, home to eight theaters, including Heinz Hall and the Byham Theater, and an eclectic mix of restaurants, connects to the North Shore via the famous Three Sisters Bridges. The Roberto Clemente, the Andy Warhol, and the Rachel Carson Bridges cross over the Allegheny River.

If you’re going to a Pirates or Steelers game, park in the Cultural District and stroll over the Roberto Clemente Bridge, which is closed to vehicles on game days. A walk across the bridge promises more beautiful views of the city skyline and the stadiums on the North Shore.

Experience Pittsburgh’s diversity by strolling from downtown to the Strip District (no bridge crossings necessary), a half-mile shopping district where you'll find everything from homemade, ready-to-eat Polish foods and Pittsburgh sports memorabilia to international grocery stores. If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, stop by Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop. My favorite part is the old-school candy. Fill a box with your favorites from the candy buffet, and pay one price. Then, stop by the soda fountain for a milkshake or another sweet treat.

While exploring the Strip District, turn around for another unique view of the city skyline.

Turn your day in the city into an overnight or a weekend getaway by checking into the Omni William Penn Hotel, a historic hotel in Pittsburgh.

Do you have a favorite walkable city in Pennsylvania? If so, tell us about it, and we might feature it in an upcoming article. Or discover your new favorite walkable city by using our new Travel Planner!