Once a month, I find myself in Pittsburgh for work. It’s come a long way from its roots as a steel center, and now has a gritty- and dare I say hip! – industrial vibe. Pittsburgh has many distinct neighborhoods, and is home to several universities and international corporations. It also boasts professional sports teams, with stadiums right in the city center. While it’s not the first place I would think of to take a vacation, the short flight could make Pittsburgh an interesting destination for more than just work.
Pittsburgh: Bridges, Pro Ball, and Beer
Getting there and getting around
- Fly into Pittsburgh International. This airport is absolutely miserable and poorly laid out. It is half an hour from Pittsburgh proper, not counting traffic, and the cab will cost you. Luckily, cabs take credit cards. Leave an hour for security, and, if it’s open, use the Alternative Security Checkpoint line that starts outside by drop-off. This honestly is the worst airport ever, but if you plan ahead, you’ll make your flight.
- I always rent a car. By the time you take a taxi back and forth, it’s cheaper to just rent.
Where to stay and what to see?
- I always stay at the Westin Convention Center. It has an amazing fitness center and indoor pool. Also try the Renaissance or the Omni William Penn.
- Go to a sports game! Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins – all downtown! You can actually watch games from office buildings and hotels, if you plan correctly. Check out the Pirates game from a high floor of the Fairmont hotel.
- Andy Warhol Museum can’t be missed.
Where to eat?
- Eleven is beautiful and the food is great. Especially tasty with an expense account.
- New restaurant Ten Penny is wonderful – has an extensive wine list and local beer selection
- If you’re Kosh, the Squirrel Hill neighborhood is the spot for you
Where to drink?
- Casbah has a cool, loungy feel
- Check out the college bars or Pitt and Carnegie Mellon
- Sports bars everywhere
- SkyBar/Diesel – dayclub AND nightclub – fancy!
Check out the city, and, seriously, leave enough time to get back on your flight to New York. The 4Points Airport Hotel is never somewhere you want to end up.
Do This There 
Spot-on and helpful info on the Pitt! One thing I’d add under the “Where to Drink” category. There’s a place called Sharp Edges that cheerfully features a boatload of craft beers and is usually populated by two (sturdy) boatloads of bald, bearded men guzzling that same craft beer. If either (or both) of those things sound appealing, have at. They aren’t mutually exclusive you know.