Pittsburgh Attractions

Find the pulse of the Pittsburgh region at the Senator John Heinz History Center in the Strip District. This Smithsonian affiliate uniquely showcases American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection. Learn how immigrants shaped our region, how an underground railroad ran through it, and how Bingo and Big Macs were born here. Plus, Pittsburgh's incomparable sports legacy comes to life at the Sports Museum, right inside the History Center.

Does your fancy take flight at the thought of visiting the nation's bird museum? Then flock to the National Aviary on Pittsburgh's North Shore. In our one-of-a-kind zoo, you'll find more than 600 endangered and exotic birds as well as Penguin Point. This new addition features the Kids' ViewTube, a tunnel through which kids crawl to get (almost) beak to beak with our African penguins.

There's a lot more for kids to do on the North Shore at The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. The interactive fun will take you from practicing puppetry in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make Believe to building a boat and then testing its seaworthiness. This is a place where visitors both young and old roll up their sleeves, take things apart, put things together, tap their inner artist, and explore the day away.

In Oakland you'll find the Cathedral of Learning. There's no missing this 42-story building that towers above the University of Pittsburgh campus, and you won't want to miss the unique cultural experience it houses. The Nationality Rooms are amazing monuments to the heritage of 27 of our region's nationality communities. From the arched Armenian classroom to the carved wood Yugoslavian Classroom, each is painstakingly authentic and promises fascinating details for tour participants.

Cultural District and Performing Arts

Walk along Penn Avenue and neighboring streets to find yourself in the Cultural District. Here, theaters and performance venues are popular destinations. International fare and fun add to the allure thanks to the area's many restaurants and nightspots.

The internationally renowned Pittsburgh Symphony performs in the elegant Heinz Hall, where marble, red velvet, and shimmering crystal provide a spectacular prelude to every performance. Each year, more than a half-million attendees come to this historic theater for symphony concerts, pops, and more.

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is at once timeless and innovative as it presents world-class, professional dance. Breathtaking performances include classics, contemporary works, and holiday favorites staged in the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts and the Byham Theater.

Pittsburgh CLO also calls the Benedum and the Byham home along with a newer venue, the CLO Cabaret, which features food, drink, music, and theater. Look no further for vibrant performances that bring Broadway to Pittsburgh.