7 Reasons You Should Visit Pittsburgh Over Philadelphia

Flyers vs Penguins, Steelers vs Eagles and cheesesteak vs pierogi. When it comes to Pennsylvania’s two largest cities, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are fierce rivals. In terms of which is better to visit, that depends on your preferences. Here are some more reasons why you should visit Pittsburgh over Philadelphia.

Pierogies

While Philadelphia may have its Philly Cheesesteak, Pittsburgh comes out on top with the beloved pierogi. They’re served on almost every corner of every street, but for the best ones, try Gosia’s Pierogies or The Church Brew Works in Lawrenceville.

Beautiful rivers

The arts scene

With iconic museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia has carved out a name for itself as a top destination for the arts. But Pittsburgh has something no one else has: Andy Warhol’s legacy. The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh has the largest collection of Warhol art and archives in the world.

Pittsburgh also has a thriving downtown arts scene, with the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Glass Center and the trendy Industrial Arts Co-op, which all impress travelers of all ages and tastes.

Pittsburgh nightlife

Pittsburgh’s nightlife is thriving, thanks to a young population eager to prove that Steel City is on the rebound. Every weekend, high-energy hip-hop and electronic music fill the city. The bar scene is just as good, and caters to both young and older crowds. Due to Pittsburgh’s location between Philadelphia and Cleveland, it’s a convenient stop-off point for local bands and musicians playing their last show on their way out of Pennsylvania.

Amusement parks

Built in 1898, Pittsburgh’s Kennywood Park was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It offers historic rides and attractions that still operate today. Idlewild is also a children’s amusement park that The National Amusement Park Historical Association once named “the best park for families.”

Sports culture

The view from PNC Park, home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, is legendary – the bridges in the background are iconic, as are the rivers that surround the city. Pittsburgh is also the proud birthplace of the Penguins, 5-time Stanley Cup winners and home to the esteemed Sidney Crosby.

Duquesne Incline

Pittsburgh has the Duquesne Incline, a century-old cable car rescued and restored by a group of locals in 1963. Visitors are offered sweeping views of the beautiful Pittsburgh skyline from every angle as they make their way to the top of the mountain. Mount Washington also offers fantastic views of the city, and is easily accessible.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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