HONEST GUIDE – Where to Stay in Pittsburgh

Nestled in southwest Pennsylvania at the confluence of Monongahela and Allegheny River is the shimmering city of steel towers and vibrant neighborhoods that make up Pittsburgh. What was once a heavy industry colossus of the US is now a deindustrialized hub for innovative tech, healthcare, and education. Today this is a true nexus of cultures, a city brimming with magnificent bridges, home to some great sport and a range of exciting museums, making Pittsburgh a fantastic destination to visit.

Pittsburgh boasts some of the best entertainment and cultural attractions that Pennsylvania has to offer. From the famous Andy Warhol Museum to the Botanical Gardens and waterfront walks, grab a drink in one of many breweries, hit the shops, or simply enjoy the greenery of Point State Park. Whatever tickles your fancy, there is something for you on any side of the river. 

With 90 different neighborhoods to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to start! Here I will include an overview of the most dynamic areas for visitors to the city to help you choose where to stay in Pittsburgh. I will also include a shortlist of things to do in some of these districts, just so you can get a better idea of what to expect apart from hotels, suites, and amenities. Are you ready? Let’s go! 

If you are in a hurry

Let’s start things off with a short overview of where to stay in Pittsburgh if you don’t have enough time to read the whole post. Here are your best options close to the center of the city:

Since there are so many neighborhoods, here is a handy map showing all the areas I will be talking about in this post.

1. Downtown Pittsburgh – Where to Stay for the First Time

Downtown Pittsburgh is, as you can imagine, right in the middle of the action. Occupying the iconic pointed area of land which splits the Ohio river in two, this area absolutely teems with activities and attractions making it the most popular place to stay for first-time visitors. In Downtown Pittsburgh, you will find a mix of modern skyscrapers that make up the central business district, historical places of interest like Point State Park, as well as great theatres and restaurants in the cultural district (a smaller neighborhood within the Downtown area). 

With so many of the city’s top attractions located here in this small, walkable neighborhood, you may even think you never have to leave! But don’t worry, Downtown Pittsburgh’s central location is well connected to all the other parts of the city by a great system of bridges and public transport. I highly recommend you walk across the bridge to ride the Duquesne Incline for an incredible view of the city. 

Being such a popular part of the city, it’s easy to find great hotels as well as restaurants, bars, and museums. Here are your top options for each price range in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Other accommodation in Downtown Pittsburgh

Things to do in Downtown Pittsburgh

• Have a picnic in Point State Park
• Snap a picture of the PPG Industries Inc building
• Learn something new at the Fort Pitt Museum
• Go shopping at Market Square 
• See the Allegheny County Courthouse
• Check out the oldest extant structure in Western Pennsylvania – Fort Pitt Blockhouse
• Walk the Roberto Clemente Bridge
• Enjoy the Wood Street Galleries
• See what’s happening at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
• Head across the bridge and ride the Duquesne Incline

2. North Shore – Where to Stay in Pittsburgh on a Budget

Located just across the river from Downtown Pittsburgh you will find North Shore (also known as North Side). This up-and-coming neighborhood has seen a massive amount of growth and development in the last few years and is now one of the most exciting places to stay in Pittsburgh. Not only is it home to two giant stadiums (Heinz Field home to the Steelers, and the Pirates home, PNC Park), making it great for sports lovers, it is also just a 15 min walk across the bridge from Downtown!

Aside from being overwhelmed with sports fans on game days, this vibrant North Side neighborhood has its own set of attractions featuring interesting art galleries, museums, and beautiful waterfront outdoor areas. This area, of course, also has some great restaurants and sports bars, but it’s best to do your research here if you are looking for fine dining. 

What’s more, prices are significantly lower on this side of the river, so if you are looking to get more bang for your buck while staying close enough to walk to the center, North Side is your area!

Other accommodation options in North Shore

Things to do in North Shore Pittsburgh

3. Strip District – Where to Stay for Food and Markets

For those of you who love to travel with your stomach while on your vacation, Strip District is going to be a blast! This area is a foodie heaven due to its wide array of different markets, restaurants, cafes, and breweries. Strip District also boasts a decent selection of art studios, boutiques, and antiquity stores, so if you love shopping, the area will definitely keep you busy.

As with many places with an industrial past, many of the original warehouses and factories here have been transformed into hip cocktail bars and hangouts, creating a vibrant new atmosphere that is something you need to experience for yourself.

You will find Strip District on the waterfront, just a 10-minute drive (or 30min walk) east of the cultural area of Pittsburgh Downtown, making it a great alternative location if you aren’t so keen on the higher prices of the city center. So I hope you have an empty stomach and are ready to hop between restaurants and markets all day! Here are some of the best hotels in the Strip District. 

Other accommodation options in the Strip District

Things to do in the Strip District

4. Squirrel Hill – Where to Stay in Pittsburgh for Families

After driving 15 mins east from Downtown Pittsburgh, you find yourself in a quiet, residential area full of beautiful tree-lined streets and expansive parks with endless paths, perfect for an afternoon stroll. This is a great place to stay for families as you can relax in a safe neighborhood with plenty of open spaces to explore with the children away from the busy streets of the downtown area. 

While this picture-perfecta neighborhood might look a little sleepy to some, it is actually quite a diverse area full of incredible international cuisine. If you want to try something new, why not dine at one of the kosher restaurants, bakeries, or delis for an international treat! 

Although Squirrel Hill is a little removed from the downtown area on Pittsburgh’s east side, the skyscrapers, bars, shops, and commercial attractions are still well within reach when you want them. Here are some of the best accommodation choices for the area. 

Other accommodation options in Squirrel Hill

Things to do in Squirrel Hill

5. Shadyside – Where to Stay in Pittsburgh for Shopping

Just north of Squirrel Hill is the Shadyside neighborhood. Despite the name, this area is anything but dodgy. Its streets are lined with Victorian-style mansions and filled with upper-class families and young professionals. Just like Squirrel Hill, Shadyside is much quieter than Pittsburgh’s central area and could also be an excellent alternative for families looking for a more youthful vibe. This area in the east is full of unique shops and bars that attract a millennial crowd.

Shadyside is also home to the best shopping in the city. Not only will you find countless boutique shops and local names, but this is also the place to find malls full of huge international designer brands!

TIP: If you’re heading to Pittsburgh and looking to shop until you drop, Walnut Street should be your first stop. 

Finally, if you’re visiting in summer and love live events, make sure that you check Jam on Walnut. People from all over Pittsburgh flock to this summer concert to enjoy live music in the street. 

Other accommodation options in Shadyside

Things to do in Shadyside

• Go shopping in the designer stores
• Visit the Hunt Armory
• Snap a picture of the Calvary Episcopal Church
• Have a picnic in Mellon Park
• Check out the Pittsburgh Center For Arts & Media

BONUS: Parking in Pittsburgh

Something that everyone should know before traveling to Pittsburgh is that parking is a nightmare! You may be thinking, yes it’s always hard to find a park in any city, well this time I really mean it. Finding free parking is almost impossible in Pittsburgh, and if you are planning on renting a car, it is definitely something you should consider when choosing a place to stay.

Since you have so few options for vehicles in the city, here is a quick rundown of everything you should know about parking in Pittsburgh. 

Hotel Parking
Not all hotels have car parking available, so this is one of the first things you should check when looking at hotels in Pittsburgh. For the hotels that do have parking available, it is still not usually free. You can expect to pay around $30 per day to park at your hotel.

Private Parking Lots
Private garage parking is probably the best bet if you are looking to quickly find a spot. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5-$9 per hour. This could be a good short-term option if you are just parking for the day but will probably end up being costly if you stay overnight.

Download the ParkPGH app to see which garages have spots available in real-time to avoid driving in circles around the city.  

Downtown Metered Parking
On-street parking is paid by the hour Monday-Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm. Sundays and nights are free, but spaces can be difficult to find. During paid periods, you can expect to find rates between $0.50 – $4 per hour.

This is a cheaper option than private parking garages; however, it may take you much longer to actually find a place. 

North Side
If you are looking for a place to leave your car outside of a hotel’s private parking, heading over the bridge from Pittsburgh Downtown to the North Side will give you more options and still keep you within walking distance of the city center.

Note that this is also where the sporting stadiums are. If you are arriving on game days, the streets may be gridlocked for a couple of hours before and after the match, and parking could be limited. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh, PA

🌆 What are the best areas to stay in Pittsburgh?

Downtown is the best place to stay for most visitors to Pittsburgh due to its overwhelming number of accommodations and attractions as well as its central location. Point State Park is another added bonus that gives you the perfect place to relax right in the middle of the city!

❌ What areas to avoid in Pittsburgh?

The areas around Homewood and The Hill District are best to avoid due to their slightly higher crime rates. This is not hard to do as there aren’t many hotels or attractions in these areas, meaning you probably won’t have a reason to go there. 

🥾 Is Pittsburgh a walkable city?

Yes! Most attractions are within walking distance of hotels. In fact, it is highly recommended to travel on foot due to the limited options for parking. That being said, the city is still large, so it’s best to take public transportation to further out locations. 

🌙 Is Downtown Pittsburgh safe at night?

Yes, as this area is mainly a tourist and business district, it is relatively safe to walk around at night. Of course, you should always be wary of dark alleyways but not more than you would in any other city. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have found the information here helpful, and you have found the perfect place where to stay in Pittsburgh. There are things to see and explore on both the north side and south side of the city, so finding an ideal place to stay can be really hard. 

Whether you desire a secluded neighborhood, with charming parks, where you can simply unwind, or a bustling neighborhood in the city center is more your speed, whatever the case, there will be a Pittsburgh neighborhood for you!

Remember to book early as the best spots in this city do book out fast! If you haven’t already chosen somewhere to stay, here are my top two choices of Pittsburgh Hotels: 

• Kimpton Hotel Monaco  – Quirky, guest-focused hotel that really has thought of everything!
• AC by Marriott – Modern, spacious hotel perfectly located between Strip District and Downtown Pittsburgh

If you’re continuing your travels around the US, make sure to check out my posts for where to stay in Detroit and the best hotels in Washington DC.

I hope you found this post helpful! Feel free to leave me a comment if you have any more questions about neighborhoods, travel, or hotels, and I will be happy to answer them.

Happy travels, and enjoy your trip!
Kate