This blog post was made in collaboration with Alaska Airlines and all my opinions are my own.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I knew very little about Pittsburgh. I knew the city was home to the Steelers (thanks to the Steelers vs. Seahawks Superbowl 2006 game) and that the Pittsburgh’s main industry for a long time was steel.
Over these past few years, I’ve had friends from Carnegie Mellon and my boyfriend who’s visited the city for business trips tell me how much they enjoyed their time in the city. So when the opportunity to work with Alaska Airlines to highlight the non-stop Seattle to Pittsburgh route came up, I knew I had to see this city.
I was pleasantly surprise to find great food, incredibly welcoming people, pockets of color, and of course, Instagram worthy places all over the city. But before we jump into the most instagrammable places in Pittsburgh, where is Pittsburgh?
Where is Pittsburgh?
Located in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is 5 hours west of Philadelphia and only two hours away from Cleveland Ohio.
Fun Facts about Pittsburgh:
- There are three rivers that converge at Pittsburgh: the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monogahela River. These three rivers made Pittsburgh an ideal area to settle in for trade and military defense.
- In 1959, the city was impacted by the 116 day long industry steel strike. This strike marked at a turning point for the steel industry as Americans turned to importing steel. The steel industry declined the next 40 years with 29 steel companies going bankrupt.
- In 1869, Heinz Company was founded in Pittsburgh by Henry John Heinz.
- Pittsburgh gets more rain and snow then Seattle!
- There are 29 colleges in Pittsburgh. You’ll find University of Pittsburgh, Point Park University, Carnegie Mellon University and so much more in the city!
Alaska Airlines: Seattle to Pittsburgh Flights
If you’re heading to Pittsburgh in 2019 or looking for a new city to travel to in the near future, you should definitely checkout Pittsburgh. There are so many great Instagram worthy spots and delicious food in the city! Nonstop flights from Seattle to Pittsburgh start at $179 too! The direct flight to Pittsburgh is about 4+ hours.
One thing I always appreciate about Alaska Airlines is their customer service on flights. The flight attendants were so kind and even stopped by our seats to give Karya and me recommendations about what to see in Pittsburgh. To help the time go by, we also watched movies with the Alaska Airlines Gogo Entertainment App and relaxed in first class.
Here are the 15 Most Instagrammable Places in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #1: 4121 Main (Lawrenceville)
4121 Main is the cutest coffee shop we stopped by in Pittsburgh. Not only can you grab a coffee in 4121 Main, but you can also order floral arrangements. I absolutely loved the wall paper inside and the coffee shop was also decorated beautifully for the Holidays outside!
Address:
4121 Main Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #2: No. 14 Boutique (Lawrenceville)
If you’re looking to shop in the Lawrenceville area, you have to stop by No. 14 Boutique. This clothing store has so many amazing pieces plus the floral, exposed brick aesthetic is so pretty.
Address:
4601 Butler Street
Pittsburgh PA 15201
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #3: The Vandal (Lawrenceville)
If you’re looking for a brunch spot in the Pittsburgh area, I highly recommend the Vandal. The food was absolutely delicious!
Address:
4306 Butler Street
Pittsburgh PA 15201
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #4: Market Square (Downtown Pittsburgh)
Would you believe me if I told you that Market Square was founded in 1784? It was originally called the Diamond and it survived the massive fire in 1845. It still stands today as a community space for locals and tourist to dine, eat, shop, and gather.
During the holiday season you’ll find this beautiful Christmas tree and ice skating rink set up! I highly recommend stopping by Primanti Bros (a historic Pittsburgh sandwich shop) and the Wine Bar in Market St. Grocery after a nice dinner in the city!
Address: Market Square Pittsburgh PA 15222
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #5: The Roberto Clemento Bridge (Downtown Pittsburgh)
Also known as the 6th Street Bridge, Roberto Clemento Bridge is one of the Three Sisters’ bridges (the 3 yellow bridges in Pittsburgh). All three yellow bridges are self-anchored suspension bridges and also a wonderful instagram spot in Pittsburgh.
Address:
Roberto Clemente Bridge
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #6: The Milkshake Factory (Downtown Pittsburgh)
Founded in 1914, the Milkshake Factory opened its doors as a small chocolate and soda fountain shop. Today the Milkshake Factory has over 55 flavors of shakes and offers ice cream sundaes, sodas, and other drinks. The Milkshake Factory is definitely a Pittsburgh Instagram spot you have to see if you’re visiting the city!
Address:
314 5th Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #7: The Pennsylvanian (Downtown Pittsburgh)
Built in 1900, the Pennsylvanian was used as Pittsburgh’s Union Station. Today the Pennsylvanian Apartments combines modern, updated interiors with historic charm.
Address:
The Pennsylvanian Apartments
1100 Liberty Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #8: Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream (Downtown Pittsburgh)
Ice cream is always a good idea! Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream was a great ice cream stop in Pittsburgh!
Address:
246 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #9: The Murals (Strip District)
The Strip District is one of Pittsburgh’s most historic markets. From fresh fruit to Steelers apparel and art boutiques, you’ll truly find a little bit of everything in the Strip District. Two murals you can’t miss are located right at the heart of the Strip District.
Address:
1907 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #10: Peace, Love, & Little Donuts (Strip District)
If you’re looking for something sweet and you’re in the Strip District, you have to stop by Peace Love & Little Donuts! These tiny, delicious donuts come in all sorts of flavors – including fruity pebbles, buttafinga, and banana split!
Address:
50 21st Street
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #11: Pamela’s Diner (Strip District)
Even though we didn’t get a chance to brunch at Pamela’s Diner, we did get to stop by to take a few photos. I loved the pink and yellow!
Address:
60 21st Street
Pittsburgh PA 15222
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #12: Mattress Factory (Old Allegheny Rows District)
Since opening its doors in 1977, the Mattress Factory has presented over 750 artists. The Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum that features site installations as well as hosts workshops and community programs.
Address:
505 Jacksonia Street
Pittsburgh PA 15212
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #13: Andy Warhol Museum (Near PNC Park)
The Andy Warhol Museum was one of my favorite stops in Pittsburgh! The museum has the largest collection of Andy Warhol’s artwork and does a great job showing his evolution as an artist.
Address:
117 Sandusky Street
Pittsburgh PA 15212
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #14: Randyland (Old Allegheny Rows District)
Randyland was our most colorful stop in Pittsburgh! Founded by Randy Gilson, Randyland is just down the street from the Mattress Factory. Even on a rainy day, Randyland is a great stop in the city!
Address:
1501 Arch Street
Pittsburgh PA 15212
Pittsburgh’s Most Instagram Worthy Places #15: The Duquesne Incline (South Shore)
If you’re looking for an amazing view of the city, you have to stop by the Duquesne Incline.
Founded in 1877, the Duquesne Incline is one of the few inclines left in the US.
Address:
1197 W Carson Street
Pittsburgh PA 15219
There you have it friends! The most instagrammable places in Pittsburgh! Thank you again to Alaska Airlines for partnering with me to showcase to this incredible city.
Pin it:
What city should I visit next?
Fore more instagram worthy guides, you can also check out:
Pittsburgh in Pantone – Thanks to my photographer Karya! She’s sharing the Pittsburgh color schemes we experienced during our weekend stay.
Seattle’s Most Instagram Worthy Places: Pioneer Square
10 Most Instagrammable Places in NYC to See
Seattle’s Most Instagrammable Walls
Thank you for reading!
Love,
Emma
Photos: Karya Schanilec
I definitely always use these kinds of posts when I am traveling somewhere new!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
You always find the coolest spots in unexpected cities! Love this Insta-worthy guide!
Such a fun and informative post…and gorgeous photos!
Love the pics! We went to Pittsburgh back in October, and loved visiting the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh campus. It was so pretty! We visited the Andy Warhol museum too. So many fun places in Pittsburgh to take pics!
Great post! I also highly recommend the Cathedral of Learning on the Pitt campus as another Instagram worthy spot. It’s like a gothic skyscraper.