Top Rated Attractions in Pittsburgh

As you walk into the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, you feel like you've been transported to another world. The lush tree cover and plants create a pleasant and calm atmosphere. The park offers a wide variety of educational programs teaching various methods to preserve the environment. It also offers grants to students wanting to pursue their studies in botany and other related fields. Moreover, the Center for Sustainable Landscapes which is found within the conservatory is environmentally sustainable, earning four stars from the Sustainable SITES Initiative.

Artist Randy Gilson opens his funky, colorful courtyard to the people of Pittsburgh and the tourists who happen to stumble upon it when visiting the area known as the Mexican War Streets. Open every afternoon, the courtyard presents a kaleidoscopic, psychedelic melange of found objects and the brightly colored home functions as a studio for a small collective of like minded artists. Gilson is also a community benefactor, in which he has almost single-handedly transformed a decrepit neighborhood into something beautiful not only with his property, but with other lots, buildings and gardens around the North Shore.

Built in 1824 by the Harmony Society, this historic settlement by the banks of Ohio River was a legacy to their heritage of being successful over the years. They named the town Economy which is one of the last three settlements across United States. The buildings in the settlement reflect the 19th Century pious communities' life works. This entire settlement area is up for rent, for your private needs or a large-scale usage. Weddings can also be conducted at this location.

Towering at the center of the University of Pittsburgh is the 42-story high Late Gothic Revival Cathedral known as the Cathedral of Learning. A modern-day Pittsburgh landmark, this architectural wonder was built in 1934 and is the second tallest university building in the world. One of the most photographed landmarks of the city, the tower is also renowned for housing the Nationality Rooms. The rooms portray various cultures from the world that have influenced the growth of the city.

Rachel Carson Homestead was built in 1870 on a 65 acre (26.30 hectare) of property. Rachel Carson, a renowned environmentalist whose book, Silent Spring launched a movement, was born in this house in 1907. Due to her studies, she shifted to Baltimore in 1929, and soon the rest of her family followed her there. The house was then sold to a school teacher who renovated the house, added rooms and utilities. The house now rests on a property that extends little more than half acre (0.2 hectare). In 1975, the house was taken over by Rachel Carson Homestead Association to set the home up as a tourist site.

Over five acres (2.02 hectares) of lawns, gardens and historic buildings make up the Frick Art and Historical Center, which is adjacent to part of the sprawling Frick Park. Landmarks in the center include the Frick Art Museum, the Car and Carriage Museum, Clayton House, a greenhouse, an education center, a museum shop, and a cafe.