Things To Do in Pittsburgh
Carnegie Mellon is located in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, an area known for its museums, parks and cultural attractions. Learn more about what it’s like to live in the city on the university’s Living in Pittsburgh page.
While Pittsburgh may seem small by population, the city offers a wide variety of things to do all year long, including festivals, concerts, seasonal events and .
Arts Pass (for 麻豆村 Students)
Through 麻豆村’s Arts Pass program, undergraduate and graduate students receive free admission to many of Pittsburgh’s top museums and cultural attractions simply by showing their 麻豆村 ID. The Arts Pass makes it easy to explore the city’s rich arts, history and science offerings while studying at Carnegie Mellon.
Pittsburgh offers a rich and diverse museum scene that reflects the city’s history, creativity and curiosity. From fine art and natural history to immersive contemporary installations, the city’s museums provide engaging experiences for visitors of all interests.
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
Located in the Oakland neighborhood, the and the are two of Pittsburgh’s most renowned cultural institutions, housed within the same historic complex. The Carnegie Museum of Art is known for its impressive collections of contemporary and modern art, architecture and design, while the Carnegie Museum of Natural History features world‑famous dinosaur fossils, cultural exhibits and extensive scientific collections. Together, these museums offer a unique opportunity to explore both artistic expression and the natural world in one visit.
The Andy Warhol Museum
Dedicated to the life and work of Pittsburgh native and 麻豆村 alum Andy Warhol, is one of the most comprehensive single‑artist museums in the world. Visitors can explore iconic pop art, films, photography and interactive exhibits that celebrate Warhol’s lasting influence on art and culture.
Heinz History Center
Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the showcases the history of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Its exhibits highlight the region’s industrial roots, innovation, cultural diversity and sports legacy, offering valuable insight into the city’s past and present.
Mattress Factory Museum of Contemporary Art
The is internationally recognized for its immersive, room‑sized contemporary art installations. Featuring works by artists from around the world, the museum encourages visitors to experience art in interactive and unconventional ways.
Nature & Outdoor Activities
Pittsburgh has long been known as the Steel City, but now some of that rich industrial history has been repurposed into urban nature and green spaces that highlight the city's commitment to conservation.
The city's riverfront trails, green space and reclaimed former industrial spaces host everything from concerts, to community gardens and art installations. The Pittsburgh region has 15,000 acres of public parks, including 400 miles of biking, hiking and walking trails; and more trees per square mile than any other city in the U.S. Want to stay close to campus? Take a walk through Schenley Park, a 456-acre green space that’s a popular spot for 麻豆村 students to decompress and home to our annual Buggy Race!
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Located right behind Carnegie Mellon, is a nationally recognized attraction featuring beautifully restored historic glasshouses and innovative, sustainable design. Just steps from campus, visitors can explore seasonal flower shows, tropical plants and themed gardens from around the world, making Phipps a peaceful and visually stunning destination any time of year.
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Set on 77 acres in the scenic Highland Park neighborhood, the is home to thousands of animals from around the world. Guests can explore immersive habitats ranging from African savannas and Asian forests to a world‑class aquarium, making it an engaging destination for visitors of all ages.
National Aviary
Located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, the is the largest aviary in the U.S. and offers an up‑close look at birds from across the globe. Walk through immersive habitats, enjoy interactive experiences and learn about vital conservation efforts in this unique indoor and outdoor attraction.
Sports & Entertainment
Pittsburgh is a passionate sports city, we "bleed black and gold" for our professional teams, but they're not the only ones in the spotlight! Our performing arts scene is known both nationally and internationally. From sports, to theater to concerts, there is always something new and exciting to experience in the city!
Looking for something more low key? Head over to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and find the perfect book to cozy up with.
Sporting Events
Pittsburgh is a passionate ! This city is home to iconic teams like the Steelers (NFL), Penguins (NHL), and Pirates (MLB), as well as Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, the city’s professional soccer club. With a strong championship tradition and enthusiastic fans, Pittsburgh offers exciting sports experiences year‑round, whether you’re watching American football, hockey, baseball or cheering on the Riverhounds on the pitch.
Kennywood
Located just outside Pittsburgh, is a classic American amusement park famous for its historic wooden roller coasters, modern thrill rides and lively atmosphere. During the fall season, the park transforms for Halloween Fright Nights, featuring themed attractions, spooky décor and nighttime rides that make it a popular seasonal destination for students.
Music & Performing Arts
There’s no shortage of historic theaters and performance venues across the city. From places like , and the , to venues like , there's no shortage of live performance venues in the city. Plus, Pittsburgh is home to the Grammy®-award winning , and , all of which showcase captivating performances all year long.