Since the late 1960s, children across the U.S. have grown up watching the Emmy Award–winning PBS television show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” which originated in Pittsburgh.
Although you can see sets from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make Believe in the city’s Heinz History Center, you won’t want to miss a visit to these five real-life Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Downtown Pittsburgh
Delve into the heart of the city in downtown Pittsburgh. Take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour with The Pittsburgh Tour Company that lets you explore any or all of 21 downtown stops.
Board the double-decker bus around 9 a.m. at a stop nearest your hotel and ride the entire loop in an hour and a half.
Listen while your witty guide gives you an overview of the history of the city and its unique architecture and then disembark at a favorite stop for lunch and some sightseeing.
Visit the Mister Rogers’ exhibit at the Heinz History Center at Stop No. 10 or explore the Carnegie Museums at Stop No. 20.
Afterward, you’ll be entertained in the 14-block cultural district where you can dine at 50 eateries, browse through nearly 100 retail shops and galleries, or catch a show at one of seven theaters.
The East End
The Shadyside and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods make up the heart of Pittsburgh’s East End. Squirrel Hill is home to tree-lined streets, Victorian mansions and one of the few wooden roadways in the U.S.
Walk down Rosyln Place to stroll over wooden blocks laid end to end like cobblestones.
Dine al fresco at restaurants tucked along charming side streets or lose yourself in the sprawling Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, set in the former mansions of two of the city’s prominent industrialists.
To the south of Shadyside, Squirrel Hill rolls out 1,100 acres of scenic parks, including 456-acre Schenley Park, where you can hike wooded trails or play a round of golf. Bring your appetite and discover some of the best ethnic eateries in the city here.
Monroeville
Shop ’til you drop in the Monroeville neighborhood, tucked into the rolling hills 12 miles east of downtown. The neighborhood is southwestern Pennsylvania’s second largest retail center and has hundreds of stores that carry everything from fine jewelry to specialty food and drinks.
Visit the filming location of the cult zombie classic “Dawn of the Dead” at the Monroeville Mall. The iconic mall was also the backdrop for scenes in “Flashdance,” “The Boy Who Loved Trolls” and others.
Take a break from shopping and take some scenic vacation photos at four of Monroeville’s historic landmarks. Check out a one-lane stone bridge from the 1870s, historic homes of log and stone, and an old stone church.
Southside
The Southside neighborhood south of the Monongahela River and Interstate 376 emits a festive air with a thriving nightlife scene, boutiques and galleries tucked among Victorian architecture.
Ride the historic Duquesne Incline train dating to the 1800s to savor panoramic views of the city and its rivers from the top of Mount Washington.
At the upper station you can check out the wooden trolley’s inner workings, browse a history museum and marvel at a life-size statue of George Washington and American Indian leader Guyasuta.
From there, walk along Grandview Avenue to capture beautiful views and photos of the city. Make your way to the Monongahela Incline a mile away to enjoy a fresh perspective on the ride down.
Deutschtown
Explore Deutschtown history dating back to the 18th century on a self-guided walking tour of two dozen of the neighborhood’s oldest buildings. Gastropubs, taverns, tea shops and ice-cream parlors will tempt you to peek inside the vintage buildings.
The H.J. Heinz ketchup factory and Pittsburgh’s oldest bar, The Park House, are just two treasures to discover in this neighborhood. Time your trip to coincide with the neighborhood’s festive events.
The calendar is particularly lively in autumn, when you can check out Pumpkinfest, the German Parade and Auto Display, and a historic house and garden tour.