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City Cast Pittsburgh

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

Francesca Dabecco

The north end of Point Breeze feels like a working-class neighborhood, but it was once the home of Pittsburgh’s wealthiest families. In the middle of the community is Westinghouse Park — formerly entrepreneur George Westinghouse’s estate. That property, along with the lawn of Henry J. Heinz, was transformed into a green space in 1918. You can still see Heinz’s original carriage house (now the 

 apartment building), the stone wall that surrounded the estate, and a decorative iron fence along Penn Avenue.

Spend a day exploring shops, getting creative, and finding tasty eats in Point Breeze North ⬇️

Commonplace Coffee has several locations around the city, but this spot in 

 — a former industrial site turned eight-building campus — is by far the roomiest. It has plenty of space for remote work or catching up with friends. Look for latte specials, treats like muffins and scones, and local art displays. And keep an eye out for pop-up events in Rockwell Park, like 

If you’re passionate about the environment, organic food, and supporting local businesses, grab your reusable tote bag and head to 

. It’s been around for more than 40 years, and you can find lots of local goods, as well as bulk items like beans, flour, spices, and more. Become a member to support the store and get discounts, or 

 like cheese tastings, game nights, and craft workshops.

Looking for specialty items? Just a skip away from the Co-Op, you’ll find Pittsburgh’s newest Asian grocery, 

. Aisles upon aisles are stacked with every kind of rice, noodle, sauce, and spice. Freezer sections are packed with ready-to-go eats (I’m a big fan of the japchae mandu). A seafood and meat counter make dinners feel fresh. And if you’re not up for cooking, stop by the hot bar. Don’t forget to treat yourself on the way out with a salty snack, a fresh sweet bun, or something refreshing from the homemade ice cream and juice bar.

 is a center for salvaged, reclaimed, and repurposed materials — there’s even a section dedicated to toilets, which, to me, looks like a graveyard for Pittsburgh potties. It’s a great place to find small home project items like tile, light fixtures, or hardware. Construction Junction is also a drop-off recycling site. Find out what 

If you prefer crafting over construction, swing around back to the 

. It’s like a garage sale, your grandma’s sewing stash, and the clearance aisle in an old Pat Catan’s, all combined into one. Stop by to see a gallery from the 

Find coffee, creative reuse, and specialty groceries in Pittsburgh's Point Breeze North neighborhood.

Things To Do in Point Breeze North

Get To Know Point Breeze North

Everything to know about Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

, Pittsburgh’s light rail route in the South Hills, will take you through the heart of Beechview — a humble neighborhood with community pride as steep as its hilly streets. (Fun fact: The community got its name from the abundance of beech trees growing on its slopes!)

Stop at a T station along Broadway Avenue to grab a bite and shop — then venture further into the neighborhood to find places where community grows, hidden nature spots, and a must-visit landmark.

Beechview has a vibrant Latinx community and is home to 

, a nonprofit committed to supporting immigrants through educational programs, youth events, 

, and more. The organization is looking forward to expanding at its 

Broadway Avenue is dotted with Mexican and Peruvian restaurants, making it the perfect street for a DIY taco tour. You won’t miss the bright gold and pink building, 

, known for its tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, and Mexican popsicles. Check out their freezer chest for flavors like mango, strawberry, tamarind, coffee, pistachio, and guava.

" from Slice on Broadway, and if you like their ‘za, try a handheld from their nearby sandwich spot, 

Beechview’s Canton Avenue is the steepest street in the U.S. with a 37% grade — and it’s a wonder how people actually live on the slope! Cyclists gather here every year for the 

, a biking competition showcasing the city’s most daring inclines.

You can only drive up, entering from Coast Avenue, but I recommend exploring this mighty hill on foot. Drive to Hampshire Avenue, park at the top, and take your time descending down the city steps.

Located between Beechwood Elementary School and Vannucci Park, the Beechview Neighborhood garden stretches across land that was once the community pool. It’s now a different place where neighbors come together — a meeting ground where both crops and community bloom. Residents can rent one of 30 beds, and all are welcome to relax, picnic, or visit the butterfly garden.

, a .4 mile out-and-back trail, is a hidden urban oasis off of Route 51. Enter through a 120-year-old arch. Its stone exterior and waves of brick interior are architecturally fascinating — and that’s just the beginning!

The trail continues under an old train track, decorated with rust and graffiti art, where you can find nearby stone walls often used for 

. Continue along the lush, winding path that leads to Sawmill Run Creek, a peaceful place to rest and listen to the babbling brook.

The greenway is about 100 acres total, but not all of it is accessible. In the 20th century, the area was a German farming settlement. I have ancestors who lived there in a small shack-like home, but traces of this community are now reclaimed by the forest. Still, walking Seldom Seen is a great place to reconnect with nature — and in my case, a family tree, too.

Take a taco tour, climb the steepest street in the U.S., visit the Beechview Neighborhood Garden, and discover Seldom Seen Greenway.

Things To Do in Beechview, Pittsburgh

Get To Know Beechview

Frick Park is known for an expansive network of trails throughout its 644 acres in the East End of Pittsburgh — and there’s a new path that’s made, truly, for everyone.

The Sensory Nature Trail, a fully accessible one-third mile stretch located beside the Frick Environmental Center, delights visitors with an engaging experience through the woodland.

“It was developed through more than a year of community engagement to ensure the design was reflective of the needs of individuals who would benefit from visiting the most,” says Alana Wenk from Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

The nonprofit collaborated with architects at Pashek+MTR to create an interactive and inclusive destination, complete with a wide, smooth path that's ADA-compliant. Wenk says the Parks Conservancy is even planning a track chair pilot program where people can rent all-terrain wheelchairs.

“I hope that everyone who visits feels welcome and inspired,” Wenk says.

At the entrance, the Meadow View Pavilion offers a shady seat and a view of the Clayton Hill Meadow, filled with native plants and local pollinators.

And just beyond the pavilion, the Outdoor Discovery Space and Timber Fort welcomes young explorers to play. What looks like an ordinary child-height table can transform into a nature-inspired mud kitchen, science lab, or outdoor art studio.

Here, the Meadow Kaleidoscope is a must-visit. Peer through the lens, and be dazzled by the swirling colors and patterns created by the pot of flowers situated below. The view is vibrant and mesmerizing, giving a new perspective on nature’s beauty.

Follow the trail for more stations that encourage relaxation and wonder — like the Rest Nest, a cozy corner with tree truck seats where you can take in the sounds of birds chirping and the gentle rustling of trees.

Hear music in the distance? It’s the Pebble Harp, a wooden structure that creates tones from tiny stones pouring over metal "strings." Drop in a handful of pebbles to make sounds — almost like water droplets — that harmonize with the wild soundtrack of the woods.

Don’t miss a moment of respite on the Observation Deck, a space that makes you feel both grounded 

 like you’re floating among the trees. Watch as hikers pass below, and keep your eyes peeled for furry friends.

Before you explore, check out the Frick Environmental Center’s Lending Library for assistive resources, sensory kits, backpacks, and more. It’s free to all visitors!

The excursion may make you want to leave your phone behind, but if you’ve got it handy, you can scan QR codes along the way for information and prompts that’ll engage you at each stop on the trail.

The Parks Conservancy will occasionally install laminated signs of illustrated children's book pages along the path. Take the trail to "turn" each page and read the full story.

Get Outside With Our Guide to Pittsburgh Parks

The one-third mile trail delights visitors with an engaging experience through Frick Park in Pittsburgh’s East End.

Explore Pittsburgh’s Fully Accessible Trail in Frick Park

Get in Touch With Nature on Frick Park’s New Sensory Trail

How do you get through the ups and downs of living in Pittsburgh? No, really — we have one of the hilliest cities in the U.S.

The answer: a network of hundreds of public stairways locally referred to as “city steps.” This unique infrastructure was the first public transportation system in Pittsburgh.

Today, locals can walk these paths of the past to connect with our city’s history, explore neighborhoods, and get free outdoor exercise.

City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide

 to share a field kit to these steep and storied staircases.

If you’re just getting acquainted with city steps, here are author 

’s recommendations for the best flights for urban hikes ⬇️

 are the city's longest walkable flight. They're connected to trails that lead to the South Busway and Brookline Memorial Park. (You can catch 

 is the fourth-longest flight in the city. It's walkable, but it has a severe case of scoliosis! This flight once led residents to the East Street Valley neighborhood, which is now I-279. 👟 Want more Fineview fun? Sign up for the 

 from Shaler Street, and you'll find yourself surrounded by Emerald View park trails. Follow the half-mile 

 for a gorgeous tree canopy and sweeping views of the West End.

Enter at either Cowley-Goettman Park or Province Street to get a stunning view of the city at the 

. There’s a bench where you can relax and take in the vista. 👟Explore more of 

 span the hill in, well … the Hill District. These stairs are near the 

, the grand Victorian home of a well-known bootlegging family from the 1920’s and 30’s. 👟 Explore more of 

The National Negro Opera House, currently undergoing preservation, sits directly across from the 

➡️ All of these flights appear on the 1923 city maps, so you can literally "walk in the footsteps" of those from 100 years ago.

) for taking a field trip with the City Cast Pittsburgh team!

Discover Pittsburgh’s best city steps for urban hikers.

The Best City Step Hikes in Pittsburgh

A Guide to Touring Pittsburgh’s City Steps

Cyclists and pedestrians have a new way to access a 251-acre urban escape on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

Davis Avenue Bridge hovers high over Woods Run Avenue and dense thickets of trees, reconnecting Brighton Heights to Riverview Park.

The rust-colored overpass, made of uncoated weathering steel, is the long-awaited replacement to a vehicle bridge 

 and demolished in 2009. Now, a walk that would’ve taken 35 minutes is less than five.

“The new bridge closely resembles the deck arch-style of the original,” said Jacob Williams, press officer for the city’s Department of Public Works. But unlike its predecessor's light blue truss, the new earthy shade mimics the natural environment of the park.

 Jessica Baker moved to Brighton Heights in 2010, so she just missed the old bridge — and says she's excited to take her kids across the new one.

“It's such a big deal because we were stranded from having real access to a park. You couldn't really ride your bike to a park. It was kind of a treacherous route,” Baker said. “So I think being able to have that access open to us again is huge. It's huge for neighbors and huge for building community.”

The $5.4 million project, which broke ground in April 2024, is especially unique because “the city of Pittsburgh basically never builds new bridges,” District 1 Councilmember Bobby Wilson said.

Wilson, who took office in 2020, was essential in advocating for the bridge, along with the Brighton Heights Citizens Group and Friends of Riverview Park.

“I think this bridge is a great example that the North Side matters and that the city's not gonna walk away from investing in that community,” 

. “ I quite frankly think it's a really easy sell to continue to invest in the North Side. We have so many great amenities, and all we need to do is fix it up.”

North Siders can also look forward to upgrades in its parks and playgrounds, including Manchester Park; Cross and Straus Playground and Fowler Park in Perry South; Marmaduke Playground in Brighton Heights; and Deer Pit Playground in Allegheny West. Follow along and share your wish list on the 

Built for bicycles and pedestrians, Davis Avenue Bridge reconnects Brighton Heights and Riverview Park, cutting a 35-minute walk down to 5 minutes.

Explore Davis Avenue Bridge, Pittsburgh’s New Pedestrian Bridge Connecting North Side Neighborhoods

Explore Pittsburgh’s New Pedestrian Bridge

A neighborhood dotted with 18th-century brick rowhouses sits between Oakland, the Hill District, and Downtown — and depending on who you ask, you might get a different name for it.

In true Pittsburgh fashion, this section of the Burgh has multiple monikers: The Bluff, Uptown, and SoHo. In the mid-1800s, it was known as 

 because there was an oasis of fruit trees, roses, and jasmine near the Birmingham Bridge.

By the early 20th century, immigrants from all over the world moved here to find jobs in the steel and coal industries. But with the steel industry collapse in the 1970s — paired with city disinvestment — the neighborhood 

Today, Uptown is known for being home to Duquesne University, UPMC Mercy, and PPG Paints Arena, but a walk along Forbes or Fifth Avenues will reveal so much more ⬇️

Coffee lover? Beer fan? You can find both brews inside 

 on Forbes Avenue. The folks at Trace Brewing transformed an old pharmacy building into a chic daytime coffee shop and evening taproom. Grab a seasonal latte from 

, then stick around for one of their evening events — like 

 jazz night every second and fourth Thursday.

On Fifth Avenue, across from PPG Paints Arena, 

 serves delicious fast-casual wraps, salads, and bowls. Make your own with add-ins like falafel, chicken shawarma, sumac onion, chickpea salad, and baba ghanoush. It’s on the second floor of a storefront building, and it’s worth the climb!

Want to get into 3D printing, but not sure how to start? Need a special sewing machine for a project? 

 on Fifth Avenue is your spot. This volunteer-run community makerspace is a hub for creatives, and offers a wood shop, embroidery and Cricut machines, laser cutting, a computer lab, and more. Members get 24/7 access to the space. Check out their 

Throughout the neighborhood, you’ll see showy murals, interesting statues, and eye-catching mosaics. Most of them are designed by artist 

, who’s known for his colorful mosaic pieces all across the city — including the Uptown 

Find fresh brews, tasty falafel, city views, crafty workshops, and colorful murals in Pittsburgh’s Uptown or “The Bluff.”

Things To Do in Pittsburgh’s Uptown Neighborhood

Get To Know Uptown (The Bluff)

The tree-lined East End neighborhood sits to the right of Frick Park, between the valley of Fern Hollow Creek and the Nine Mile Run. But Regent Square isn’t its own thing; the neighborhood is actually made up of four different municipalities — Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Swissvale, and Wilkinsburg. Its conglomeration of little towns is sometimes confusing, which is maybe why it had so 

: Gunn Hill, Devon Plan, Wilkins Plan, Regent Place, and ultimately, Regent Square.

Land acknowledgement: Long before white settlers gave it a name, though, the land belonged to Haudenosaunee, Lenape, Osage, and Shawnee peoples.


Grab a cup of coffee or tea from the eclectic 

, then mosey down Trenton Avenue for a treat from 

 that will transport you to Paris. The croissants, baguettes, and other pastries are the stuff of dreams.

If you want a sit-down classic breakfast, find 

 on S. Braddock Avenue. There’s also the convenient coffee window at 

Live Fresh Cold-Pressed Juice & Smoothie Bar

Looking to spice up your lunch? Get tacos or burritos from 

’s bar and enjoy home cooking like “Pittsburgh Panko Chicken Salad” or “Jimmy’s Signature Meatloaf.” Also try: a blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Turkish flavors at 

Shop for the artsy plant-lover in your life at 

 on Trenton Avenue. They have local pottery, candles, food products, clothes, accessories, and greeting cards for every occasion. Or, buy a ticket to their 

Right next door, browse secondhand reads and music at the delightfully curated 

 — or swing around to South Braddock Avenue to check out 

From clothing to accessories, find all of your outdoor exploring essentials at 

. Plus, 3ROC has gear rentals for camping, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, bouldering, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Outdoor recreation fans can join 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. for 

 like trail runs, community campfires, Saturday morning yoga, and headlamp hikes.

Learn embroidery, weaving, woodwork, sewing, punchneedle, and more at 

The neighborhood will celebrate the season with 

 on Nov. 25 with warming refreshments, entertainment, and snacks provided by local businesses.

Look out for popular annual summer events like the 

Eat croissants, do crafts, and find outdoor gear in this East End neighborhood, right next to Frick Park.

What To Do in Regent Square in Pittsburgh

Get To Know Regent Square

If Troy Hill is the finish line, then Rialto Street is the trail to climb. Just off of East Ohio Street at the 31st Street Bridge, the street’s 24% grade earns it the title for fifth-steepest street in the city. Once you make it up the mount, you’re welcomed into this tight-knit North Side community.

,” when pigs were herded down the hill to a slaughterhouse on Herr’s Island. Yikes!

 took over the former neighborhood favorite, Pear and Pickle, at the top of Rialto Street. They’re well missed, but visitors will not be disappointed by the new tenants. Inside, you’ll find a cozy space serving quality coffee, tea, and homemade food like sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and fresh pastries.

 on Lowrie Street is exactly how it sounds — food made from scratch. Get snacks and sandwiches from the "Tavern Menu" on Wednesdays and Thursdays; sit down for a house focaccia, NY strip, and smashed potatoes on Fridays and Saturdays; or dig into a bagel breakfast sandwich at Sunday brunch. Don't forget cocktails! Their seasonal menu is always packed with flavor. Plus, they have interesting nonalcoholic options. 

Troy Hill was historically a German immigrant neighborhood, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to 

, one of Pittsburgh’s oldest and largest craft breweries. Beer lovers should save the date for the annual 

While it's open by appointment and special events only, photography lovers should check out 

 — an artist-run bookshop, gallery, and project space that seeks to engage the public on global and contemporary photography trends.

 in the basement of Grace Lutheran Church most Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Want to see a lighthouse? You can in Troy Hill, hundreds of miles away from the ocean. It’s the 

third installation of the Troy Hill Art Houses

, a trio of abandoned homes turned into immersive art — and you can tour them for free with an appointment.

No matter your religious beliefs, it’s pretty neat to see the 1880 European-style 

. People travel from all over to admire its 5,000 Catholic relics, the largest collection in the world, outside of the Vatican.

, we talked to city steps expert Laura Zurowski — aka 

 — about why Pittsburgh has so many and which are the best for urban hikers to climb. 

 was one of her picks, because it has a great overlook at the top. You can enter at either Cowley-Goettman Park or Province Street.

Troy Hill has the fifth-steepest street in Pittsburgh, comforting food and coffee, and interesting relics and art installations.

What To Do In Troy Hill Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Get To Know Troy Hill

Famed Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson, who died in 2005, is best known for his series of 10 plays called the “

” — each set in a different decade of the twentieth century, weaving together Black history and culture. All but one take place in the Hill District.

Today, you can find his legacy preserved at the 

August Wilson African American Cultural Center

 in Crawford-Roberts. The restored 1840s home isn’t just a museum — it's a creative hub that honors his legacy through theatrical productions, art exhibitions, literary workshops, and more.

You can also find Wilson’s work on the big screen with his plays that’ve been 

), which follows a family in the 1930s that discovers haunting truths while fighting over the fate of an heirloom piano, and “Fences” (

), the story of a working-class Black father in the 1950s who navigates lost childhood dreams and complex family dynamics.

Before August Wilson was born in 1945, the Hill District buzzed with Black 

 — like a storied Black newspaper, legendary baseball team, and renowned jazz club.

That all changed in the 1950s when this vibrant community was dismantled in the name of “urban renewal.” The city razed swaths of the Lower Hill and 

forced out 8,000 residents and 400 businesses

 to make room for the Civic Arena, the precursor to PPG Paints Arena.

By the time Wilson left in the 1970s, he had a love-hate relationship with the city. “This is my home and at times I miss it and find it tremendously exciting, and other times I want to catch the first thing out that has wheels,” 

Discover more snippets of Wilson’s perspective displayed at August Wilson Park on Cliff Street. There’s a playground, basketball court, picnic tables, benches, and a beautiful city view. It's a peaceful spot to jot down Pittsburgh musings, like Wilson once did.

Famed Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson is known for his series of 10 plays, “American Century Cycle,” nine of which are set in the Hill District.

Neighborhood Guides

Get To Know Point Breeze North

Get To Know Beechview

Get in Touch With Nature on Frick Park’s New Sensory Trail

Latest articles

A Guide to Touring Pittsburgh’s City Steps

Explore Pittsburgh’s New Pedestrian Bridge

Get To Know Uptown (The Bluff)

Get To Know Regent Square

Get To Know Troy Hill

Walk in August Wilson’s Footsteps in the Hill District

Get To Know Crawford-Roberts in the Hill District