Pittsburgh

Day 1: Strip District to skyline

Ease into the city where its food culture is loudest—the Strip District. You’ll graze immigrant markets and chef‑driven spots, then finish with a big‑sky view that puts the three rivers in context.

• Morning: Hit the Strip District early (ideally a weekday before 9:00) to browse Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, Wholey’s, Stamoolis Brothers, and Parma Sausage; bring a small cooler for cheeses and cured meats, and note that parking fills quickly. If it’s summer, pick up local berries at the pavement produce stands; if it’s raining, duck into the PA Market to sample vendors indoors.
• Midday: Do Primanti Bros. for the classic one‑hander—order it “with slaw and fries” and judge it as a cultural icon, not a gourmet sandwich. Coffee from a neighbourhood roaster and a sweet from a modern bakery will keep you going.
• Afternoon: Linger in the Strip for a light bite at DiAnoia’s Eatery or a glass in the PA Market wine library; consider a quick craft‑distillery tasting nearby to see how local grains are shaping spirits. Weekdays feel authentic and conversational; weekends bring festival‑level crowds.
• Evening: Ride the Duquesne Incline for sunset, then book Altius for dinner with a skyline view or Bar Marco back in the Strip for a tasting menu; both reflect the city’s modern polish. Reservations are essential Thu–Sat, and many bars now offer excellent zero‑proof cocktails if you’re skipping alcohol.

Day 2: Neighbourhood hop—Squirrel Hill, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville

Today is about contrasting districts: Asian standouts in Squirrel Hill, Italian roots in Bloomfield, and the city’s trendiest dining run in Lawrenceville. Use ride‑shares between neighbourhoods—the hills and distances can add up.

• Morning: Start in Squirrel Hill with a deli breakfast at Smallman Street Deli and a wander along Murray Avenue’s shops; street parking is metered and turnover is brisk. In summer, expect longer queues as families and students mingle.
• Midday: Choose your feast: Chengdu Gourmet for Sichuan heat (think mapo tofu, dry‑fried green beans) or Everyday Noodles for hand‑pulled noodles and soup dumplings; arrive early or be ready to queue. Plant‑based diners will still find good options across both.
• Afternoon: Drift to Bloomfield (Little Italy) for provisions: Chantal’s Cheese Shop, Merante’s Italian grocers, and coffee along Liberty Avenue. If you’re here in August, Little Italy Days turns the street into a festival—great fun but plan extra time and bring cash.
• Evening: Book ahead in Lawrenceville for dinner at Pusadee’s Garden (Thai in a lush courtyard) or Morcilla (Spanish tapas and thoughtful wine). Afterwards, stroll Butler Street for breweries and cocktail bars; BYOB remains common in smaller spots—check policies and pick up a bottle if needed.

Day 3: Traditions and reinvention—church kitchens to Apteka

Close with the city’s soul foods and its most original modern cooking. Flex the plan to the season: Lent fish fries, summer markets, or autumn harvest menus.

• Morning: If it’s a Friday in Lent, join a church fish fry for jumbo fried fish, pierogies, and haluski; otherwise, seek a church pierogi sale at St. George Ukrainian Catholic (Brighton Heights) or Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic (Carnegie). Bring cash, go early, and expect to queue—batches sell out.
• Midday: Try a neighbourhood tavern for lunch—Max’s Allegheny Tavern (North Side) for hearty Germanic plates or Nadine’s (South Side Slopes) for unfussy, excellent bar food. Order a “pop” with your meal to sound like a local.
• Afternoon: Graze the PA Market or sample a couple of breweries; if your visit coincides with Picklesburgh, plan for bridge closures, big crowds, and all things brined. Market Square downtown is lively for patio coffee in warm months; in autumn, menus citywide lean into mushrooms, squash, and apples.
• Evening: Book Apteka in Bloomfield for nationally acclaimed vegan Central/Eastern European cooking that captures Pittsburgh’s heritage in a fresh key. Cap the trip with a dram at a craft distillery or a slice of burnt almond torte from Prantl’s; ride‑share back, as evening parking can be tight.

Notes across the three days:

• Book popular restaurants weeks ahead for Thu–Sat evenings; many offer waitlists.
• Parking is tight in the Strip, Lawrenceville, and Downtown—use paid lots or ride‑shares when possible.
• BYOB is still common; confirm corkage and pickup en route if applicable.

By Air

• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT): Primary airport, about 18 miles west of Downtown (city centre); 25–35 minutes by car (longer at rush hour). Pittsburgh Regional Transit route 28X runs to Downtown and Oakland roughly every 30 minutes; allow 40–60 minutes. Taxis and ride‑hail are readily available; car hire on site.
• Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE), Latrobe: Approximately 1–1¼ hours east; limited low‑cost/seasonal services. Best with car hire.
• Alternatives within driving distance: Cleveland Hopkins (CLE, ~2–2½ hours), Akron–Canton (CAK, ~2 hours), Columbus (CMH, ~3 hours). Allegheny County Airport (AGC) serves general aviation only.

By Train

• Amtrak Pittsburgh Union Station (Downtown, 1100 Liberty Ave).
• Pennsylvanian (daily): To Harrisburg–Philadelphia–New York City. Typical times: Philadelphia 7–7½ hours; NYC 9–9½ hours.
• Capitol Limited (daily, overnight): To Washington, DC (~7–7½ hours) and Chicago (~9–9½ hours). One train each way daily; book ahead and expect possible delays due to shared freight tracks.

By Bus

• Operators: Greyhound, Megabus, FlixBus.
• Stops: Kerbside locations in Downtown near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center/11th Street—check your ticket for exact pick‑up/drop‑off.
• Typical journey times: Cleveland 2½–3 hours; Columbus 3½–4½ hours; Washington, DC 5–6 hours; Philadelphia 6–7 hours; New York City 7–8 hours; Buffalo 4½–5 hours.

By Car

• Main routes: I‑376 (to Downtown and PIT airport), I‑76 Pennsylvania Turnpike (toll, east–west), I‑79 (north–south) with I‑279 spurs into the city; I‑70 runs south of the metro area.
• Approximate drive times (normal conditions): Cleveland 2–2½ hours; Columbus 3–3½ hours; Philadelphia 4½–5½ hours; Washington, DC 4–4½ hours; New York City 6–7 hours; Buffalo 3½–4 hours.
• Parking can be tight and/or paid in busy areas (Downtown, Strip District, Lawrenceville); use garages or pay‑by‑phone street parking.