Burgh’ bites and sights: The best tours in Pittsburgh

There’s no disputing Pittsburgh is a top destination for foodies and the active adventurer.

Pittsburgh is also filled with so much history as well as renowned art and architecture from the likes of Andy Warhol and Frank Lloyd Wright.

With options to walk, cycle or be transported around the city, learn and explore Pittsburgh on one of the many eclectic tours which can be done with a group, guide or in solitude.

Check out the city’s best tours – which are all affordable too.

For the hungry

Burgh’, Bits and Bites 

Connecting travelers to local communities through food, ‘Burgh Bits and Bites offers five historic walking tours of Pittsburgh’s popular neighbourhoods, that doubles as an eclectic food tasting experience. The tours focus on the exciting culinary history of the former ‘Steel City’ with samples from a range of diverse international eateries. Tour locations include the Strip District, Lawrenceville and South Side.

City Brew Tours

With over 40 breweries, Pittsburgh’s craft beer scene is booming and new locations continue to pop up. Experience the city in a new way with City Brew Tours, where guides will chauffeur travelers across the iconic bridges in search of the best craft ale. An all-inclusive tour of Pittsburgh’s best breweries, including Abjuration Brewing and Hop Farm Brewing Co., enjoy interactive lessons in beer history and culture, with tasty food pairings, tastings and transportation. 

For the active 

Bike the Burgh’ 

Perfect for first timers or those looking to experience Pittsburgh from a new perspective, Bike the Burgh’ encourages travelers to scout the most interesting spots of the city on two wheels. Promising historical facts and exploration of some of Pittsburgh’s most famous landmarks, iconic neighbourhoods and views, there are multiple tours to choose from. The ‘Insider Northside Tour’ shows off hidden treasures beyond the Allegheny River and takes riders through five unique neighbourhoods. Alternatively, ‘Bridges in the Burgh Tour’ takes travellers on a journey across four bridges. For sports lovers, ‘Bike to the Ballgame’ journeys end near the iconic PNC Park and Heinz Field stadiums.

Laurel Highlands River Tours 

For those wanting to escape the city on a day trip, Laurel Highlands River Tours offers an outdoor experience like no other. Participate in a whitewater rafting tour along the Youghiogheny River in the largest park in Pennsylvania – Ohiopyle State Park. There are various levels of difficulty along the river, ranging from Class I/II to Class IV/V rapids, perfect for a range of levels. The Laurel Highlands is a magnificent mountainous region just an hour outside of Pittsburgh, home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in southern Pennsylvania.

For the slow traveller

Public art walking tours

Experience why Pittsburgh is one of the best art destinations in the US on a self-guided walking tour in the city’s Downtown. Witness the spectacular public art, including the abstract sculpture in Mello Square, the eyeball-shaped benches in Katz Plaza and the unusual typography on the Convention Center. Travellers who are eager to learn can continue to the Oakland neighbourhood which was distinguished in the 1890s as a cultural centre with grand buildings and broad avenues. Today, it remains a hub for culture, education and medicine, with 26 works of public art These tours are free of charge.

Cruisin Tiki

See the sights like never before on a relaxing tiki boat cruise across the iconic three bridges. A two-hour sightseeing cruise, each Cruisin’ Tiki boat can hold up to six passengers whilst journeying across the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. Cruises include photo opportunities from the water of iconic landmarks and local points of interest.

For more information, please visit: visitpittsburgh.com.