Between the iconic yellow bridges and the enviable skyline it’s no secret that Pittsburgh is a picturesque city. As with any urban setting, there are certain backdrops that are unique to the Burgh. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or planning a day to rediscover your love for the city, we’ve rounded up the best places to take a distinctly Pittsburgh photo. So do it for the Insta and snap some shots for your followers.
Mount Washington Overlook
Ask any local where the best view of the city is and they will likely agree that you need to check out Mount Washington. Take the Incline or drive up to one of the overlook spots and you’ll be blown away by the skyline. This is the spot to take your family and friends for a beautiful photo that will rack up the ‘likes.’ Featured in movies and graduation photos alike, there’s a reason that Mount Washington makes an exceptional backdrop for capturing life’s special moments.
Point State Park
When you’re looking to enjoy a sunny spring day, head down to Point State Park in Downtown. Walk or bike along the river and soak up views of the North Shore stadiums. The water, yellow bridges, and iconic stadiums make an excellent background for your group pic that is classic Pittsburgh. Another can’t-miss location is the fountain at the peak of the park. What’s better than a romantic shot of you and your love with a gorgeous, lit-up fountain for a backdrop?
Roberto Clemente Statue
Pittsburgh pride is a very real thing and we are especially proud of our athletes, both past and present. That’s why you have to take a trip over to the North Shore to strike a pose with a bronze statue of the Pirates Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente. Located outside of left field at PNC Park, you can line up a shot to get skyscrapers and signature bridges in the background. Step up to the plate and knock it out of the park with your next Instagram post.
Fort Pitt Tunnel and Bridge
There’s something truly magical about taking the parkway inbound through the Fort Pitt Tunnel only to break through on the other side with a spectacular view of the city. Whether it’s during the day or at night when the city is lit up, you can’t deny that it’s one of the best drives and views in town. Memorialized in the movie “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” you’ll want to follow in the main character’s footsteps and blast David Bowie while taking some exciting action shots to show off to your friends — just have someone else drive!
Pitt Panther Statue
College rivalries run deep in this city so be sure to show off your Panther pride with a shot next to the University of Pittsburgh Panther statue. Whether you choose to pose next to the statue demurely or climb on top is up to you — we won’t judge. Synonymous with quality higher education and excellence in sports, you can feel the pride when you step on campus. Let’s go Pitt!
Cathedral of Learning & Schenley Plaza
The next stop on your Pitt campus tour should be the Cathedral of Learning and Schenley Plaza. The interior of the Cathedral has drawn many comparisons to Hogwarts, with a magical quality and old-world architecture that really is something to behold. The main hall is perfect for a group photo, just be sure to use your indoor voices as it’s also a high-traffic area for study sessions. During warmer months, students and locals congregate on the lawn at Schenley Plaza for the perfect place to kick back and take some fun pictures with friends.
PPG Place & Market Square
The impressive architecture downtown is begging for a photo-op and PPG Place is the perfect place to start. Sky-scraping glass creates a neo-gothic castle that can be seen from pretty much anywhere in the city and features a skating rink during the winter and fountain during the spring and summer. Stroll through the plaza to Market Square, where you’ll be charmed by the cobblestone streets and a unique assortment of restaurants. There will be plenty of options for an Instagram-worthy food shot or selfie.
The Duquesne Incline
Taking the Incline up to Mount Washington is basically a right of passage in Pittsburgh and it also provides some pretty spectacular, panoramic views. The cable-powered, inclined railroad was built in 1870 and is still a convenient mode of transportation for locals. Be sure to check out the historic upper station and observation deck that overlooks the three rivers and Downtown Pittsburgh. Your Burgh photo albumwon’t be complete without a few snaps from the Incline.
PNC Park
Voted one of the best ballparks in America, PNC Park offers picturesque views of the city with a classic stadium feel. Snap some shots of McCutchen doing his thing on the field and some group photos of you and your family rocking your black and gold. You won’t want to miss out on capturing the beloved Pierogi mascot race so keep your eyes peeled for the perfect action shots. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you can certainly appreciate the views that are unique to Pittsburgh.
Heinz Field
Home to the Steelers and huge concerts including Beyonce and Kenny Chesney, Heinz Field is a great location for a photo shoot. Yellow bleachers and a huge, moving Heinz Ketchup bottle outside the stadium are distinct Burgh touches that will be a dead giveaway in your snapshot. Featured in the film “The Dark Knight Rises,” you’ll even get to step onto the scene of a blockbuster. So bring your Terrible Towel on down for a pic in Steeler Nation.
The Three Rivers
A unique feature of Pittsburgh is that it is located two rivers merge to form at third, giving the city a beautiful waterfront view. Take a walk along the North Shore or downtown for a different perspective of the Mon, the Al, and the O. The waterfront offers a beautiful, natural background for your family photos that will blow your previous holiday cards out of the water.
Primanti Brothers
In Pittsburgh, we put fries on our sammichesso be sure to grab a bite to eat and a quick photo at one of the various Primanti Brothers locations. Whether or not you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely want to snap some shots of your grub for your followers. This spot is a prime example of the Burgh’s finest cuisine and culture so make it a point to come through.
The Omni William Penn Hotel
Opulent and glamorous, the lobby at the Omni William Penn Hotel is a great backdrop for an elegant photo. Grab a nightcap at the bar or visit the tearoom for an afternoon spot of Earl Grey that you will want to document for your friends back home. The hotel recently celebrated its 100th birthday, so it is clearly a staple in the Pittsburgh repertoire. You’ll be transported back in time to a world of stately glamour.
The Strip District
Located between downtown and Bloomfield, the Strip District is the perfect place to snap some yinzer-inspired pictures. Take a stroll and stop in at the various local shops and pick up some fun, kitschy tees emblazoned with Pittsburghese. The industrial, grungy appearance of the Strip perfectly captures the vibe of the city, making it a great place for a photo-op.
Carrie Furnace
Go for a derelict, industrial chic background for your next shot and visit the Carrie Furnace in Homestead. Part of the former Homestead Steel Works and located on the edge of the Mon, you’ll get to be a part of the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh steel industry. This attraction was also featured in an episode of the reality show American Ninja Warrior for all of you reality TV junkies. Here, you will really get a feel for Pittsburgh’s past and what makes this city so special.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.