Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guide — Where to Stay

Pittsburgh, the Steel City, is a unique blend of old and new. It's where historic industrial areas have transformed into thriving neighborhoods and where quirky and cutting-edge local businesses, galleries, and event venues sit side-by-side Gothic monuments and stately Victorian homes.

When choosing where to stay in Pittsburgh, you have a diverse array of fascinating and exciting neighborhoods to choose from.

In our Pittsburgh neighborhood guide below, we'll cover some of the city's top areas, so you can find the neighborhood that suits your vibe and travel goals. And remember, by staying at Placemakr's hotel in Pittsburgh, PA, you'll be within easy reach of many of the city's best neighborhoods.

Table of Contents

• Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Pittsburgh

• What to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay

• Stay With Placemakr in Pittsburgh 

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Pittsburgh

Downtown/Cultural District

Downtown Pittsburgh — also called the Golden Triangle — is the city's vibrant and walkable heart.

At the point where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers meet is Point State Park. This historic green space features running and biking trails and the Fort Pitt Museum, housed in the remnants of an 18th-century British fort.

Market Square is another iconic public space, lined by restaurants and bars with outdoor patios.

The northern section of Downtown is the Cultural District, home to theaters, art galleries, and other cultural institutions. Just a short walk from Placemakr's Downtown Pittsburgh hotel brings you to the majestic Heinz Hall, home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Benedum Center, which stages big-name musical productions.

With so much on offer, Downtown is inarguably among the best areas to stay in Pittsburgh.

Strip District

Once an industrial area, the Strip District has been transformed into one of Pittsburgh's trendiest and most exciting neighborhoods. Its brick warehouses now house some of the city's top eateries, giving the area an industrial-chic vibe.

The centerpiece of the neighborhood is The Strip District Terminal, a historic warehouse that boasts a market featuring a curated selection of Pittsburgh's best artisans and local businesses.

In the streets surrounding The Terminal, you'll find a wealth of excellent eateries and brewpubs, such as local favorites Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar and Helltown Brewing.

The Strip is also a hotspot for cultural events, highlighted by the world-famous Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the Pittsburgh Opera.

Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville is another industrial area that has morphed in recent years into a hub of coffee shops, galleries, and music venues. The sprawling neighborhood has a good mix of quiet residential streets and more youthful and energetic hotspots, especially around Arsenal Park and Butler Street.

If you want to stay somewhere that feels eclectic, vibrant, and authentically Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville is a great choice.

Lawrenceville has some of the best restaurants in the city, with The Abbey topping many lists. This former foundry and funeral home now serves up an upscale dining experience while maintaining its historic decor.

And for a true Lawrenceville experience, head to Arsenal Bowl, a vintage bowling alley with a full bar and DJ.

Shadyside

Shadyside is one of Pittsburgh's more upscale districts, featuring historic Victorian mansions on quiet tree-lined streets and walkable main streets boasting fashionable boutiques, hip galleries, and charming cafes. If you want a relaxed and refined stay, Shadyside is an excellent choice.

Walnut Street is the neighborhood's commercial heart. With its many locally-owned boutiques, it's great for a leisurely stroll and window shopping.

On the last Saturday of each summer month, you can enjoy Jam on Walnut, an outdoor concert series featuring local musicians. For one of the best breakfasts in Pittsburgh, try Cafe Moulin, which serves mouthwatering crepes, french toast, and other favorites.

Oakland

If you're looking for where to stay in Pittsburgh that'll put you close to the city's top museums and attractions, Oakland is one of our top picks. Adjacent to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, this is an energetic and intellectual neighborhood with an eclectic mix of quirky and independent shops alongside monumental architecture.

When you stay in Oakland, you'll be a short walk from the Cathedral of Learning, an imposing Gothic tower that remains one of the tallest educational buildings in the world.

The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, meanwhile, are not to be missed and are among the top museums in the world. And while you’re in the area, check out the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens with its beautiful horticultural displays and stately Victorian greenhouse.

South Side

Located across the Monongahela River from Downtown, South Side is one of the best places to stay in Pittsburgh.

East Carson Street, a National Historic District, is the heart of this lively neighborhood. Lined with restaurants, bars, live music venues, and art galleries housed in Victorian buildings, it's one of Pittsburgh's most energetic and exciting thoroughfares.

Heading further west, you'll discover Station Square, a complex of former railway stations and warehouses that has been turned into a shopping and entertainment district. Its musical fountain is particularly impressive and worth a trip.

Nearby is the Monongahela Incline, a 19th-century funicular railway that will carry you up Mount Washington. At the top you'll discover a scenic overlook with one of the best views of Downtown.

North Shore

If you're a sports fan, the North Shore is arguably the best area to stay in Pittsburgh. Situated directly across the Allegheny River from Downtown, this neighborhood is where you'll find PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Acrisure Stadium, where both the Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers football teams play.

On game days, the historic Roberto Clemente Bridge is open to pedestrians only, making this neighborhood easily accessible to and from Downtown.

The North Shore is about more than just sports, it's also a cultural hub. If you're an art lover, you'll want to check out the Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the works and life of Pittsburgh's most famous artist.

Or head to the Mattress Factory, a contemporary art space featuring large and playful installations set in a converted warehouse.

What to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay

When deciding where to stay in Pittsburgh, you'll need to weigh various factors based on your trip goals. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Proximity to Attractions

Areas like Downtown/Cultural District, The Strip, and Oakland will put you closest to the city's most famous attractions and museums. South Side and North Shore are also good options.

Walkability and Access to Public Transit

Pittsburgh's urban neighborhoods are highly walkable and there's a good public transit system, with most light rail and bus lines converging on Downtown. For light rail access, the best neighborhoods are North Shore, South Side, and Downtown. All other neighborhoods have good bus access.

Neighborhood Vibe

If you're looking for quiet and upscale, Shadyside is for you. For something more artsy, North Shore, the Cultural District, and Lawrenceville are brimming with creativity. Many of Pittsburgh's historic sites can be found in or near Oakland, Downtown, and the South Side.

Hotel Availability and Airbnb Options

Hotels are overwhelmingly concentrated in Downtown; although, the North Shore and Oakland have decent availability too. Otherwise, all of the areas covered in our Pittsburgh neighborhood guide above have many Airbnb options.

Budget Range

There's not a huge difference in terms of cost between the different neighborhoods covered here. You'll find free or inexpensive attractions throughout the city, such as the Cathedral of Learning and the Monongahela Incline. Much of Pittsburgh's charm is exploring its historic streets and beautiful green spaces, both of which will cost you nothing.

Stay With Placemakr in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a vibrant, historic city and each neighborhood offers its own unique personality. Whether you're looking for a night out on the town or to explore world-class museums and galleries, there's an area of the city that's bound to appeal to you.

When choosing where to stay in Pittsburgh, Downtown will likely be high on your list thanks to its many attractions, extensive dining and shopping options, and easy access to the rest of the city.

Placemakr's Pittsburgh hotel places you in the center of the action. You'll be within easy walking distance of Downtown, the Cultural District, and The Strip, while enjoying your own chef-ready kitchen, 24/7 fitness center, and convenient on-site laundry.