Panther Parents' Guide to Visiting Pittsburgh

Here are the top 10 things as recommended by Panther students and families that I surveyed.

Campus walking tour. The Cathedral of Higher Learning is a must. You'll feel like you are on set in a Harry Potter Movie. The Cathedral of Learning, a Pittsburgh landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is the centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh's main campus in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Standing at 535 feet (>163 m), the 42-story Late Gothic Revival Cathedral is the tallest educational building in the Western hemisphere and the second tallest university building (fourth tallest educationally-purposed building) in the world. It is also the second tallest gothic-styled building in the world. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Learning
Phipps Conservatory. Close to campus. http://phipps.conservatory.org/
Incline: http://www.stationsquare.com/info/inclines One of Pittsburgh's distinctive features is its cable-powered inclines designed for transportation between the river valleys and the communities on top of the overlooking bluffs. At one time Pittsburgh had about fifteen inclines. Two of them remain, on the south bank of the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, across from downtown Pittsburgh. They provide service to the Mount Washington for residents and a historic voyage for tourists wishing to sightsee some of the most breathtaking views of our panoramic skylines.
Red Bus Tour: There are several bus companies. Here is one with fun drivers. http://www.pghtours.com/Double_Decker_Bus.php
Drive around the 446 bridges. Pittsburgh has more bridges than any city in the world. The Bridges of Pittsburgh play an important role in the city's transportation system. Without bridges, the Pittsburgh region would be a series of fragmented valleys, hillsides, river plains, and isolated communities. A 2006 study determined that Pittsburgh has 446 bridges, and with its proximity to three major rivers and countless hills and ravines, Pittsburgh is known as "The City of Bridges".
Eat. Great restaurants everywhere from Pizza to Primanti's to the strip meat district. Old historic Shantytown is a great stroll and lots of restaurants. Here is a link to map and list of merchants and history. link to Strip Meat District Pittsburgh
Shop. Malls in several suburban areas. Here is a great link to all from Downtown to SouthSide Works to Outlets.shopping in pittsburgh
Pitt Basketball Game. A must to see the Zoo. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petersen_Events_Center
Pitt Football Game. Heinz field is a spectacular view of the city. http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/facilities/pitt-facilities-heinz.html
Warm Weather: Kennywood amusement park: One of only two amusement parks in the country to be designated on the national historic register. Known for it's roller coaster. kennywood amusement park

Other based on research online:

The Andy Warhol Museum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Andy_Warhol_Museum
The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium: http://www.pittsburghzoo.org/
Carnegie Science Center: http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/
Pittsburgh Penguins National Hockey League at the Consol Energy Center: http://onlineticketsusa.com/venue/consol-energy-center-tickets-for-sale.aspx
Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Duquesne http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Pitt_(Pennsylvania) was a fort established by the French in 1754, at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in what is now downtown Pittsburgh in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It was destroyed and replaced by Fort Pitt in 1758; over two centuries later, the site formerly occupied by Fort Duquesne is now Point State Park.
Wander Through Allegheny Cemetery One of the most picturesque places in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Cemetery is also unexpectedly romantic with 300 acres of rolling hills and monuments encompassing a wide variety of architectural styles. The cemetery houses generations of Pittsburghers back to the French & Indian war. Stop and get a map to the graves of composer Stephen Collins Foster and America's first glamour girl, Lillian Russell.

Here are some helpful links from the University for Parents:
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1. General Parent info on Student Life

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