10 Hidden Gems In Pittsburgh Most People Don't Know Even Exist
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Remember that famous line in Forrest Gump: “Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get?” Well, Pittsburgh is kind of like that box of chocolates, full of surprises and hidden gems that make living here so much fun. Do you know all the secrets that Pittsburgh holds? If not, maybe it’s time to open up that box of chocolates and discover the hidden gems in Pittsburgh that are worth a spot on your bucket list.
1. Arcade Comedy Theater
Arcade Comedy Theater, 943 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Get ready to laugh at the Arcade Comedy Theater, located on Liberty Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh. The Arcade Comedy Theater features regular improv comedy shows and also offers classes and workshops for aspiring comedians. Kids can also get into the action – literally – by checking out The Penny Arcade, an improv show just for kids. If you're looking for fun things to do in Pittsburgh for the whole family, you can't go wrong with Arcade Comedy Theater. Check out the schedule for the Penny Arcade and more on the official website of Arcade Comedy Theater.
2. Randyland
Randyland, 1501 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA
It all started with a dilapidated building Randy Gilson purchased more than two decades ago. Today, that rundown building in the North Side has become part of a vibrant neighborhood of other buildings Gilson has purchased and has transformed into an artistic masterpiece of artfully decorated houses featuring murals, statues, and other handcrafted artwork. Randyland is located in the Mexican War Streets District. Don't forget your camera, and don't be surprised if you run into Randy during your visit.
Go on a virtual tour of Randyland with Qwirky Wirks on YouTube.
Go on a virtual tour of Randyland with Qwirky Wirks on YouTube.
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3. City of Asylum
City of Asylum, 40 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA
Pittsburgh has earned a reputation as a culturally diverse city and nothing embodies that cultural diversity more than the City of Asylum, a safe haven for select literary writers who are exiled from their own countries. The City of Asylum works with communities to transform run-down homes into creative safe havens, which are used to house exiled writers and to host readings and performances to which the community is invited. Keep an eye out for the organization's premier festivals, including LitFest and Jazz Poetry Month.
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4. The Allegheny Observatory
Allegheny Observatory, 159 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214, USA
Enjoy an unparalleled view of the universe at the Allegheny Observatory, operated by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at The University of Pittsburgh. A center for astrological research, the Allegheny Observatory hosts public tours on Friday evenings in the spring, on Thursday and Friday nights during the summer, and on Friday evenings in the fall. Tours include an introductory video, a tour of the observatory, and the opportunity to observe the night sky through the telescope. Advanced reservations are required for the free tour.
5. Mystery Lovers Bookshop
Mystery Lovers Bookshop, 514 Allegheny River Blvd, Oakmont, PA 15139, USA
Immerse yourself in a good old-fashioned mystery by stopping by the Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont, which has earned the distinction of being one of the largest mystery bookshops in the United States. Along with having an extensive collection of mystery novels for sale, Mystery Lovers Bookshop regularly hosts mystery author visits and other events. It is one of the best hidden gems in Pittsburgh, especially for book lovers.
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6. Conflict Kitchen
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Conflict Kitchen has closed its doors.
Experience authentic food and discuss cultural issues at Conflict Kitchen, which only serves food from those countries with which the United States is currently in conflict. Countries are rotated periodically, and Conflict Kitchen is currently serving food from Iran. Each meal is served in a container that features an interview with an individual from Iran to give patrons a glimpse into their lives and their culture. Conflict Kitchen also hosts scheduled events and performances.
Experience authentic food and discuss cultural issues at Conflict Kitchen, which only serves food from those countries with which the United States is currently in conflict. Countries are rotated periodically, and Conflict Kitchen is currently serving food from Iran. Each meal is served in a container that features an interview with an individual from Iran to give patrons a glimpse into their lives and their culture. Conflict Kitchen also hosts scheduled events and performances.
7. Escape Room Pittsburgh
569 Greenfield Ave floor 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15207, USA
On the lookout for things to do in Pittsburgh but want to do something a bit different? You've just found it. If the warden locked you in a cell and walked away, could you cooperate with your cellmates and escape before he returns in a mere hour? That's just what Escape Room Pittsburgh challenges visitors to do. Escape rooms vary but may include such intriguing themes as Houdini's Last Escape, Carnegie's Millions, and Subway Escape. Escape Room Pittsburgh is on Greenfield Avenue in Pittsburgh. Reserve your desired time slot well in advance.
8. The Robot Hall of Fame
Carnegie Science Center, 1 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA
Get up close to those robots who have shot to fame and secured spots in The Robot Hall of Fame, located in the Carnegie Science Center. An ode to both real and fictional robots, like R2D2 from Star Wars, the Robot Hall of Fame debuted in 2003 and is designed to bring awareness to the importance that robotics play in today's society. Among those robots currently in the Hall include C3PO, Dewey, Gort, and Robby, the Robot.
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9. Pittsburgh Glass Center
Pittsburgh Glass Center, 5472 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
Channel your inner artist by creating glass art at the Pittsburgh Glass Center on Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh. Join one of the popular glass art classes, available for individuals at all levels, or opt for a private one-on-one lesson. One of the best hidden gems in PA offers visitors the opportunity to work on such unique glass projects as beads, paperweights, and suncatchers.
10. Bicycle Heaven
Bicycle Heaven, 1800 Preble Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, USA
Bicyclists will find themselves in Bicycle Heaven when visiting the store and museum of the same name. Located near the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Bicycle Heaven Museum and Bike Shop takes visitors through the rich history of bicycles with bikes from different eras on display and for sale. Simply browse the vast inventory or find that perfect basket, bell, or the necessary parts for your bicycle.
Gear up for your visit to Bicycle Heaven by checking out this YouTube video by Very Local.
Gear up for your visit to Bicycle Heaven by checking out this YouTube video by Very Local.
What are your favorite fun things to do in Pittsburgh? Have you ever been to any of these hidden gems in Pittsburgh? Or, are there other gems that you think definitely deserve to make the next list? Let us know in the comments! Ready for more adventures? Here are even more hidden gems in PA that are worthy of a spot on your bucket list.
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More to Explore
Fun Things To Do In Pittsburgh
What are some other fun things to do in Pittsburgh?
We can find a ton of fun things to do in Pittsburgh. If you’re a fan of exploring the natural beauty of the area, for example, follow one of these hikes in Pittsburgh:
- The seven-mile Riverfront Trail boasts some of the best views of the city skyline.
- Explore Mount Washington on the Emerald View Trail. Bring your camera because…the views are absolutely spellbinding.
- Follow the Meadow Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park, which leads to Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle Falls, and Meadow Run Natural Waterslides. If you’re visiting during the summer, slip down the waterslides to cool off.
- Slip on your hiking boots for a short but sweet trek along the half-mile Hells Hollow Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Are there any natural wonders in Pittsburgh?
If you don’t already have a list of things to do in Pittsburgh, you’ll probably want to start making one now. On that list, include some of the best natural wonders in Pittsburgh (and nearby):
- Explore Pennsylvania’s deepest and largest cave when you visit Laurel Caverns in Hopwood.
- Stroll along a picturesque path at Powdermill Nature Reserve.
- Stop by Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park. You can view the waterfall from above, or walk down a set of stairs to the base.
- Spend a day boating or kayaking on the Monongahela River.