People often say "Pittsburgh is the only city with a grand entrance" and it is really true. You…read morepop out of the tunnel and see the city's great sky line on one side and the fountain on the other. If you are coming from the north on 279, you round a corner and then bam, there it is, the skyline. Additionally, you can get amazing views from up on Mt. Washington. When I have out of town visitors, they often ask about a rooftop restaurant and I say you don't need one, you just need to go to one of the ones in Mt. Washington. There is a nice variety of modern vs historic and the signature bridge color and style complements it well. One of the great things about Pittsburgh's skyline is the variety of options you have to view it. You can be ground level at Station Square or on the North Side. The best view, though, is from Mt. Washington. Definitely take the time to view it during the day, at night and in different seasons for different perspectives.

For mixed-sex couples who want action with me, call my Bi-Line…read moreIf you want some explanations, phone me on my Why-Line If you're sad and need a shoulder, you should try my Cry-Line But if you want the best view around, try Pittsburgh's Skyline! If you get drunk in Pittsburgh, and then need a bathroom, you may have trouble finding one, hence the nickname "P*ssburgh", but what some people that don't know P***burgh very well don't know, is that this city has one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. Still one of the most beautiful skylines in the whole world. You got to see a little of it during the recent "Grudge Match" boxing movie, but it's still so unheralded and unappreciated compared to other, often inferior, skylines. Los Angeles is amazing with the mountain behind it (from a distance), whereas San Francisco and its bridges is incomparable, and Rainier as a backdrop to Seattle is incredible. Don't forget Philly, Houston, Dallas, the spectacular lakeside Chicago, and the blue tropical-scape of Miami. While New York City probably wins, I'd actually put Pittsburgh at the top of the list for the runner up spot. The best place to view the skyline (and there are many, many options) is Grandview Avenue, which is also listed and reviewed on Yelp. The viewing platforms up there are incredible. Another great view is on your way through the tunnel from the West... it's a low trajectory view, but it's breathtaking. I love heading into Pitt on the interstate from the North (I-279 I believe), and seeing it unfolding behind the gorgeous mountains. So indeed. It's one of the most incredible skylines in the country, and one which always takes my breath away and has ever since I first saw it a long time ago when I came to Pittsburgh to play a concert, so many years back, but it meant a lot to me, and the City of Pittsburgh totally changed my life for sure. I certainly think it's one of the most underrated skylines in the history of skylines. No matter what angle you see it from - especially if you're coming over a hill and then you see it - it just takes your breath away. Especially considering there is really nothing in the way of cities for hundreds of miles, in at least 80% of the directions from Pittsburgh. If you head Ohio way it's a little bit different, but still it's just amazing of here. One of the most amazing parts of the country that's for sure. If anyone ever tells you Pittsburgh isn't beautiful and spectacular, they don't know what they're talking about. Even if a lot of the guys here have an attitude, hence the nickname "Pr**ksburgh."

What's not to love about the place that gives you incredible views of Pittsburgh?!…read moreThere are so many neat things here. Public parks, some interesting sculptures, viewing platforms, the top stations for both inclines, tons of great restaurants, bars and bakeries. It is such a cool place! Really something for everyone. And the absolute best views of the beautiful Pittsburgh skyline.

It's a bit of a stretch to call this a "mountain", but it is an absolutely STUNNING place to…read morephotography PGH from! I recommend coming around sunset/sunrise or even at night! Fading natural light is a great contrast to artificial city lights. If you do this, I highly recommend bringing a tripod. There are some decent places to eat up here as well! I hiked up through a trail system from the Sheraton, it was a blast!

Andrea Polli's masterpiece in the heart of the Cultural District is an absolute gem of immersive…read moreart! A place I would often take visitors to our great city and a spot I still swing by whenever I'm home. The canal aka Garrison Place was originally a dank and dark alley (Garrison Alley) that transformed with the Cultural District coming into fruition. The LED art installation wasn't unveiled until 2018 but is still considered a vital and iconic piece of Pittsburgh art & history. The idea of the artwork is to mimic swimming under water. The lights change colors depending on weather. The animated waves also shift & change around the weather. If you're visiting Pittsburgh, be sure to check it out (after the sun goes down) in the 900 block of Liberty.

"Garrison Canal" is a piece of artwork that was designed by artist Andrea Polli and installed in…read morethe Garrison Place alley between Liberty Avenue and Exchange Way. The artwork consists of thousands of lights that were recycled from the "Energy Flow" art on the Rachel Carson Bridge. According to the website for the artwork, Polli describes the artwork as waves of big-data lights under which visitors "swim." The lights change color in response to the weather. Recently late in the evening, my husband and I walked under this artwork. The shimmering lights looked very beautiful. Unfortunately, a man stopped and really stared at us, and even my husband felt worried that we would be robbed. We were not harmed at all (phew!), but I recommend that people walk with a buddy and keep a safe distance from others.

Some of the best views of the Pittsburgh Skyline…read more I ended up using my tripod-mounted DSLR and 70-200mm lens to get some great photos of the Pittsburgh Skyline from this location. Although the park itself is safe with visitors typically present...the surrounding area is very very quiet. In driving to the park's parking lot on Fairview Avenue, you will notice this. At no time did I feel unsafe, even with my photography equipment on hand. A police cruiser did circle around the parking area during my visit...which is reassuring. There are about 15 parking spaces in the main lot. There is also a port-a-potty there.

While not as well known as it's more famous sister on Mt. Washington, the West End Overlook is a…read moregreat spot to get a head on view of downtown and look up the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. I love to come here as it's a little quieter than Grandview Ave and has lots of trees and greenery about.

Strawberry Way is an alley in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh that's been transformed into an…read moreeclectic outdoor seating area that attracts people from all walks of life: business professionals, students and artists. The street has been painted in a vibrant and funky pattern and in the summer months filled with multi-colored tables and chairs. The seating area provides a fun experience for lunch hour or just to take a break and enjoy the views of surrounding buildings. This is one of those little gems I'd love to stumble across as a tourist in another city. Definitely worth enjoying and not taking for granted as a city resident or area local.

Fun, funky, quiet, an oasis. This little neighborhood alley can be anything you want it to be. The…read morewalkway has been painted in a multitude of colors/shapes and there are planters and tables and chairs throughout to take a load off and just relax. If you need a spot to unwind, come on down!

Awesome display of color and emotion in this mural we saw while we were in Pittsburgh. We love…read moremural and public art. And something we love doing is traveling and seeing murals in other cities. This is a great looking mural that displays a good message. Definitely one to check out and visit,

This parklet is a half block from my house and we come here every evening to do pull-ups after our…read morenightly walk. In addition we do walk here when the sun is out lol. It's fun to stroll through and chat with neighbors that have their kids out for playtime. It's great fun to hit the swings as well. In the summertime there's a misting station for cooling off. And believe you me I take full advantage of it! Though it's listed as a parklet it's definitely more of a playground. There are a couple of benches and seating also with a jungle gym, slides and swings. Kids and kids at heart can enjoy time here. We certainly do.

When Karla recommends something, just go see it. In this case it's an art installation with…read morefascinating reflections on Gender, objectification, and the American Dream. It's not easy to find, but park in the gravel lot and head up the hill on an overgrown trail. There are stunning views of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church from the parking lot. There are tons of birds singing.

To All My Off-the-Beaten Path Yelpers... Let's be honest:…read morestandard museums can be exhausting. They expect you to whisper, stand behind velvet ropes, and look thoughtfully at a canvas while pretending you understand the artist's existential dread. But if you hike up the gravelly, overgrown path from the baseball field parking lot at West Penn Park, deep into the woods where Polish Hill hides its best secrets, you will find *real* fine art. I don't care what the skeptics say, I am utterly, unapologetically obsessed with this place. Walking through it is like navigating an exploded American fantasy. Hint: to find it, climb up near Parnell. The crowning jewel of the entire display is the massive Valentine's heart woven across the chain-link fence at the back, meticulously built out of at least a hundred dolls. It's glorious. It's a literal monument to plastic love, rising out of the dirt like a monument to forgotten childhoods. If you go, respect the plastic. Leave a doll, rearrange a Ken, or just sit on the cracked concrete and admire the view. Long live the cult. Roadside Americana? Sure, why not? Definitely fun to check out.