Three-river city of hills, bridges, research hospitals, and tech offices.
Stats from public records. Verify before travel. Last reviewed 2026.
| Population | approximately 300 thousand (2020 census, city) (2020, census) |
|---|---|
| Area | approximately 150 km² (58 sq mi) (city limits) |
| Elevation | approximately 220 m (river confluence) |
| Founded / established | Forks of the Ohio fort site; steel-era heritage |
| Time zone | EST/EDT (UTC−5/−4) |
| Nearest airport | Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) |
| Languages | English |
| Nicknames | Steel City |
Top places, ranked lists, and details by category.
Last updated: March 2026
Three rivers, inclines, and a revitalized downtown; Strip District, Lawrenceville, and South Side. Hilly—dress for walking. Four seasons; winter can be gray.
Primanti's, pierogies, and craft beer define dining. Strip District for markets; Oakland for students and museums. Fallingwater and Laurel Highlands nearby.
TopTenAtlas lists help you choose where to eat, stay, and explore. Day trips to Fallingwater, Ohiopyle, or Erie round out a stay.
Pittsburgh is affordable for a major metro. Tech and healthcare drive growth. Strip District and Oakland offer dining value.
Sandwich with fries and coleslaw on top—Pittsburgh institution.
Polish dumplings—Church Brew Works and neighborhood spots.
Salad with fries on top.
Breweries across the city—Iron City legacy.
Lenten tradition—fried fish on soft bread.
Frank Lloyd Wright house. 1.5 hours southeast.
Rafting and state park. 1.5 hours south.
Hiking and Nemacolin. 1 hour south.
Lake Erie shore. 2 hours north.
Pittsburgh is generally safe. Downtown and neighborhoods are well-patrolled.
Emergency: Emergency: 911.