5 Things To Do in Downtown Pittsburgh: The Winter Edition

By Mia Patterson

Whether you are a student attending a local university or a tourist visiting for the first time -- Pittsburgh is filled with tons of restaurants, museums, and other fun activities. But during the winter season is when this place truly come alive. So if you want to experience the magic of the Steel City or you’re just looking for ways to entertain yourself during the icy-cold months, here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh: The Winter Edition. 

1. Trade your walking shoes for skates the MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place

Photo by Austin Shuey

$

Downtown

From November 22 through March 1, the Plaza between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue transforms into the MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place, a spectacular one-of-a-kind outdoor ice skating rink. 

To learn more :http://www.ppgplace.com/directory/the-rink/

2. Travel to a village of gingerbread houses with the Christmas Market 

Photo via Discover the Burgh website

Free to $

Market Square, Downtown

Beyond the seven levels of the candy cane forest, through the sea of swirly-twirly gumdrops, lays a village of gingerbread houses. Just kidding, it is the Christmas Market! Vendors sell their gorgeous holiday and local wares. It is located at Market Square, which is right next to the MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink. 

3. Explore the Warhol Museum 

Warhol Museum Website/Picture by: Dean Kaufman

$

North Shore 

Andy Warhol was a pop-art icon who was associated with the New York scene. But actually he was a Pittsburgher. The Andy Warhol Museum is located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. It is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. Here is where you can see extensive permanent collection of art and archives from him.

To learn more: https://www.warhol.org

4. Do anything but sleep at the Mattress Factory

Photo via On the Grid Website 

Free 

North Shore 

No, I am sorry to inform you, you can’t take a nap here. But you can become a part of the art with these interactive art rooms. Founded in 1977, the Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum features permanent installations by artists Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell, and Greer Lankton.

To learn more: https://www.mattress.org.

5. Take an “up and down” trip on the Duquesne Incline

Photo via Will Moneymaker/ Ficklr

$

Downtown

This one is for those who have enough courage to brave the cold. The Duquesne Incline was opened in 1877 and it offers sweeping views of the city & a history museum.

To learn more: http://www.duquesneincline.org