Free & Affordable Vacation Ideas in Pittsburgh

1. Public Art Tour

Visitors to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or even locals as well, can take a Public Art Tour through the city. One option is to join a guided walking tour of artwork or artists’ studios, however, those tours usually charge a small fee. The free option is a self-guided walking tour. Those wanting to do their own free public art tour can take a look at the Pittsburgh Art in Public Places guidebook. This book is available as a free download from the website or a free hard copy can be obtained at the Office of Public Art or the Visit Pittsburgh Welcome Center.

2. The MLK Community Mural Project

The MLK Community Mural Project is an Arts organization in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania focused on education, youth development, and the arts. Established in 2002 by Kyle Holbrook, a muralist and artist, the vision for MLK Mural is to use public artwork to reach youth throughout the summer season and try to get them to do some positive work in the community during the time they are not in school. The organization collaborates with after school programs, churches, juvenile justice halls, foster homes, community groups, schools, and artists. Hundreds of artists and possibly as many as six thousand youth have shared this vision.

3. Chatham University Arboretum and Labyrinth

The Chatham University Arboretum and Labyrinth can be found on the campus of Pittsburgh’s Chatham University. The Shadyside campus of the university is one of the city’s most idyllic locations, featuring elements designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers for the original estate of Andrew Mellon. The Arboretum offers a welcoming space for meditation and strolling, along with an outdoor classroom. The Chatham University Arboretum features 115 varieties of plant species, such as the Kentucky Coffee tree, River Birch, and the Japanese Flowering Crabapple. Visitors can also attempt to navigate Jessica’s Labyrinth, thought to be Pittsburgh’s largest public outdoor labyrinth.

106 Woodland Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, Phone: 412-365-1290

4. Society for Contemporary Crafts

The Society for Contemporary Crafts is open to the public on Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00am until 5:00pm. The various exhibitions on display are free for visitors to view. Contemporary Crafts presents contemporary art in the craft media by regional, national, and international artists, and has been doing so since the year 1971. Cutting-edge exhibits at Contemporary Crafts focus on non-mainstream art and multicultural diversity, along with offering a variety of community outreach programs, classes, and their own retail store. The Drop-In Studio lets both adults and kids participate in hands-on activities during normal hours.

5645 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, Phone: 412-261-7003

5. The Frick Pittsburgh

Both visitors and locals alike can experience the refinement and culture of the Gilded Age. Guests of The Frick Pittsburgh can tour Clayton, which is the historic residence of the Frick family, along with interesting exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs. Visitors can also take a walk through the more than five acres of gardens, enjoy delicious food, and more. The grounds of the Frick, the Greenhouse, and the Car and Carriage Museum charge no admission fees. Special exhibitions and tours, however, charge a fee. The Frick is closed on Mondays throughout the year and is open later on Fridays.

7227 Reynolds St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, Phone: 412-371-0600

6. Randyland

Randyland is house owned by Randy Gilson, a local Pittsburgh artist who bought the building in 1995 on a credit card. He used to wait tables every day and then went home and painted, trying to bring some happiness to the neighborhood. People from all over now travel to Randyland to share in Gilson’s dream. The first floor serves as Randy’s studio, however, the majority of his artwork is located outside for visitors’ enjoyment. Randyland is surrounded by vibrant outdoor murals with people often dancing outside to bands playing music.

1501 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, Phone: 412-342-8152

7. Mount Washington

Mount Washington is a charming place known for providing panoramic views of the City of Pittsburgh from spots that include the Restaurant Row on Grandview Avenue, a spot where visitors can enjoy food from Italian and upscale seafood restaurants. The Duquesne Incline and the Monongahela Incline are both funiculars that climb up the hill to the lookouts, including Grandview Overlook. Emerald View Park has several trails, while Point of View Park boasts a sculpture of George Washington with Guyasuta, the Seneca leader. Station Square, near the lower station of the Monongahela Incline, is a popular dining and shopping location.

8. Allegheny Observatory

The Allegheny Observatory is situated within a public park, however, it is owned and managed by the University of Pittsburgh. It is used by the university as a research laboratory, so it is only open to the public to visit through its tour program. Tours of the Allegheny Observatory are available during certain times of the year. While the tours of the Allegheny Observatory are free, reservations are required.

159 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214, Phone: 412-321-2400

9. Bicycle Heaven

Bicycle Heaven is the largest bicycle shop and museum in the world. Founded by Craig and Mindy Morrow in 2011, Bicycle Heaven has been featured in the Associated Press and the New York Times. Here, people can get their bike fixed, buy a new one, or rent a bike. The museum at Bicycle Heaven lets guests have a chance to view bikes used in movies, including ones from Fences, Super 8, and A Beautiful Mind among several others. There is no fee to explore the museum.

1800 Preble Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, Phone: 412-734-4034