Pittsburgh’s three rivers, the Allegheny to the North, the Monogahela to the South, and the Ohio to the West, have shaped the city’s history since before the United States of America was a nation. Visitors can stand at the confluence of these three great rivers in Point State Park. 

Pittsburgh’s Strip District is one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, known for its vibrant mix of history, diverse commerce, and vibrant culture. Located along the Allegheny River, just outside of downtown, the Strip District has transformed over the years from a bustling industrial center into a lively market destination.

Looking for a glimpse of nature in Downtown Pittsburgh? Head to Mellon Square to enjoy an oasis in the middle of the city.

In 1949, the city was given $4 million by the A. W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust, Sarah Mellon Scaife, and Richard King Mellon Foundation to build a public plaza and parking facility. Built in 1955, it became one of the very first public plazas to be built atop a parking garage, effectively making it one of the country’s first “green roofs.”

Heinz Hall holds Pittsburgh’s most beautiful music and architecture, as well as a storied history. Home to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Heinz Hall began in 1927 as the Loew’s Penn Theater. The building was almost demolished in 1964 after Loew’s Theater closed its doors, but John Heinz II saw promise in the historic moviehouse and began a 3 year and $10 million reconstruction effort.

Market Square, what some call the “heart of downtown,” has been an integral part in Pittsburgh’s social scene since 1784. Read more to learn about how the Square became the communal space it is today.