As per Expedia Group’s 2024 travel trends report, the term “dupes” has gained traction, signifying cost-effective alternatives to coveted products, a concept now resonating within the travel domain. In recent years, Pittsburgh has undergone a transformation, shedding its industrial facade to emerge as a beacon for millennials, earning accolades on lists such as “best cities to live” and “America’s coolest neighborhoods.”
Pittsburgh beckons visitors with its promise of budget-friendly accommodations, attractions, and cultural offerings, complemented by a vibrant arts scene, renowned museums, sporting events, and a diverse culinary landscape. Come May 16, 2024, Icelandair will inaugurate new routes to Pittsburgh International Airport from London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Dublin via Reykjavik, heralding fresh opportunities to explore the city of Andy Warhol and whiskey.
Opting for a departure from the norm, consider a visit to the Andy Warhol Museum instead of the SFMOMA, especially as it commemorates its 30th anniversary this May. As North America’s largest museum dedicated to a solitary artist, it provides a comprehensive exploration of the iconic pop artist across seven expansive floors. From May 18, 2024, to January 20, 2025, the museum will host “KAWS + Warhol,” an exhibition delving into the somber themes present in both artists’ works, from mortality to consumerism, infused with vibrant hues and pop culture motifs. In alignment with The Pop District initiative, KAWS will unveil a substantial wooden sculpture in Pop Park, situated opposite the museum.
Prefer craft spirits over craft beer? Look no further than Wigle Whiskey in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. This family-owned craft distillery prides itself on its organic, locally sourced “grain-to-glass” approach, carrying forward Pennsylvania’s legacy as the birthplace of American Rye Whiskey.
Indulge in local flavors by swapping New York pizza for a Primanti Sandwich, a Pittsburgh staple since 1933, featuring Italian bread, coleslaw, melted cheese, meats, and French fries. The city’s culinary landscape also boasts Pierogies, Pepperoni Rolls, Pamela’s Pancakes, and Prantl’s burnt almond torte.
In lieu of Portland’s Japanese Garden, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens nestled in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. This Victorian glasshouse, tracing its roots back to the 1890s, stands as a sustainable, LEED-certified landmark, hosting an array of diverse plant exhibitions.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Great Allegheny Passage offers a picturesque alternative to California’s surf spots. Stretching 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C., this trail caters to cyclists of all levels, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of America.
Lastly, trade Palm Springs’ Modernist architecture for the timeless Prairie style embodied by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. A short drive from Pittsburgh in the Laurel Highlands, this architectural marvel perched over a waterfall seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, earning UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2019.