Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on December 20, 2021.
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Pittsburgh is a stunning city, there is no doubt about that.
In being such a beautiful city, odds are good you'll want to get out and grab some photos for your personal use or social media sites like Instagram.
To help you find some of the city's most stunning spots, we teamed up with Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo in Cranberry (the only Alfa Romeo dealer in the area) to take out one of their Stelvio SUVs for a spin to visit some of our favorite Pittsburgh Instagram friendly destinations. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio starts around $41,000 and will be available soon in the Quadrifoglio version which is a race car quality line with over 500 horsepower and can hit 0-60mph in under four seconds.
In this one we share the destinations we visited on our tour around the city plus a few more that you absolutely must check out when shooting for the ‘gram!
This post is sponsored in part by Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo.
All opinions and recommendations below are our own.
1. The Skyline Views
Pittsburgh's skyline is one of the most iconic in the United States. With its three rivers, triangular-shaped downtown, and 100+ year old working Duquesne Incline, the view of the city from Mount Washington is hard to beat.
But did you know that Pittsburgh is also home to a number of other stellar skyline viewpoints as well?
In fact, there are well over two dozen great spots to check out the gorgeous Pittsburgh skyline, including the West End Lookout (above), Fineview Lookout (below), and so many more (a full list is available at the previous link).
So if you're looking for a great Instagram spot, look no further than the city's skyline for one of the best options out there!
2. The Strip District
Pittsburgh's Strip District is one of the city's most popular neighborhoods, but is also one with a fairly unique history.
The neighborhood started out as an industrial hot spot with steel mills, manufacturing, fruit and vegetable markets, and even grocers calling the area home. While the heavy manufacturing is now gone, the markets and grocery stores remain and the neighborhood has reinvented itself as a vibrant spot for eating, drinking, and shopping.
But there are many signs of the Strip District's industrial past at every turn, including old warehouses, historic bridges, railroad tracks, and more. So if you are looking to get a photo for your Instagram account you have two unique angles to consider when visiting this historic neighborhood!
3. Phipps Conservatory
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a perfect spot for Instagram inside and out.
On the outside the conservatory is constructed entirely from glass, making for beautiful views at every turn. On the inside is room after room of perfectly curated flowers, wonderful for those who want to experience a bit of nature while inside the city!
4. Cathedral of Learning
The Cathedral of Learning is another Instagram-worthy spot in Pittsburgh that is just as stunning on the outside as it is on the inside.
The reason for this is because the building is part of the University of Pittsburgh's campus and is a 42-story skyscraper in the heart of Oakland. Since this one stands alone it makes for a truly imposing scene.
On the inside the ground level of the Cathedral of Learning will make you think like you've been transported to Hogwarts with its gothic architecture, tall ceilings, and ornate designs. While visiting, be sure to get a few ‘grams in the Nationality Rooms- themed as classrooms from various centuries as well!
5. Mr. Rogers Statue
Mr. Rogers was everyone's favorite neighbor, and to honor this Latrobe native (just east of Pittsburgh) a statue of his likeness, entitled “Tribute to Children,” was installed in Pittsburgh's North Side in 2009.
This spot is also great for an Instagram video as the speakers play Fred Rogers quotes for all visitors to hear- something we all need more of in our lives!
6. Pittsburgh's Murals
Pittsburgh is fortunate to be a mural city, there is no denying that. From the commissioned works between Lawrenceville and the North Side, to the graffiti of Seldom Seen Greenway, if mural art is what you seek you will truly have a lot to check out.
On our road trip we checked several of our favorites out by local muralist Jeremy Raymer, including:
- Simpsons artwork at 35th and Charlotte in Lawrenceville.
- The Magneto mural on the AAA Scrap Metal Building at 331 Penn Avenue in Lawrenceville/The Strip District.
- Hulk vs Wolverine on the Heirloom Superfood Market at 3101 Penn Avenue in the Strip District.
- The Roberto Clemente Mural on the side of Verdetto's at 814 Madison Avenue in the North Side.
- Big Foot on the side of a private residence at James Street and Shawano Street in the North Side.
If murals are what you seek for your Instagram, this section of the city will not disappoint!
7. McConnells Mill State Park
McConnells Mill State Park is located about 45 minutes north of the city, and is worth the drive to capture great photos.
The reason for this is obvious within moments of arriving to the park as it is home to a beautiful covered bridge, an old fashioned mill, and has many miles of hiking trails with several waterfalls as well!
8. Point State Park
Point State Park is the crown jewel of downtown Pittsburgh, and commemorates the strategic importance of the region that was once home to Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt on the banks of the three rivers.
Today you can explore the footprints of the forts, enjoy sunset at the fountain near the true Point, or even see the oldest building in the city, the Fort Pitt blockhouse- all a photographer's dream come true!
9. North Shore River Trail
In being home to three rivers, you can imagine that Pittsburgh has a number of river trails to get out and enjoy a beautiful day.
For photos, our favorite is none other than the North Shore River Trail as it is in close proximity to downtown and has stunning city views- especially between the Sister Bridges (the Clemente, Warhol, and Carson)!
10. Randyland
To wind down this list, you know we had to make a visit to Pittsburgh's most colorful spot- Randyland.
To say that Randyland was made for Instagram is an understatement, and rather it is more appropriate to say that Instagram was made for Randyland. This beautiful spot in the North Side features two houses and a courtyard that are painted in vibrant colors and full of tchotchkes and artwork everywhere you look.
If you are looking for a photo that will do well on Instagram or simply want to go somewhere that will make you smile, Randyland will be it.
So, which of these great photos spots in Pittsburgh will you be heading to for your next Instagram update? Let us know in the comments below (and be sure to leave your Instagram username as well so we can check it out!).
This post was sponsored by Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo in Cranberry.