Your Guide to Pittsburgh: Neighborhoods
In celebration of our forthcoming return to school and many students’ first experiences living in Pittsburgh, we’re offering an all-new “Guide to Pittsburgh” series, complete with quintessential destinations and facts. It’s likely that when you think of Pittsburgh, you think of sports and steel—don’t miss our guide to need-to-know cultural facts—but have you heard about our spectacular neighborhoods? Pittsburgh is home to 90 ( 🤯 ) neighborhoods and each has its own unique attractions, be it food, culture, music, or all of the above. Though we won’t be listing them all here (check out the complete list), below we’ll introduce some of Shadyside Campus’s bordering neighborhoods, which include some of the most diverse and happening spots in the city. Acquaint yourself below—
Shadyside
Shadyside is not only the namesake of our beloved main campus, it’s also a neighborhood filled with high-end food and shopping within a short walk of said campus. Walnut Street, one business hub of Shadyside, has everything from coveted clothing stores to cozy book shops to yoga studios. Plus, it hosts a variety of popular events, including the Jam on Walnut concert series and the Shadyside Arts Festival.
Exploration Homework: Grab a friend and spend the afternoon exploring the shops of Shadyside, particularly Kards Unlimited, which is yes, a card store, but also a wonderland of books, posters, ornaments, jewelry, and more!
Culture Check: Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media
Photo c/o Visit Pittsburgh
East Liberty
Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood is just minutes away from Shadyside Campus and even closer to our Chatham Eastside location. There are several bustling destinations throughout this neighborhood, including Bakery Square, which features dining, shopping, and more. As the home to some of Pittsburgh’s up-and-coming bars and restaurants, it’s a foodie wonderland that boasts poke bowls, oyster bars, fried chicken delights, and incredible Vietnamese food. Plus, you’re sure to find all your back-to-school needs at the East Liberty Target.
Exploration homework: Go grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s, an affordable grocery store that’s wildly popular among Chatham students and has great pre-made meal options.
Culture Check: Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Photo c/o Pittsburgh City Paper, Jared Wickerham
Squirrel Hill
After a quick stroll down Murray Avenue, you’ll find yourself immersed in the business district of Squirrel Hill, a melting pot of diverse foods, shops, and more. Squirrel Hill has long been a gathering place for the Jewish community of Pittsburgh and offers a Jewish Community Center, multiple synagogues, and kosher food stores. It’s also home to an impressive range of international cuisine, with ample Chinese, Taiwanese, Mediterranean, Thai, and Italian options. Catch a movie at the Manor Theater or go shopping at Squirrel Hill’s popular night markets. If that’s not enticing enough, it’s close to some of the largest green spaces in the city (see below).
Exploration Homework: Take a hike through Frick Park, Pittsburgh’s largest regional park which features biking and hiking trails as well as sunny spots to relax, read, and enjoy a picnic.
Culture Check: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Squirrel Hill
Photo c/o Pittsburgh Beautiful
Oakland
Hop on the Port Authority bus line to explore Oakland, home to the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Carlow University, three of Chatham’s neighboring institutions and co-Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) schools. Oakland features all the hustle of a big city with the charming accommodations of a college town. Whether you arrive to find a coffee shop to study in or an impromptu concert in Schenley Plaza, Oakland has the perfect mix of fun and education.
Exploration Homework: It’s hard to miss the Cathedral of Learning, and we simply must recommend a visit. This massive gothic building is home to 30 nationality rooms, which are modeled after traditional classrooms around the world.
Culture Check: Carnegie Museum of Art & Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Photo c/o Next Pittsburgh
Downtown
Downtown Pittsburgh is where many Chatham students find themselves interning or even working post-graduation. As the economic nexus of the city and home to our few but mighty skyscrapers, Downtown is both an essential element of our city’s culture and a neighborhood on the rise. It’s home to a variety of famous Pittsburgh events, including the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Light Up Night, Picklesburgh, and the Three Rivers Regatta, as well as a thriving Cultural District with theaters, art galleries, and comedy troupes. And if you find yourself famished from Downtown walkings-around, the neighborhood has a great mix of experimental, high-end versus casual, affordable dining.
Exploration Homework: Point State Park marks the convergence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers: the Ohio, the Allegheny, and the Monongahela. It’s a popular spot to bike, kayak, catch live music, or just hang out by the fountain.
Culture Check: August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Photo c/o Yuhan Du on Unsplash
Lawrenceville
It’s safe to say Lawrenceville is one of the most popular and trendy spots for Pittsburgh’s young community. It’s close to Downtown, the Strip District, and Bloomfield—three other must-visit Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Most of Lawrenceville’s attractions can be located while walking along Butler Street, including the ever popular Row House Cinema and Arsenal Bowling Alley. If you’re under 21, the neighborhood is home to some of the most popular restaurants in the city, and if you’re over 21, it’s home to some of the most popular bars. Basically, the only way to lose in Lawrenceville is not arriving in time to get a seat.
Exploration Homework: Wander through Allegheny Cemetery, a historic Pittsburgh cemetery that features a wide variety of sculptures and natural wildlife. Pro tip: if you’d prefer to go with a guide, Associate Professor of Art History, Dr. Beth Roark regularly leads tours and takes classes to the cemetery.
Culture Check: Clemente Museum
Photo c/o Pittsburgh Current, Jake Mysliwczyk
To be clear, this is just a sample of what the city has to offer and is by no means a comprehensive list of Pittsburgh neighborhoods. But, as you’re beginning to explore, we encourage you to check out the spots closest to Chatham first. Learn more about what’s to love about Pittsburgh or check out this advice from Chatham students who were once Pittsburgh newcomers. And if you’re ready for another Pulse@ChathamU guide, don’t miss Your Guide to Pittsburgh: Need to Know Culture.