Top Free Things to do in Pittsburgh, PA
- Bicycle HeavenThe world’s largest bicycle museum (and adjoining shop) are free year-round for visitors, but donations are appreciated! See a wide variety of antique and vintage bicycles, custom-built bicycles, and rare bicycles from around the world as well as a collection of bicycle-related artifacts and memorabilia, including posters, photographs and artwork.
- Downtown Walking ToursSee skyscrapers, soak up stories, scarf down a sandwich and more! Download one or all six free self-guided walking tours of downtown Pittsburgh to learn surprising tales from the past and see the best classic and modern skyscrapers. These tours, created by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, are one of the best ways to experience Pittsburgh’s rich architectural history!If you happen to be touring downtown on the first or third Mondays of the month through October, stop by the Old Allegheny County Jail Museum between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. when a docent is available to tell the story of this historic building.
- Old Allegheny County Jail Museum Self-Guided ToursThe Old Allegheny County Jail, as seen in the film “Mrs. Soffel,” was completed in 1886 to the designs of Boston architect H. H. Richardson and in use until July 27, 1995. A portion of one of the cell blocks has been preserved as the “Old Allegheny County Jail Museum.” Enter the facility through the main Ross Street entrance (between 5th and Forbes avenues behind the Courthouse) or through the courtyard arch on Fifth Avenue. At either entrance, you will have to go through security. Open Mondays (except on government holidays), Feb-Oct, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
- View from Mt. WashingtonDrive up McArdle Roadway to Mt. Washington any evening to see why USA Weekend called this vantage point “one of the Top 10 most beautiful views in the country.” Daytime views are great too, and sightseeing can be paired with a visit to the Emerald View Park, a 257-acre green space.