Where To Stay in Pittsburgh [2 BEST Neighborhoods!]

Pittsburgh is the second-most populous city in Pennsylvania and is known as the City of Bridges, thanks to its collection of no less than 446 bridges that connect the city.

It has a rich industrial heritage (which has also earned it the title of the Steel City), combined with an old-school elegance. By the 1980s, that industry all but came to end. Today, it combines its past with an arts and culture scene, making it a cool place to visit.

Even though Pittsburgh has its swanky style and culinary credentials, it’s not really on the top of people’s must-see lists; so it can be difficult to work out exactly where in the city to base yourself on a trip. That’s why we’ve come up with this guide on where to stay in Pittsburgh – to help you find the place that’s right for you!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Pittsburgh

Where to Stay in Pittsburgh

If you’re only looking for the best of the best hotels in Pittsburgh, cast your eyes below for our top picks.

Best Budget Hotel in Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Plaza Hotel

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay on a budget in Pittsburgh, this easygoing accommodation offers up clean rooms and helpful staff who’ll make sure your stay runs smoothly. It boasts an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, restaurant, and bar to unwind in after a day of exploring the city.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Pittsburgh – DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree

If you’re looking for the best place to stay for groups in Pittsburgh, you’ll get a choice of rooms at this place to suit your needs. Beds here are large and comfortable, and there is a delicious breakfast served up every morning. There’s also a seasonal outdoor swimming and a free airport shuttle.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Pittsburgh – Mansions on Fifth

For true upscale elegance, Mansions on Fifth is where you should be staying. A veritable mansion of a property, it’s no wonder that this is the top high-end hotel in Pittsburgh. Staying here is like staying in a slice of the city’s history; it’s been modernised, of course, for a cosy (but also very ornate) place to stay.

 

Best Airbnb in Pittsburgh – Stylish Vibes in a Renovated Flashlight Factory

A unique Pittsburgh Airbnb, this option is a chic space set inside an old industrial building (a flashlight factory, to be exact). The owners have kept the original floors intact as well as the brick walls and teamed them with eclectic furnishings for a decidedly Instagram-ready aesthetic. It’s definitely one of the coolest places to stay in Pittsburgh.

 

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guide

There’s a surprising amount on offer in Pittsburgh. The city has adventures in store for just about any type of visitor, with natural sights, places of art and culture, and lively nightspots. Its famous university means lots of students and entertainment, while recent tech start-ups have set up headquarters in the city.

With all this change, the best place to stay in Pittsburgh for the first time is in the Downtown area. This is the heart of the city, with attractions within easy reach and little traffic to contend with. Then again, if you’re on a budget and want to get involved with student life, Oakland – home to the University of Pittsburgh – is the place to be.

Pittsburgh 2 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in:

Without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes these neighborhoods tick.

Neighborhood#1 - Downtown

(Where to stay in Pittsburgh first time)

Downtown Pittsburgh is where it’s at. Skyscrapers, riverside living, museums, drinking, and dining – all of it makes for a thriving cultural district. It may be the economic hub of the city, but in recent years, it has developed beyond its financial and business credentials, becoming a place for visitors from all backgrounds to enjoy.

If you’re looking for something specific, no doubt you’ll find it here. Whether it’s a particular type of cuisine, classical music performances, art installations, or just some great nightlife with a cocktail or two, Downtown has it all.

Here is just a selection of things to do in Downtown Pittsburgh:

• Visiting the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers at Point State Park, known as the Golden Triangle
• Discovering the wonders of the Pittsburgh Cultural District between 6th and 10th Street
• Seeing a performance at the Benedum – an ornate venue
• Hopping on a Downtown Pittsburgh Gallery Crawl to check out the many galleries
• Taking a free Pittsburgh Walking Tour to get to grips with the area
• Going for drinks at the glistening Bridges & Bourbon, a high-end cocktail bar
• Grabbing a milkshake at the original Milkshake Factory, a local institution for milkshakes!

Where to Stay in Downtown

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown – EVEN Hotels Pittsburgh Downtown

The perfect budget option for somewhere affordable to stay in Downtown Pittsburgh, this hotel pairs modern design with a fun sense of humour. Guest rooms here are bright and spacious, complete with super comfortable beds and gleaming rain showers. For amenities, enjoy a work-out at the fitness centre, lunch at the onsite restaurant, and finish with a cocktail at the bar.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Downtown – The Westin Pittsburgh

The Westin Pittsburgh is conveniently connected via a skywalk to David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The hotel comes with its very own bar and burger restaurant, as well as a fitness centre and welcome room service. Rooms here are traditionally decorated and boast sparkling city views.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown – Omni William Penn Hotel

Set in an imposing yet lavish high-rise building that once played host to icons such as John F. Kennedy, this historic luxury hotel in Pittsburgh continues to wow to this day. Think ornate ceilings, wood-panelled walls, spacious, well-appointed rooms, and marble floors. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s grand.

 

Best Airbnb in Downtown – Eclectic Apartment in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District

This newly renovated apartment is located inside an old industrial building. Complete with views overlooking one of Pittsburgh’s many bridges, this top Airbnb in Pittsburgh is a stylish place to stay. It’s decked out with fashionable furnishings, wooden floors, white-washed walls and high ceilings. And all with Downtown on the doorstep.

 

Neighborhood#2 - Oakland

(Where to stay in Pittsburgh on a budget)

Oakland may not seem an obvious choice. For one thing, on the map, it doesn’t look close to the city centre at all. But this district is the academic and healthcare centre of the city, and also a top culture centre. Here’s where you’ll find a thriving student lifestyle thanks to its three universities.

Home to museums, shopping opportunities, places to dine out, and historic architecture, Oakland makes for a very different way to experience Pittsburgh – and all within striking distance of the city centre if you want to hit up the top sights.

Divided into North, South, East, and West Oakland, each has its own distinct identity.

Here are just some of the things you can get up to there:

• Paying a visit to the incredible Cathedral of Learning
• Whisking yourself around Schenley Farms Historic District on a self-guided walking tour
• Strolling around the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for a fix of greenery
• Learning all about the natural world at Carnegie Science Hall
• Admiring the artwork of a Pittsburgh icon at the Andy Warhol Museum
• Checking out some of the Carnegie Museum of Art’s 30,000-plus works
• Heading to Thirsty Scholar Bar & Grill for beer and burgers
• Cycling along the well-maintained paths of the Eliza Furnace Trail

Where to Stay in Oakland

Best Budget Hotel in Oakland – Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place

Fashionable – but affordable – Hilton Garden Inn offers up great value in Oakland within walking distance of two universities and the world-class Frick Museum. This budget hotel in Pittsburgh also boasts excellent views with rooms that are both comfy and spacious. Staying here also means you can keep up with workouts in the fitness centre while the onsite restaurant serves delicious food. Or for a late-night snack, there’s also a convenience store.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Oakland – Hampton Inn Pittsburgh University Center

With plenty of options in terms of different rooms, this branch of Hampton Inn is a top place to stay in Pittsburgh. It’s clean, modern, and has a great location in Oakland close to the university. Each morning, a breakfast buffet is served up, which is included in the price of the room. There’s also an onsite convenience store for snacks.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Oakland – The Oaklander Hotel, Autograph Collection

Taking its name from the area, this is most definitely the best high-end hotel in Oakland, Pittsburgh. With its effortless sense of cool, the upscale rooms in this hotel are spotless and decked out with sophisticated furnishings. There’s a delicious breakfast on offer, as well as a fitness centre and bar.

 

Best Airbnb in Oakland – Spacious, warm, private apartment

For something a little more local, this warm and welcoming place is a top Airbnb in Pittsburgh, providing just enough room for you to find your very own home in the city. It’s a tranquil apartment that comes with its own garden, grill area, and well-equipped kitchen – all just a short walk away from Oakland’s top sights. The owners are super friendly, too.

 

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Pittsburgh

If you’re looking for a weekend break with a difference, try Pittsburgh. This city has a long history, balancing industrial and cultural spots through the years, which has culminated in a unique heritage that you shouldn’t miss out on. Make sure you choose the coolest neighbourhood in Pittsburgh, and you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic time.

*** Some of the links on Hotel Jules are affiliate links, which means if you do make a purchase, we may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you.) Thank you for using our links! Your support keeps the site going***