Once known for its manufacturing prowess and industrial neighborhoods, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, also known the Steel City, has transformed itself into an exciting tourism destination. Located at the confluence of three rivers, the city has gorgeous views from its picturesque downtown, and plenty to do for visitors of all kinds.
Read on to discover the best things to do while in Pittsburgh. Plan your trip smartly and purchase visitors insurance before you go. Should you run into any unexpected illnesses, injuries or travel woes, you'll be glad to have it.
Visitors Insurance for Travelers in Pittsburgh - FAQs
Many travelers are not aware that their domestic health insurance likely won't provide adequate coverage in another country, and this is especially the case in the USA. Healthcare in the US is very expensive, and an emergency has the potential to seriously damage your budget if you don't have insurance. Be a smart traveler and get visitors insurance so you can have coverage.
Why buy visitors insurance before traveling to Pittsburgh?
Emergency medical issues usually occur with little warning. You could wake up with a bad case of flu one morning, or fall and break a bone while sightseeing, and suddenly you'd find yourself on the way to the hospital. Pittsburgh has wonderful hospitals and medical facilities, but they aren't cheap. Even a seemingly minor issue can result in a bill that exceeds the entire cost of your trip. Choosing to go without proper insurance means leaving your financial security to chance, which is not something you want to do far from home. Make sure you have proper coverage with visitors medical insurance.
What should I look for in my Pittsburgh visitors insurance?
In order to get a visitors insurance plan that best meets your needs, you're going to need to answer a few questions:
- Do you have a preexisting condition you're concerned about? If so, look into plans that can cover the acute onset of preexisting conditions.
- Is there a chance you might stay longer than you'd originally planned? Consider a policy that lets you extend coverage.
- Do you want the ability to cancel coverage?
- Are you interested in coverage for emergency medical evacuation, if required?
- Are you planning to travel to Pittsburgh as an exchange visitor on a J visa? If you are, make sure your insurance meets all requirements.
When you're comparing plans, weigh your needs and consider your budget, and choose a policy that best fits your requirements.
Pittsburgh's Most Popular Places for Travel
Duquesne Incline
An excellent spot to begin your Pittsburgh trip is to take a unique and fun ride on the Duquesne Incline. Built in 1877 and restored in 1963, this trolley takes you up to the top of Mount Washington where you will find panoramic views of the city and the meeting point of the three rivers that surround it.
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
A popular wedding destination, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens houses a massive 14-room Victorian greenhouse that offers a world-class garden experience. With its tropical gardens, bonsai, butterfly gardens, and rows of succulents, Phipps is a soothing and enriching experience for all.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
If you are interested in science and dinosaurs, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is a must-visit. It is counted among the best museums of its kind in the US, and has a whole range of family activities, interactive exhibits, and replicas in addition to the spectacular displays.
Strip District
Once an industrial part of the city filled with mills and warehouses, the Strip District is now packed with restaurants, shops, international grocery stores, and museums. It is a must-see spot to experience the culture and history of Pittsburgh.
PNC Park
Home to Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC park is a gorgeous classic-style ballpark with unique views of the downtown skyline. Even if you aren't a baseball fan, you can spend an evening at PNC trying craft beers, sampling food, and maybe even catching a foul ball as a souvenir.
Heinz Field
Sitting just to the west of PNC Park is Heinz Field, a massive outdoor stadium that's home to the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. The stadium holds over 68,000 fans, and when not hosting football games, it regularly welcomes concerts. You can plan to attend a Steelers game if visiting in the fall or winter for a true Pittsburgh experience, but keep in mind that these games often sell out well in advance.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Pittsburgh
When to visit
Pittsburgh has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, whereas summers are quite warm. The best bets for weather are typically late spring and early fall, when the temperature is most pleasant. Unless you plan to attend a big baseball or football fame, it may be best to avoid downtown when they're scheduled. They can lead to crowded streets and very heavy traffic.
Transportation
The layout of the roads in Pittsburgh can be confusing to visitors, as the lanes are often narrow and there are many one-way streets. If you plan to rent a car, be sure to have reliable GPS to help you get around. A better bet can be the excellent bus system. The downtown area is also quite friendly for walking and cycling.
Outdoors
Although the city is full of activities, don't miss out on the abundant green spaces around Pittsburgh. With the rivers, hills and plenty of parks, it pays to spend some time enjoying the outdoors. Cycling, boating, and golfing are popular ways to enjoy getting outside in Pittsburgh.
Safety
Though tourist areas of Pittsburgh are considered quite safe, it is a major city, and it's necessary to take a few precautions. Leaving valuables visible in parked vehicles can invite thieves, so be sure to take your things with you when you park. Also, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas just to be on the safe side.
Before You Travel to Pittsburgh - Do This
Keep the following in mind to have an enjoyable trip to Pittsburgh:
- Unless you want to see a game, avoid downtown when big sporting events are happening, as the city can get extremely crowded.
- Find lodging in a good neighborhood and check reviews by previous visitors. Choose a location with easy access to the amenities that are most important to you.
- Get covered. Choose the right visitors insurance to fit your needs, so you can be a prepared traveler.