Exploring Pittsburgh Airport And Beyond: A Local's Guide

what to do around pittsburgh airport

Pittsburgh International Airport is a gateway to Western Pennsylvania, offering nonstop flights to a multitude of cities across the US, Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean. The airport is packed with amenities and services to make your travel experience as smooth as possible. From dedicated pet relief areas to sensory rooms, bike racks, and a calm interfaith reflection room, the airport has something for everyone. If you're looking for things to do, the airport itself has a variety of shopping and dining options, including popular local chocolate shops and craft breweries. If you're looking to explore beyond the airport, downtown Pittsburgh is just a 30-minute taxi or shuttle ride away, offering attractions such as Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, PNC Park, and the Carnegie Museum of Art.

Characteristics Values
Transport to/from the airport Public bus route 28X Airport Flyer connects the airport with downtown Pittsburgh and several neighbourhoods, departing from Door 6 every 30 minutes. Taxis and shuttle services are also available.
Hotels Hyatt Regency is directly connected to the pre-security terminal through a moving walkway. Other hotels are within a 10-minute drive of the airport, with several offering airport shuttles.
Food and drink Restaurants, bars, cafes, and to-go spots serving various cuisines, including Quaker Steak & Lube, Bar Symon, and Bellfarm Kitchen in the Hyatt Regency hotel. Lighter and faster options include Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Cinnabon, and several delis and markets. The Strip Market is open 24 hours daily. Local beers are also available.
Shopping Pittsburgh Express, Sarris Candies, Gaby et Jules, Sportzburgh, Wigle Whiskey, and Penn Brewery.
Airport services TSA Security Checkpoint, Visit Pittsburgh Information Desk, PNC Bank ATMs, Bicycle Station, Pet Relief Area, Interfaith Reflection Room, and Jabbrrbox.
Nearby attractions Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, PNC Park, Carnegie Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History, Cathedral of Learning, Grandview Overlook, and Moon Memorial Garden.

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Explore Pittsburgh: Phipps Conservatory, Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Cathedral of Learning

If you're looking for things to do around Pittsburgh Airport, there are plenty of options to explore in the city, including Phipps Conservatory, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Cathedral of Learning.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has been a world-class attraction since 1893. Located in the vibrant Oakland neighbourhood, it offers a green oasis spanning 15 acres, including a 14-room glasshouse and 23 unique gardens. Phipps showcases stunning seasonal flower shows, exclusive exhibits, and renowned orchid and bonsai collections. The Center for Sustainable Landscapes is a highlight, being the only building in the world to hold seven of the highest green certifications. Don't miss the Butterfly Forest, where you can witness the magic of butterflies up close.

The Carnegie Museum of Art, part of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 art objects. It showcases diverse exhibitions, from immersive mental health displays to the Charles 'Teenie' Harris Archive. The museum also has a strong focus on community, supporting refugee families and celebrating women's achievements throughout history.

The Cathedral of Learning, a Gothic Revival skyscraper, stands at 535 feet tall, making it the second-tallest educational building in the world. Commissioned in 1921, it features a magnificent four-story Commons Room and houses classrooms, offices, libraries, a theatre, and more. The Cathedral is not just an iconic landmark; it's also a vibrant hub for students and visitors alike, with its internationally renowned Nationality Classrooms.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an art aficionado, or a history buff, Phipps Conservatory, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Cathedral of Learning offer enriching experiences that showcase the cultural and architectural gems of Pittsburgh.

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Relax at the airport: Interfaith Reflection Room, PNC Bank ATMs, and the Indoor Pet Relief Area

Pittsburgh International Airport is a large airport, but there are plenty of amenities to help you relax before your flight. One such amenity is the Interfaith Reflection Room, a large and quiet space located on the mezzanine level of the airside terminal, next to some bathrooms and a private lounge. The room is clean and bright, with a long window at the top of one wall and a few multicolored stained glass squares in the corner that let in lots of light. There are a few dozen plastic chairs facing two pulpits and a removable wooden crucifix on the front wall, as well as a small area designated specifically for Muslims to use for their daily prayers. The Interfaith Reflection Room is a place for anyone to pray, meditate, or simply reflect and sit with their thoughts before boarding their flight.

If you need to take care of any financial business before your trip, you can visit one of the airport's PNC Bank ATMs, conveniently located across the airport.

For those travelling with pets, Pittsburgh Airport also has an Indoor Pet Relief Area located at the post-security terminal. Accessible to all passengers and their pets, the Pet Relief Area is a large room complete with a red fire hydrant, located in the Airside Terminal on Concourse D, right by the Post Office.

If you are picking up or dropping off a pet that is travelling alone, you should not bring them into the airport but instead go to the cargo facility on campus. You can call WorldWide Flight Services at 412-472-9090 for the most up-to-date instructions.

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Eat and drink: Wigle Whiskey, Penn Brewery, and local favourite, Quaker Steak & Lube

Wigle Whiskey is a distillery in Pittsburgh that has been awarded by the American Craft Spirits Association for the past decade. It offers a range of whiskeys, from flights to craft cocktails, and a dining menu created to pair with their spirits. You can experience true grain-to-glass whiskey and learn about the history of American whiskey, which was born in Pittsburgh.

Penn Brewery is a popular brewery and restaurant in Pittsburgh, known for its German-style beers and food. They offer a variety of beers on tap, including lagers, ales, and seasonal brews, as well as a full menu of German and American dishes. The brewery also hosts special events and offers tours of the facility.

Quaker Steak & Lube, located at 1000 Airport Boulevard in Pittsburgh, is a casual dining establishment offering a variety of dishes and drinks. With a relaxed atmosphere, it is a convenient spot to enjoy a meal before or after a flight. The menu features a range of options, including steaks, salads, burgers, and their famous wings, with a variety of sauces and rubs to choose from.

In addition to these highlights, Pittsburgh International Airport and its surroundings offer a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. For a quick bite, Auntie Anne's is known for its freshly baked soft pretzels, pretzel bites, and pretzel dogs, while Cinnabon satisfies those craving decadent baked goods like rolls, pecanbons, and frozen beverages. Beercode offers craft beer and bar-style eats, and Chick-fil-A serves classic fried chicken sandwiches and comfort food. For coffee and baked goods, there's always Dunkin' Donuts, and Starbucks offers a range of drinks and snacks for those on the go. For a more upscale experience, Martini serves cocktails and infused liquors alongside flatbreads and charcuterie boards. TGI Fridays provides casual dining with American food and drinks, and Vino Volo is a sophisticated wine boutique with a stylish tasting lounge, offering a worldly wine list.

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Shop: Sarris Candies, Gaby et Jules, and Sportzburgh for sports merchandise

If you're looking for places to shop around Pittsburgh Airport, there are a few options to choose from.

Sarris Candies

First up is Sarris Candies, a highly-rated candy store located at 1000 Airport Blvd, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With 4.8 stars, this shop is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and is conveniently located right by the airport.

Gaby et Jules

For a more sophisticated treat, Gaby et Jules offers an array of French pastries and desserts. With two locations in Pittsburgh, you can satisfy your pastry cravings whether you're departing or arriving at the airport.

Sportzburgh

For the sports enthusiasts, Sportzburgh at 1000 Airport Blvd is the place to go. Located in the Pittsburgh International Airport Airmall, this store offers a wide range of sports merchandise to show your support for your favourite Pittsburgh teams. Sportzburgh accepts credit cards, making it a convenient stop for travellers. With a 5-star rating, it's sure to be a great shopping experience.

So, whether you're looking for sweet treats or sports gear, these shops around Pittsburgh Airport have you covered!

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Stay: Hyatt Regency, connected to the airport, or a 10-minute drive away

If you're looking for a place to stay near Pittsburgh Airport, the Hyatt Regency hotel is a great option. The hotel is conveniently connected to the airport via an enclosed moving walkway, so you don't have to worry about missing your flight or dealing with airport shuttle buses. This full-service business class hotel offers 336 contemporary guest rooms, including 22 suites, to accommodate any business or personal needs. The hotel is also centrally located to major corporate headquarters, office parks, and shopping, and is just a 25-minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh.

The Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh is known for its luxurious touches and modern rooms, although some guests have mentioned that the rooms could use some updating. The hotel's cleanliness and professional staff are often highlighted, and the quiet rooms ensure a comfortable stay. The hotel's restaurant, Bellfarm Kitchen and Bar, offers farm-to-table cuisine, featuring locally sourced food, grass-fed beef, organic free-range chicken, and sustainable salmon. The hotel also offers 20,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, accommodating meetings for 2 to 1,000 people.

If you prefer a change of scenery, there are several other hotels within a 10-minute drive of the airport, with some offering airport shuttle services. Downtown Pittsburgh is also just a 30-minute taxi or shuttle ride away, where you can explore attractions such as Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, PNC Park, and the Carnegie Museum of Art.

Frequently asked questions

Pittsburgh Airport has a range of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and to-go spots serving various cuisines. You can also find a stage in the Center Core of the post-security terminal that showcases the talent of the Pittsburgh region. The airport also has an Interfaith Reflection Room for prayer, meditation, or reflection, and a quiet work environment at the Jabbrrbox.

The airport is connected to downtown Pittsburgh and several neighbourhoods via the public bus route 28X Airport Flyer, departing from Door 6 every 30 minutes. Downtown, you can visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, PNC Park, Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural History.

If you have a layover of 8 hours or more, you can explore downtown Pittsburgh, visit the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus, and enjoy the extensive skyline views from Grandview Overlook. You can also visit the nearby Moon Township, which is home to the Moon Memorial Garden and West Hills Par 3.

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