5 Things to Do in Downtown & Station Square
From Market Square to the Monongahela Incline, here’s how to explore one of Pittsburgh’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
DAVE DICELLO
Pittsburgh’s Downtown neighborhood is named the “Golden Triangle” for a reason — it’s a rich and vibrant neighborhood centered around the bustling Cultural District. A short walk across the Smithfield Street Bridge to Station Square leads to more fun, including a can’t-miss incline ride.
RENDERING COURTESY PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP
Market Square
Intersection of Forbes Avenue & Market Street
visitpittsburgh.com
Market Square dates back to the late 1700s and was last overhauled in 2010, before a massive remodel that’s set to be completed just in time for the NFL Draft. The focal point of the project will be the Market Anchor, a pergola-like, semi-circular pavilion that was inspired by the semi-circular building in the market more than 200 years ago. It will have a glass roof in shades of blue and green, reflecting Pittsburgh’s industrial identity as the River City. It will provide LED lighting, electrical and other hookups to support concerts, farmers markets and other activities.
Stop by institutions including Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co., Primanti Bros. and the city’s oldest restaurant, the Original Oyster House. — Virginia Linn
ARTS LANDING PLAY ROOM | RENDERING BY FIELD OPERATIONS COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST
Arts Landing
Penn Ave. Between Seventh & Ninth Streets
trustarts.org
A 4-acre civic space at Eighth Street is poised to be “one of the most transformative projects” in the Cultural District in 25 years, according to Kendra Whitlock Ingram, the president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. And it’s celebrating its soft opening to coincide with the NFL Draft.
The heart of the project will be a “front lawn” with a bandshell and a beautiful view of the Allegheny River and its Sister Bridges. Surrounding this will be other designated areas: the FlexZone with three pickleball courts and other amenities, the Backyard as a relaxation area with seating and space for pop-up events, the PlayRoom family-friendly activities and a Garden Walk, a pedestrian-only linear space that will replace Eighth Street. Music and other events are expected to occur at Arts Landing throughout the NFL Draft. — Virginia Linn
CON ALMA | PHOTO BY AARON JACK
Con Alma
613 Penn Ave.
conalmapgh.com
Jazz legends including Mary Lou Williams and Ahmad Jamal called Pittsburgh home in an era where the city (and its historic Hill District, in particular) were at the forefront of the genre. Today, that legacy is evident at Downtown hot spot Con Alma, an intimate music bar and restaurant that features live music five nights a week.
Pittsburgh’s finest routinely turn up in combos at Con Alma, which is also known for its potent cocktails. If you love something like this, you can keep up with the venue from home; it’s one of the only clubs in the U.S. that streamed worldwide through the Oh! Jazz platform. — Sean Collier
DAVE DICELLO
Gateway Clipper
350 W. Station Square Drive
gatewayclipper.com
You’ve seen the city from the rivers, but the view from the city from the rivers is even better. Since 1958, the Gateway Clipper Fleet has been leading excursions, scenic tours, celebrations and even floating concerts around the confluence of the Allegheny, Ohio and Monongahela rivers.
Take a pleasure cruise for narrated sights, or simply use the Gateway Clipper as transportation from Station Square across to the North Shore — just as Steelers fans do every game day. — Sean Collier
DAVE DICELLO
Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines
100 W. Carson St. (Monongahela)
monongahelaincline.com
1197 W. Carson St. (Duquesne)
duquesneincline.org
The Monongahela Incline is the oldest continuously operating funicular — a form of transportation which uses cable traction for movement on steep slopes — in the United States. Throughout its history, it has undergone five major renovations, the most recent in 2015 when the cars were renovated and the rails, ties and cable were upgraded.
Built five years after the end of the Civil War, the Monongahela Incline is a popular attraction, along with the Duquesne Incline, located a mile to the west. When it opened in 1870, the fare was 6 cents; the incline carried 994 people on its opening day. Today, it’s $2.50 one way or $3.50 round trip. The views of Downtown afforded from the upper stations of both inclines are unrivaled; any visit to Pittsburgh should include an incline ride. — Richard Cook
