How — And Where — to Park in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District
Looking for best ways to navigate Downtown? Look no further.
PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST
Don’t let the fear of where to park stop you from experiencing the Cultural District’s many wonders. From world-class symphonies and Broadway shows to inventive dining experiences, Downtown has a lot to offer to those willing to venture out. Here are four tips that will make navigating Downtown’s parking situation a breeze.
Find a Way to Use Public Transit
The obvious answer to the parking question is simple: take the bus.
However, Pittsburgh’s public transit service is not nearly as robust as that which can be found in larger cities. For folks who have mobility issues, or who live outside of Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s primary loop, “just take the bus” also isn’t a practical solution. But there are still ways folks can utilize public transit when getting into the Cultural District for a night on the town. Take advantage of one of the more than 50 park-and-rides located throughout Allegheny County.
Most offer free parking and connect riders with bus or light-rail service. Make sure to check the bus schedule and plan accordingly; some routes may stop running early on weekends and holidays, while others might not run at all.
Don’t Be Afraid to Park on The Street
If driving into town is what’s best for your situation, do yourself a favor: master the art of parallel parking.
Unless you learned to drive in a place like Bloomfield, with its famously narrow streets, the odds are parallel parking is something you learned how to do for your driving test and haven’t done since. But this skill can really pay off — literally.
Street parking is often much less expensive than parking in garages or lots, especially during events. Apps such as ParkMobile and SpotHero can help you locate and pay for parking seamlessly. For example, lot attendants in the Strip District were charging $25 to park during the Saturday summer markets at The Terminal. A block or so away from the festivities, there was street parking for 80 cents per hour.
In most places within the city, street parking is free on Sundays and weeknights after 6 p.m. If you choose to go this route, make sure you pay attention to the signs. Bustling business districts may charge fees later into the evening. In many congested areas, there are parking restrictions during morning and afternoon rush hour.
In more residential areas, some streets may allow parking by permit only. Always be sure that you aren’t blocking fire hydrants, driveways or accessible ramps.
Do Your Research
If you’re adamant about parking in one of Downtown’s garages, don’t just opt for the first one you see. Not all prices are created equal, and prices typically soar during events.
If you’re coming into town in the evening — that is, after 4 p.m. for most garages — you can usually score a better rate. If you’re able to walk a few blocks, the First Avenue Garage and Station is one of the least expensive, with $6 all-day rates for evenings, weekends and holidays and event rates ranging from $6 to $15. The Smithfield-Liberty Garage is a favorite for folks visiting the Cultural District, with flat $8 rates for evenings, weekends and holidays.
If you want to avoid driving Downtown and are up for a walk over one of the scenic Three Sisters Bridges, check out Nova Place on the North Side; it offers an evening and weekend flat rate of $5. You can check event rates or pre-pay using SpotHero.
Be Patient
Traffic can be a headache, but it can also be an exercise in patience.
No matter where you park, “mass exodus” situations are bound to happen after major gatherings, including concerts and sporting events when everyone is trying to leave at once. Pittsburgh is also known for its drawn-out rush hours, which may impact those driving around the city around dinnertime.
If you think you may be playing a game of hurry-up-and-wait, don’t fret. Listen to the radio or have an audiobook or podcast queued up. If you’re traveling with kiddos, play a game of I Spy. Talk about your favorite part of that play you just saw or the meal you ate in town. Traffic will eventually move.
The dangers begin when drivers get impatient and try some funny business, like zooming along the road’s shoulder, crossing a double yellow line to get ahead or grabbing their phone to scroll while they wait. Be patient, be safe and make the most of your time in the heart of Pittsburgh.
For more on the state of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, visit here.
