Once the thriving center of the country’s steel industry, today Pittsburgh is a vibrant metropolis with flowing rivers, a spectacular city skyline, and a top-notch arts scene with outstanding museums and galleries, including the Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art. The city’s downtown is known as the Golden Triangle, home to buzzing Market Square, where many events and exhibitions are held throughout the year. The square sits at the junction of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers, making the area popular with anglers and kayakers, and in winter it’s dominated by a huge ice-skating rink. The Cultural District is where you’ll find the city’s theaters and concert halls, and the lively Strip District is full of converted warehouses containing markets, boutiques, and some of the city’s hippest restaurants. There are also several parks and gardens in the triangle, including the historic Point State Park.

Summer is a great time to stay in a Pittsburgh vacation rental, as you can expect warm days and balmy nights for exploring the city. The weather can be unpredictable, though, so pack a jacket along with your sunscreen. Pittsburgh is known for its summer food festivals, with the Greek Food Festival kicking things off in June. In August, the famous Picklesburgh Festival is dedicated to everything pickled, and Little Italy Days celebrates the city’s Italian heritage.

The weather is still pleasant in fall, and the town celebrates its beloved dumpling dish — the pierogi — with the Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival. Winter brings cold and snowy conditions, so make sure to pack your layers. In February, the popular Pittsburgh Beerfest offers the chance to sample craft beer from around the region. In spring, the weather starts improving, but rain and snow is still possible. March welcomes the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade — one of the biggest in the United States.

The Strip District

The city’s former warehouse district is now a hub for shopping and eating where you’ll find loads of independent boutiques, homewares stores, fresh produce and flower stalls, and souvenir shops. There’s also a great selection of cafes, international delis, and some of Pittsburgh’s top restaurants, pop-up markets, and street fairs. The district is also home to the Carnegie Museum of Art, one of the finest contemporary art collections in the country.

Duquesne Incline

The Duquesne Incline is a historic 19th-century funicular leading up to Mount Washington, one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods. The funicular still uses two of its original cable cars, and when you reach the upper station you can browse the photos and displays that document its history. On the way up, enjoy views of the city. Once at Mount Washington you can have a meal at one of the restaurants overlooking Pittsburgh’s skyline.

Point State Park

At the junction of the city’s three rivers sits the 36-acre Point State Park, with scenic walking trails and river access for kayaking and boating. The park’s most iconic feature is the Point Fountain — one of the largest in the country — spraying water 150 feet into the air. You’ll also find the Fort Pitt Museum, which offers insight into Pennsylvania’s role in the American Revolution, and the Fort Pitt Block House — a small defensive stronghold built in 1764.