Charlotte Shields-Rossi | a&e editor

If you Google search “Things to do in Pittsburgh,” you will probably get results telling you to ride up the Duquesne Incline, catch a game at PPG Paints Arena or take a walk down to Point State Park. The classics are great, but once you have exhausted all of your options on the first few pages of your search engine, this (not so) comprehensive list will provide you with the hidden gems the city has to offer.

Bottlerocket Social Hall

Located in Allentown is a ‘70s time capsule performance venue and bar. The indie locale hosts performances and shows almost every night, from improv classes to painting nights. The events are just as eclectic as the place itself, like a live game show — “Are you smarter than a bartender?”

The best part? A lot of them are completely free, although you can and should reserve a ticket to ensure a place at the events. Bottlerocket has a bar but the under 21 crowd are welcome to (soberly) enjoy the festivities unless otherwise stated. Bottlerocket Social Hall is located at 1226 Arlington Ave.

Obscure Museums

Pittsburgh has many museums, with well known ones like the Kamin Science Center and the Senator John Heinz History Center, but it also has some niche museums for you to visit.

The Pittsburgh Tattoo Art Museum, located in Shadyside, boasts historical tattoo drawings, antique tattoo machinery and photography.

Trundle Manor, located in Swissvale, is a storehouse of oddities, including but not limited to taxidermy and jarred specimens.

Bicycle Heaven, located in Chateau, serves as both a bike shop and a museum for famous bikes, including one of the prop bikes in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.”
Canton Avenue

Is Canton Avenue the steepest street in the United States? The steepest street in the world? It’s all debatable, but with a 37% incline, it’s undeniably pretty vertical. It is so steep, in fact, that this July’s National Geographic dubbed it an “American wonder” in their Wonders of America List. Anyone is free to walk up or down the Beechview residential street. Driving up is allowed but driving down the street is prohibited.

Allegheny Observatory

The Allegheny Observatory, located at 159 Riverview Ave., is an American astronomical research institution located in Riverview Park. Although it is a part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh, the observatory often hosts free public tours through August with some in the fall. The two-hour tour begins at 8 p.m. and ends with a chance to look at the Fitz-Clark refractor. You will be able to see the celestial objects within range of the telescope weather permitting. There is no charge to the tours but you must purchase tickets in advance.

West End Overlook

Mount Washington is a popular spot to catch a glimpse of Downtown and the three rivers that flow around it. But farther down the river is a less well known but just as beautiful spot, the West End Overlook. The upside of being a lesser known spot means that there are fewer people than the popular Mount Washington overlook.

Liberty Magic

If you have a particular affinity for all things sorcery, Liberty Magic is the place to be. The small speakeasy-style performance space is solely dedicated to all things illusion. Open Wednesdays to Sundays the intimate gathering place, located at 811 Liberty Ave., hosts various magicians and illusionists every night.

Charlotte Shields-Rossi can be reached at shieldsrossic@duq.edu