The G20 Summit that took place in September 2009 shone the spot directly on a city in the midst of a veritable renaissance. The home of the Super Bowl champion Steelers and Stanley Cup champion Penguins for 2009 may still be Steel and Iron City at heart but in truth, Pittsburgh is far from the one-dimensional industrial hub of yesteryear.

So while the name Carnegie is ubiquitous around town, the Pennsylvania city has come a long way from the late 19th century heyday of the famous industrialist and philanthropist. Today, Pittsburgh is a clean, vibrant, modern city, with international recognition from publications like The Economist for urban quality of life. With that in mind, here are ten attractions to consider in the city.

10. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

In the company of counterparts in New York City and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in the vital Oakland district of Pittsburgh is a gem. By most accounts the facility has one of the best dinosaur collections in the world.

9. Heinz Hall

Home to the fine Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Pittsburgh Youth Orchestra, Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts has a history that dates back to 1927. Located in the wonderful Cultural District of the city, the venue hosts a number of important events throughout the year.

8. ArtGardens of Pittsburgh

An unusual outdoor gallery of contemporary garden installation art, the ArtGardens of Pittsburgh graces a section of Frank Curto Park.

7. Andy Warhol Museum

Pop artist Andy Warhol was a Pittsburgh native whose eponymous museum features thousands of works in a giant, former industrial warehouse.

6. Heinz Field

The home of the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers is one of the best stadiums in all of professional sports. Though every Steelers home game has been sold out since 1972 (Heinz Field has been open since 2001), do what you can to secure a ticket. At the very least, take the tour.

5. Cathedral of Learning

Perhaps the most recognizable landmark in Pittsburgh, the Cathedral of Learning is the main focal point of the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood campus. Built in 1926, the Late Gothic Revival structure is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

4. Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

Another late 1920s beauty in the Cultural District of Pittsburgh, the former Stanley Theater, now Benedum Center, is home to the Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and has legendary rock concert auditorium status.
3. Frick Art & Historical Center

The Frick Art & Historical Center is a five acre complex of museums in the historic residential Pittsburgh neighborhood of Point Breeze. The Center includes Clayton, the former estate of industrialist Henry Frick, the Frick Art Museum, Car and Carriage Museum and Greenhouse.

2. PNC Park

While the Pirates may be the stepchild of pro sports teams in Pittsburgh, at least they play in a beautiful park. For gorgeous views of Downtown Pittsburgh and a superb location on the Allegheny River, PNC Park is one of the best in Major League Baseball. Best of all, tickets and concessions (from Primanti Brothers to Mrs. T’s Pierogies) are among the most affordable in the pro sports. Fans can even bring in their own grub to PNC.

1. Food Culture

With Primanti Brothers in mind, no visit to Pittsburgh is complete without a thorough food tour of the city. From blue collar eats to high-class culinary fare, Pittsburgh is first-rate food destination. Famous food inventions from the city include the Clark Bar, Heinz Ketchup, Klondike Bar and Devonshire Sandwich. For a classic Pittsburgh sandwich, head to Primanti Brothers. The Strip District is ground zero for ethnic grocers and vendors while Squirrel Hill has a fair number of ethnic restaurants. Hearty Pittsburgh staples include pierogies, chipped ham, halusky (Eastern European soft noodles, often with cabbage), cabbage rolls and kielbasa.

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