SWAP BRIGHT LIGHTS AND BEACHES FOR A CITY OF SURPRISING CONTRASTS

In just over eight hours, Pittsburgh offers visitors cheaper accommodation, attractions and cultural events in addition to world-class arts and museums, sports and an eclectic culinary scene. 2024 welcomes a new way to reach the land of Warhol and Whiskey with Icelandair. Launching 16 May, fly to Pittsburgh international Airport from London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Dublin via Reykjavik, Iceland from £579 return. 

May will see the 30th anniversary of The Andy Warhol Museum - a beloved collection of work dedicated to one of the most famous artists in history. It is also the largest museum dedicated to a single artist in North America, and here pop art fans can learn about the Pittsburgh-born artist through exhibitions, displays, interactive and informative tours across seven expansive floors. In celebration of this anniversary, from 18 May - 20 January 2025, the Warhol presents KAWS + Warhol - the first exhibition to examine the dark themes present in the work of both artists. From skulls to car crashes, both artists deploy their signature bright colours and pop culture references while also presenting the lurid spectacle of death. In response to The Warhol’s new initiative The Pop District, KAWS will also present a monumental wooden sculpture in Pop Park, directly across from the museum and visible from its lobby. 

Wigle Whiskey is a small-batch, craft whiskey distillery in the Strip District neighbourhood of Pittsburgh. Owned and operated by The Nutting Family, Wigle is an organic “grain-to-glass” distiller utilising ingredients from and around western Pennsylvania. Through the years, the Nutting family has demonstrated a strong history of deep family commitment and support to small business in western Pennsylvania. They are extremely honoured to build on the tradition and grow Wigle Whiskey’s legacy in Pittsburgh, the birthplace of American Rye Whiskey.

The food scene in Pittsburgh boasts distinctive flavours, from a variety of cultures, including Germany, Italy and Poland. Originating in Pittsburgh in 1933, the Primanti signature sandwich is a must-try. Consisting of Italian bread slices, coleslaw, melted cheese, a choice of meats and the special ingredient of hot french fries, it's carb-heavy, but delicious with locations in the popular foodie Strip District. Other delicacies include Pierogies, Pepperoni Rolls, Pamela’s Pancakes and a burnt almond torte from Prantl’s. 

A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh's vibrant Oakland neighbourhood, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a Victorian glasshouse and has provided world-class garden experiences since the 1890’s. Located in Schenley Park, the historic landmark is home to a series of permanent and rotating exhibitions, including the desert room, tropical forest conservatory and the centre of Sustainable Landscapes, and art pieces. With a focus on sustainability, the building itself is LEED certified and one of the most sustainable built botanical gardens in the world. 

A world class path, The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is ideal for all levels of cyclists. The 150-mile rail-to-trails conversion starts in downtown Pittsburgh and winds through valleys, snakes around mountains with some of the most beautiful scenery in the USA en route to Washington DC. Pittsburgh is the perfect spot for launching or concluding a journey along the GAP, with opportunities to explore the walkable city’s Downtown and South Side. 

Designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, Fallingwater is a house and public museum in the Laurel Highlands, a short drive from Pittsburgh. Wright designed Fallingwater above an existing waterfall and used local materials such as sandstone to create a structure which combines art and nature. Fallingwater is widely recognised as one of Wright’s best works and received status on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. 

For more information, please visit: visitpittsburgh.com