Steel City is often overlooked when it comes to the shopping scene, but little do travelers know, there are many places to stop and shop.
Pittsburgh offers a variety of shopping neighborhoods that contain stores and boutiques with anything from clothing to foods to souvenir’s. Although there are a myriad of options, we’ve narrowed it down to the best six options for shopping in Pittsburgh.
The Strip District
Perhaps one of the most authentic places in Pittsburgh, The Strip is a can’t-miss destination if you are visiting. If you are a foodie, you will go nuts over this place. You can find local vendors selling produce, meats, fish, fresh bread, and more. The Strip is also known for showcasing excellent coffee.
Prices average low in the one-half mile strip, so it is a fan favorite for locals and tourists. It is located right outside of downtown Pittsburgh, and is between the Allegheny River and a hill. The Strip District is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Steel City.
South Side
This National Historic District on East Carson Street sports more types of shops than you could imagine. One may describe it as “artsy” due to its art galleries and live performance venues. At South Side, you can also find many boutiques, as well as the SouthSide Works, which is a famous Pittsburgh shopping center.
Due to being named a National Historic District, the shops are required to appear a certain way on the outside. The architecture in this district is Victorian style, so not only are you shopping in one of Pittsburgh’s prime locations, you are getting the chance to view some unique architecture not common in the world today.
Squirrel Hill
Located east of Pittsburgh, Squirrel Hill is a vibrant neighborhood which has numerous artisan shops, international stores, boutiques and so much more. It is also another location to find great authentic food, as well. On top of this, it is a big residential area, and has a large Jewish population.
Squirrel Hill sits in between Frick and Schenley Park, so if you are looking to escape the crowded areas, head to one of these parks to get away, relax, and explore even more beauty Pittsburgh has to offer.
Fun fact: Squirrel Hill allegedly received its name due to the abundance of squirrels that lived in the area when it was first settled on.
Fifth Avenue Place
Fifth Avenue Place is a glass building that encompasses numerous shops, delicious eateries, and European-style arcades. It is a center downtown that contains all you will need under one roof when you are looking for a day to shop.
Opened in 1988, Fifth Avenue Place is one of the first buildings you’ll see when coming into Pittsburgh. Its structure alone is enough to draw visitors out to explore what’s inside, only to be even more amazed by the shops and dining options.
Station Square
Located across from the Monongahela River, you can’t miss Station Square as one of your shopping destinations. Station Square is a 52-acre complex with both indoor and outdoor shopping selections. If you are looking for clothes, food, Pittsburgh souvenirs; you can find them here.
Station Square opened in 1879 as the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad and was used for commercial traffic. As the 1970s approached, however, railroads were much less needed. It was purchased by Forest City Enterprises in 1994. In 2002 though, it opened as the Station Square we know today.
Shadyside
Shadyside is unlike the other shopping destinations located in Pittsburgh. The vibe here is much different than the rest, as the stores are more unique and one-of-a-kind rather than well-known, common stores you would see at other places to shop. If you are looking for an authentic dining experience, Shadyside will exceed your expectations. Shadyside has businesses on three streets: Walnut, Ellsworth, and Highland.
To add to its eccentric vibe, it was once a big area for hippies to gather in the 1960s and 1970s because the art culture was so popular. Shadyside is located right next to Mellon Park, so be sure to stop and soak in nature to give your wallet a rest.
