Travel tips · Pittsburgh · United States
Pittsburgh travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dllu, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Pittsburgh is a down-to-earth city shaped by steel, immigrant parishes and sports. People are friendly and talk easily to strangers, black-and-gold Steelers loyalty runs deep, and the local dialect, 'Pittsburghese', is a point of pride.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- USD
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Things to know
- Wear black and gold on game days if you want to fit in; Steelers Sundays shape the whole city's mood.
- Locals give directions by landmarks and by what used to be there, so ask for help with patience.
- Hold doors and greet people in neighbourhood shops and bars; Pittsburgh is chatty and informal.
- Respect religious buildings and church festivals, which remain community events in many neighbourhoods.
- Tip at sit-down restaurants and bars.
- Book Carrie Blast Furnaces ahead: Book guided tours in advance through Rivers of Steel.
- Grandview Avenue, Point State Park, the Strip District, Randyland and the Cathedral of Learning's Commons Room cost nothing.
Tipping
Tipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at bars, and 15–20% for taxis and rideshares.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yinz | You all |
| N'at | And that / and so on |
| Redd up | Tidy up |
| Slippy | Slippery |
| Dahntahn | Downtown, in the local accent |
What to wear
Casual everywhere. Bring comfortable shoes with grip: the city is hilly, with many public staircases, and pavements can be icy in winter.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- US SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy; free Wi-Fi is common in cafés, libraries and at the airport.
- Time zone
- America/New York
Central areas are generally safe with normal precautions; East Carson Street can get rowdy late on weekend nights, and car break-ins happen in parking areas. Stairways and steep streets become slippery with ice in winter.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check United States's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Pittsburgh?
Tipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at bars, and 15–20% for taxis and rideshares.
+Can you drink the tap water in Pittsburgh?
Tap water is safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Pittsburgh?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Pittsburgh?
English.