Recently, NASH’s Travel Club put together a list of underrated attractions in Pittsburgh. Many of the places on this list may have you wondering to yourself, ‘What is that? I’ve never heard of it?’, which is the point. Instead of sitting at home thinking that there’s nothing to do around you, here are some fun, underrated (not in any particular order) attractions to visit around our hometown. 

1. Pittsburgh Tattoo Art Museum

Pittsburgh Tattoo Art Museum is a relatively new basement museum and tattoo studio. The museum offers display cases throughout the building containing items relating to the history of tattoo art, such as tattooing machines, art samples, photos, and books. As well as historical items, there are signages paying honor to iconic artists. It is a quick 20-30 minute walkthrough and has completely free admission.  (5413a Walnut St, Pittsburgh, PA 15232)

2.  Island Spice

Island Spice is a Caribbean restaurant located in Carnegie, PA. They offer Jamaican dishes such as curry, Jerk chicken & pork, goat, and oxtail, as well as a variety of seafood dishes. They are known for their home-like environment and the kindness of the family who runs the restaurant. The average price of their entrees is about $10-12, making them decently affordable.  (1160 Washington Ave)

3. Soldiers & Sailors Museum 

Soldiers & Sailors Museum is a unique military memorial located in Oakland, next to the University of Pittsburgh. It is a Historic Places landmark and the largest memorial in the country that is solely for honoring all branches of the military. Admissions run from $5-15, depending on age. Scenes from the iconic film “The Silence of the Lambs” were filmed in this museum.  (4141 Fifth Ave 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)

4. Yuzu Kitchen 

Yuzu Kitchen, an Asian cuisine restaurant, is located in downtown Pittsburgh. Yuzu Kitchen offers a variety of ramen bowls and stir-fries. Costs can range from $20-30 per person.  There are many great reviews stating that this Asian restaurant is one of the best in the city, has a very great environment, and provides very good service. This restaurant provides many gluten-free options. (409 Wood Street, Pittsburgh PA)

5. Great Allegheny Passage

The Great Allegheny Passage is a 150-mile-long trail running all the way from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. It is a recreational trail designed for hiking and cycling, a relatively smooth run or hike. The passage begins at the very top of Point State Park and runs all the way to Washington D.C.

6. Bicycle Heaven

Bicycle Heaven is the largest museum in the world solely for bicycles. This museum is full of bikes from many different time periods all across the world. They offer free admission, but if you want to rent a bike for an hour, the cost is $1o, and $60 for an entire day. Not only do they offer the museum, but they also have a store solely for biking equipment. (1800 Preble Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233)

7.  Green Man’s Tunnel

Located in South Park Township, Green Man’s Tunnel is an abandoned, and supposedly haunted, coal car tunnel. The urban legend comes from Raymond Robinson (1910-1985), a man who suffered a terrible disfigurement in his childhood due to an electrical accident. The shock caused his skin to appear green and yellow, where the nickname “The Green Man” came from. As he grew older, he took walks at night to avoid cruel remarks from his fellow townsfolk. He has been spotted walking around the tunnel at night with a shimmering green glow.

8. Gingerbread House Contest

This year, 2024, will be the 22nd annual Pittsburgh Gingerbread House Competition. The houses are placed in the City-County Building on November 16th and 17th, and the voting lasts from November 23rd to January 3rd. The display of houses is open to the public during these days. There are many different entry categories, some of which are age, grade, or if the entry would like to support a nonprofit. The contest has 6 sponsors, many of which are local radio stations. (414 Grant St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219)

9. Three Rivers Heritage Trail

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a 33-mile long paralleling the riverbanks here in Pittsburgh. The trail offers many different lookouts to the city’s skyline, and along the trail, one can find green space, shopping and entertainment districts, neighborhoods, local attractions, and many more. The trail can be biked, walked, or run, and offers a great source of entertainment and enrichment for a healthy lifestyle both to visitors and locals.

10. ScareHouse – The Basement

Located in Etna, ScareHouse has been a Fall hotspot in the city since 1999. They have an average of a 4.3 star-

rating, it is a perfect spot for avid horror fans. The ScareHouse truly is not for the weak; you must be 18 or older and includes many acts of physical touch. ScareHouse goers will reportedly be touched, blindfolded, restrained, tormented, and contains high voltage effects, mature content, low lighting, tight spaces, strong scents, profanity, complete darkness, violence, and jumpscares. Admission is typically $45, and they highly recommend anyone with heart problems or pregnancies not attend. 118 Locust St, Etna, PA 15223

In a relatively big city, no matter what you may think, there is always something to do… even for locals. NASH Travel Club’s mission is to share our love for experiences and traveling, something you can do even in your own city. Let us know if we missed anything or if you have any recommendations in the comments!