Quintessential Pittsburgh:

-Ride either the Monongahela or Duquesne Incline and check out the city views from Mt. Washington. These two inclines are some of the oldest still in operation in the country. A must do for any one visiting Pittsburgh.

-Go for a walk around Point State Park

-Check out the Strip District (especially on Saturday or Sunday morning). Grab an espresso or coffee at La Prima or De Fer and walk around to check out the local shops. Also a great place to grab a Primantis's sandwich at the original location founded in 1933. These handcrafted sandwiches piled high with house-made coleslaw and perfectly seasoned fresh-cut fries.

-Museums more your speed? Check out the Andy Warhol Museum filled with original and sometimes interactive art from the Pittsburgh native. Or the Heinz History Center located in the Strip District. This museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and focuses on the history of Western PA. Museum highlights include original set pieces and props from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood which was filmed in Pittsburgh and the Western PA Sports Museum which "captures the Pittsburgh region's evolution and influence as a sports leader over more than a century, from amateur to pro and across the spectrum of sports".

-Visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for a huge collection of vibrant and exotic plants and gorgeous flowers. If you bring your walking shoes you can also explore the surrounding Schenley Park.

-Take a stroll through Pittsburgh's North Shore and check out some of the city's most iconic bridges, the yellow "sister bridges," a larger than life statue of Pittsburgh's favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers, as well as, both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates stadiums. There's plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or a drink along the way.

Our favorites:

Breakfast:

-Thyme Machine breakfast sandwiches. We are sure Elizabeth has already talked your ear off about these to die for breakfast sandwiches. Located on Liberty Ave in the Bloomfield neighborhood, these sandwiches are on made fresh to order. 100% worth the wait in line. Pro tip, pick up a coffee at Yinz Coffee before getting in line.

-Mediterra in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Try the Turkish eggs or Shakshuka. They also have great coffee and lunch sandwiches as well.

- Le Gourmandine: We haven't been to France, but with croissants this good, we weren't in a hurry.

Lunch/Dinner:

Noodlehead: Tasty Thai food. Cash Only. BYOB. You can't go wrong with an order of their Steamed Buns.

Pusadee's Garden: Noodlehead's slightly older, more refined (and pricier) sibling. If you're a vegetarian, get the pumpkin curry. If you're not vegetarian, get the pumpkin curry. Not kidding get the pumpkin curry. You cannot go wrong with any dishes on their menu. The cocktails also do not miss.

Gaucho Parilla: Open fire grilled meats. Eat here once and you'll consider coming back to Pittsburgh again just to go to Gaucho. We recommend getting the "Parrillada Mixta" and "Vegetales Asados" and sharing it with a loved one or two. The chimichurris alone are worth a visit.

Apteka: Just a stone's throw from where Luke and Elizabeth met. A James Beard semifinalist and "One of the 50 best restaurants in America" according to The New York Times. "Without a doubt, the best vegan Eastern European restaurant I've ever been to." - Luke

- Lot 17: Bloomfield neighborhood bar/restaurant with great sweet potato fries, delicious rueben sandwiches, with Yuengling's on draft. They were $3.75 for 23oz when Luke lived in the apartment across the street in residency and $3.25 when Elizabeth moved into Bloomfield 2 years prior...

- Stinky's Bar and Grill: Lawrenceville neighborhood sports bar, great wings and sauce flavors, and an extensive menu. Just half a block from Luke's former Lawrenceville residence, we spent many Steelers away weeks catching the game here with some good snacks and company.

- Urban Tap: Great tater tots, great food menu, and extensive tap beer menu.

- There are many more great restaurants, if you have specific questions/want recommendations feel free to ask us.

Bars/Breweries:

- Cork Harbor Pub: Lovely Lawrenceville Irish Pub. Often live music. $0.75 pierogis on Wednesdays, a hot dog roller, and you'll likely end up visiting this establishment if you hang out with the wedding party long enough.

- Grist House: One of our favorite local breweries especially if you like sour beers, very large outdoor seating area and rotating food trucks. Just across the river in Millvale.

- Trace Brewery: Where we had our first date, coffee shop by day, brewery by night.

- Tina's: Cozy and quirky cocktail bar that serves the best Penicillin cocktail in town. Located in the Bloomfield neighborhood.

-Allegheny Wine Mixer: Small, casual wine bar with an amazing hand picked wine selection and charcuterie accompaniments. Located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood.

Sweet Treats:

Page's Dairy Mart- Best soft-serve ice cream in town. Nancy B's Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae is worth every minute spent in line.

Millie's- Best hard ice cream in the city. Locally sourced with great flavors and DF/GF options as well.

The Butterwood Bake Consortium- Great place for a coffee, uniquely flavored individual cakes, and pies.