A Guide To Station Square Pittsburgh

Station Square Pittsburgh
Isha
Isha 
Published
| 4 min read

What was once a major railroad station of Pittsburgh is now a modern and renovated 1.2 mile (1.93 km) complex of attractions, dining and entertainment and goes by the name of Station Square Pittsburgh. Situated in the historic ‘City of Bridges’ as Pittsburgh is affectionately called, this riverfront complex has a seven-level historic building constructed in 1900 and an array of shops, restaurants, and bars like the Hard Rock Cafe, Grand Concourse, etc. It is also a starting point for many tours like the riverboat cruise and Segway city tours. The enchanting Bessemer Court fountain show will enthrall both children and adults alike. All this and more is on offer at this amazing mixed-use complex. To know more, simply scroll down for our guide to Station Square Pittsburgh.

Things to do / Highlights

Pittsburgh view-from-incline sm
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dr. Cash used under CC BY-SA 3.0
Take a riverboat cruise

The iconic Gateway Clipper Fleet has been operating riverboat cruises from the dock at Station Square for over 50 years and is a must-do thing here. Operational year-round, hop aboard one of their five riverboats for a variety of tours like Three Rivers Sightseeing, Dining, Kids-themed, Holiday, and Special Events cruises, etc. A riverboat cruise with Gateway Clipper Fleet is a fun and memorable way to see the famous sights of this beautiful city.

Ride the Duquesne Incline cable car

One of the two inclines with a station at Station Square is the famous Duquesne Incline and riding a cable car up and down this line is a wonderful way to get a bird’s eye view of this iconic city. Facing the Ohio River and built in 1877, the Duquesne Incline goes up to 400 feet (122 metres) and is a popular tourist attraction.

Go on a horse and carriage ride

Embark on a romantic horse and carriage ride through the beautiful Station Square on Friday and Saturday evenings in the summer. Suitable for couples as well as families, you will enjoy taking a step back in time in this horse-drawn carriage ride that starts from the Sheraton Hotel located in the complex. A variety of horse and carriage rides are available for every budget and occasion.

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What to eat

fondue
Source: Unsplash
Grand Concourse

Dining at Grand Concourse restaurant located in the original Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Station building is like taking a step back in time. The restaurant retains its original grandeur from the early 1900s in its cathedral vaulted ceiling, dramatic staircase, and marble columns. Enjoy amazing river and downtown skyline views as you tuck into signature seafood dishes, tender steaks, poultry and other culinary creations at this award-winning seafood restaurant. Combine it with a horse and carriage ride and make a memorable evening of it.

Melting Pot

Gather your friends, family, or colleagues for a fun fondue dinner at the fabulous Melting Pot restaurant situated in this complex. Enjoy traditional savoury and sweet fondues, four-course meals, perfect wine pairings, hand-crafted cocktails and year-round outdoor seating at this upscale and chic restaurant.

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Travelers tips

Bessemer Court Fountain (5)
Source: Photo by user Jon Dawson used under CC BY-ND 2.0
Wheelchair accessibility

The complex is very wheelchair-friendly, including travel to and from the public transport stations. In fact, all bus and rail stations and vehicles, including the Inclines, are ADA-compliant. Ramps, kneelers, and bus lifts are available on all buses. Restaurants, shops, and other areas of the complex are wheelchair-accessible.

Watch out for the Pittsburgh Left while driving

Visitors driving through the streets of Pittsburgh to visit this mixed-use complex near the riverfront should be aware of something called the Pittsburgh Left. It is an unwritten driving rule in the city that essentially means giving priority to the first left-turning vehicle over vehicles going straight through an intersection. This driving tradition stems from the fact that most streets in the city are quite narrow and traffic would get significantly held up if the left-turning cars were not given precedence over those going straight at an intersection. The Pittsburgh Left is not a legal driving rule, but an accepted and expected one in the city.

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How to get there

Pittsburgh LRT 4305 47L Gateway to Library April 2008
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Luke H. Gordon used under CC BY 2.0
Public transport

Public transport is by far the easiest and most convenient way to reach the complex. There are several public transport options to choose from - light rail (Subway or the ’T’), bus, and Inclines. Three ’T’ lines service the complex and Station Square ’T’ station is located right next to the complex.

Bus lines like 51, 48, and 41 stop near the complex, making it easily accessible by bus. Several bus stations are located at a short walking distance from the complex.

The Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines also have a station at this complex, making it a fun, easy and scenic way to get to the complex.

Driving

Driving directions to the complex are easily available, but care should be taken about one-way streets. The complex is accessible from the east and west directions via the PA Turnpike and Interstate 76 (I-76) and from the north and south directions by the I-79.

Taxi, Uber, and Lyft

Taxis are available in plenty at taxi stands or you can hail a black-and-white cab called ‘Pittsburgh City Cab’. You can also call for a taxi by dialling 412-323-2489 or 412-777-7777. Uber and Lyft are also popular and affordable travel options in the city.

Parking information

Parking is easily available at the complex. There is one parking garage and three outside parking lots available at the complex that offer more than 3,500 parking spaces. Parking is chargeable but quite affordable.

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Station Square Pittsburgh Information

Station Square & Mt. Washington
Source: Photo by user Jon Dawson used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Station Square

Address: 100 W. Station Square Dr., Ste. 1900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Official Website: Station Square Pittsburgh

Department of tourism: Visit Pittsburgh

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Isha is a former corporate employee who now leads a tranquil life centered around travel, writing, and minding her own business.

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