Pittsburgh / 10 photo spots
10 Instagram spots around Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh joins rivers, steep hills and distinct neighborhoods. These ten photo ideas move from the water to plazas, wooded park paths and university architecture.
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Photo spots on the map
7 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Point State ParkApproximate area
- West End OverlookApproximate area
- North Shore Riverfront ParkApproximate area
- Mellon SquareApproximate area
- Hot Metal BridgeSourced place
- Cathedral of LearningSourced place
- Schenley PlazaApproximate area
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Point State Park
At the meeting of the rivers, the paved promenade leads towards the circular fountain. Compose from the path with the fountain basin in the foreground and the water beyond. Fountain operation varies.
Search Google MapsWest End Overlook
The city overlook sits above the Ohio River. Use its viewing area to include the river curve and downtown skyline in one wide frame, with the foreground railing kept low in the image.
Search Google MapsPPG Place plaza
Six glass buildings surround the outdoor plaza at PPG Place. From within the accessible square, look upward for a tighter composition of reflecting façades and pointed rooflines.
Search Google MapsNorth Shore Riverfront Park
The riverside trail connects green space along the north bank with the Roberto Clemente Bridge. From the promenade, arrange the bridge and opposite bank in separate layers across the frame.
Search Google MapsMellon Square
Mellon Square combines geometric black-and-white paving with raised planting beds. Photograph a section of the paving from the plaza and let the surrounding buildings form a backdrop.
Search Google MapsHot Metal Bridge
The former industrial bridge now carries pedestrians and cyclists over the Monongahela. From the walking side, use the repeating structure to lead the eye along the crossing while keeping the route clear.
Search Google MapsCathedral of Learning
The University of Pittsburgh tower combines a steel structure with Gothic-inspired exterior details. From the public street, photograph a group of pointed windows rather than trying to fit the full height in.
Search Google MapsSchenley Plaza
Schenley Plaza lies across Fifth Avenue from the Cathedral of Learning. Use the open lawn and a line of trees to create a quieter foreground for the surrounding Oakland streetscape.
Search Google MapsFrick Park near Clayton Hill
The paths around the Frick Environmental Center connect to Clayton Hill. Follow the signed park route and frame a bend in the trail between tree trunks for a woodland composition.
Search Google MapsGrandview Park overlook
Grandview Park is a hillside park in the Emerald View area with a downtown overlook. From the platform, keep the wooded slope in the lower frame and let the buildings sit above it.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Pennsylvania DCNR: Walking at Point State Park
- Visit Pittsburgh: Must-see Pittsburgh views
- Visit Pittsburgh: PPG Place
- Riverlife: North Shore Riverfront Park and Trail
- City of Pittsburgh: Mellon Square
- Friends of the Riverfront: Three Rivers Water Trail Map and Guide
- University of Pittsburgh: Cathedral Architectural Detail
- University of Pittsburgh: Schenley Plaza
- Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: Frick Environmental Center
- Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: Grandview Park
- The Cultural Landscape Foundation: Mellon Square