Last month I spent eight days in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an integral yet underrated part of the U.S., and it was nothing short of a roller coaster ride. From exploring major attractions around the city to working in a local newsroom (Tribune Review), from taking part in festivities to interacting with people of various age groups, the trip was very enlightening, to say the least. Pittsburgh has a very warm and unique feel to it, as opposed to landmark cities like New York or Washington.

The opportunity came as part of a Media Training and Professional Journalism Development Program for female journalists in Pakistan. I was placed at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the second largest daily newspaper serving metropolitan Pittsburgh, under the mentorship of reporter Jamie Martines. As I shadowed multiple reporters at the publication, I learnt that the core ethics and dynamics of journalism are no different. It was enriching and fascinating at the same time.

During my visit, I also had the chance to meet Mr William Mark Peduto, who is serving as the 60th Mayor of Pittsburgh, as well as baseball outfielder Andrew McCutchen, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Almost everyone I met before reaching Pittsburgh assured me of its beauty and one bright Saturday afternoon, with my long things-to-do list ready, I embarked on a four-hour scenic ride from Washington to Pittsburgh. Known as ‘The Steel City’ for once being the center of the American steel industry, that changed after the country’s deindustrialization in 1980, Pittsburgh is now home to many young professionals who have/are starting out here. It is known for its museums, medical and research centers, parks and a diverse cultural district.

Here are some of things that you must experience in Pittsburgh, preferably in summer.

Attractions

The reason you should visit the city during summer is because Kennywood Park, Pittsburgh’s best amusement park, doesn’t operate during the winter months, when it gets too cold. Though I visited it for a reporting task and couldn’t take any rides as they were setting things up for the Light-up Night, it has 6 roller coasters, a 14-ride Kiddieland, and several other attractions.

Another must-visit spot is the charming Mount Washington, a neighborhood in Pittsburgh known for its panoramic city views and it will give you a breath taking view of the skyline. Not to forget, the hip Strip District that has an interesting mix of old-style grocers and gourmet food shops, street stands selling t-shirts as well as upbeat bars and classic Italian eateries. If you go there, do try cannoli (Italian pastries)!

A historic landmark in the city, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden set in Schenley Park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1983, the gardens are a major attraction for citizens as well as tourists and feature various species of exotic plants. The place is huge and requires time to indulge in its beauty but is totally worth it.

Cultural District

Pittsburgh has a diverse cultural district and this is one reason the city is home to multiple artists and places that work to further the cause. For instance, the Andy Warhol Museum, located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist, Andy Warhol. It holds an extensive permanent collection of art and archives from the Pittsburgh-born pop art icon.

Randyland is another museum in the city that celebrates art like no other. Created by Randy Gilson, it is widely regarded as one of America’s most colorful public art landmarks dedicated to his outsider art. Chances are you will see Randy sharing his childhood stories with visitors if you drop by.

Similarly, the Carnegie Science Center and Heinz History Center are certainly a treat for history and science lovers. Not so much for me.

An interesting place in Pittsburgh is The City of Asylum, a non-profit organization that houses writers exiled from their countries due to their controversial writing. The idea behind the place intrigued me and upon having a conversation with one of the writers residing there (Tuhin Das), I learnt how difficult it is for a writer to start off after moving out of their home country. (Watch this space for his interview.)

Food

When I heard, ‘people of Pittsburgh love food,’ it reminded me of nothing but Karachi. Though I wasn’t able to try lots of food during my stay, I made sure I don’t miss out on some of the most popular eateries there. The first on my list was Primanti Brothers, listed on top 10 things to do in the city for its signature sandwiches that have French fries between two thick slices of Italian bread, among other fillings. Though I liked the fries, I didn’t quite like the taste.

Salem’s Market & Grill, Pittsburgh’s destination for Halal foods and Middle Eastern fare, offers comfort food to a multicultural clientele. They have an extensive menu with something for everyone and the serving size is huge. I tried one of their burgers, something I have been craving for ever since I went to the States, and it was delicious.

One of the best pizza places in the city, Mineo’s Pizza, provides mouth-watering pizzas with a range of options to choose from. It is a family owned eatery serving homemade food since 1958 with three generations and is must-try whenever you are in Pittsburgh.

Bridges

Pittsburgh, also known as ‘the city of bridges,’ has the most number of bridges in the world – 446 to be precise – that play a key role in the city’s transportation system. Some of them include the Fort Pitt Bridge, Smithfield Street Bridge, Panhandle Bridge as well as sister bridges: Roberto Clemente Bridge, Andy Warhol Bridge and Rachel Carson Bridge that look alike. A must-do on my checklist also included walking across one of these bridges early in the morning and, trust me, it felt great –one of the best feelings ever!