Battle of the Cities: Philly Vs. Pittsburgh

On opposite sides of the state lie the two main cities of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. These two cities are different in many ways from one another and have features that make them very unique. The locals of both cities hold much pride in where they are from and are not afraid to bash the other- whether it’s in sports, food, colleges, hometown celebrities, tourist attractions, entertainment, etc. Although many don’t like to acknowledge the opposing city, both of these cities have so much to offer and things everyone should see in their lifetime.

Philadelphia, also known as the “City of Brotherly Love”, blends all aspects of life such as history, arts, science, and food. The city is well populated and attracts many visitors. In 2019, the city had a record of 46 million visitors for the year. With a variety of attractions, people can find themselves busy in the city for days. For those who appreciate art, the city is home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and it holds a collection of approximately 227,000 objects that spans all of art history. The building is also famous for its “Rocky Steps” due to the scene in the Rocky movie when the boxer runs up all 72 steps. Payton Mann visited the city during the winter of 2018 and recalls the moment she visited the historical site, “I remember visiting the famous Rocky steps where my friends and I all raced up the steps. It was cool to experience a place that was in a movie.”  For visitors who appreciate history, they can visit the Independence Hall, which houses the Liberty Bell. In the late 1800s, the Liberty Bell traveled across the country for display at expositions and fairs. Today, this nation’s symbol of liberty sits in the city of Philadelphia. Lastly for those who appreciate good food, the Reading Terminal Market is the place to be. This market has been around for 127 years and has the widest variety of restaurants under one roof. It is one of America’s largest and oldest public markets.

    Pittsburgh is a smaller city that, despite the city’s size, packs a large punch. The city’s affordable standard of living, top-notch health care facilities, and cultural attractions combine to make it America’s “Most Livable City. “Once a center for the heavy steel industry, today Pittsburgh’s skyline has been transformed. Riverfronts are thoughtfully developed, utilized for recreation now more than ever and local businesses look to the environment as an asset, not a challenge. As you stroll through the vibrant mid-size city, you can feel the energy and hard work from the people, businesses, and landmarks around you that help to truly make Pittsburgh what it is. The ‘Burgh has a perfect balance between both lively city and outdoorsy/naturistic. A popular landmark in the city that represents the nature aspect is Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This attraction is located in Schenley Park and offers an amazing garden experience, also a perfect place to take photos while visiting. Another place to visit would be both the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Science Center. They both have many exhibits, tours, and other ways to interact while learning some amazing information. A personal recommendation for a must-see stop would have to be the Monongahela Incline. While you ride up the incline, you are provided with some of the best views of the city and see it in ways you wouldn’t be able to from a lower vantage point. Pittsburgh has many foods that are distinct to the city, which include the Primanti Bros. sandwiches, pierogies, Pamela’s diner’s hotcakes, Eat’ n Park’s smiley face cookies, and much more. You can find cool food places all around the city, whether it is in the Strip District- a neighborhood full of a variety of old-style grocers, gourmet food shops, food markets, street stands, clothing shops, upbeat bars, classic Italian eateries, sandwich places, etc., or on the campuses of downtown Pittsburgh’s colleges- Duquesne University, University of Pittsburgh, or Carnegie Mellon University. Whether you enjoy history, trying new foods, attending sports games, exploring museums, walking around parks, fashion, and much more, this city of 302,205 people has all to offer and a must-see destination on your travel list.

Whether you live closer to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh or maybe even in another state, both cities are worth the travel. These major cities of Pennsylvania have something to offer for everyone.  Both travels will ensure an experience full of entertainment, history, and art.