Six great things to do in Pittsburgh

The Duquesne Incline's restored wooden cable cars date back to the late 1800s. Photo / Thinkstock

Carnegie Science Center

There's so much to see at this 3700sq m-plus centre including a planetarium, miniature railroad exhibit, a World War II submarine and a health-science centre. But be warned, on Steelers home-game days the centre either closes for the day or closes early.

Duquesne Incline and Mt Washington

These restored wooden cable cars date back to the late 1800s when they transported immigrant workers from workplaces along Pittsburgh's rivers to their homes on Mt Washington. They still transport residents but are also a great way to view Pittsburg's skyline. The top station has an observation deck.

The Cathedral of Learning

Rising 42 storeys high, the neo-Gothic Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus has 26 Nationality Rooms designed by ethnic groups as well as the beautiful Heinz Memorial Chapel with its 23 enormous stained-glass windows.

Allegheny Cemetery

Picturesque Allegheny Cemetery covers 12ha of rolling hills and monuments in various architectural styles. The cemetery dates back to the French and Indian War from 1754-1763. A map of the graves will help you find the resting places of composer Stephen Collins Foster and America's first glamour girl, Lillian Russell.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Family friendly and home to about 6000 animals in the Asian Forest, African Savanna, Cheetah Valley, Tropical Forest and kid's petting zoo and aquarium.

Museum visits

The Heinz History Centre has displays explaining the city's role in the Civil War and depicting its industry titans of steel, and there is also the Western Pennsylvania Sports exhibit, detailing the city's football and baseball heroes. If you love pop art, the Andy Warhol museum is the United States' largest single-artist museum and holds seven floors of installations, reproductions and educational exhibits.

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Further information: See visitpittsburgh.com and DiscoverAmerica.com for more on visiting Pennsylvania.