Generally there are plenty of airlines serving Pittsburgh direct, or offering stop-over options via cities such as New York, Washington or Boston. Cheap flights to Pittsburgh depend on the season. Book early and you pay more, wait and usually you'll get a better deal, but risk availability.

Shopping:

Recommended Stores - Downtown stores include Kaufmann's, Lazarus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. Also downtown is the Strip District with local shops and markets selling wholesale and retail food produce. In the nearby community of Shadyside, upscale shops line Walnut Street. On the South Side the shops at Station Square are charmingly housed in the former Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad building.

Best Buys - designer wear and accessories are excellent buys.

Shopper's Tip - Pennsylvania charges no sales tax on clothing.

Opening Times - open from 9.00am to late.

Sightseeing Attractions:

The Andy Warhol Museum - one of the largest single artist museums in the world and houses an extensive collection of his work. Warhol, a Pittsburgh native, was a true exponent of modern art, such as his famous soup can, is celebrated by the museum that carries his name.

The Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History - houses the third largest dinosaur collection in the world plus a celebrated collection of post-impressionist art.

The Mattress Factory - a must for art lovers is this refurbished old factory, which commissions, collects and exhibits site-specific contemporary art installations.

Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium - is one of only five combined zoos and aquariums in the United States.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - is one of the largest (13 rooms) and finest Victorian glasshouses in the United States.

The Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Centre - this centre documents the region's 300-year social history and Pittsburgh's evolution from industrial hub to a centre for technology, medicine and tourism.

Strip Landmark - is a towering Ketchup bottle on the roof of the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional Centre.

Other - To experience another side of Pittsburgh visitors might like to stroll Southside, where you can visit "The Priory", a city inn and landmark of a Benedictine monastery and parish. Other popular choices include the Sheraton Station Sqaure overlooking the river, or the Pittsburgh Hilton, overlooking Point State Park featuring the Fountain at the Point, Pittsburgh's most prominent landmark. While you are there why not take a riverboat cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet and see the city landscape from a distance.

Recommended Entertainment:

Theatre - Pittsburgh has a rich cultural heritage and is home to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Dance Council, Pittsburgh Broadway series, Pittsburgh Filmmakers and the Pittsburgh Public Theatre.

Opera - for excellent music performances the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and the acclaimed Pittsburgh Symphony are great venues to visit.

Music - in Downtown Pittsburgh the city's jazz legacy is preserved at the Manchester Craftmen's Guild and various clubs.

Night Clubs - Pittsburgh's nightlife includes music and dancing in the Strip District at Metropol and Rosebuds - two modern clubs that made their home in the industrial architecture of Pittsburgh past.

Bars - Pittsburgh's history is also rich with jazz and blues music, which can be heard at the Blues Cafe on the Southside, at Dowe's on 9th, and the historic Crawford Grill.

Eating Out - Pittsburgh has a wide variety of restaurants, from country French (Le Pommier) to hearty neighbourhood fare ( Primanti Brothers, The City Grill, Tessaro's). Downtown offers elegant lunch and dinner venues (1902 Landmark Tavern, The Charlton, Morton of Chicago, Ruth's Chris Steak House). Ethnic specialities can be found all across town (Kaya, Mad Mex, Kiku, Indian Gardens, Ali Baba). The views can't be beaten atop Mt. Washington (Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, Cliffside, Shiloh Inn, The Lemont, Tin Angel), and history and architecture star at The Grand Concourse, Hyeholde and the Golden Trout. Local specialities include Isalys chipped ham, Devonshire open sandwiches, Primanti's sandwiches, Iron City Beer, Klondike ice cream bars and Clarke's candy. Oh, and Heinz Ketchup.

Gratuities - Baby Sitter 10-15%, Barber/Beautician 15%, Bartender/ Waiters/Waitress 15%, Bellman/Skycap 50 Cents-$1 per bag. Chambermid $3-$5 per week, Cloakroom 50Cents per coat, Delivery/Room Service $10-15%, Doorman $1 to call for taxi, Golf Cart Attendent $1 per cart, Masseur/Masseuse 20%, Parking Attendent/Valet $1, Shoe Shine 50 cents, Taxi Driver 15% (25 cent minimum).

Local Transport :
* Bus - $1.25
* Metro - $1.25
* Taxis - $3.00 first mile/ $1.40 each additional mile.

Driving around town:

Please observed the driving laws which are much as per the UK. All passengers must wear seatbelts and children under five should be strapped in car seats. The speed limit varies from 15-65 mph and you must give way to any police, emergency vehicle or any vehicle showing a flashing light. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited and carries tough penalties.