The Pittsburgh skyline, set within a triangle between the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, evokes a sense of strength as it rises from its island-like location where these two waterways meet to form the Ohio River. The city is the second-largest in Pennsylvania, and though it may not be the most impressive skyline in terms of size, its beautiful collection of buildings and bridges lands Pittsburgh on many lists of the world’s most beautiful skylines.

Visitors will find some of the best views—and the best locations for Pittsburgh skyline pictures—from the tip of the city’s triangle, at Point State Park, which is also home to a large decorative fountain and the Fort Pitt Museum. The Golden Triangle, as the city’s central area is called, encompasses several districts, each boasting its own distinctive atmosphere. From the city’s historic buildings and business district that are home to major corporations to local attractions and entertainment venues, visitors will see a montage of Pittsburgh skyline pictures when observing the city from many interesting locations.

The historic district in downtown Pittsburgh includes Forbes Avenue, Liberty Avenue, Grant Street, and Wood Street. This area was added to National Register of Historic Places in 1985; Grant Street is the focus of the cities government and corporate buildings, and it contains several of the city’s tallest structures. These include the US Steel Tower, which is 841 feet tall and the 35th-highest building in the US, as well as the BNY Mellon Center, and the Oxford Centre.

Pennsylvania Map

The cultural district includes entertainment venues such as the Byham Theater, Benedum Center, and Wood Street Galleries along with numerous restaurants and cafes. The shopping district that runs along Fifth and Forbes avenues, is filled with boutiques, specialty stores, signature shops such as Brooks Brothers as well Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Unlike most other cities, Pittsburgh is not only known for its skyscrapers. It’s also called the City of Bridges, as there are ten bridges in the downtown district alone. These connect the downtown area to the North Shore and South Shore districts, and the Fort Pitt Tunnel. The bridges are an iconic part of the city’s skyline overall, but some, such as the West End Bridge, are also great places to view some of the larger structures up close.

The Pittsburgh skyline at night strikes an imposing presence with its blending of steel, chrome, and granite structures residing next to classic brick facades. There are plenty of opportunities to take great Pittsburgh skyline pictures, but many of the best are taken from nearby Mount Washington, which gives enough perspective to capture both the city’s buildings and bridges in one photograph. In addition to the US Steel Tower, other skyscrapers that stand out at night include the K&L Gates Center, the Gulf Tower, and One PNC Plaza.

The Pittsburgh skyline at night is especially appealing when the sun goes down and the downtown district heats up with live music and dancing at the city’s many nightclubs. Although the business towers will be closed for the day, exploring after dark is a great way to see the skyscrapers lit up and up close. At nearby PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, you can also attend a baseball game or concert and enjoy the views of the city from the upper deck.