Bike the Burgh Tour: Pittsburgh's architecture and hidden gems

Pedal past Pittsburgh's old steel mills and newest neighborhoods in one ride

Bike the Burgh is a 3-hour guided bicycle tour of Pittsburgh that covers downtown architecture, the Strip District market, Point State Park and the Heinz factory, with a live English-speaking guide. The tour leaves the main tourist routes to show hidden corners of the city alongside its most recognizable landmarks. A moderate level of fitness is needed, and the bike is included. Bring your own water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Pittsburgh by bike

• Experience Downtown Pittsburgh architecture
• Learn about revived cultural area
• See the Strip District market and vendors
• Visit old Heinz factory site
• Stop at river trail for skyline view
• Explore Point State Park and river confluence
• Discover unique city square
• Bike through Downtown's central square

The experience

The tour starts in downtown Pittsburgh and moves through distinct neighborhoods that tell the city's story. You'll ride through the density of downtown's architecture, then head to Point State Park where the three rivers converge: the actual birthplace of the city. From there the route takes you to the Strip District, a working market neighborhood full of food vendors, restaurants and shops that looks nothing like the rest of the city. The guide explains what you're seeing as you go: the rise of Pittsburgh as a steel and manufacturing center, the decline that followed, and the recent wave of cultural investment that has reshaped whole blocks.

One stop is the old Heinz factory, set off the main paths, where you'll learn how ketchup became a Pittsburgh story. You'll also pause on one of the river trails to take in the skyline: a view the guide uses to talk through the variety of historic buildings that make up the city's profile. A square with its own particular character gets a mention too, though the guide leaves the surprise of why you should discover it yourself. By the end of the ride, you're near restaurants and bars in the downtown core, a 15-minute walk from where the tour ends at the bike shop.

The tour runs 3 hours and covers ground, so you need at least a moderate level of fitness to keep pace. The bike is included. Bring water with you, especially if you have a refillable bottle. The guide speaks English, and Spanish tours are available with at least two weeks' notice. Contact the operator to arrange one.

What’s included

• Bicycle.
• live English-speaking guide.
• stops at downtown Pittsburgh, Point State Park, the Strip District, the Heinz factory, river trail viewpoints and distinctive city squares.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (14 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Bike The Burgh Tours

Is this one for you?The 3-hour pace and moderate fitness requirement mean this tour works best for riders comfortable on a bike for several hours and ready to cover ground between neighborhoods. If you want the story of Pittsburgh's transformation told while you move through it rather than standing in one spot, this ride connects the pieces in a way a walking tour cannot.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 13 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What neighborhoods does the Bike the Burgh tour actually cover?

The tour moves through downtown Pittsburgh, Point State Park at the confluence of the three rivers, the Strip District with its market and food vendors, and includes a stop at the old Heinz factory off the main paths. You'll also see a distinctive city square and ride along the river trails for views of the skyline.

How long is the bike tour and what kind of fitness do I need?

The Bike the Burgh tour runs 3 hours and covers multiple neighborhoods, so you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to keep pace. The route includes both flat sections and some hills as you move between districts.

Is the bicycle included, and what should I bring?

Yes, the bicycle is included with the tour. You should bring your own water, especially if you have a refillable water bottle, since the operator does not provide bottled water.

Can I take this tour in a language other than English?

Spanish tours are available, but you need to contact the operator at least two weeks in advance to confirm availability and arrange the Spanish-language departure.

What is the Strip District and why does the guide mention not coming hungry?

The Strip District is a working neighborhood full of central market vendors, food shops, restaurants and bars with a lot of character and smell. The guide jokes not to come hungry on the tour because you'll pass all these food vendors and restaurants but won't have time to stop and eat during the 3-hour ride.

Why is Point State Park significant to Pittsburgh's history?

Point State Park marks the confluence of Pittsburgh's three rivers and is the actual birthplace of the city. The guide explains the city's history and growth from this location, and you'll stop there to see the park and learn about its role in Pittsburgh's past.