Shoestring Budget 3-Day Itinerary for Pittsburgh, PA: National Aviary & Apteka Restaurant

  1. Day 1: National Aviary and Randyland
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) walking distance from each other

    National Aviary: Start the day at the National Aviary, a bird lover's paradise with over 500 birds and more than 150 species from around the world. You can even interact with them during a live bird show. Randyland: Head over to Randyland, a colorful and quirky art installation that's perfect for photo ops. This outside exhibit is free to enter and filled with colorful, larger-than-life art pieces.

  2. Day 2: Point State Park and Cultural District
    20 minutes (1.6 miles) walking distance from each other

    Point State Park: Start the day at Point State Park, a great place to relax and get a scenic view of downtown Pittsburgh. Here you can also explore the Fort Pitt Museum which showcases the history of the region. Cultural District: Afterward, head to the Cultural District, a vibrant neighborhood filled with theaters, galleries, and public art installations. While here, visit the Andy Warhol Museum that houses the artist's work and pop art pieces.

  3. Day 3: Mattress Factory and Apteka Restaurant
    10 minutes (0.7 miles) walking distance from each other

    Mattress Factory: Start the day at the Mattress Factory, a contemporary art museum showcasing an impressive collection of installations and mixed media pieces. Apteka Restaurant: For lunch, head over to Apteka, a vegan spot that serves up traditional Polish food with a modern twist. Prices are reasonable, and you'll get to experience unique flavors that aren't found in most restaurants.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • National Aviary (1-2 hours, $16 per person)
  • Randyland (30-60 minutes, Free)
  • Point State Park (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Fort Pitt Museum (1-2 hours, $8 per person)
  • Andy Warhol Museum (1-2 hours, $20 per person)
  • Mattress Factory (2-3 hours, $20 per person)
  • Apteka Restaurant (1-2 hours, $10-$15 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $82-$89 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a beautiful glass house featuring exotic plants and floral displays. Alternatively, if you're looking to save money, check out the many parks and gardens throughout Pittsburgh, such as Frick Park and Schenley Plaza. For those with less time, you can opt to skip the museums and stick to the outdoor art installations, free parks, and the bicycle trails around Pittsburgh's rivers.

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