Snap up return flights from London Heathrow to Pittsburgh International for just £477 in the British Airways sale, on until the end of September. Autumn is the perfect time to explore Pittsburgh, where a thriving foodie scene meets golden fall foliage, lively Halloween celebrations, and a buzzing calendar of sports and entertainment.

CATCH THE ACTION

Watch your first ice-hockey Game at PPG Paints Arena

With the Pittsburgh Steelers season well underway, and baseball tying up a few loose games, ice-hockey prepares to take centre stage in the city and it's the perfect time to catch the local team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the National Hockey League (NHL). Held in the easily accessible PPG Paints Arena in Downtown, the games promise excitement as the Penguins have an impressive track record as five-time Stanley Cup Champions. Games are family friendly with a chance to meet Iceburgh, the mascot. There are plenty of food and drink options pre- or post-game, from Souper Bowl with its lively beer specials to Shale's Café, a laid-back dive bar. Newcomer Moonlit Burgers serves up smashburgers and cocktails, while Pizza Milano remains a go-to for late night pizza.

Enjoy the autumn foliage on two wheels...

Autumn is the perfect season to explore Pittsburgh by bike, with the trees along the riverside bursting into shades of gold and crimson. The 33-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail winds along the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers, linking Downtown with neighbourhoods such as the Strip District, Washington's Landing and the South Shore. Along the way, riders can pause at attractions like Point State Park at the confluence of the three rivers, the Andy Warhol Museum on the North Shore, or the lively food markets of the Strip District. Bikes are easy to rent locally, with options such as Golden Triangle Bike Rental located right Downtown, steps from the trail. Whether you ride a short stretch or tackle a longer loop, the route showcases the city's industrial heritage and scenic beauty in equal measure.

…or from the water 

Venture Outdoors runs a handful of kayaking excursions from Downtown Pittsburgh into October, paddling on the Allegheny River starting from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. It's a unique way to take in the city skyline and glide beneath iconic bridges like the Roberto Clemente and Andy Warhol, all while spotting the brilliant autumn foliage that lines the riverbanks.

SEASONAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Explore Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Fall Flower Show, 4- 26 October

The highly anticipated Fall Flower Show returns to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and is the longest-running in the US. Phipps is made up of a historic Victorian glasshouse complex in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighbourhood featuring 14 indoor rooms and several outdoor gardens. This year's show, Visions of Japan, celebrates the chrysanthemum's significance in Japanese culture. Visitors can wander through themed installations including a bright red torii gate in the Palm Court, a 113-foot dragon winding through the Sunken Garden and a spectacular pagoda adorned with cascading blooms. 

Be wowed at the Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza, 2 October - 2 November

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium hosts its annual Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza, with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins lighting up the night across The Islands and Jungle Odyssey. This is perfect for families with themed areas featuring zoo animals, local landmarks, and pop culture icons. In addition to the pumpkin displays, the event offers seasonal activities for children, gently spooky decorations, and seasonal treats. The zoo itself provides plenty to see during the visit, including giraffes, penguins, big cats, and the aquarium's marine life exhibits, making it a full-family outing. 

Feel autumnal at the Monster Pumpkin Festival, 18-19 October

This free event is great for the whole family and hosted in the lively Strip District. Visitors can catch four world-class pumpkin carvers compete to produce the best carving. The city's glass blowing scene also gets involved with Vessel Studio Glass providing live demonstrations and selling their unique pumpkin-glass pieces. Finally, don't miss the Monster Pumpkin Drop, the festival namesake where a giant pumpkin is dropped from a crane multiple times over the weekend.

SEASONAL EATS

Savour Pittsburgh pierogies 

Pittsburgh's love affair with pierogies is as rich as the dumplings themselves. Brought to the city by Eastern European immigrants during the Industrial Era, these pockets of dough filled with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or mushrooms quickly became a staple for steelworkers and their families. Pierogies have since woven themselves into the city's culinary fabric, appearing on menus across town, from classic Polish delis to modern restaurants. To embrace the autumn season head to The Abbey on Butler in Lawrenceville, this spot offers Pumpkin, Sage & Goat Cheese Pierogies, where velvety pumpkin filling, fragrant sage, and tangy goat cheese are encased in delicate handmade dough and sautéed to perfection, perfectly capturing the flavours and warmth of fall in every bite.

Sample the legendary Pumpkin Gnocchi Bowl at DiAnoia's Eatery 

This local eatery in East Liberty celebrates autumn every year by launching its limited Pumpkin Gnocchi Bowl, typically available in October. Each pumpkin is baked, carved by hand, and filled with house-made gnocchi tossed in a creamy pumpkin sauce, finished with mozzarella, fresh basil, and a touch of nutmeg. It's a delicious, cosy way to enjoy seasonal gnocchi and embrace the flavours of fall. 

Explore the craft beverage scene

Pittsburgh is home to a thriving craft beverage scene with 76 breweries and growing. For those looking to enjoy the low and no alcohol offerings, Jacksonworth Ginger Beer, Pennsylvania's first   ginger beer brewery is a great spot. Located in the Larimer neighbourhood in the East End of Pittsburgh, this low- and no-alcohol craft beverage shop offers visitors ginger beer in three distinctive options. The original non-alcoholic, the spicy non-alcoholic, and a 5% ABV alcoholic option. The brewery is situated amid a thriving craft beverage corridor including Goodlander Cocktail Brewery, KLVN Coffee Lab, and East End Brewing Company, making it a great spot to visit either on its own or as part of a brewery crawl.

For more information, visitpittsburgh.com