National Geographic has released their top places to travel in 2026, and Pittsburgh has made the list and is the only U.S. City to make it this year.
Pittsburgh has been known for its steel industry, and was once a top city in population because of this. Although the steel industry has died down, Pittsburgh has attracted many people for other reasons. Views including the Incline, attractions such as the many museums, and its culture such as Picklesburgh and many iconic sports teams.
Why specifically travel to Pittsburgh? National Geographic described the city as, “A postindustrial city with a thriving culture scene–and a head of steam”. That includes its location along the Ohio, Allegheny, and the Monongahela rivers that make the city iconic for its bridges and scenery.
One of the biggest events next year will be held in Pittsburgh which is the famed NFL Draft. It is only the second time the draft has been held in the city with the last time being in 1947.
It is a highlight of the future of the city with many plans to enhance the city further in the next couple of years. National Geographic considered Pittsburgh, “One of America’s most underrated cities”.
Some of the iconic locations to visit in Pittsburgh include the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie International, The Waterfront, and the City of Asylum. Many neighborhoods of the 90 throughout the city were mentioned as well such as Squirrel Hill, Mount Washington, and the Strip District.
National Geographic mentioned the best time to travel is May through October due to the many boats that can be seen on the rivers and when the mountains look very lush. The Pittsburgh Marathon, Stage AE, Pride Week, and the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix were all highlights for the summer in the city. They did mention however that winter can be good due to the many opportunities for winter sports available in the Laurel Highlands.
In a statement, Jerad Bachar, president & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH said, “It’s a reflection of our region’s continuing evolution”. Anne Ryan, deputy secretary of tourism for Pennsylvania said that the recognition is a “game-changer for Pennsylvania tourism”.
With the city slowly gaining population again, and the many developments planned for the city, this recognition may just be the thing that will put Pittsburgh back in the spotlight it once was many years ago.
Knowing that Pittsburgh is among the best places to travel to along with Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver, and Fiji is sure to make the people that live in the city proud to be a part of the Pittsburgh community.
