Cheap Hotels in Pittsburgh

Cheap areas to stay in Pittsburgh

You may well have to skip the upscale digs dotted across Downtown Pittsburgh and the nearby North Shore area, but those hotels found on the South Shore are often more conducive to a budget-friendly break. For some of the cheapest accommodation, check out the hotels that pepper Route 20. It's also worth looking at out-of-town options, with the affordable properties located in Monroeville and Cranberry Township serving up the perfect combo of relaxed surroundings and a setting that's no more than a quick drive from major Downtown attractions, like the Carnegie Science Center and Rivers Casino.

Cheap hotels in Pittsburgh

Cheap hotels, like La Quinta Inn Pittsburgh Airport, offer a convenient base near Pittsburgh International Airport, with this particular Coraopolis hotel being a popular pick thanks to its business and fitness centers, and complimentary airport shuttle service. Rates at the 102-room Best Western Plus Cranberry-Pittsburgh North can be a little higher, though guests often feel the hotel's pool and updated rooms add value for money. One of the affordable options in the suburbs, and perfect for longer getaways, is Extended Stay America Pittsburgh – Monroeville, which offers spacious rooms with kitchens, 24-hour service, and a free on-the-go breakfast.

Where to find cheap food in Pittsburgh

While prices at the dining spots in Downtown and the neighboring 14-block Cultural District can be a bit off-putting for foodies on a budget, countless neighborhoods around town serve up a medley of cheap eats. You might enjoy a meal in the Strip District, an area just east of Downtown that's known for its diverse menus and colorful markets. If you've got the kids in tow, you'll find the restaurants and cafes in Squirrel Hill are particularly family-friendly, though foodies with a taste for ethnic eats would be far better heading to Bloomfield, otherwise known as Pittsburgh's Little Italy.

Cheap things to do in Pittsburgh

You don't need to give your credit card a workout to enjoy Pittsburgh. This is a city where some of the best things to see and do are free or, at the very least, easy on the pocket. Even a simple stroll around Downtown, Market Square, and the Cultural District can be a highlight for history buffs with a self-guided tour map at their disposal. On Fridays, between May and October, the city even lays on a complimentary tour of a local neighborhood. To the east, the history keeps on coming at the free-to-explore Frick Art & Historical Center on Reynolds Street. Outdoor enthusiasts can combine a trip to the 280-acre Emerald View Park with a trip up to the top of Mount Washington, the latter home to what has been described as one of the nation's most beautiful views.

Cheap ways to get around Pittsburgh

When exploring Downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods, walking is probably your best bet. The city's triangular shape can come as something of a surprise for drivers used to the more usual grid-style systems. That said, rides on the "T" Light Rail are free within the Downtown area, and it costs just a few bucks to travel on to the southern suburbs and the city's various stadiums. Also costing just a few bucks, this time for 30 minutes of use, are Pittsburgh's Healthy Ride Bikes, which you'll find stationed and ready to go all over town.