City Guides

43 Best Date Ideas in Pittsburgh for 2024

by: Alexandria Taylor

Published on Jun 21st 2024

Pittsburgh is one of the most unique cities and that means there are plenty of date ideas in Pittsburgh to consider. From a bustling restaurant scene and beautiful nature to engaging local history, Pittsburgh has a lot to offer in terms of activities.

It’s a great city for young adults as well as those who are older and more established. Nearly every weekend, there is some kind of event you can attend or a place to explore. It’s rarely a question of whether there is anything to do in the city, rather, you'll be spoiled for choice.

Dates in a relationship provide time to have uninterrupted conversations with your partner, which can help increase your emotional connection.

Dates can lead to better communication, increased novelty and commitment and help you de-stress, according to PR Newswire. This means stronger relationships overall.

Wondering how to make a date fun? It all starts with a good activity. Something fun to do that will keep you and your date active and engaged. Activities can also help keep the conversation flowing. This goes for both first dates and established couples.

Doing something fun together and enjoying each other’s company can help strengthen your bond. These date ideas in Pittsburgh are the perfect activities to do just that.

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Unique Date Ideas in Pittsburgh

1. Take a Cooking Class

Hone your cooking skills together with cooking classes in Pittsburgh. Taught by expert chefs, you’ll learn tips, tricks and techniques that will help elevate your dishes.

Learn how to recreate your favorite comfort foods and a new recipe or two. These classes make great dates for foodies and home chefs who want to do a fun, hands-on activity.

Couples cooking class date idea in Pittsburgh — *via Classpop!*

2. Check Out Randyland

If you’re looking for date ideas in Pittsburgh that you’ll never forget, you should check out Randyland. It’s one of the city’s most unique museums, created and curated by one man in his North Side home.

It has become an iconic public art landmark because of the incredible burst of color and collection of found objects. It’s also totally free to walk through. After visiting Randyland, you’ll definitely have something to talk about.

3. Have Dinner on the Gateway Clipper

The three rivers are one of the most recognizable parts of the city. So if you’re looking for date ideas in Pittsburgh, consider having dinner on the historic Gateway Clipper.

This boat takes you on a cruise down the river, where you can view the skyline and city along the banks while enjoying a meal and music from a live DJ.

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4. Visit the Allegheny Observatory

The Allegheny Observatory is part of the University of Pittsburgh’s Physics and Astronomy Department, but it also makes for a fun date idea in Pittsburgh.

It has public viewing through the telescope, public tours and public lectures. Every fall, there is an open house where you can explore the building and look through the telescopes.

5. Take a Glass Class at Pittsburgh Glass Center

Pittsburgh has a great arts scene, so you should take advantage of it for a date night. Take a class on glass blowing at the Pittsburgh Glass Center.

These classes are open to beginners and can help you unleash your creativity. This is one of the most unique date ideas in Pittsburgh and will leave you with fun memories and a one-of-a-kind work of art.

glass blowing class at Pittsburgh glass center — *via Pittsburgh Glass Center*

6. Tour the Cathedral of Learning

Another part of Pitt that makes a fun date idea in Pittsburgh is the Cathedral of Learning. It’s a Gothic Revival skyscraping that has classrooms during the school year.

The stunning architecture is one to marvel at but touring the Nationality Classrooms is the real draw. These classrooms are decorated in the style of countries and ethnicities around the world, and all have a unique history to them.

7. Check Out the Breweries and Distilleries

If you’re looking for chill date ideas, consider checking out a few of Pittsburgh’s breweries and distilleries. Penn Brewery is the city’s oldest and Church Brew Works is located in an old church.

Wigle Whiskey Distillery and Lawrenceville Distilling Co. have tasting rooms where you can grab a drink or attend one of their events.

Date Night Restaurants in Pittsburgh

8. Casbah

Casbah, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar, is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for dinner date ideas in Pittsburgh.

It’s a beloved restaurant because of the delicious menu. It’s a little fancy, so it’s the perfect restaurant if you’re looking for a spot for a dressy date night or special occasion.

9. TreeTops Restaurant

If you’re looking for date night Pittsburgh restaurants that will be unforgettable, TreeTops Restaurant is the place to go.

It’s just a little outside of Pittsburgh, located in Acme, Pennsylvania. It’s a fine dining restaurant among the trees that will allow you to enjoy nature along with your meal.

treetops restaurant Pittsburgh date idea — *via Pittsburgh Magazine*

10. Altius

Want uninterrupted views of the city while you dine? Altius is the best restaurant to do that. Located on Mt. Washington, this fine dining establishment is one of the most romantic things to do in Pittsburgh for couples.

Upscale New American and craft cocktails are features of the menu. It’s a spot where couples celebrate special occasions, so it’s one of the best anniversary date ideas, and even get engaged.

11. Morcilla

A beloved Spanish restaurant in Lawrenceville, Morcilla provides an intimate space to enjoy a meal together. Small plates served family style will even have you coming closer together.

An upscale casual place, Morcilla will be one of your favorite go-to spots for a date night where you can indulge together.

12. Con Alma

Take a trip down to the cultural district to visit Con Alma. This is a restaurant and jazz bar that will put a unique twist on dinner and a show.

A variety of jazz bands play throughout the week while you enjoy some elevated soul food and barbecue. With this date idea in Pittsburgh, you’ll definitely have a memorable time.

13. Paris 66

Transport yourself to France by going to Paris 66. This date night Pittsburgh restaurant is an authentic bistro that’s perfectly intimate for couples. Sip on wine before enjoying French cuisine.

Of course, you have to enjoy decadent and authentic French desserts. Paris 66 is the next best thing to taking a trip to France.

Paris 66 Restaurant in Pittsburgh — *via Paris 66*

Date Ideas for Couples in Pittsburgh

14. Find a Speakeasy

Getting a drink is a go-to date idea. However, if you’re tired of going to bars, try finding a speakeasy. Where can I go on a date with a girl? A speakeasy can be an exciting and novel way to bond over drinks.

Check out Commerce Bar, The Speakeasy and Co-Sign Speakeasy for their cocktails and an immersive experience.

15. See a Comedy Show

If you’re looking for double date ideas, consider checking out a comedy show in the city. Pittsburgh Improv and Steel City Improv Theater are two great places to see stand-up comedians or improv groups perform.

Bring another couple or go on a group date and laugh together. Comedy show dates can help break the ice and be a casual space to hang out together.

16. Ride the Duquesne Incline

If you’re looking for unique date ideas in Pittsburgh, the Duquesne Incline is the place to be. The incline is unique to the city. It’s a trolly that rides up the side of Mount Washington, providing you a beautiful view of the city as you ascend.

On the ride, you can marvel at the views of the city and chat. It’s one of the quintessential Pittsburgh things every couple should do.

17. See the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is one of the best date ideas in Pittsburgh if you’re looking to see a different kind of live music. They have events multiple times a week and often host touring artists.

Purchase tickets for you and another couple. You can grab drinks before and dinner after for an unforgettable double date.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Date Idea — *via Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra*

18. Have a Spa Day

All couples need a day to relax together. That’s why a spa day is one of the best date ideas in Pittsburgh for couples. Get massages, facials and body treatments that will help you unwind from the stress.

A spa day is a great way to celebrate a special event as a couple or pamper yourselves because, after all, you deserve it.

19. Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Concert

Another place to see incredible live music for a date idea in Pittsburgh is the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild.

MCG seeks to strengthen the Pittsburgh jazz community and has won five Grammy Awards doing so. They have a concert series you can purchase tickets to and listen to incredible music.

Fun Date Ideas in Pittsburgh

20. Spend the Day at Kennywood

An iconic spot of the city is the amusement park Kennywood. It’s a National Historic Landmark and still has three roller coasters that were operational in the 1920s (don’t worry, they’re still completely safe).

Kennywood makes a fun day date idea in Pittsburgh, even if you’re not a thrill seeker. There are plenty of rides, games to play and food to eat that make for a fun day together.

21. Get Milkshakes at Milkshake Factory

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this date idea in Pittsburgh. While there are tons of great dessert spots in the city, the Milkshake Factory is one of the best places to go.

Family-owned since 1914, Milkshake Factory creates handspun milkshakes and fine chocolates. Make a special trip here or go after dinner for a sweet nightcap.

Milkshake Factory Pittsburgh Date Idea — *via QBurgh*

22. Explore Movie and TV Show Locations

Pittsburgh has been the shooting location for many movies and television shows. For a fun date idea in Pittsburgh, go on a tour around the city and check some of them out.

Some movies to consider are Adventureland, Flashdance, Night of the Living Dead, The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Silence of the Lambs.

23. See a Show in the Cultural District

The Cultural District is home to some of the best performances, making it one of the most fun date ideas in Pittsburgh.

You can see tons of plays and musicals at a variety of theaters throughout Downtown. Plus, you’ll be around a ton of restaurants where you can grab something to eat before or after.

24. Attend a Festival

Pittsburgh has plenty of festivals, especially in the summer. The Three Rivers Art Festival and Picklesburgh are some of the most popular and fun date ideas in Pittsburgh for couples.

There are music and food festivals too where you can walk around, sample dishes and listen to musicians.

25. Check Out Trundle Manor

If you’re looking for oddities, head to Trundle Manor. This is certainly a unique and memorable date idea in Pittsburgh and will give you plenty to talk about.

This odd museum features cryptozoology and vintage taxidermy, including jarred specimens.

Trundle Manor Pittsburgh — *via Uncovering PA*

Indoor Date Ideas in Pittsburgh

26. Bowling at Arsenal Lanes

You can rarely go wrong with bowling. Head to Arsenal Lanes in Lawrenceville for this date idea in Pittsburgh. You can bowl and enjoy some classic comfort food.

Bowling is one of the best first date ideas and great to do on a day you can’t be outside.

27. Explore the Museums

Pittsburgh has a ton of museums, and they make fun date ideas in Pittsburgh on rainy days or days you want to escape the heat.

The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History are a great place to start because they’re housed in connected buildings. The Andy Warhol Museum is also a great spot to check out and features a plethora of the artist’s work.

28. Visit Phipps Conservatory

Wondering where to go for a perfect date? Phipps Conservatory is an ideal place because of its beauty. The botanical gardens feature lush plants and colorful flowers from around the world.

There’s also a butterfly forest where you can get up close to the pretty insects. Phipps is a picturesque date location.

29. Play Pinball

Bring a little friendly competition with this date idea. in Pittsburgh. Pinball PA is an arcade and museum, where you can play pinball as well as classic arcade games.

You can get a two-hour pass or an all-day pass. It’ll be fun to play and compete against each other.

pinball Pittsburgh date idea — *via Canva*

30. 21+ Nights at Carnegie Science Center

The science center is usually for kids, but occasionally it hosts 21+ adult nights. These events make a fun date idea in Pittsburgh, where you can learn about science in a fun and entertaining way.

The Carnegie Science Center also hosts events for adults that can be fun date opportunities.

31. Check Out Bicycle Heaven

You don’t have to be a bicycle enthusiast to enjoy Bicycle Heaven. It’s a museum that’s dedicated to bicycles and is the largest of its kind.

It has over 3000 bikes, including antiques and collectibles. For a unique date idea in Pittsburgh explore the museum and rent bikes for a ride afterward.

Outdoor Date Ideas in Pittsburgh

32. Picnic and Walk at Point State Park

Point State Park is the location where the three rivers meet. It makes a beautiful place to walk and explore and take in beautiful views.

One of the most romantic things to do in Pittsburgh for couples would be to pack a picnic and enjoy it by the water after taking a walk through the park.

33. Go to a Steelers Game

Pittsburgh is the City of Champions, so of course you have to see a Steelers game as a fun date idea in Pittsburgh.

With the stadium on the North Shore, you’ll also have options for food and drink beforehand. You can also see the Pirates play baseball and the Penguins play hockey for a sports date night.

Pittsburgh Steelers game date idea — *via Steelers*

34. Visit the Zoo and National Aviary

Need a day date idea in Pittsburgh? The zoo is always a great option. Spend the day walking around and seeing all the exotic animals.

The aquarium is also on the same grounds, so you can see polar bears and seals as well. Another option is the National Aviary, where you can see free-flying birds from around the world.

35. Walk Through the Strip District

The Strip District is one of the most iconic neighborhoods of the city. With this date idea in Pittsburgh, all you have to do is walk around and explore.

You can pop into different shops and restaurants while spending the day talking while you do so. It’s also one of the most affordable date ideas in the city.

36. Kayak on the Rivers

Take advantage of the three rivers and plan a kayaking date. This is one of the most fun outdoor date ideas in Pittsburgh since you’ll get a little exercise and enjoy views of the city.

3 Rivers Outdoor Co. is a great place to get kayak rentals to set out to ride the rivers.

37. Explore the Three Rivers Heritage Trail

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail runs along the riverbanks, so it makes a great outdoor date idea in Pittsburgh. You can get a good view of the city while you bike or walk it.

It’ll also take you near Downtown, the North Shore and South Side, so you can explore those neighborhoods as well.

Three Rivers Heritage Trail Pittsburgh — *via Mid Atlantic Daytrips*

Winter Date Ideas in Pittsburgh

38. Ice Skate at PPG Place

Ice skating at PPG Place is one of the best date night ideas in Pittsburgh in winter. Make your way around the ice a few times together, then get some hot chocolate to warm up.

You’ll be Downtown, so you’ll have plenty of options for dinner.

39. Watch New Year Fireworks at Mount Washington Overlook

New Year's Eve fireworks are often set off at the Point. You can get a great view of them from Mt. Washington.

For this date idea in Pittsburgh, head up early with a little picnic and wait until the midnight display.

40. Visit the Heinz History Center

Escape the cold with a day at the Heinz History Center. This date idea in Pittsburgh will have you learning tons of local history. It’ll be a fun and unique way to engage with the city.

41. Explore the Frick House

Tour the impressive Clayton, home of the Henry Clay Frick family. It has beautiful architecture inside and out and provides a glimpse into the glamorous world.

The home and nearby museum make a fun date idea in Pittsburgh for the winter.

Pittsburgh Date Idea at the Frick House — *via Arthive*

42. Skiing at Seven Springs

Head to nearby Seven Springs Ski Resort for a winter date idea in Pittsburgh. You can hit the slopes all day and dinner to warm you up at night.

It’s a resort, so you can also stay on-site for a little getaway.

43. Snow Tubing at Boyce Park

Another way to enjoy the winter weather is by going snow tubing at Boyce Park. It’ll be a fun way to get your heart pumping as you slide down the hill, then warm up with hot drinks in the lodge.

You’ll feel like a kid again with this date night idea for the Pittsburgh winter,

Dating can be a fun activity regardless of whether you’re a few days or a few years into your relationship. These date ideas in Pittsburgh are great to add to your list of potential future dates.

The city has so much to offer and so many activities that can provide a great backdrop for a date night, day date or special occasion.

A stronger bond and fun memories await you with these date ideas. Wondering where to go on a date in Lakewood? We’ve got you covered!

For even more fun date ideas in Pittsburgh and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!