1. The National Aviary

This is, by far, my favorite thing I did in Pittsburgh...and that's why I'm putting it first on this list. You don't even have to be obsessed with birds like I am to enjoy this place. In fact, by the time you come out, you're going to love these little dudes.

They have a ton of exhibits where you can view and learn about different birds. There's an outdoor area where you can see condors play in water, and hamerkops work on their nest (which can get up to 4'11 in height, and can support the body weight of a full grown man). There's also a rainforest exhibit that includes a sloth, and, my personal favorite part: the penguin exhibit. It's both indoor and outdoor, and has an area you can crawl up under to watch the birds from. Also, the penguins have name tags. It's beautiful.

2. Take an Uber

OK, OK, so this one's a bit weird, but hear me out: you're in a new place, and you want to learn about what makes it cool. Uber drivers are an awesome way to get around the city, and to get information on it.

Did you know that Pittsburgh has 446 bridges in the entire city? Did you know that the Dark Knight movies were filmed there? I didn't know these things, either, until I took an Uber.

3. Visit Squirrel Hill

If you're looking for a more relaxed feel, I'd definitely recommend hitting up Squirrel Hill. It's a neighborhood of Pittsburgh located right next to Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham University, so it's got that college vibe going on.

While there's a ton of stores there to check out, I'd say the highlights are as follows:
1. Jerry's Records, which is a 2-story record store that's filled to the BRIM with records (where I managed to snag two limited-edition, really rare records for my favorite band).
2. Crazy Mocha, a coffee shop with a huge selection and an overall great place to chill out with a good book.
3. Classic Lines, an independent bookstore with a great assortment of new and older books, as well as books about Pittsburgh and a ton of really cute journals.

4. Bar / Restaurant-Hopping

OK, first off, I'd like to say that the number one place I was told to eat in Pittsburgh was Primanti Brothers. It's a staple for Pittsburgh, and one that everyone recommends you try at least once. I'm going to avoid naming it in this list, though, because, in my opinion, there are other restaurants that you should check out first.

If you, like 90% of the population, love tex mex food, I would recommend Mad Mex as your first stop. They have a huge menu, with something for everyone, as well as options to accommodate any type of diet imaginable. My brother, a complete carnivore, was able to get hot wings, while my father, a vegan, was able to get a burrito bowl. They've truly got it all covered.

If you're looking for some tavern-style food, I would say City Works is the place to check out. We were recommended this joint based on their beer and drink selection, which is pretty extensive. The servers there are great, too, and if you're not from Pittsburgh, they'll definitely recommend you a local beer to try out.

The last restaurant I'd like to mention is one that hits close to home with my southern heart, and that's Pork & Beans. This place has what every North Carolinian craves, and adds some flare to it: collard greens, deviled eggs with chorizo, and tons of pork. The atmosphere is just like a barbeque place that you'd typically find here in the south.

5. Check out Market Square

Market Square is kind of the opposite of Squirrel Hill, but still worth the visit. There's gorgeous architecture at every turn, with fountains and art installations (like the globes in the picture above) that really make you feel like you're in the heart of the big city.

This is where a lot of the more bar-oriented restaurants are, as well as a good majority of the nightlife and entertainment. The first night I spent in the city, I stumbled upon a music festival called Dream On Fest in the center of Market Square, and got to watch a group called the Funky Fly Project go off with some jazz music. It seems like there's always something going on in that section of the city, so I'd check it out if I were you.

Also, it may possibly be the Market Square that Tom Petty references in "Mary Jane's Last Dance" so that's pretty cool.

6. Duquesne Incline

Lastly, there's the Duquesne Incline. I'm sticking this one last because it's something that, admittedly, those aforementioned travel guides tell you to do...and it's actually worth it.

It's a quick little trip the side of a mountain that ends in a gorgeous view of the city. I would definitely recommend going at night, so you can see all the lights on across the Steel City!