3 Best Sights in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The designed by the influential architect Henry Hobson Richardson and completed in 1888, is one of the country's outstanding Romanesque buildings. Once you get by courthouse security, don't miss the frescoes on the first floor, the grand staircase near the entrance to the old law library, or the "bridge of sighs" connecting the courthouse and former jail (now a court facility). There is a self-guided tour brochure available at the Mayor's Service Center near the Forbes Avenue side of the building.

Philip Johnson's 1984 postmodern whose glass spires and towers were modeled after London's Houses of Parliament, exemplifies the Pittsburgh renaissance. The structure's exterior is made almost entirely of plate glass (19,750 pieces to be precise). At sunset, with orange light bouncing off so many panes of glass, the effect is magical. On hot summer days, kids (and adventurous grown-ups) can cool off by romping through the courtyard's fountains.

on the Monongahela across the historic Smithfield Bridge, is a converted rail station from the early 20th century. Today, this is a development filled with shops and restaurants.

The Grand Concourse Restaurant. The restaurant's pleasant interior is composed of brass, wood, marble, and a glass ceiling, and the kitchen turns out inventive cuisine. 1 Station Square. 412/261–1717.

At an adjacent dock, the Gateway Clipper fleet offers riverboat cruises and shuttles to PNC Park and Heinz Field (home of major league baseball's Pirates and the NFL's Steelers, respectively). 412/355–7980. www.gatewayclipper.com.

Across Carson Street is the Monongahela Incline, run by the Port Authority of Allegeny County. 412/442–2000.

A short walk or drive away is the Duquesne Incline. Both 19th-century funiculars edge up ever-so-steep hillsides. The view at the top is well worth the $3.50 round-trip. Several restaurants at the top have great views. 1197 W. Carson St. 412/381–1665.