While most visitors will certainly plan to engage in football fan experiences around Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park, a trip to the Steel City can include plenty of adventures. The region is home to countless experiences, with highlights in art, food, music and more that are sure to excite visitors to the downtown area.

Beyond the iconic photo opportunities at the Mount Washington overview and the busy foot traffic at the point for NFL-sponsored events, what else is there to do around the downtown Pittsburgh area throughout the week?

Explore the culture of the Strip District

A must-see for tourists is the Strip District, a cultural hub of the city that offers dining, shopping and plenty of fun activities.

The Strip is home to the original Primanti Bros. location, an iconic sandwich shop that serves fries and coleslaw on its sandwiches. Wigle Whiskey’s distillery is also located in this area, offering plenty of local spirits for visitors to sample.

Walking around the area guarantees a little bit of everything: golf, groceries, breweries, restaurants and plenty of local shopping options. This is also a popular destination for nightlife in the city, so this is likely to be the party spot of Pittsburgh during the draft.

Learn more about regional history at local museums

Located near the Strip District, the Sen. John Heinz History Center offers visitors a glimpse into the dynamic history of the Pittsburgh region.

With six floors of exhibits, visitors can learn why items such as Heinz Ketchup and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood have such strong ties to the region’s culture. And, of course, there are plenty of sports exhibits at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, recently renamed the Franco Harris Sports Museum after the iconic Steelers running back, located on the second and third floors of the history center.

The Fort Pitt Museum is also a draw for fans of the Revolutionary War and the early development of Pittsburgh. For those looking to travel even farther back in time, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History also offers plenty to see, including some colossal dinosaur exhibits.

Get a glimpse of nature without leaving Downtown

If you are looking to escape the city’s noise and see some natural beauty, a visit to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers an expansive display in Oakland. With a 14-room glasshouse and 23 gardens to wander, the gardens are perfect for colorful photos or more peaceful walks between events.

The National Aviary also offers a unique glimpse into nature, with plenty of birds calling Downtown home. The conservatory offers plenty of daily activities and accommodations, making it a great stop for families who want to interact with some feathered friends.

Experience the local art scene and interactive experiences

Pittsburgh is also home to several unique art museums, such as the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Andy Warhol Museum. Both offer a wide selection of interesting displays that capture the local art history and the current styles defining the region. These laid-back experiences can be a blast for those interested in the arts.

Looking for a more experimental experience? An interesting option can include the Mattress Factory, which showcases installation art from its international residency. Randyland also offers a unique artistic experience, with the public art installation showcasing a variety of colorful sights made from found objects. Street art fans will enjoy a trip to Color Park, which offers a great view of the downtown skyline and colorful graffiti, providing plenty of photo opportunities.

The Kamin Science Center also offers plenty of activities and unique exhibits for families to enjoy. The science center is within walking distance of Acrisure Stadium, so a quick stop to enjoy the fun can be an easy goal for draft attendees.

Venture slightly outside the city for big attractions

While most of the action of the NFL Draft will be in downtown Pittsburgh, the region also has some big attractions within driving distance. A fun stop for families slightly outside the city is the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. Around seven miles from the draft action, the zoo is a must-see for animal lovers and offers plenty of unique sights.

Fan registration: Fan registration now open for 2026 NFL Draft

For thrill-seekers, the NFL Draft will also coincide with the opening weekend of Kennywood Amusement Park in West Mifflin.

The increased traffic to the region will likely mean a busy time at the park, but it will certainly be a lively stop for roller coaster fans. The amusement park features a Steelers-themed section and is one of two amusement parks in the United States designated as National Historic Landmarks.