Pittsburgh Station Square

Station Square is a stalwart of Pittsburgh’s South Shore. When this 21-hectare (52-acre) railroad hub was transformed into over a mile of shopping, dining, and entertainment space, Station Square offered an alternative way to enjoy time in the city without venturing across the river into the downtown core. If you’ve got an appetite for more than seafood and steaks, the train station-turned restaurant, Grand Concourse, has a serving of local history and ornate architecture on the menu.

• The retail offerings have significantly decreased since Station Square’s heyday, so it’s advisable to plan your trip around an activity like a scavenger hunt or ride on the Gateway Clipper.
• If visiting during baseball season, plan a visit at night when the Pirates MLB team ends some of their games with a fireworks display visible from Station Square.
• Cyclists can hop on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail from Station Square and explore over 30 miles of the city’s riverbanks.
• Riverboat cruises and segway tours also launch from Station Square, making these parking lots an affordable place to launch an afternoon of activities.

Located between the Wabash Tunnel and Smithfield Street Bridge, Station Square is easily accessible via car from I-376. Plenty of parking is available on site, though rideshares and taxi cabs are popular options for nightlife. Both a bus station and a subway station serve Station Square and these routes run directly to and from the city center.

Station Square businesses have their own operating hours, though many are open from the early afternoon through the evening. The nightlife draws heavier crowds than daytime activities on the weekdays, though sporting events at Highmark Stadium next door will fill the parking lots faster. Weekends are the busiest but also the best time to enjoy a walk along the riverfront after hours spent shopping and dining.

Station Square anchors the South Shore neighborhood and embraces its diverse neighbors. Young and old can enjoy river views from the Monongahela Incline and Gateway Clipper Fleet, both a few steps from Station Square. Hard Rock Cafe, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Texas de Brazil offer a familiar setting while spots like Yinz Coffee and Gandy Dancer Saloon offer a local taste.