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Best Sightseeing Tours In Pittsburgh

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More than just a town to see, Pittsburgh is a city for all five senses. Some of the best ways to see it involve travel routes by rail, river and road, all of which are represented here. So much more than just sports and Heinz 57 ketchup; over the past few decades, Pittsburgh has undergone many transformations from Steel town to a major influence in culture and business, not to mention one of the most livable cities in America. While no tour can convey all the things Pittsburghers love about their hometown, these provide an excellent cross section in an hour or two. Here are the best sightseeing tours in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Tour Company
445 S. 27th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 381-8687
www.pghtours.com

The Pittsburgh Tour Company offers sightseers the opportunity to take in Pittsburgh from a perspective made famous across the pond, the one atop a bright red double-decker bus. While the mode of transportation may seem better suited for a tour of old London, make no mistake, this tour is unmistakably a Pittsburgh original. From the South Side to Oakland with 20 stops in between, the tour touches on all of the best the city has to offer. Click on the following link to view photos of Martha, Louise, Esther and Greta, a few of the stars of the Pittsburgh Tour Company.

Molly's Trolleys
842 Jacksonia St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
(412) 281-2085
www.mollystrolleyspittsburgh.com

Trolleys have a long and storied history with the city of Pittsburgh. In fact, the trolleys still serve as a means of transportation around the neighboring suburbs to and from downtown, although it's now referred to as the "T." Molly's Trolleys are not the conventional sort since they run on rubber instead of rails, but that matters little when the best route to your next Pittsburgh spot is only navigable by asphalt. More than just a sightseeing tour, Molly's is wildly popular for weddings, football games, corporate events and much more. Check out its website for more information on all the services offered.

Related: Best Places To See Autumn Leaves In Pittsburgh

'Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour
1711 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 901-7150
www.burghfoodtour.com

If the tastes and smells are more important to you than the sights, then the 'Burgh Food Tour is where you want to go. With multiple tours that include all the major hotspots in town (and a few outside of it) 'Burgh Food has established itself as culinary authority in Pittsburgh. Perhaps most famous of the tours is the one to the Strip District Markets. To learn more about the best "taste tours" in Pittsburgh, visit the Burgh Food website.

The Duquesne Incline
1197 W. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 381-1665
www.duquesneincline.org

While not officially a tour but more of an old school elevator train, the inclines along Mount Washington offer some of the absolute best "sights" the city has to offer. Both the Monongahela and the Duquesne inclines were built in the 19th century and are among the last few remaining inclines operating in the U.S. For first timers to the city, it's a must, even if other tour arrangement have been made. Whether you've lived here for a year or it's your first visit to Pittsburgh, you've just got to ride the incline. At the top, be sure to take in one of the spectacular dining spots along Grandview Avenue.

Gateway Clipper Fleet
350 W. Station Square Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 355-7980
www.gatewayclipper.com

Situated on three rivers, it's no wonder that getting around town is much easier on water than on land. The Gateway Clipper is the floating home of the one-hour sightseeing tour and much more. The fleet of ships that include favorites such as The Good Ship Lollipop, The Majestic, The Empress and the Three River Queen are at the heart of everything the Gateway Clipper does. In addition to its multiple tours, it also provides shuttles to Steeler and Pirates games as well as first-rate venues for wedding banquets and birthday parties. To find out more information on the Gateway Clipper's daily one-hour tours, click here.

Related: Best Outdoor Fall Dates In Pittsburgh

Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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