Known as the city of bridges, Pittsburgh isn’t the prettiest city, but it’s definitely worth a spot on your Pennsylvania itinerary. Whether you’re making your way around the city’s innovative arts scene, tucking into fine food and drink, or getting out into the surrounding nature, it’s got everything you need for a city break.
There are 90 neighbourhoods in Pittsburgh, each with its own character. The best way to experience them is not with hotels and hostels, but vacation rentals in Pittsburgh. They offer not only character and charm, but great value for money.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of the best Airbnbs in Pittsburgh. Whatever your style and budget, you’re sure to find something that suits you. If that’s not enough, we’ve also found some awesome Airbnb Experiences you can enjoy during your trip. Strap in!
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Pittsburgh
Industrial Vintage Stunner
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Huge patio
- > Vintage decor and spiral staircase
Modern Room near Downtown
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Quiet neighbourhood near downtown
- > Self-check-in
Cliffside Contemporary with Amazing Views
- > $$$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Rooftop patio
- > Stunning views
Cozy home in Spring Hill
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Outdoor back deck
- > Access to shared spaces
Cozy Private Bed and Bath
- > $
- > 3 Guests
- > Dedicated workspace
- > Charming historic home
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Pittsburgh
As you may expect from any large American travel destination, there’s a wide range of Airbnbs in Pittsburgh. Depending on your budget, they could be anything from a private room in a local host’s home to a cliffside home capable of accommodating lots of family and friends!
You’ll find lots of entire flats and private rooms, but also more unusual properties such as carriage houses, tiny houses, and even a dome house. In the majority of properties, you will have access to a fully equipped kitchen and a living area – though in private homes, this is something you may have to negotiate.
The larger and more expensive the property, the more likely you are to be dealing with a business; however, businesses can still give you inside info on what to do in the local area!
Originally a type of outbuilding attached to American homes, carriage houses initially housed horses and carriages – hence the name. With their original need falling out of use, many Americans have converted their carriage houses into guest suites.
While a carriage house is the perfect Pittsburgh Airbnb for couples and solo or business travellers, townhouses will suit you if you’re part of a larger group. Families and big groups of friends love them, as they’re a real home away from home!
There are a few beds and breakfasts in Pittsburgh. If you’ve never stayed in one before, these usually sit between hostels and budget hotels when it comes to price. Independently owned, they have much more character than budget hotels, and you won’t have to share your space as you would in a hostel.
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Pittsburgh
Now that you know why to stay in a Pittsburgh Airbnb and what to expect, let’s get to the part you’ve been waiting for. Sorted into 15 categories, here are the best Airbnbs in Pittsburgh!
Industrial Vintage Stunner | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Pittsburgh
To begin our list, let’s take a look at a cool studio apartment close to Downtown Pittsburgh. It’s in the Allegheny Center neighbourhood, which has some cool places to eat and drink. But be sure to set aside some time to chill in the apartment. There’s a huge patio you can enjoy when the weather’s good, while the comfortable living room makes use of high ceilings and lots of light to create a welcoming atmosphere. Your bed is at the top of a spiral staircase!
Modern Room near Downtown | Best Budget Airbnb in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh may not be as expensive as New York or Chicago, but it can be pretty tough finding somewhere on a budget – tough, but not impossible. There’s a spare room going in this four-bed Victorian home just ten minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh. This homestay offers self-check-in through the back door, and there’s a lockbox that works with a key. You have access to the kitchen for preparing light meals, too.
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View on Osprey View on REICliffside Contemporary with Amazing Views | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Pittsburgh
With spectacular views of the city skyline, this awesome house has a rooftop patio which is an absolute delight. The modern house has a raised position on a cliffside and has been beautifully designed by architects. Looking for some fun during your stay? There are foosball and air hockey tables in the basement, great for burning some energy when you’re not lounging on the contemporary furniture. Outdoor enthusiasts take note, the Roanoke Trail starts opposite the property, one of the best trails in the area!
Cozy home in Spring Hill | Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers
When solo travellers ask for advice, most people will point them towards a hostel. However, hostels aren’t for everyone! A homestay is a better option as you’ll have your own comfortable space and you’ll also get that local experience. At this home in Spring Hill, you can kick back with your host on the sunny back deck for a morning coffee, and you’re also welcome to use all communal areas in the house. A real home away from home!
Cozy Private Bed and Bath | Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads
At the very least, digital nomads need a dedicated workspace and reliable Wi-Fi to work. However, this private room in a historic home offers much more than that; you’ve got a mini-fridge and a coffee machine in your room, and you’ll also be presented with a basket of snacks and coupons for money off throughout the city. Towels and toiletries are provided too, so you can save some space in your luggage, knowing all will be there when you arrive!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Pittsburgh
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Pittsburgh!
Best View in the City | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
If you want to sweep your other half off their feet, why not let the city skyline give you a helping hand? From this Victorian-style home between South Shore and Mount Washington, you’ve got spectacular views from both inside and out. Enjoy a morning coffee on the balcony, or enjoy an evening in mesmerised by the twinkling lights. There’s a queen bed, living area, and well-equipped kitchen all to make your stay comfy too.
South Side Bicycle House | Best Airbnb in Pittsburgh for Families
Staying in South Side for our next option, this yellow house is a dream for families of all ages. With space for up to eight guests, no-one gets left behind! Eating out can get expensive, so why not use the fully equipped kitchen to prepare a family favourite? Another plus is that of the four bedrooms, two boast twin single beds. This means that younger children can get their own bed, while parents can enjoy a queen!
Adorable North Side Carriage House | Best Carriage House in Pittsburgh
And now for our first carriage house. We can’t believe how cheap this place is! Bursting with character, you’ve got lots of exposed brickwork, wooden floors, and high ceilings that make the place feel really big. There are two bedrooms, so it’s comfortable for a couple of even a small group of up to four. This carriage house offers incredible value for money and excellent reviews, so if you like the look of it, you’ll have to snap it up quickly!
Exquisite home with garage | Best Townhouse in Pittsburgh
The rooftop deck here is overlooking an American football field – something very few other properties can boast. Even if you’re not into sports, the fresh air and view of the city are still lovely. Back inside the house, you’ve got minimalist decorations across the living areas and four bedrooms. It can comfortably sleep ten, so it’s great for groups of family and/or friends.
Parkview Suite, Mexican War Streets | Best Bed and Breakfast in Pittsburgh
This historic house is more expensive than bed and breakfasts usually are, but you’re getting a whole lot for your money! A four-poster queen bed is a perfect romantic escape for a couple, and you’ll be treated to a continental breakfast in the morning. The furnishings are exquisite, with indoor fireplaces, wingback chairs, and opulent chandeliers. You’ll be pleased to know that if the Parkview Suite is booked at this BnB, there are other rooms available.
Rooftop tranquillity with garage | Best Airbnb With a Rooftop
Now, we’ve seen a few places already that have roof terraces. However, none of them quite match up to this stunning house in South Side Slopes. Yes, it’s a little further from Downtown than some of the other Airbnbs on the list, but it’s worth the extra journey for that view. Prepare dinner in the fully equipped kitchen and bring it up to the terrace, or just spend the afternoon chilling up here. The living room isn’t a bad place to chill either!
Southside Slopes House | Best Airbnb With a Jacuzzi in Pittsburgh
South Side Slopes is one of the poshest and most affluent neighbourhoods in Pittsburgh, and with that comes some of the best houses! This gorgeous townhouse boasts its very own hot tub in the large garden – as well as a BBQ and several sitting areas. Inside, there’s a fully equipped kitchen, four bedrooms, and a cosy living room. Up to 11 guests can call this place their temporary home.
Former Electric Shop near Heinz Field | Best Airbnb Plus in Pittsburgh
If you’re staying in an Airbnb Plus, you’re in for a treat. These properties have been hand-picked as a result of their excellent review scores, the attention to detail of the hosts, and they even get a visit from Airbnb staff. This one is a historical house and was an electric shop all the way back in 1895. Despite its storied past, it’s packed with modern touches such as Scandinavian modern interior design and a Keurig coffee maker.
Eclectic Pittsburgh Apartment | Best Airbnb for a Weekend in Pittsburgh
When it comes to spending a weekend in Pittsburgh, the most important thing is location. Right in the heart of the Cultural District, Downtown and all the best Pittsburgh attractions are right on your doorstep. You probably won’t spend too much time in the apartment on a short stay, but when you do, you’re sure to be impressed by the huge windows, high ceilings, and tastefully exposed brick walls.
Charming Northside Row House | Best Airbnb in Pittsburgh for a Group of Friends
With a large dining room and living area, this is the ideal place to chill and kick back with your friends. You could even play one of the board games provided! Though you may spend some quality time together in the Airbnb, you’re close to several Pittsburgh attractions, including Downtown and sports stadiums.
Airbnb Experiences
Do you fancy a day trip to go with that nice little apartment?!
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb that allows hosts to offer unique, curated activities to guests – or to anyone who’s interested in, even if they’re not staying at an Airbnb property. These experiences can range from cooking classes and guided tours to art workshops, outdoor adventures, and more.
Airbnb Experiences was created to offer travellers a deeper connection with a destination by offering truly unique experiences, all led by locals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their city.
Some personal highlights of my Airbnb Experiences include a tapas bar-crawl in Granada, a Samurai workshop in Kyoto, and a graffiti spotting bike ride around Bogota.
What To Pack For Pittsburgh
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Pittsburgh Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Pittsburgh Airbnbs
So, there you have it. Not only have you seen the 15 best Airbnbs in Pittsburgh, but also five of the coolest things to do in town. Whether you want to stay in a classic carriage house, a cosy bed and breakfast, or an industrial style vintage apartment, there’s an Airbnb in Pittsburgh for you.
Still struggling to decide where to stay? Let us give you one last push towards our best value Airbnb in Pittsburgh. That’s the Industrial Vintage Stunner. The decor in this place is uber-cool, and it’s in a prime city-centre location.
Looking for somewhere a bit cheaper, check out the hostels in Pittsburgh instead.
We hope that wherever you choose to stay, you have a wonderful vacation in Pittsburgh. Remember, to keep both yourself and your belongings safe, it makes sense to take out a travel insurance policy with World Nomads!
- Check out our Backpacking USA guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Pittsburgh guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in Pittsburgh too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of the USA.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around USA.
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