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Daytime

Glass, Greenery, and Golden Light

Start your day with the quiet energy of glassmaking, then wander through Pittsburgh’s most famous garden as the afternoon sun turns the glasshouse gold.

Best time: 15 AprAbout 240 min

Timeline

  1. 13:28

    Pittsburgh Glass Center

    Arrive at the Pittsburgh Glass Center right when it opens. The morning light filtering through the studios offers a calm start to your day, letting you watch artisans at work before the crowds arrive.

  2. 15:28

    Dave & Andy's Homemade Ice Cream

    Walk to Dave & Andy's Homemade Ice Cream. Their ice cream is made right on the premises and is continually ranked as the best in the city. It is the perfect sweet, cooling break after your morning activity.

  3. 15:58

    Phipps Conservatory

    Stroll through the Phipps Conservatory. By mid-morning, the Victorian glasshouse is alive with floral and botanical displays. The 14 indoor rooms and outdoor gardens are best explored at a leisurely pace.

  4. 18:58

    The Porch

    Head to The Porch for lunch. This American bistro serves locally sourced food and is just a short walk from the conservatory. You can grab a meal at the table or use the walk-up window if you prefer something quicker.

  5. 19:58

    Phipps Conservatory

    Return to the Phipps Conservatory for the golden hour. As the sun sets toward the WNW, the late afternoon light streams through the glass structure, illuminating the plants and creating a warm, glowing atmosphere inside.

Local tip

The Porch can get busy, so consider ordering at the walk-up window to avoid a wait. Check the conservatory’s specific opening hours for your day, as they can vary by season.

Check before you go

  • Dave & Andy's is open daily from 11:30 to 22:00.
  • The Porch is open Mo-Th 11:00-22:00, Fr 11:00-23:00, Sa 10:00-23:00, and Su 10:00-21:00.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Pittsburgh (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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