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The Pittsburgh of today is hardly recognizable as the blue-collar factory city it was before the collapse of the U.S. steel industry. In the time following the decimation of the local economy in the 1970s and 1980s, when countless mills and mines went out of business, the city has evolved and adapted. Clean and modern, Pittsburgh is now strong in the fields of high-tech and education, though it remains home to the headquarters of U.S. Steel. That company's philanthropic founder, Andrew Carnegie, left a legacy still felt all over the city, with institutions like Carnegie-Mellon University, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Science Center bolstering its arts and science community.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County operates both bus and subway/light rail lines ("The T") throughout Pittsburgh, and if you're riding the T among the five downtown stations, fare is free. Beyond that area, prices are determined by a zone system and top out at $2.75. The Authority also runs two "inclines" ($1.75) that transport riders up and down Mt. Washington while offering panoramic views of the city.

Pittsburgh International Airport is about 20 miles west of downtown and has a single bus line that runs into the city, the 28X Airport Flyer ($2.25). Taxi fares are metered and generally cost $30 to $35.

Wave a Terrible Towel at Heinz Field
A tradition born during a run of four Super Bowl titles by Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain teams of the 1970s, fans still frantically wave ubiquitous yellow "Terrible Towels" at every Steelers game. Visitors to Heinz Field -- sometimes called the "Mustard Palace" for its yellow seats -- can also find a variety of exhibits and memorabilia in the Coca-Cola Great Hall, including the Steelers Hall of Fame, team jerseys and giant replicas of the team's Super Bowl trophies.

Join More Than a Century of Baseball Tradition
Pittsburgh has been home to professional baseball since as far back as the 1870s, when the Pirates became charter members of the American Association and later joined the National League. Now the team plays its games at one of the most beautiful venues in the majors, PNC Park, an intimate facility (built with just two decks) that has spectacular views of the Roberto Clemente Bridge and downtown skyline.

Continue the Baseball Tour on Pitt's Campus
For fans with a special affinity for baseball history, a portion of the outfield wall from Forbes Field -- where the Pirates played between 1909 and 1970 -- still stands on the University of Pittsburgh campus. The painted 457-foot marker is near where Bill Mazeroski's home run sailed out of the park to win the 1960 World Series against the Yankees. With the wall beginning to show signs of neglect, an effort is under way in Pittsburgh to restore and improve the site.

Cheer On the "Anything That Floats" Teams at the Three Rivers Regatta
Downtown Pittsburgh is famous as the "Golden Triangle" -- where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers converge and flow into the Ohio. The city celebrates the Fourth of July with the Three Rivers Regatta, a four-day party in and around Point State Park that features music, fireworks, powerboat racing, sailing and the "Anything That Floats," competition, where local teams paddle down the Allegheny in semi-seaworthy homemade vessels.

Watch Classic Cars Race Through City Streets
Also in July, the city hosts the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, more than a week's worth of old-time hot rod street races and events that culminate in the Schenley Park Race Day and the Larry Smith Memorial Car Show, featuring the best antique and exotic autos of the week. Since it debuted in 1983, the event has also donated proceeds to benefit developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh region.

Carnegie Museum of Art
4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, 412-622-3131
The first family of Pittsburgh has assembled a first-rate art collection -- in particular, its Impressionist and post-Impressionist works. Don't miss Degas's Henri Rouart in front of his Factory or Van Gogh's The Plain of Auvers or Hopper's Cape Cod Afternoon. The museum is located three miles east of downtown Pittsburgh. There is ample parking or take a cab or public transportation.
http://www.cmoa.org/

The Strip District
16th St. to 31st St., Smallman St. to Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA
This historic waterfront marketplace is a treat for any foodie. Located just northeast of downtown Pittsburgh, this half-mile-square district is a cornucopia of ethnic groceries; fresh produce, meat and fish; bakeries, restaurants and funky shops. Formerly a warehouse district, it is an eclectic collection of 19th century buildings popular with Pittsburgh natives and visitors alike. The museum is located one mile northeast of downtown Pittsburgh. There is ample parking or take a taxi or public transportation.
http://www.neighborsinthestrip.com/

Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center
1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, 412-454-6000
This is a wonderful place to explore the rich history of Pittsburgh, and of western Pennsylvania. One of the permanent exhibits: Glass: Shattering Notions, reminds us that Pittsburgh was known as the Glass City before steel took over. There are superior collection tracing the history and contributions of Pittsburgh-area African-Americans and Italians. But everyone's secret pleasure is the Heinz 57 exhibit, tracing the history of, yes, Heinz's ketchups, mustards and pickled relishes. The museum is located one mile northeast of downtown Pittsburgh. There is ample parking or take a taxi or public transportation.
http://www.pghhistory.org/

2009 Pittsburgh Penguins (defeated Detroit Red Wings, 4 games to 3).
2009 Pittsburgh Steelers (defeated Arizona Cardinals, 27-23).
2006 Pittsburgh Steelers (defeated Seattle Seahawks, 21-10).
1992 Pittsburgh Penguins (defeated Chicago Blackhawks, 4 games to 0).
1991 Pittsburgh Penguins (defeated Minnesota North Stars, 4 games to 2).
1980 Pittsburgh Steelers (defeated Los Angeles Rams, 31-19).
1979 Pittsburgh Pirates (defeated Baltimore Orioles, 4 games to 3).
1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (defeated Dallas Cowboys, 35-31).
1976 Pittsburgh Steelers (defeated Dallas Cowboys, 21-17).
1976 University of Pittsburgh (NCAA Football National Championship).
1975 Pittsburgh Steelers (defeated Minnesota Vikings, 16-6).
1971 Pittsburgh Pirates (defeated Baltimore Orioles, 4 games to 3).
1960 Pittsburgh Pirates (defeated New York Yankees, 4 games to 3).
1937 University of Pittsburgh (NCAA Football National Championship).
1925 Pittsburgh Pirates (defeated Washington Senators, 4 games to 3).
1909 Pittsburgh Pirates (defeated Detroit Tigers, 4 games to 3).