Living in a city is exciting. Each city has its own quirks – special traditions, festivals, hot spots and more. Pittsburgh, of course, is no different. 

Downtown Pittsburgh, where Point Park is located, has a lot for people to do. Market Square is a perfect example – it always has concerts, farmer’s markets, night markets and even giant games such as corn hole and connect four. It is also lined with many different restaurants, including Wolfie’s Pub, where Point Park students get a 15% discount with student ID. There’s also favorites like Millie’s, Milkshake Factory, Genoa’s and Pizza Fiesta, all within walking distance. 

When it’s warm out, PPG Place Plaza has a water feature with fountains coming from the ground. Once winter is here, it turns into an ice skating rink around a giant Christmas tree. After Jan. 2, this upcoming year, Wednesdays are Student Nights, with discounted admission when you present your student ID. 

If you love downtown but miss nature, head to Point State Park, sit by the fountain and look out to the North Shore. For some fun with friends, bring a blanket and some food and have a picnic in the grass. 

North Shore is great for entertainment. PNC Park and Heinz Field are both located here, so you can go to a baseball or football game, respectively. If museums are more your thing, then the Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Science Center are also on the North Shore. Students get free admission with student IDs. 

If you’re looking for fun places to shop, you can go to the Strip District. The Strip has a bunch of little shops lining the streets including fresh local produce. Some shops are Yinzer-themed for those interested in Pittsburgh culture and sayings. 

For more food, shopping and entertainment, take a visit to the South Side. It’s home to many bars and pubs to eat at, as well as some chain favorites like Domino’s and Dairy Queen. South Side also has clothing stores like Urban Outfitters, American Eagle Headquarters and thrift stores. If you want to watch movies, the South Side Works Cinema is the way to go. 

The Waterfront is another hot spot for shopping and fun. Here you’ll find stores like Target, Marshall’s, Michael’s and more, as well as a Dave and Buster’s and a huge AMC theater. Shuttles run to the Waterfront every Friday, so there’s no excuse not to go. 

Before the weather gets too cold, everyone should stop by Kennywood for Phantom Fright Nights. Kennywood is always a fun option when you’re bored on the weekends, and there’s even more to do during their Fright Nights. Go ride some roller coasters, eat some Potato Patch fries and try not to get scared by the actors dressed up as zombies. 

Oakland is home to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, which is free with student ID, as well as Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. All of the above are Instagrammable places, so grab some friends and add all the art to your feed. Oakland is also where Schenley Park is located, perfect for spending time in nature, and is another great picnic spot. 

Take advantage of what the city and university has to offer, and go out and explore Pittsburgh. There’s so much to do, and you’ll make lots of memories along the way.