Our city is having a major main-character moment. Last year, Lonely Planet named Pittsburgh one of the Top 10 “must-visit” places in the world for 2025, the only U.S. city to make the cut. And now? National Geographic just released its picks for the Top 25 Best Places in the World to Travel in 2026, and Pittsburgh made the list again, right alongside Rio de Janeiro, Beijing, Manila, and Vancouver.

Pittsburgh is officially in its international jet-setter era. And while travelers are busy booking flights and hotel rooms… you could simply walk out your front door.

So, what’s everyone so excited about?

National Geographic’s team selected destinations with standout culture, art, and energy. Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and creative scene are shining brighter than ever.

They highlight:

• A full day of exploring Carnegie Museums (because one marquee art or dinosaur exhibit is never enough)
• A $60 million Andy Warhol Museum expansion transforming the North Side into the Pop District
• The National Aviary, where you casually hang out with hundreds of rare birds like it’s no big deal
• The Duquesne Incline for an iconic city view from Mount Washington

They even mention all the activity downtown as we prepare for the NFL Draft. Pittsburgh is leveling up.

 

Travelers are planning once-in-a-lifetime trips.

But living here every day? That’s the real luxury. Imagine weekends that feel like a vacation itinerary:

• A walk to a show in the Cultural District
• Exploring new dining spots every month
• Riverfront trails, skyline sunsets, and discoveries around every corner

Pittsburgh is a big-city experience with a neighborhood heart. People come to visit, but they stay because it feels like home.

Live where people vacation. This where we come in...

Walnut Capital communities place you in the very locations that the world is traveling here to see.

Take your pick:

• Bakery Square: Boutiques, public art, amazing eats, and plenty of tech-hub buzz. Take it all in while living at Bakery Living, where the amenities meet energy.
• Downtown: Walk to concerts, galleries, sports, and riverfront trails. The Commonwealth Building is a historic landmark with some serious style that puts you in a prime location.
• South Side: Steps from the river, steps from the action. Hot Metal Flats has you covered. 
• Squirrel Hill & Oakland: Museums, universities, parks, and the city’s best food just around the corner from Walnut Towers and University Commons.

Wherever you land, you’ll be connected to the things that make this city magical.

The world is coming to discover Pittsburgh. As Jerad Bachar of VisitPITTSBURGH says, this recognition celebrates Pittsburgh’s evolution from industrial capital to cultural innovator. And in the words of Anne Ryan from PA Tourism:

 

This global spotlight turns curiosity into bookings. And we're ready to welcome the world.

We love visitors, but we love residents even more.

If Pittsburgh is worthy of a global travel list, it's definitely worthy of being your home. Ready to live where others vacation? Schedule a tour and step inside your future home.