[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Pittsburgh

Shopping in Pittsburgh offers some of the best retail finds in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is a city with a rich industrial history, but it is quickly becoming a great destination for shoppers. Its downtown district is highly walkable, offering easy access to shopping strips, cultural attractions, and eateries. The city’s nearby neighborhoods contain a variety of fashion stores, international grocery stores, and local family-run businesses.

To top off a great shopping experience, Pittsburgh also provides an array of restaurants, bars, and cafes, ranging from trendy to classic. With so many options available, visitors may find themselves with more purchases than they can carry.

The Best Places for Shopping in Pittsburgh

1. Shadyside

Shadyside is an ideal location for shopping in Pittsburgh, situated around 4 miles away from the city center. Its streets are lined with Victorian mansions, giving the area a distinct historic atmosphere. There are various family-owned boutiques and high-end designer outlets to explore, with vintage fashion and homeware stores dotted throughout the area.

Dining options are plentiful, with Walnut Street and Ellsworth Avenue boasting a range of modern Thai cuisine and gastropubs. With all these charms, it’s easy to get lost in Shadyside for the day.

2. Ross Park Mall

Ross Park Mall is another bustling multi-level shopping center that provides patrons with a vast array of swanky brands. Inside the massive mall, you’ll find trend-setting stores such as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Burberry, alongside Apple, LEGO, and L’Occitane. Featuring 170 stores, the Ross Park Mall is a polished shopping destination only a short drive from Downtown Pittsburgh.

There’s also no shortage of great food, with fast-food chains, bakeries, and a cider house providing chilled-out lunchtime dining spots. Meanwhile, the mall has several lush outdoor areas that are perfect for when you need to rest your feet.

3. Strip District

The Strip District was once a bustling industrial neighborhood with food merchants and large-scale production warehouses. In recent years, it has become well-known for its award-winning restaurants, fashionable storefronts, and hip breweries.

The Strip District is a small area packed with specialty food stores where coffee, candy, and chocolate can be found. It is also famous for its ethnic grocery stores and street food vendors. Visiting the Strip District is a great way to experience its unique worldly atmosphere.

4. Fifth Avenue Place

Fifth Avenue Place is one of Pittsburgh’s iconic places to shop. It has a historic arcade with two levels of upscale retail space with a distinctive glass exterior. Shoppers can find a selection of discounted fashion outlets alongside jewelers and kitschy gift stores.

Fifth Avenue Place offers several cafes and restaurants for those wanting to take a break. In the popular food court, you can find burger joints, classic Italian pizzerias, and a grill restaurant serving various Asian dishes.

Fifth Avenue Place is conveniently located in the city center, close to Gateway Subway station. It is also surrounded by many of Pittsburgh’s beloved landmarks, such as Market Square and the Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts.

5. SouthSide Works

SouthSide Works is a lively shopping complex located across the Monongahela River. It occupies the site of the former J&L Steel Works and is a large-scale mixed-use development. This development includes buzzing retail space, a riverfront parkland, a marina, and hiking trails.

SouthSide Works has undergone a series of modern redevelopments and now features popular fashion retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Aerie, and REI, as well as pet and kitchenware superstores. To provide shoppers with a place to rest and refuel, the complex has eco-conscious cafes, bakeries, and a traditional Munich-style brewery bar.

6. Bloomfield

Bloomfield is a charming neighborhood located in Pittsburgh, popularly known as “Pittsburgh’s Little Italy.” Liberty Avenue is the main street in Bloomfield, where one can find a variety of traditional local grocers, delis, and second-hand shops. These establishments offer an abundance of sweet and savory treats and great bargains. 

In addition to Italian cuisine, Bloomfield is home to a range of other restaurants, such as Polish, Thai, and Chinese, providing visitors with an exceptional range of dishes. Situated on the edge of Downtown Pittsburgh, Bloomfield is made even more attractive due to its historic 19th-century buildings, featuring Edwardian and Victorian homes along its streets.

7. Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville has quickly become one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Over the last decade, the area has undergone a trendy transformation, making it home to many of the city’s coolest art galleries, gift stores, and designer boutiques. The best of these stores can be found along Butler Street.

Located approximately 3 miles from the center of Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville is a bustling borough. It boasts a chic selection of restaurants, cocktail bars, unique indie theatres, engaging museums, and regular community events. There is always something to explore and partake in.

8. MALL AT ROBINSON

This attractive shopping mall is anchored by four major retailers: Macy’s, JCPenny, Sears, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Additional stores include Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Baby Gap, Kirkland’s, Victoria’s Secret Beauty, and Radio Shack. 

The mall also features a food court and the popular Houlihan’s restaurant and bar, a great place to have dinner or enjoy a drink.

9. South Hills Village

South Hills Village is one of the most popular shopping malls in Pittsburgh. It opened in 1965 and has since received a series of renovations, making it a must-visit destination for those who love to hunt through prominent department stores and find all their favorite brands. With 130 top-notch stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, there is something for everyone.

For the kids, South Hills Village offers a blockbuster cinema and numerous kid-friendly workshops. The dining options are also some of the best in the region, with ice cream parlors, café chains, and brewhouses some of the places to stop for lunch.

10. Sewickley

Sewickley is a highly regarded, upmarket borough of Pittsburgh located 13 miles from the Downtown area. It is a popular destination for visitors eager to explore the unique shops and stores along Beaver and Broad Streets. 

These stores offer a variety of items such as antique furniture, specialty tea and chocolate, florists, and clothing boutiques with men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing in all sorts of styles. The entire area of Sewickley is very walkable, making it an ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon.