Pittsburgh is in many ways the best of all worlds. With major league sports teams, deliciously unique restaurants and a host of interesting places to explore, the area offers everything one could want in big-city life while still being more accessible and affordable than many other metropolitan spaces. These Pittsburgh-related apps can help residents of the 412—and surrounding areas—embrace some of what the ‘burgh has to offer.
412 Food Rescue was created as a response to the disconnect among food waste, hunger and environmental sustainability. Though the organization is much more than just the app, timely technology is the tool that makes it all work. Volunteers can get involved by downloading the 412 Food Rescue app and signing up to be a “food rescue hero.” Users receive alerts when food becomes available and can opt in to deliver it to a local organization assisting people with food insecurity or directly to a person in need. The app walks users through step-by-step instructions for picking up and dropping off food. Want to do some good in the world? There’s an (awesome) app for that. (Free; available for iOS and Android)
Pittsburgh boasts a world-class symphony, and many classical music afficionados will appreciate the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra app. Users may listen to live recordings and see videos of the PSO. Repertoire information includes composers, works, soloists, conductors and ensembles. If users have high-speed network access, high-quality audio options are also available. In addition to PSO music and podcasts, the app offers information about upcoming performances, PSO news and blogs. (Free; available for iOS and Android)
Few foods scream “Pittsburgh” more than French fries on a sandwich, and Primanti Bros. is the quintessential eatery for this Yinzer delight. The Primanti Bros. FanFare Rewards app is a must-have tool for anyone who finds themselves yearning for a classic “Pitts-burger” and a pint of Yuengling. App users score a $5 credit for signing up and earn $5 rewards for every $50 spent thereafter at Primanti Bros., plus bonus birthday rewards. The app is easy to navigate and offers location information, menus and online ordering. Though some reviewers express frustration with the app crashing during orders, Primanti Bros. FanFare Rewards is still worth a download simply for the reward credits. (Free; available for iOS and Android)
The Frick Museum in Pittsburgh—including the art exhibits, Car and Carriage Museum, visitor center and café—offers an enjoyable way to spend a day exploring. The Frick app can enhance a visit via use of an interactive campus map as well as audio and text explanations to help visitors learn more about the history, buildings, flora and fauna they encounter as they walk around the grounds. (Free; available for iOS and Android)
Navigating downtown parking can seem daunting, but the ParkPGH app helps ease the anxiety of finding a parking spot in some of the city’s most congested spaces. Covering Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, business district and the North Shore, this app identifies the closest parking garages and tracks how many available spaces remain. Users can view rates for each garage in advance and search for a particular garage or see all of the options near a chosen destination. A must for anyone planning a night out downtown, ParkPGH is an excellent resource created by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to enhance people’s enjoyment of all that downtown Pittsburgh has to offer. (Free; available for iOS and Android)
The Pittsburgh Steelers app is a football fan’s dream come true. The official app of the Steelers, this tool offers video clips, podcasts, player stats, division and conference standings, photos, team schedules, a depth chart and every other piece of Steelers information a devoted fan could want. Ticket holders can use the app for paperless entry to games and fantasy football fans can track their favorite players. (Free; available for iOS and Android)
Iconic artist Andy Warhol, born and raised in Pittsburgh, is the inspiration for the PopArt Style app. This fun tool lets users select any photo and transform it into a Warhol-esque image using various filters and designs. Even for those with zero tech-skills, the app is easy to use. The finished product is simple to save and share with friends. The PopArt Style app provides both entertainment and an enjoyable way to learn a little bit about the artistic style of one of Pittsburgh’s favorite sons. (Free; available for iOS and Android)
Pittsburgh pride runs strong in western Pennsylvania. Whether you’re drawn to Pittsburgh for its culture, food, sports or the community itself, these apps can help you get the most out of being a Yinzer.