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to-do list: Pittsburgh is a city of numerous distinct neighborhoods and three rivers—the Allegheny, the Monongahela and the Ohio. To get your bearings, start with a guided excursion on the Pittsburgh Tour Company Double-Decker Tour Bus. You can hop on and off at 21 stops. $29.95/adults, $19.95/kids. 445 S. 27th St., (412) 381-8687, www.tourspgh.com.
Pedal 24 miles of riverfront trails on a rental from Golden Triangle Bike Rental. $8-$10/hour, $30-$40/day. 600 First Ave., (412) 600-0675, www.bikepittsburgh.com.
Another great way to see the city is from the water. Kayak Pittsburgh is open daily through September and on weekends in October. Solo kayaks are $16 an hour, tandem $21.50. (412) 969-9090, www.kayakpittsburgh.org.
More than 600 exotic birds, including many endangered species, live in natural habitats and free-flight exhibits at the National Aviary. $14/adults, $12/kids. Shows, flamingo and penguin encounters, and lorikeet feedings additional. 700 Arch St., (412) 323-7235, www.aviary.org.
The Andy Warhol Museum offers seven floors of exhibits chronicling the life and works of Pittsburgh’s native prince of pop art. Create your own work using some of Warhol’s signature techniques. $20/adults, $10/kids; half-price on Fridays 5-10 p.m. 117 Sandusky St., (412) 237-8300, www.warhol.org.
Youngsters can build flying machines, create art, climb mazes, and get wet at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, which has an entire floor devoted to indoor water play. $13/adults, $12/kids. 10 Children’s Way, Allegheny Square, (412) 322-5058, www.pittsburghkids.org.
The Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum made up of several buildings. It features room- and multiroom-size installations by artists from around the world. Call in advance for a guided tour. $15/adults, $10/students. 500 Sampsonia Way, (412) 231-3169, www.mattress.org.
for thrifty types: Pittsburgh is built on some seriously high hills. The best way to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and its three rivers is from the top of Mt. Washington. To get there, you can ride a 137-year-old cable car up the Duquesne Incline. $5 round trip. 1197 W. Carson St., (412) 381-1665, www.duquesneincline.org.
Randy Gilson has turned his Victorian home and the surrounding area into a colorful piece of public art he calls Randyland. Come between 1 and 7 p.m., when he opens his courtyard to visitors. Donations welcome. 1501 Arch St., (412) 342-8152, www.randy.land.