The US city of Pittsburgh has been named among the top 20 “great places in the world to experience in 2012” by National Geographic Traveler magazine.
When we think of exciting, vibrant US cities most British travellers think of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco, but according to a new article published in the National Geographic Traveler magazine, Pittsburgh in Western Pennsylvania has much to offer.
In the article, National Geographic Traveler states that Pittsburgh’s major assets are “a natural setting that rivals Lisbon and San Francisco, a wealth of fine art and architecture, and a quirky sense of humour”. Other destinations chosen by the National Geographic include London, Oman and Costa Brava, Spain; Iceland; Koh Lipe, Thailand; Dresden, Germany; Istria, Croatia; Sonoma, California; Muskoka, Ontario; and Guatemala.
Perhaps the most interesting selection on the list for British and Irish travellers is the former industrial “Steel City” of Pittsburgh. The city boasts an expanding arts and cultural scene and is a great base for urban kayaking, complete with 35km (22 miles) of riverfront trails.
Music lovers will enjoy the renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as well as Grammy award-winning jazz at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild.
“Those of us who live here know that the city’s amazing amenities combine to create a tremendously desirable place to live and visit,” said Joe McGrath, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh, the official tourism promotion agency for the Pittsburgh region.
“For Pittsburgh to be included among the world’s most outstanding destinations speaks volumes about the city’s journey over the last 30 years,” said McGrath.
In conclusion, National Geographic Traveler summed Pittsburgh up in this way: “Three rivers. One reinvented city. On all counts, the Steel City’s transformation over the past quarter century qualifies as revolutionary.”
(Image: Sakeeb)
