NSF Cybersecurity Summit Travel Guide

The staff at Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center are excited to host you all this fall. For those who have never been to Pittsburgh, or may have not been in the area for quite some time, this guide contains a range of information on Pittsburgh, the Oakland neighborhood where the meeting will take place, and recommendations for things to check out while you’re in town. Have questions or would like to chat more about your upcoming trip? Drop them in the Summit Slack Channel!

Pittsburgh Weather Forecast for October 7-10

Moderate temperatures, no rain expected, bring a jacket for evening with temps in the 40s.


Getting into Town & Getting Around 

For those of you arriving via Pittsburgh International Airport:

  • Uber and Lyft are the primary recommendation for easily getting to-and-from the airport

  • There is a bus (28x) but note this is not a recommended route

  • Expect ~25 - 40 minute ride between the airport and the hotel, depending on traffic

  • The view upon driving through the Fort Pitt Tunnel is not_to_be_missed, even if you’ve seen it hundreds of times. 

    • The stadiums, fountain, and hills will be to your left, downtown is straight ahead, and your eventual destination will be off in the distance to your right. 

For those that are driving into town: 

  • Pittsburgh_is_wonky! 

    • There are many one-way streets, bridges that have multiple lanes eventually leading in dramatically different directions, massive hills, and horrible drivers

    • Be especially careful driving around Oakland since school will be in session at Carlow University, University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. Expect students on electric scooters navigating the roads along with other vehicles.

General Notes on Pittsburgh 

  • “Pittsburgh’s the best place to live…we’re still #1”

    • Ok, it might still be up for debate, but that video a good representation of the spirit of a Pittsburgher (aka a “Yinzer”)

  • Pittsburgh is a small city

    • We may be known around the world for football (six Super Bowl rings) and the steel industry, but the city is quite small relative to other major U.S. cities

    • But, we still have the same types of issues as other big cities

      • Always be mindful of this and be careful when you’re moving around town

      • It’s been said that Pittsburghers are generally friendly folk

  • We have some world class institutions and entertainment (keep reading for more) 

General Notes on the Oakland Neighborhood 

  • The hotel and meeting area are located near several major hospitals

    • Due to this, there are a number of drivers who are unfamiliar with the neighborhood. Seeing cars coming up one-way streets is not uncommon.

      • Oh, and it can get kinda loud with helicopters, ambulances, and students 

  • Oakland is generally quite flat and easy to walk around

    • For those who like to challenge themselves physically, take a jog up “Cardiac Hill”

      • When, (and if, I suppose) you get to the top. Make a right on Aliquippa Street to see the sports facilities and a great view of the Cathedral

  • Similar to the above bullet…LOOK BOTH WAYS WHEN YOU CROSS A STREET (even on a one-way street)

    • Fifth Avenue has a bus lane that goes opposite of traffic. Please don’t get hit by a bus. Yes, it happens every single year with students. 

  • Oakland is losing some of its charm

    • There are more and more “big box” restaurants coming in and the local places are closing. Keep reading for more recommendations. 

Food and Beverage Recommendations 

Oakland

Noteworthy Spots Outside of Oakland

  • Food

  • Drink

    • Trace Brewing (Bloomfield)

      • Closest brewery to Oakland; great vibes 

    • Two Fray’s Brewery (Garfield) 

      • Typically have plenty of N/A options

    • Acacia (Southside)

      • Well crafted cocktails

Cultural Recommendations 

Must-See Locations in Oakland

  • The Cathedral of Learning @ PITT

    • We highly recommend taking a few moments out of your day and walk through the main floor!

      • Check out the Nationality Rooms (be quiet since classes will likely be in session in these rooms!) 

  • Baker Hall @ CMU

    • When Andrew Carnegie was building the school, he had backup plans in case the whole “school” thing didn’t work…

If You Have Time

Sporting Events this week

  • Dallas Cowboys @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, October 6) 

  • Denver Pioneers at Pittsburgh Panthers Men’s Soccer (Monday October 7)

  • New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins (Tuesday October 9)

  • SMU Mustangs at Pittsburgh Panthers Woman’s Volleyball (Tuesday October 9)

Festivals, Performances and Events this week

  • St. Nicholas Greek-Tober - Oakland (October 9-11)