One Of Pittsburgh's Trendiest Neighborhoods Is Redefining Cool With Hip Cafés, Funky Shops, And Quirky Charm

Pittsburgh has always been a favored hub for artists and dreamers. Today, the city is home to over 100 museums, including unique open-air landmarks that are free to visit, and classic exhibition spaces home to breathtaking collections. In districts like Lawrenceville, it's easy to see why Pennsylvania's second city is such a hip place beloved by locals and out-of-towners alike. Featured among the top coolest neighborhoods in the U.S., Lawrenceville is ideal to spend a weekend filled with funky shops, lively music and cafes with a bohemian touch.

Abbreviated by Pennsylvania locals as "The Ville", this historic district is older than the city itself, dating back to before Pittsburgh was incorporated in 1816. Lawrenceville has certainly aged well. Instead of resting on its laurels and being stuck in the past, this lively neighborhood has undergone a complete style change. Forward-thinking shop and cafe owners have transformed it into a trendy, one-of-a-kind spot. Some would even call it "hip."

If you are already in Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville is only 3 miles away from the Downtown metro stop. But you may be heading to this buzzing artery of town from Pittsburgh International Airport, a short 25-minute car ride away from Lawrenceville. According to locals, the best way to make the most of your visit is by parking your car just outside of Lawrenceville, as the traffic can get heavy around the neighborhood. You can then proceed on foot for a couple of blocks, and enjoy the stroll along the main avenue.

Start your day of exploring by visiting one of Lawrenceville's many quirky cafés. Located inside a Victorian-style building, The Butterwood Bake Consortium is a unique cake-and-coffee parlor with steel-wired chairs and velveteen cushions. Though its warm and welcoming interiors would justify a whole afternoon spent relaxing on a Victorian chaise longue, the district's vibrance will soon tempt you to venture onwards. After you have grabbed your sweet roll and coffee, head to the World War I Memorial Park, the green lung of the neighborhood. This ample green space is Lawrenceville's answer to New York City's Central Park, and it contains statues and memorials such as the Winter Mausoleum, and the monumental Eben Byers' Grave.

After a pleasant stroll through the green, you will be ready for a second bite. As you come out of the park, head to Butler Street, known as the home of Lawrenceville's independent cafes and hip bars. A short 3-minute walk from the park's easternmost corner, award-winning La Gourmandine is worth a stop. Enjoy a dark-roast coffee and sample their mouth-watering traditional French pastries, including pain au chocolat, croissants, and delicious tarte au citron.

In Lawrenceville, it's easy to accompany your meal with a hip sip. Bare-wall decor and barista-made Italian coffee define Espresso a Mano, a favorite hot beverage purveyor in the neighborhood. For a slightly quirkier vibe, it's worth stopping at Geppetto Cafe. In this quaint coffee shop, decorative books are hanging from the ceiling, as a nod to the story that inspired the cafe's name: Carlo Collodi's children's book "Pinocchio."

It wouldn't be a complete trip to Lawrenceville without scouting for bargains and quirky gems inside the unique shops dotting its high street. From gift shops to vintage clothing, the neighborhood is one of Pittsburgh's most popular shopping destinations. All shops follow their individual ethos and add something special to the wider area, but some of them are unmissable gems when visiting Lawrenceville.

A pioneer of the district renovation in 2009, WildCard  is a gift card and oddities shop, easily distinguished by its smorgasbord of colorful objects. The shop prides itself on offering the quirkiest gifts you will find in town, from artsy postcards to screen-printed tote bags. Less than a 10-minute walk away, Una Biologicals is a natural shop beloved by those who like chemical-free ingredients for all their cosmetic, skincare, and perfume needs. If you also love sustainable toys, make sure you don't miss Dragonfly Castle Toys. All of their toys are solar-power operated, and contain no batteries or electric cables. For a Taste of Africa in Pennsylvania, head to Authentically African by Moa, where you will find African jewelry, textiles, and beautifully hand-crafted gifts from earrings to home furniture and unique decorations.

After all your shopping is done, there's no doubt Lawrenceville gets better after dark. No single place in The Ville better encapsulates its rebel soul than the Thunderbird Cafe. This iconic music venue has been going strong for 25 years, and still attracts crowds from Pennsylvania and beyond for its underground live bands. Whether you're in the Steel City for a day or for a week, it's worth ending your Pittsburgh trip with a historic railway ride where you can get spectacular views of the city.