Skies, once dark with factory smoke, open above crystal-towered downtown Pittsburgh, bound on three sides by the rivers Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio.

The LeMont (412-431-3100, www.lemontpittsburgh.com) stands out from the eateries on aptly named Grandview Avenue, a mile-long overlook just opposite downtown. The LeMont's steak Diane is prepared tableside with a sizzling flourish.

Engineering experts consider the city and its 15 major downtown bridges to be a living museum devoted to their work. At rush hour, the bridges' sidewalks are crowded with pedestrians who opt for cheaper cross-river parking and a healthful hike to work. Join them for a stroll on the Sixth, Seventh, or Ninth Street bridges—America's only trio of consecutive nearly identical bridges.

PNC Park (412-323-5000, http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com) is home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and dubbed by ESPN as baseball's most beautiful ballpark.

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