Pittsburgh's Union Station is the westernmost stop on Amtrak's Pennsylvania route. It is located in the heart of downtown near commercial businesses, Pittsburgh institutions and parks. The light rail system has three routes that leave from the Amtrak station and many things are in walking distance, making it easy to get around this area of Pittsburgh without paying for a taxi or relying on a car.
Parks
The Pittsburgh Amtrak station is centered close to a few Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy parks as well as a number of public playgrounds. The closes park is Mellon Park, which is located behind the Pittsburgh Center for Arts building just two miles from the station. The walk to the park takes under an hour and visitors can rest at one of the benches within the walled garden or enjoy the many fairs and festivals that are held there in summer. Cliffside Park is a bit further, about 13 minutes by car, but the play equipment is well maintained and, like the other area playgrounds, is shaded with a lot of grass.
Water and Ice
PPG Place, one of the most recognizable set of buildings in downtown Pittsburgh, consists of six buildings and has something for visitors year-round. Adjacent to Market Square, the building's central plaza has a waterfall feature for public use in warm months. The same area is transformed, once winter comes, to a 104-foot square ice rink. Families enjoy the outdoor recreation between shopping and dining or visiting the Wintergarden, an all glass pavilion with views of the city.
Community
The West Penn Recreation Center, located in the Polish Hill neighborhood, is an hour's walk or 10 minutes by car from Union Station. The center is open to all community members and offers community classes and both indoor and outdoor recreation programs. The center also features ping-pong tables and a weight room.
History
Downtown Pittsburgh has a lot of history and visitors can learn about the architectural aspects of the city while enjoying a walking tour in Mellon Square. The area was listed on the National Register of Historical Places in the 1980s. The late 19th to early 20th century buildings include Kauffman's Department Store, Trinity Cathedral and Harvard-Yale-Princton Club. The various walking tours are available on the city's website along with photographs of the buildings.
Fitness and Relaxation
Yoga classes, from prenatal to intense fitness, are available at studios within walking distance of Union Station. For those looking to wind down after a long day, nearby day spas offer facials, body wraps, manicures and massages. Back Rubs and Body Works, on Grant Avenue, is located less than a mile away from the station and Salon Christine, an Aveda Day Spa, only two and a half blocks.
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