Ever wondered where in the world you would find a city with over 446 bridges? In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is where! Known as the "City of Bridges", Pittsburgh is the second largest city in the State of Pennsylvania and is one of the most livable cities in the country. It is also one of the premier destinations for people who want to let their imaginations run wild, making it the perfect destination for your next family holiday or couple's retreat.

Hiring a rental car in Pittsburgh really is the way to go, as the freedom this option will give you will essentially make your trip an enjoyable and memorable one. There are many locations across the city from which you can pick up your vehicle and then it is time to let that imagination run wild and discover some of this amazing city's hidden and not so hidden highlights. There are just so many of them that it will be impossible to fit them all in, so here's just a few to get the ball rolling.

1. Carnegie Museum of Art

The Carnegie Museum of Art is home to the most important exhibition of contemporary art in North America. It is also the second oldest in the world so you can be sure that you won't be missing out on an informative history lesson. This prestigious art museum is home to a distinguished collection of contemporary art that includes everything from paintings and sculptures to film and video works.

The museum features mid-19th Century American art, French-Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, along with European and American art from the late 17th century, all the way through to the present. There is so much art, history and culture here that you could easily spend an entire day here!

2. The Botanic Garden of Western Pennsylvania

This project is very important to the people of Pittsburgh and the gardens focus heavily on "displays of regional flora, horticultural and environmental education and research into botanical issues of regional importance". The gardens are located just 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, a trip which will be made easy and enjoyable with your rental car.

The gardens were founded in 1988 to develop the first comprehensive botanical garden in the Pittsburgh region. Since then, they have attracted many tourists and locals, each seeking to get a taste of some of the most beautiful native flora in the country. Take a stroll through this beautiful natural wonderland and you will soon discover just why this is one of Pittsburgh's most attractive highlights.

3. Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium

The local zoo and aquarium is where nature comes to life, as it is home to over 2000 animals from across the globe. Discover a world of wildlife and interact with them in their naturalistic habitats as you wander through the endless exhibits of your favourite animals. Visit the Arctic Fishing Village and you will come across some young and cuddly polar bears, curious sea otters, colourful schools of fish, monstrous sharks and playful penguins. Cruise into the African Savannah and you will be in awe of the elephants, giraffes and zebras, wandering the desert plains. With incredibly cheap prices and easy parking for your hire car, there really is no excuse not to pay a visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.

4. Pittsburgh Folk Festival

Each year, the city of Pittsburgh comes to life with an abundance of dance, music and culture, when the Pittsburgh Folk Festival rolls into town. Discover the city's cultural heritage through dance, songs, food and handmade crafts from every reach of the globe. This 2-day celebration is held annually, around the month of May and is the perfect opportunity to shop in an international bazaar, learn a new dance, see craftsmen at work and visit one of the many cultural exhibits on offer!

5. Sandcastle Waterpark

The perfect way to end your stay in Pittsburgh, especially if you have made it a family trip, is with a visit to Sandcastle Waterpark. This ultimate waterpark is home to 14 twisting, turning, plunging and churning waterslides, providing enough fun to sink a ship. There are plenty of kiddie's pools to keep the children amused, while you take a dip in the world's largest hot tub. So whether you are young or still young at heart, a trip to Sandcastle Waterpark will not disappoint!

There is such a diversity of attractions and activities in Pittsburgh that you will never be left wandering what to do next. From history and culture to music and arts and from waterslides and aquariums to the animals of the African Savannah and the native flora of the local gardens, Pittsburgh is sure to offer something to suit every individual taste!

Christine Barton