Weekend in Pittsburgh

Stay

In the midst of Steel Town is a Victorian inn with a heavy Key West influence. The Parador, built in the 1870s, offers guest rooms with gas fireplaces, museum-quality antiques and a private bath. Rates of $150 per night include a full American breakfast and use of the nearby YMCA; www.theparadorinn.com, 939 Western Ave., 412-231-4800.

Eat

The menu at Fat Head’s South Side Saloon has a headwich section — sandwiches the size of your head. The No. 5 Best Sandwich in the U.S. by Maxim magazine is the Southside Slopes Headwich (kielbasa, pierogies, cheese, grilled onions, horseradish sauce); $9.95. Other items from $2.25 to $10.95; www.fatheads.com, 1805 E. Carson St., 412-431-7433.

Experience

A funicular railway, the Duquesne Incline is a working museum operating since 1870. Two cable cars scale the 400-foot incline of Mount Washington. Views of the city, and the Ohio and Allegheny river valleys from the platform are ranked the second-most-beautiful view in America (USA Weekend Magazine); $2 one-way; www.portauthority.org

MODERATE

Getting there

Two-week advance purchase rates start at $187 each way; nonstop AirTran or Delta.

Stay

The “Discover the Strip” package at the Priory includes accommodations, two passes to the Heinz History Center, a Strip District map and discount coupons, a gift basket, and a $60 dinner credit at one of three local restaurants. Guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi and evening wine reception. Rates start at $245; www.thepriory.com, 614 Pressley St., 412-231-3338.

Eat

Stagioni blends traditional Italian ingredients with modern preparation and seasonal menus. Entrees $12 to $21; www.stagionipgh.com, 4770 Liberty Ave., 412-687-5775.

Experience

The National Aviary features more than 600 endangered and exotic birds from nearly every continent. Adults $12; $9.50 children 2-12; www.aviary.org, 700 Arch St., 412-323-7235. View the great collection of the Steel City’s favorite son at the Andy Warhol Museum; $15 adults; $8 children 3-18; half-price Fridays 5-10 p.m.; www.warhol.org, 117 Sandusky St., 412-237-8300. The Warhol is one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh; www.carnegiemuseums.org.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Walk-up, one-way rates from $383 in business class; nonstop AirTran or Delta.

Stay

A “Romance” package at the historic Omni William Penn Hotel includes elegant accommodations, buffet breakfast, a bottle of champagne, dinner in the Terrace Room (alcohol not included) and late checkout starting at $355 per night; www.omnihotels.com, 530 William Penn Place, 412-281-7100.

Eat

The city’s finest steakhouse is the Capital Grille. Dine on hand-carved dry-aged steaks, the freshest seafood and selections from a collection of more than 5,000 bottles of wine; starting at $50; www.thecapitalgrille.com; 301 Fifth Ave., 412-338-9100.

Experience

The 14-block Cultural District is home to some of the most beautifully restored historic buildings. Besides art galleries and concert halls, the area’s six major theaters offer more than 1,500 shows each year. The grandest and most elegant (and with one of the largest stages in the U.S.) is the Benedum Center, home to the Broadway Across America series. The musical comedy “Young Frankenstein” plays May 4-9; $22-$66; pgharts.org, 719 Liberty Ave., 412-456-2600.