Get to Know the City!

In addition to a great education, Pittsburgh gives you access to culture, legendary sports, great neighborhoods, a world-class food scene, thriving industry and jobs, and much more.

Duquesne campus and city aerial view
Aerial view of Duquesne University's campus
Duquesne University stands in the heart of Pittsburgh, a vibrant and safe city recognized worldwide for its livability, welcoming atmosphere and professional opportunities.

This city will be your backdrop—you will explore here, intern here, volunteer here, do research and service here and live in the heart of it all. You'll benefit from the kind of energy you only find in a place on the rise. 

In 2024, Pittsburgh was ranked #8 for the Best Metro Area for STEM Professionals and in 2023, it was named of the 15 Best U.S. Cities for Young Professionals by Spacewise. Also, Pittsburgh has been named the most affordable city for housing by Bloomberg, even as accommodation costs around the globe surge.

Get to know the city!

Additionally, National Geographic has listed Pittsburgh among 30 of the Best Cities in the United States based on unconventional metrics believed to lead to happiness, including: green spaces, galleries, coffee shops, breweries, music venues, "Instagrammable" moments and more.

Duquesne students are an important part of the emerging economic and social greatness of the University's home. In fact, Pittsburgh jumped to No. 13 in rankings for the world's emerging startup companies.

Campus offers breathtaking views of Pittsburgh and its three rivers, is just two blocks from downtown and only 30 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport.

One of America's Most Livable Cities

Pittsburgh is a vibrant and safe city that has been recognized worldwide for its livability, welcoming atmosphere and professional opportunities.

Our Latest Accolades

1 of 14Best U.S. Cities for Young Professionals

Spacewise (2025) highlights Pittsburgh's "great affordability, exciting nightlife and ample job opportunities."

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#6Must-visit cities in the world

Pittsburgh is the only U.S. city to make Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2025,” lauded for its “affordability, unpretentiousness and cultural heritage.”

See Why

Top 25Most Fun Cities in America

WalletHub (2024) names Pittsburgh among the most fun U.S. cities—a place that offers a little bit of everything for everyone with their friends, family or just themselves.

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#8Best U.S. Metro Area for STEM Professionals

Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 according to WalletHub (2024) for being one of the best metro areas for science, technology, engineering and math professionals.

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Top 20Fittest City in the Nation

Racing up the list a dozen spots in a year, Pittsburgh ranks among the most fit cities in the U.S. for 2024 by the American College of Sports Medicine and the Elevance Health Foundation.

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Duquesne - Pittsburgh Connection

Whether you're student teaching in Homewood or researching deep in the archives of a rural courthouse, you can walk alongside the people of our region and learn in unexpected ways.

100%of need met for students awarded the Spirit of Community Scholarship

Rural communities, Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, a huge range of business, industry and non-profits. Explore to get a taste of what’s possible.

90+neighborhoods in the city

It's easy to get around the city and to visit its attractions, participate in traditions, and enjoy the atmosphere. 

3shuttles operate throughout the week, connecting Duquesne students to spots in the city

Neighborhoods & Attractions

Duquesne is close to many must-see places

Located at the intersection of Market Street and Forbes Avenue, Market Square is the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh and only a short walk away from Duquesne. This urban oasis contains several restaurants including Primanti Bros., Moe's, and several other bakeries, hip clothing stores, pizza parlors, hoagie and submarine sandwich shops. Other than the eateries, Market Square is always bustling with street performers and Pittsburgh natives. Special occasions such as St. Patrick's Day and Christmas springs Market Square into a frenzy of lights and crowds. In mid-November, Light Up Night comes to Market Square with horse-drawn candlelight carriage parades, music and holiday cheer. However, on any regular day during lunch and dinner, Market Square is bursting with life and Pittsburgh heritage; making it a must-see attraction for any newcomer.
PPG Paints Arena houses nearly 20,000 visitors for hockey games, basketball games, concerts, and much more. Viewable from several places on Duquesne's campus, this arena adds a huge convenience to the life of a Duquesne student. Not only are there frequent "student rush" opportunities for cheap tickets to sporting events, the short walk from campus makes this venue as easy to access as the Hogan Dining Center. Whether your coming to cheer for the Penguins, the Pittsburgh Power, or coming to see Lady Gaga perform in front of thousands of fans, the proximity of the PPG Paints Arena is a great reason to put Duquesne at the top of your lists of colleges to attend.
Any well-versed Duquesne student would not know where to start when asked about the South Side. From the incredible culture shops and several convenient stores to the high-class restaurants and midnight diners, the South Side of Pittsburgh is any students escape from the hectic atmosphere of college academia. During the day, the South Side offers mouth-watering Pittsburgh cuisine and by night, it boasts over 100 bars and clubs on its nationally recognized East Carson Street. Stretching more than twenty blocks and filled with 506 businesses, East Carson Street is one of the largest Victorian main streets in the United States and is dictated by a strict set of rules regarding what the exterior of the buildings can look like. Over the past 20 years, countless buildings in the South Side have been reused and revitalized in order to propel the economy into a bright future filled with commerce and residential activity. Including a significant change in atmosphere, over the past decade the South Side has experienced an influx of students residing in the South Side during their stay at Duquesne, University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. However, only for Duquesne Students is it an extremely short walk across the 10th Street Bridge; making the Duquesne presence overwhelming during the dynamic night-life of the South Side.
Located between 26th Street and 29th Street, Southside Works consists of Haufbrau House, REI, the Cheesecake Factory, state of the art cinemas, and the American Eagle corporate headquarters. The fountains in the town square and the taste of ice cream on a scorching summer day in Pittsburgh makes the South Side Works a great place to take a stroll through. Often times there is live entertainment playing in the heart of Southside Works making it a swell place to lift your spirits. There are also bike rentals, pubs, and apartments for rent. The South Side Works, although a medium walk from Duquesne's campus, is another attraction that you will be glad you live near if you decide to make Duquesne your future.
Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers) and PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates) are both located in short walking distance away from each other on the North Shore and an easy jog from Duquesne's campus. Like PPG Paints, both the Steelers and the Pirates offer student discounted tickets sometimes that Duquesne students take advantage of. Also on the North Shore are restaurants and bars, along with museums and science exhibits. The Carnegie Science Center is a complex located right next to Heinz Field and is a sight to behold as it contains many interesting and interactive experiments and seminars. Adjacent to PNC Park is the Andy Warhol Museum, the largest museum in America dedicated to one artist. A Pittsburgh-born, but internationally renown artist, Andy Warhol embodies a certain pop culture that still thrives in Pittsburgh today. The Carnegie Science Center and the Andy Warhol Museum are two of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and they are only a hop and a skip from Duquesne's campus. Finally, the North Shore is home to Rivers Casino, located right next to Heinz field. Rivers Casino has slots and tables games available for any of-age party-goers. All of these attractions are short walk across the river from Duquesne and make for a wonderful time when any student has free time to go sight-seeing.
The Waterfront is a short bus ride from inner-city Pittsburgh and contains several outdoor shopping opportunities and entertainment. Shops in the Waterfront include Barnes and Noble, Abercrombie and Fitch, Best Buy, Target, Michael's, and many other big name shops. Restaurants are also not in short supply with Burgatory, Bravo!, Cucina Italiana, Pizzaria Uno, Rock Bottom Brewery, Dick's Sporting Goods, Dave and Buster's and much more. There is also a top of the line theatre in the Loews Cineplex and further entertainment in the Improv Comedy Club. Located in Homestead, the Waterfront is a huge attraction to Duquesne students who want to see the latest movies or shop at popular stores that are not located immediately around Pittsburgh. The DU Loop Bus travels to the Waterfront on weekends.
Along with the previously mentioned Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh is home to tons of cool museums that anyone can enjoy. A few include the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. These museums bolster Pittsburgh rich heritage and dedication to the art and history of mankind. When taking a break from the hectic life of a college student, going to a museum is a great way to relax the mind and maintain an immersion in American culture. Furthermore, all of these locations are located within walking distance of Duquesne and lend to a one-of-a-kind experience you can only get in Pittsburgh.
This neighborhood of Pittsburgh contains several universities (University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University), museums, and hospitals. Shopping and restaurants are also abound as the student population makes for great business. Also in Oakland is the Cathedral of Learning, located on Pitt's campus. Inside the Cathedral of Learning are classrooms outfitted to resemble different academic settings from throughout the world. These classrooms are nationally renown and truly a beautiful sight to behold. Another beautiful sight is the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens that are located in Schenley Park. A historical landmark, the Conservatory is a breathtaking exhibit of exotic plants within a 13 room complex that displays interesting glass and metalwork to make a phenomenal work of Victorian greenhouse architecture. Although some may perceive Pitt and Duquesne as rivals, a friendly relationship exists between the two schools and their students. Many Duquesne freshman enjoy their night life in Oakland due to the easy access using the Pittsburgh Regional Transit Bus System.
Pittsburgh also has plenty of great ways to spend a nice spring day whether it is at Kennywood, Sandcastle, the Pittsburgh Zoo or the PPG Aquarium. Kennywood, which is only a 20 minute drive away, is packed with water rides and roller coasters that will take your breath away. Another thrilling amusement park is Sandcastle, which is slightly closer than Kennywood. Here you can cool off on the gargantuan water slides for an entire summer by buying the low priced season tickets. Finally the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium make for a delightful day out to observe some exotic wildlife. This 77 acre zoo houses more than 4,000 animals which represent 475 species. This complex is also in the process of expanding exhibits in order to make for a more dazzling spectacle. These attractions are favorites among Duquesne students because of the world class experience and the proximity to campus.

Art & Culture: Enjoy Inspirational Performances & Exhibits

The possibilities of cultural activities both on and off campus are endless! Pittsburgh's cultural district, located nearby in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, regularly features plays, musicals, symphonies, ballet, concerts and so much more. The city is also rich with museums of science, art, fascinating history and remarkable artifacts.

From theater companies to musical assemblies, Duquesne is home to many music and performance organizations that are sure to entertain.

There's Something for Everyone

The Cultural District, home to Downtown Pittsburgh’s dynamic art and entertainment scene, offers the following:

Find upcoming events from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

The Carnegie Museums is a collection of four dynamic, distinctive museums:

You'll Love Our Exciting and Friendly City