Mellon Square Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's emerald oasis, Mellon Square offers a serene urban escape with iconic fountains, lush greenery, and seasonal community events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fountains on
Mellon Square Pittsburgh
Best Time
Cooler temps, fountains on
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pittsburgh's emerald oasis, Mellon Square offers a serene urban escape with iconic fountains, lush greenery, and seasonal community events.
"Iconic Mellon Square is a beautiful urban park in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh."
Check for Seasonal Closures
Park fountains and amenities are often off during winter months for maintenance. :calendar:
Mindful Moments
Join free yoga or meditation sessions offered seasonally. :personinlotus_position:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Fountains
Central plaza
Enjoy the soothing sounds and cool mist of the park's signature fountains, a perfect urban escape.
Urban Oasis
Throughout the park
Stroll through lush greenery, shaded seating areas, and vibrant plantings in this meticulously maintained park.
Modernist Architecture
Park design
Appreciate the unique design of Pittsburgh's first modern park built atop a parking garage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Mellon Square
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Seasonal Closures
Park fountains and amenities are often off during winter months for maintenance. :calendar:
Mindful Moments
Join free yoga or meditation sessions offered seasonally. :personinlotus_position: 
Parking Caution
Larger vehicles may have clearance issues in the garage. :car:
Enjoy the Greenery
Find shaded spots under trees for a peaceful break. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Seasonal Closures
Park fountains and amenities are often off during winter months for maintenance. :calendar:
Mindful Moments
Join free yoga or meditation sessions offered seasonally. :personinlotus_position:
Parking Caution
Larger vehicles may have clearance issues in the garage. :car:
Enjoy the Greenery
Find shaded spots under trees for a peaceful break. :evergreen_tree:
Downtown Hub
Conveniently located near hotels and offices. :office_building:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mellon Square is praised as a beautiful and relaxing urban park, particularly for its iconic fountains and lush greenery. Visitors appreciate it as a peaceful escape in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. However, some have reported negative experiences with the adjacent parking garage, citing issues with vehicle clearance, payment systems, and customer service.
"My favorite "Play Area" Play Spot 🔴. The Omni hotel is looking like it's packed as usual. Mellon Park is right in front of the Omni on William Penn downtown. There are three giant tour buses in front of the hotel 🏨. Looks like it's going to be a fun weekend.
I fell in love blue 💙 with this park because of the pigeons I'll be honest. I haven't been here in months. I really enjoy the water fountains they are obviously closed down during the winter months. I'm glad I got to see them before they go down for winter. ❄️
I had a fun-filled day I stopped by PRT and loaded my half fare card for a full month on interrupted of bus passes. I ate at my favorite restaurant downtown Villa Reale.
And now I'm just here in the park enjoying the water 💦 fountains.
I don't know if I mentioned there are little tables coffee and tea tables around the waterfall right now this year. So you can sign by the water fountains or find a nice cozy spot under shade, in summer there are many trees to provide shade.
Not to mention if you stop by the Carnegie library Smithfield stop up on the second floor and see my favorite sign ☮️ PIGEON LOVER
#peace"
Erica Guris
"Iconic Mellon Square is a beautiful urban park in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.
It is the first Modernist park built above a parking garage, and it is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
The park is home to a variety of trees, flowers, and shrubs, as well as a number of sculptures and fountains.
Overall, Mellon Square is a well-maintained and enjoyable park. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the city scenery."
Sushi Mellon
"Very relaxing watching the fountains, and it is cooler with the fountains all going"
Victor Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mellon Square is located in downtown Pittsburgh, easily accessible by public transportation, ride-sharing services, or by car. The adjacent Mellon Square Garage offers parking, though larger vehicles should be cautious of height restrictions. +1
Yes, Mellon Square is in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh and is well-served by numerous bus routes. The PRT (Port Authority of Allegheny County) operates services that stop nearby.
From Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), you can take a taxi, rideshare, or the 28X Airport Flyer bus to downtown Pittsburgh, which will bring you close to Mellon Square.
Mellon Square is situated near many downtown attractions, including the Omni William Penn Hotel, and is a short distance from the Strip District and other cultural sites.
Absolutely! Mellon Square is very walkable within the downtown core. It's a pleasant stroll from many hotels, offices, and other public spaces.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mellon Square is a public park and is free to enter. There are no admission fees.
Mellon Square is generally open to the public during daylight hours. However, it is closed during the winter months for renovations and maintenance, typically reopening in the spring.
Yes, Mellon Square often hosts free community events like yoga and meditation sessions during warmer months. It's best to check local event listings or social media for current schedules.
Yes, the Mellon Square Garage charges standard parking fees. Rates can vary, so it's advisable to check current pricing if you plan to park there.
Typically, parking garages operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not usually available.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Mellon Square offers a peaceful urban retreat with beautiful fountains, shaded seating areas, and lush landscaping. It's a great spot for relaxation, enjoying a meal, or attending seasonal events like free yoga and meditation. +1
The fountains are typically operational during the spring, summer, and early fall. They are turned off during the winter months for maintenance and protection from freezing.
Yes, Mellon Square provides a picturesque urban backdrop with its fountains, greenery, and surrounding architecture, making it a popular spot for photography.
Yes, you can enjoy a picnic in Mellon Square. There are tables available near the fountains and plenty of shaded areas under the trees.
While Mellon Square is a beautiful park, it's more of a tranquil urban space than a dedicated playground. Children can enjoy the fountains and open spaces, but supervision is recommended.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Mellon Square itself does not have restaurants, but it's surrounded by numerous dining options in downtown Pittsburgh. You can also bring your own food for a picnic.
You'll find a wide variety of restaurants near Mellon Square, from casual cafes to upscale dining. The Omni William Penn Hotel and surrounding streets offer many choices. Coffee Village is also nearby.
Yes, there are several coffee shops in the vicinity of Mellon Square, including Coffee Village, which has a location at One Mellon Square.
While not a permanent fixture, food trucks and vendors sometimes appear during special events or festivals held in or near Mellon Square.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is perfectly acceptable and encouraged for enjoying the park's ambiance.
📸 📸 Photography
The fountains, the surrounding greenery, and the architectural elements of the park offer great photo opportunities. The contrast between the urban setting and the park's tranquility is also a popular subject.
Yes, the beautiful fountains and manicured gardens of Mellon Square make it a lovely setting for engagement and wedding photography.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing a softer glow.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial or professional shoots, permits might be required. It's always good to check with local authorities if you're planning extensive professional photography.
Drone usage in urban parks is often restricted due to privacy and safety regulations. It's advisable to check with the city of Pittsburgh's aviation or parks department before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should be mindful that the park is an urban oasis with water features, so close supervision of young children is essential. While there are no specific play structures, the serene environment can be a welcome change of pace during a busy day of sightseeing in Pittsburgh. Consider bringing a frisbee or a small ball for some light play.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
For those interested in wellness, keep an eye out for free yoga or meditation sessions often held in the park during warmer months. It's a wonderful opportunity to engage in some self-care and connect with the local community.
+1💼 Business Professionals
The park's central location makes it easily accessible from surrounding office buildings. Grab a coffee from a nearby spot like Coffee Village and enjoy it by the fountains, or find a shaded table for a working lunch.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Restoration of Mellon Square
In recent years, Mellon Square underwent a significant restoration project to preserve its historic character while updating its amenities. This revitalization effort focused on enhancing the park's landscape, improving its fountain systems, and ensuring its long-term viability as a cherished urban amenity. The restoration aimed to honor the original design intent while making the park more accessible and enjoyable for contemporary visitors.
The park's location is also noteworthy, nestled between the historic Omni William Penn Hotel and various government and business offices. This central placement makes it a popular spot for downtown workers to take a break, for tourists to relax, and for locals to enjoy seasonal events. The blend of historical significance and modern functionality makes Mellon Square a unique and valuable asset to Pittsburgh.
Seasonal Activities and Events
Community events are a highlight of Mellon Square's warmer seasons. Visitors can often find free yoga and meditation classes held in the park, offering a chance to connect with wellness amidst the urban landscape. These activities are popular and draw a good crowd, showcasing the park's role as a community gathering space.
+1It's important to note that Mellon Square experiences a seasonal closure during the winter. The fountains are turned off, and the park may be closed for renovations as part of larger city streetscape projects. This winter dormancy allows for essential maintenance and prepares the park for its vibrant reopening in the spring.
Navigating Parking and Access
Beyond physical limitations, some visitors have encountered difficulties with the garage's payment systems and customer service. There have been reports of malfunctioning payment machines and instances where staff were perceived as unhelpful or rude when issues arose. These experiences suggest that while the garage is convenient, it might be prudent to have a backup parking plan or be prepared for potential minor inconveniences.
Given these reviews, visitors with larger vehicles or those who prefer a smoother parking experience might consider alternative parking options in the downtown area. Alternatively, utilizing Pittsburgh's public transportation or ride-sharing services can help bypass any parking-related concerns altogether.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit