Pittsburgh's Secret Stairways
If your summer bucket list involves exploring more of Pittsburgh, consider making a visit to a set of our city steps, aka our first form of mass transit. Pittsburgh has the most public staircases in the U.S., but cataloging and preserving them is a relatively new priority. We're revisiting our conversation (and city step tour!) with the three authors of City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide, who share the history of these public gems and tips for scouting them for yourself.
Thanks to Laura Zurowski, Matthew Jacob, and Charles Succop for taking us on a field trip to the Basin Street city steps!
**This episode originally aired on July 16, 2025.
Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, June 3rd episode:
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust - TRAF
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Duolingo’s Iran War Problem, Airport Auctions & Eviction Wins
The Trump Administration’s latest round of sanctions against Iran, dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast,” includes restrictions on cooperat...
Respect the Parking Chair! Plus More Essential Pgh Rules
Pittsburgh is full of unwritten rules and weird quirks, like reserving your parking space with a rickety chair, taking a left turn the mo...
Ranking the Restaurants at Rivers Casino
If you're making a trip to Rivers Casino, it's probably not for the food, but City Cast Pittsburgh contributor and Post-Gazette dining cr...
Your Guide to September 2026 in Pittsburgh
September in Pittsburgh means fall is coming! Check out a new regal-looking harpy eagle at the National Aviary, drive some golf balls off...
Pittsburgh’s High-Speed Rail Fantasy
Should Pittsburghers stop dreaming about high-speed rail and start celebrating the trains we already have? The reality of having one is a...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Is PIT the Gold Standard?
Pittsburgh’s airport might not be the international hub it once was (RIP USAir), but it stands alone in a newer, lesser-known way: having...
Did Disney Do Us Dirty? Plus, Guerilla Crosswalks & Capo's Investigation
A new collaboration pairs Disney characters with every NFL team, and the choice to represent the Steelers has been… controversial. Did Di...
Your Guide to Making Friends in Pittsburgh
It can be daunting to make new friends in Pittsburgh. Lots of people are still tight with their buddies from kindergarten, and it's not a...
Is Flooding Getting Worse in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is on track to have its wettest August on record, which is especially concerning since flooding is our most frequent natural d...
Taco Bell Lawsuit, Unsafe Sidewalks & Cryptid Dance Party
Is a local woman suing Taco Bell and Taylor Farms over cyclosporiasis? Is Downtown finally getting a grocery store in the form of Trader...