City Cast Pittsburgh logo
June 3, 2026

Pittsburgh's Secret Stairways

City Cast Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's Secret Stairways

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

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

Bike PGH

Athens County Visitors Bureau

Pittsburgh CLO

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Pittsburgh

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
June 22

A Pittsburgher's Guide to Erie

If you're looking for a summer beach vacation but don't want to travel too far or spend a small fortune, consider a two-hour drive up nor...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 18

The Best Local Potato Chips

It's backyard barbecue season, and no cookout feels complete without a big bag of chips. And if you like your summer snacks to be locally...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 17

Debunking Pittsburgh Myths

As Pittsburghers, we have so much pride in our city. After all, we're the City of Champions and the City of the Bridges! But can we reall...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 16

Bone Rooms, Power Outages & Primanti’s ‘Stolen’ Art

Pittsburgh International Airport (briefly) lost power during the big storm last week – something that wasn't supposed to happen because o...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 15

Dirty Pasta, Swedish Candy & Dinner Under a Volcano?

Still mourning Stuntpig's closure in Squirrel Hill? Executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo have recommendations for new s...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 14

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Do you know how many parks Pittsburgh has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 12

Morgan Wallen Drama, Vape Shop Regulations & YMCA's Log Cabin

You know you've messed up when both the National Weather Service and Mayor Corey O'Connor have to call you out for your lies! The City Ca...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 11

The Best Chicken Dishes in Pittsburgh

Ordering chicken when you're eating out doesn't feel like the sexiest option, but City Cast contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Ha...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 10

8 Pittsburgh Home Tours You Have To Take this Summer

If you love scrolling through Pittsburgh's wildest Zillow listings, don't miss your chance to actually go inside some of those fancy home...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 9

Does Our State Bird Suck? Plus, ICE Updates & Vacant Lots

Ever wanted to make public art or host an event in an abandoned lot? City Council is considering a proposal to let residents put vacant l...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art