Top 3 Movie Locations to Visit in Pittsburgh During the NFL Draft (Including Hidden Spots Worth the Drive)

If you’re heading to Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft, you’re already in one of the most cinematic cities in the country. But here’s what most visitors don’t realize: some of the most iconic filming locations aren’t just in downtown—they’re scattered just outside of it, and a few are absolutely worth the short trip. If you’ve got some time between picks (or a free morning before things get started), here are three movie locations that give you a completely different side of Pittsburgh.

1. Duquesne Incline / Mount Washington (The Shot You'll Never Forget)

If you’ve ever seen a wide shot of Pittsburgh in a movie, there’s a good chance it was filmed from here. The Duquesne Incline takes you up to Mount Washington, where you get a full panoramic view of the city—the rivers, the bridges, and the skyline all in one frame. This is the kind of establishing shot filmmakers use to instantly set the scene. It’s quick, easy to get to, and one of the best ways to actually understand how unique Pittsburgh’s layout is.

2. Mellon Institute (Step Into The Dark Knight Rises)

Those massive columns look familiar for a reason. The Mellon Institute was featured in The Dark Knight Rises and used as part of Gotham City in the film’s final fight scene. It’s one of the most recognizable filming locations in Pittsburgh for Batman fans—and one of the easiest to visit (20 minute car/ Uber). It also happens to be one of the best selfie spots if you are a Dark Knight fan. You can even recreate your own version of the scene right on the steps.

3. Monroeville Mall (A Horror Classic—And Possibly Your Last Chance to See It)

About 45 minutes outside the city, the Monroeville Mall is one of the most iconic filming locations in horror movie history. It was the primary setting for Dawn of the Dead, and fans still visit today to see where the movie was filmed. There’s even a dedicated museum store inside the mall that leans into its legacy. And here’s what makes this stop even more interesting— the mall will close in 2027. For many visitors, this might be one of the last chances to experience it in person.

What Most Visitors Don’t Realize

While some of Pittsburgh’s most iconic filming locations are worth the short drive—like Mount Washington or the Monroeville Mall—the biggest advantage of the city is how much you can experience without ever leaving downtown. In fact, several recognizable filming locations are located right within the NFL Draft zones or just a short walk away. That means instead of spending time in traffic, figuring out parking, or piecing together directions, you can experience multiple real filming locations in just a few hours between picks—all on foot. Most visitors don’t take advantage of this. They either stay in one place or try to bounce around the city without a clear plan, and end up missing some of the best spots entirely.

The reality is, the best experience isn’t about seeing everything—it’s about knowing which locations are actually worth your time and how to connect them efficiently. That’s the difference between just attending the draft and actually experiencing the city around it.

Make the Most of Your Time Between Picks

These locations are just a starting point. If you want a simple, walkable route that connects Pittsburgh’s most recognizable filming locations—complete with the exact spots, scenes, and directions, all optimized to fit between draft events—you can access the full Pittsburgh Cinematic Experience here below. Because if you’re already in a city that looks like a movie… you might as well experience it like one.

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