PPG Place, 1-77 Stanwix St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, US

There is no better introduction to a new city than a great view. It is true of the Empire State Building in New York and the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles. In this aspect, Pittsburgh is no different and has a view to compete with those two iconic landmarks. One glimpse from Grandview Avenue in the Mount Washington neighborhood showcases how the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers converge to form the Ohio, and surround the impressive downtown skyline. To reach this spectacular sight, Pittsburghers ride the 140-year-old vertical railway, the Monongahela Incline, and so should you.Parking and public transportation at the Monongahela InclineDriving and public transport are equally attractive options to reach the incline. There is ample pay parking surrounding the Station Square shopping center, which is adjacent to the lower incline entrance. If coming from Downtown, the North Shore area near the sports stadiums, or anywhere in the hills south of the city, hop on the light rail, aka the T, and get off at the Station Square stop.Best and worst time to go to the Monongahela InclineThe incline is open all year round, and prices do not vary, but it would be hard to deny autumn as the best season to visit, especially October to mid-November. Reds, yellows, and burnt oranges fill the landscape and reflect off the blue waters of the three rivers and the glass spires of PPG Place. In February, the trees are bare, the sky is grey, and the rivers may be frozen, so best to stay away.Admission to the Monongahela InclineThe Monongahela Incline, and its sister incline a mile down river, the Duquense Incline, are operated as public transportation, so fares are very cheap. One-way rides is less than $3 for adults and less than $2 for youths (6-11). Children under five years old are free, as are senior citizens with proper ID.Must see/do at the Monongahela InclineThe view. Soak it in. Enjoy it on the ride up, and enjoy it on the ride down. Pause for pictures at the many lookout points along Grandview Avenue and take in the beauty of the Paris of Appalachia.Other places to visit near the Monongahela InclineHighmark Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh River Hounds professional soccer club, is just half a mile away from the lower incline, and offers a rowdy environment with crazed fans on the cheap. On top of the hill, Shiloh street offers scores of restaurants, the most popular being the gastropub Shiloh Grill. The Station Square shopping center offers eating and entertainment at national chains.Insider tip for visitors to the Monongahela InclineThe Monongahela Incline overs views of the cityscape and proximity to restaurants and public transportation, but the true postcard view is a mile down Grandview Avenue at the Duquense Incline. However, there is nothing around the lower Duquesne Incline, outside a parking lot. So, make it a priority to walk over to the Duquense Incline, but only after riding up the Monongahela. No need to ride down the Duquesne, just walk back to Monongahela and head down the mountain.Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.