Pittsburgh is great-and safe! The downtown area doesn't have a lot to offer for visitors. That being said, a lot of good hotels are downtown and easy to get to. Turn on Waze and enjoy driving over bridges and through tunnels. I don't know your party makeup but here are some great things:
for kids: Carnegie Science Museum, The water steps on the North Shore (if they finally turned them on)
For Everyone: The strip District (coffee at La Prima and don't forget your popcorn), the mattress factory, the Aviary (a personal fave), point park...a ride on the Gateway Clipper, the Pirates stadium is down right awesome! Pamela's Diner.
Mount Washington is a gem. Mass at St. Mary's on the Mount is a cool experience and a true taste of Pittsburgh.
We typically stay near the stadiums or downtown and just accept we'll drive everywhere.