The book: "The Steps of Pittsburgh: Portrait of a City," by Bob Regan (Local History Co., $21.95). Visit www.thelocalhistorycompany.com for more information.

The steps: There are 712 staircases totalling 4 1/2 miles scattered around hilly Pittsburgh. While many are in older working-class neighborhoods where tourists might not otherwise find something of interest, those that provide some great views include:

— Mission Street steps from Oakley Way to Barry Street on the South Side provide a spectacular view of the South Side and downtown.

— Middle Street off East North Avenue on the North Side offers another good view of downtown and was the location for the book's cover photo.

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— Downing Street steps off Herron Avenue in Polish Hill offer a view of downtown from the east.

— Top of Yard Way off St. Pius St. on the South Side provide a spectacular view of the South Side and downtown

Facts about the steps: 712 sets of steps; 44,645 treads; 24,090 feet of steps; found in 66 of the city's 90 neighborhoods; longest flight has 378 treads.

Other Pittsburgh Attractions: Andy Warhol Museum, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh Zoo, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Museum of Art. For help in planning a trip to Pittsburgh, visit www.pittsburgh-cvb.org/ or call 877-LOVE-PGH.

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