Squirrel Hill's eclectic shopping district is a kaleidoscope of urban diversity, where the scene is always changing and always vibrant.

Pedestrians can stroll the main corridors of Forbes and Murray avenues in 15 minutes from end to end, but only if they resist ducking inside the beckoning storefronts that feature 40-plus restaurants spanning the ethnic gamut, as well as upscale clothing, jewelry and handmade gifts from around the world.

Adding to the district's varied charm are offerings of the sort not often found in city neighborhoods -- two bicycle stores (Pro Bikes and Biketek), guitars and mandolins at Acoustic Music Works, the Forward Lanes bowling alley, and increasingly rare repair shops run by tradespeople who fix shoes, locks, chairs and silver items.

Easily accessible off Interstate 376, Squirrel Hill has a population of about 26,000 in roughly three square miles, but the safe, bustling streets draw visitors from well beyond its boundaries. The median home sale price as of June was $250,000, with prices as high as $1.4 million.

This part of town boasts several one-and-only features that add to the neighborhood's draw. Schenley Park's sweeping green lawns include the city's only public golf course. No other ZIP code inside Pittsburgh proper has two multi-screen movie theaters, those being the Manor and the Squirrel Hill, although the latter's days are numbered due to a proposed development project. This is also home to the city's only Ben & Jerry's scoop shop, and to Gluuteny, a gluten-free bakery, and a half-dozen cafes, many with names not seen elsewhere -- 61c, Te, Tango, Arefa.

Visitors could spend months eating their way through all that Squirrel Hill offers for the palate. To start, there are at least 14 Asian restaurants featuring dishes from all around the Pacific Rim. They include Japanese at Chaya and Sushi House, Thai/Indian fusion at Sun Penang, tapas at Silk Elephant, and Taiwanese at Rose Tea Cafe.

For Middle Eastern dishes, the choices include excellent sleek at Mediterranean Grill, kosher shish kebab at Pinati, and shawarma at Aladdin's and Taza 21.

There's also delightful French cuisine at Ma Provence, original and complex Italian at La Cucina Flegrea, authentic Mexican at Cuzamil, Russian at Alexander, and Indian take-out from Sree's.

No fewer than six pizza parlors dot the district, all with enthusiasts who swear by their favorite, from Mineo's, the neighborhood landmark, to Pizza Amier, whose specialty menu lists pizza with fava beans or chicken and Buffalo fries.

Then there's the corned beef at Kazanski's and the Smallman Street Deli; standing-room-only breakfasts at Pamela's; ribs at Willie's BBQ; dessert heaven at Gullifty's, where jazz night has returned on Wednesdays and Fridays; kosher offerings at Milky Way and Aaron and Ari's Grill; five ice cream parlors; and specialty grocers carrying Asian, Greek, kosher and natural foodstuffs. Not to mention artisan breads at Allegra Hearth Bakery and cupcakes at Dozen.

After all that eating, there are plenty of places to get in shape, from Schoolhouse Yoga and USA Professional Karate to Oom Yung Do Martial Arts and Massage Envy.

In the realm of fashion, Forbes Avenue features the upscale dress shops of Occasions, Capriccio and Dale's Maxima. At Cheryl W, shoppers will find unique jewelry and accessories, many by local artisans. Orr's has all the top names in jewelry design, from Bulgari to David Yurman, plus its own line of specially crafted pieces.

Becoming Mommy is the place for the latest maternity fashions. Charles Spiegel for Men pushes the envelope with the newest European lines. And Littles Shoes carries footwear for all seasons by the likes of Ecco, Ugg, Merrell and Munro.

Hair salons proliferate along Forbes and Murray, including the always hip Philip Pelusi. If you're looking for home furnishings and touches, the district features Evelyn James Interiors and Norka Futon, as well as high-end table, kitchen and gourmet ware at Contemporary Concepts. Ten Thousand Village carries handmade, fair-trade gifts from developing countries, and A Pleasant Present stocks cards and specialty items for all occasions.