Cincinnati is a midwestern city located in the state of Ohio. The city is famous for its riverside views, famous sports team, tons of history and museums, and delicious food that you won’t be able to resist. Making it an ideal tourist destination. Whether you are planning to visit the city for a day or two or an entire week, here is everything you need to know about things to do in Cincinnati.
Tourist Attractions
While the entire city is full of history and beautiful architecture, there are some places that stand out more and are loved by tourists and locals. Here are our top picks for tourist attractions you must visit in Cincinnati.
Eden Park
Eden Park lives up to its name on a bright, sunny day. The park, adjacent to the prestigious Mount Adams district, spans 186 acres of rich landscapes and woodland areas with well-maintained walking routes. It also has two lakes, a magnolia garden, and other lovely overlooks, perfect for tourists.
Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum, located inside Eden Park, houses an extensive collection of over 60,000 artworks dating back to 6,000 years of history. Masterpieces by renowned artists such as Sandro Botticelli and Claude Monet are among the treasures that adorn its walls. This vast art collection is housed in a building built at the end of the nineteenth century. Despite several extensions and repairs, the structure remains one of the city’s historic and beautiful attractions and surprisingly offers views of downtown Cincinnati.
Krohn’s Conservatory
Located inside Eden Park, Krohn’s Conservatory is a great tourist attraction to go to. It houses more than 3,500 plant species and hosts five floral shows every year. Eden Park’s Krohn’s Conservatory also hosts the Spring Butterfly Show where it features thousands of live butterflies whose beauty visitors can enjoy up close. This nationally acclaimed venue is also famous for its collection of unique orchids and a stunning rainforest waterfall. Moreover, it boasts striking Art Deco architecture, and many past visitors even refer to it as a tropical paradise.
Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum, established by formal charter in 1845, is a pioneering example of landscape design for cemeteries these days. The grounds are immaculate, with ponds, sculptures, footbridges, and lots of trees surrounding the graves. It is the third-largest cemetery in the country.
Visitors are welcome daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with longer hours available from May 1 to August 31. Tourists can participate in public and private tours from April to October. Public tram tours are available at various times; specifics can be found on the cemetery’s calendar. These visits cost $5 per person, with discounts available for children and seniors. If you are looking forward to a private tram trip, call 513-853-6877 or email at [email protected]. These private tours are pricier and start at $75 per person.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
This museum, which opened in 2004, sits along the banks of the Ohio River and is perfect for history buffs. It’s a very fitting location since thousands of slaves actually crossed the river from Kentucky into Cincinnati following the Underground Railroad. Today, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center tells the story of slavery in America with several exhibits, giving a broad sweep of three centuries of history and a more detailed look at the Civil War era. The educational museum also works to educate visitors on the slavery that continues to plague the world.
Cincinnati Music Hall
The Cincinnati Music Hall, opened in 1878, is home to various performing arts organizations, including the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. It is one of the many historic buildings found in the city. With its striking architectural characteristics, the Springer Auditorium in the Music Hall can seat 3,516 people in its brilliant red seats. Notably, the structure’s design is breathtaking for anyone who has the opportunity to visit. Furthermore, the Music Hall has a fascinating history because it was built over a graveyard, giving rise to persistent allegations that it is haunted. Many past visitors found the museum fascinating.
Great American Ball Park
If you think “Great American Ball Park” sounds like a fancy name for a stadium, there’s a good reason behind it. It’s because this is the home to the oldest pro baseball team in the U.S. – the Cincinnati Reds. The stadium got its name from this legendary team. But here’s the twist: the Reds didn’t start playing at the Great American Ball Park until 2003. They’ve been around since the 1880s and have called seven different stadiums home. What’s more, their name has gone through a few changes over the years – from “Red Stockings” to “Reds” to “Redlegs” and back to “Reds.” Moreover, the stadium is huge and offers a great view from almost every seat. You can even see the river from some seats. Wow!
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
If you are visiting Cincinnati, OH, during a time when there is no baseball game featuring the Reds, you can always visit the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Everything you need to know about the professional baseball team is available here, from the trophies to the history and highlights to the press box. It even has displays for some of the notable players from the baseball team, such as Barry Larkin and Joe Morgan. The museum also features a small movie theater that showcases movies about the Reds’ history and how they became one of the best and oldest baseball teams to exist. There is also a children’s area with a miniature Reds locker room for you to drop your kids off while you enjoy the tour. Visitors can have the time of their life by participating in the interactive activities at the museum, such as pitching balls. Over all, the 16000 square feet of sporting memorabilia and interactive exhibits will take the breath away of any baseball aficionado.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Situated in Avondale, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the best zoos in Ohio. It has a great variety of animals, from red pandas to parakeets. The zoo also has many endangered species, such as the California Sea lion. Moreover, it even has many imported and local plants for visitors.
You’ll find plenty of interactive experiences here. There’s something for everyone, from the Conservation Carousel to the Safari Train to the 4-D Theater. You can also join in for an educational talk and witness live feedings. It’s a fun and engaging way to learn and enjoy your visit. Unfortunately, the entry to this tourist attraction is not free of cost, but it is definitely worth the money.
Smale Riverfront Park
Smale Riverfront Park, managed and overseen by the Cincinnati Park Board, was completed in 2015, providing a welcome and participatory green respite for locals and visitors. The 45-acre park includes multiple tiers and terraces with amenities for children, such as playgrounds, rock climbing walls, a carousel, a water play area, and a large foot-operated piano. Adults can enjoy stunning views of the Ohio River and the Roebling Suspension Bridge while picnicking on the grass or strolling along the waterfront trails. The park holds various events throughout the year, including farmers’ markets, folk festivals, and yoga lessons on the event lawn.
Smale Riverfront Park is a great place to go for a leisurely walk, a bike ride, or relax. Travelers often enjoy resting on the river’s huge swings and dining at several adjacent restaurants.
Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium is a sprawling aquarium, located along the Ohio River in Kentucky, and has diverse aquatic life, ranging from sharks and jellyfish to frogs and other fish species. The aquarium is notable for its extensive roster of special events. For example, it hosts a daily show called the Penguin Parade, where African Penguins travel through the aquarium on floats. Most days also include dive presentations, where scuba divers gracefully move within a glass-enclosed aquarium, presenting spectators with educational information about the local animals.
Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove
Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove are neighboring parks right by the Ohio River. These parks are among Cincinnati’s finest, spanning about a mile along the riverfront. Besides the lovely river views, you’ll find plenty of places for activities. There are spots for volleyball and tennis, snack stands, picnic tables, and performance areas.
At the Sawyer Point Park is an outdoor amphitheater for tourists and locals to attend live events such as concerts. The Serpentine Wall, which is made of long concrete stairs is designed in such a way that it looks like the coils of a snake, and the statue of Cincinnatus is also located in this park.
Fountain Square
Fountain Square is widely recognized as the throbbing center of downtown, providing a lively stretch of entertainment between Walnut and Vine Streets. Great shops and restaurants surround Fountain Square, and it acts as a focus for various fantastic events and programs. The best part is that many of these events are completely free!
Visitors can enjoy magnificent decorations and explore the Winter Wonder Lights pop-up market during winter. There’s also an ice rink for extra fun. When the weather warms up, the plaza comes to life with local food trucks serving drinks and outdoor live music performances for everybody to enjoy.
Findlay Market
A trip to Cincinnati, Ohio, would be incomplete without a visit to Findlay Market. This market, located in the Over-the-Rhine area, offers a variety of experiences, including various ethnic food stalls and flea market exhibitors indoors and outdoors.
It is one of the oldest public markets in Ohio, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many locals look forward to it every week. While the food choices, which include a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, fish, cheeses, pastries, wines, and more, are a key appeal, the market offers much more than simply culinary delights.
Visitors can also browse an array of goods, including jewelry and artwork created by local artists, cookware crafted by local stonemasons, and culinary delights. You may even watch street entertainers and unwind in a beer garden on warm days.
Coney Island Park
If you are visiting Cincinnati in the summers, then you must go to Coney Island Park and have one of the best experiences of your life. The park is located east of downtown and is famous for the Sunlite Water Adventure theme park. This is because the amusement park has the largest recirculating pool in the world and amazing water rides that are a must-try.
Coney Island Park also features miniature golf, regular rides such as a roller coaster if you don’t want to become wet, and midnight swim parties. Also, there is live music at the park on Sundays (so you can plan your visit accordingly).
American Sign Museum
Visit the American Sign Museum to see historic signs from centuries ago, famous movie billboards, and modern neon signs. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the rich history of signs in the United States and its tremendous impact on societal growth. The museum also explains the manufacturing procedures used to create these signs. Moreover, you can also tour the museum with its owner and watch history come to life.
Carew Tower
Located at 441 Vine Street, Carew Tower is the second tallest building in Cincinnati at a height of 574 feet with the tallest building being the Great American Tower office building. It offers an astounding view of the city and a part of Northern Kentucky from the observation deck on the 49th floor. Tourists can see places like baseball and football stadiums, the Ohio River, and more from here. The best part is that the deck is open air, and there is no glass wall in the middle of the tourist and the beautiful view. However, tourists will have to face a little inconvenience as a single elevator does not take you directly to the 49th floor. You will have to change between smaller, older elevators and even climb a flight of stairs.
The building was built in 1930 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1994. It houses over a dozen shops, restaurants, and offices. The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel is also situated in the Carew Tower.
Taft Museum of Art
The Taft Museum of Art is found at the Baum-Longworth-Sinton-Taft House. The house has existed since the 1820s and became the Taft Museum in 1932. Then, in 2004, it was remodeled to become the Taft Museum of Art, the perfect place for art lovers.
The museum is small, and visitors will probably be done with touring it within 90 to 120 minutes, but it is shockingly breathtaking. It features a collection of Chinese porcelains and work from artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, and Reynolds. Inside the museum, tourists will also find a one-of-a-kind gothic ivory sculpture and European and American master paintings.
Taft’s Ale House
When exploring Cincinnati, you can’t miss a brewery visit since the city is famous for its beer scene. Taft’s Ale House stands out as a must-visit in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. It’s housed in the historic Saint Paul’s German Evangelical Protestant Church. The tall ceilings, rich wood, and custom-made gavel tap create the ambiance of a traditional brewhouse. The special Rookwood tiles on the floor are identical to those found in the birthplace of William Howard Taft, the inspiration behind the place’s name.
You can grab snacks and drinks at the cocktail bar or head straight to the beer hall. While the smoked tri-tip steak and artisan beers are fantastic, you can also come here just to appreciate the architecture.
Foods To Try Out When In Cincinnati
The culinary scene in Cincinnati is mind-blowing and covers various cuisines. If you are in Over-the-Rhine, you must dine at Abigail Street, a Mediterranean restaurant. It is one of the most famous restaurants in Cincinnati, offering delicious food. If you are not in the mood for Mediterranean food, then you can visit Nicola’s Ristorante, which offers scrumptious Italian food and is also located in Over-the-Rhine.
If you are vegan or in the mood for some vegan food, head over to the Loving Hut, an Asian-style restaurant in northeast Cincinnati.
We already listed Findlay Market as a tourist attraction, and if that wasn’t convincing, then its mention here should be. Findlay Market offers a variety of ethnic eats, especially on weekends. You can try out different cuisines all under one roof.
If you visit downtown for any tourist attractions, try out Graeter’s Ice Cream. It’s delicious!
The Cincinnati Dinner Train is also a must-try as it offers some delicious food with a view. The train begins its journey from the BBQ Revue parking lot and goes through the downtown area to the riverfront and back to Oakley. The train ride is 3 hours long and features a 4-course meal.
Since it was the Germans who had initially moved to Cincinnati, the city has some great German food. Although, Mecklenburg Gardens does stand out! It is located near the University of Cincinnati.
There are some other special dishes available in the city that you cannot just miss out on. This includes goetta, which is basically eaten at breakfast and is a blend of pork, beef, and oats. Glier’s Goetta serves some of the best goetta. The city’s version of chili is also amazing.
Scams To Avoid In Cincinnati
Cincinnati does not have more tourist scams than any other city in the States. There are some basic scams that you have to be careful about, such as not paying for anything before you get the goods or service. Once you get whatever you require, ask for a receipt, if available, and then pay. If you receive any change, double-check it and make sure there is no mistake. If you purchase anything from a stall or small shop, try to negotiate the price, as flea market vendors usually raise prices for tourists.
If you are at a bar, club or any other place where you can enjoy a drink, make sure to never leave yours unattended or accept any drink sent your way by a stranger.
Small crimes, especially pickpocketing, are quite common here. To stay safe, if you have a wallet or valuable items, it’s a good idea to keep them in your front pocket. This reduces the risk of pickpocketing.
Things To Do If You Are In Cincinnati For One Day
If you are visiting this beautiful city in Ohio for a day, remember to be well-rested to make the most of your trip.
Begin your day at Newport on the Levee. Take some time to explore the Newport Aquarium; about two hours should be enough. But if you’re short on time, you can focus on the shopping and dining options at the Levee while enjoying the fantastic river and Cincinnati skyline views and taking lots of pictures simultaneously.
Then, ride the Cincy red bike or walk to Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove. Here, you will come across astounding riverfront views and the Serpentine Wall. If you are exploring the city with kids, there is a sprayground for them here, which they will absolutely enjoy.
Keep strolling along the Ohio River on the walking paths until you reach Smale Riverfront Park. Here, you can unwind on porch swings with a river view. If you have kids, they can have a blast on the playground or enjoy a ride on Carol Ann’s Carousel.
Before you venture deeper into the city, make a quick stop at the Berlin Wall memorial located at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Snap a photo with this piece of history – it’s a unique opportunity to connect with the past and show all your friends and family what a great time you are having on your trip.
Next, head over to Fountain Square. Enjoy the views and try out Graeter’s ice cream while sitting near the fountain.
Take a streetcar or ride on one of the red bikes to reach the Over-the-Rhine area. Here, you can go to Washington Park and the Cincinnati Music Hall. You can let the kids enjoy themselves in the playground.
Now, follow Elm Street to reach Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operating public market. As you wander through, soak in the vibrant sights, enticing aromas, and distinctive flavors that make this market truly special.
Finally, after your market exploration, head back toward the park and dive into the delightful world of unique shops and restaurants in Over-the-Rhine. And when the sun sets, get ready for an amazing nightlife experience.
Things To Do If You Are In Cincinnati For Three Days
When going for a weekend getaway in Cincinnati, make sure to plan your trip carefully so that you can visit as many places as possible. Here is a sample travel itinerary for you.
Day 1
Start your trip in Cincinnati by going to The Findlay Market early in the morning. This is the oldest public market in Ohio and extremely popular among locals and tourists. Here, you will find lots of food to try out and several stalls selling fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables, with some stalls even selling beautiful art, flowers, and jewelry. You can buy something cute for yourself from here.
Then, head over to the most cultural part of the city, Over-the-Rhine, located downtown. Explore the area and visit the Cincinnati Music Hall, which is located here. You can even visit the Emery Theater. There are several great restaurants here, so you can have an early dinner here.
You can then go to the Fountain Square. Here, you can try out the famous Graeter’s ice cream and enjoy the views while sitting near the fountain.
Take a car or ride a red bike to the Smale Riverfront Park. Here, you can relax and unwind while taking in the beauty of nature. If you have children with you, they can run around and play in the park.
If you still have energy and are up for some sightseeing, head toward Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove. These are also parks with amazing views. Sawyer Point is known for its serpentine-shaped wall of steps that descends to the river and is a great spot for pictures.
After visiting Sawyer Point, take the pedestrian-only bridge nearby, i.e., the Purple People Bridge, to get a beyond-amazing view of the river and Cincinnati’s skyline. Walking across the bridge will take you to Newport on the Levee. This is a vibrant area, and you can visit the Newport Aquarium here if you have enough time. You can even have a late-night snack here.
If you are a baseball fan, then you must visit the Great American Ball Park and the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Both of these attractions are close to Sawyer Point, and as a fan, you will have some of the best times from your trip here.
Day 2
After a busy first day, we hope you get a good night’s sleep and are ready to explore the city of Cincinnati. Start the day by going to The Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, a National Historic Landmark. You will find yourself quite surprised by how this cemetery looks and the good time you will have here.
During the second day of your trip, visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and learn about the history of slavery. Make a pit stop at the Taft Museum of Art while heading towards Eden Park. It is a great place to connect with mother nature and home to the Krohn Conservatory and Cincinnati Art Museum.Â
Day 3
Day 3 is all about fun and enjoyment. Whether you are traveling solo or with family and kids, a trip to Coney Island Park is a must. This park is all about letting loose and having the time of your life. Leave for the park early so that you can spend as much time as possible here and try out everything. After Coney Island Park, you can either have dinner at a nearby restaurant or end the day with dinner and a view from the Carew Tower, located in the heart of downtown.
Things To Do If You Are In Cincinnati For Five Days
If you plan to visit Cincinnati for five days, there are plenty of places to visit. So, plan your trip accordingly and make the most of it. Moreover, ensure that you do not include Monday in your trip, as almost everything is closed in the city on that day. Here is a day-to-day itinerary for tourists to follow.
Day 1
Start your trip with beautiful riverfront views by visiting the Smale Riverfront Park. Sit and relax at the park or walk by the waterfront paths. Then, head towards the Great American Ball Park and the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Both of these are located near the Smale Riverfront Park. You can get an inside look into the city’s pro baseball team here.
Once you are done exploring the museum, walk across the Purple People Bridge, which offers excellent views, so feel free to take a picture or two. On the other side of the bridge is Newport of the Levee. This area is lively, and you will definitely have a good time here. You can visit the nearby shops and even go to the Newport Aquarium. Have dinner at a nearby restaurant and then cross the bridge again to head to Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove. These two parks are located side by side and give an exceptional river view. The famous serpentine wall made up of stairs is also situated at Sawyer Point, where you can sit by the river and take lots of touristy pictures.
Day 2
Start your second day with a visit to The Findlay Market. The market features several food stalls, and you can try out various foods here. It also has stalls selling art, jewelry, and paintings. So, if you want to purchase a souvenir from here, go ahead.
After a visit to the oldest public market in Ohio, head to the Over-the-Rhine area and have a delicious lunch. This is one of the city’s oldest areas and was once a home to the working class Germans. Go to Washington Park here and relax before going to the Cincinnati Music Hall and Emery Theatre.
What’s a trip to Cincinnati without visiting one of its breweries? Go to Taft’s Ale House for a drink and some refreshments. You can eat dinner at Taft’s Ale House or go to a nearby restaurant, depending on your mood.
Day 3
First, visit the American Sign Museum. It’s a great place to go whether you are traveling solo or with family and friends and learn about the importance of signs. Then, tour the Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. The cemetery is famous for its unique design and infrastructure.
Head towards the Cincinnati Dinner Train and have the extraordinary experience of having a four-course meal on a 1940s-style moving train. Finally, end the day by heading to Eden park, located close to Mt. Adams.
Day 4
Wake up early to go to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. This tourist attraction is magnificent, and you will have a wonderful time with the abundance of animals and the wide array of plant life here, even though the attraction itself is not huge. Once you have toured the place, head towards Fountain Square and enjoy your surroundings while eating Graeter’s ice cream. Then, make a pit stop at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center before heading to the Taft Art Museum. The Taft Art Museum has an extraordinary permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions from local and international artists now and then. Have dinner at any restaurant of your choice, and then visit the Cincinnati Observatory for stargazing. The observatory also has displays of moon rocks and presentations to help people learn more about astronomy.
Day 5
Start your visit’s fifth and final day by going to Coney Island Park and unwinding. The park features several activities, from miniature golf to a water park. After a fun-filled day, go to the city’s second tallest building, Carew Tower, and enjoy the panoramic view from its 49th floor. You can even have a delicious dinner here.
