Cincinnati, Ohio, is a hidden gem in the Midwest. This city offers a lot, from great food and drink to exciting museums and attractions. If you’re looking for something to do in Cincinnati, look no further than this guide. We’ve got the best recommendations for things to see and do in this vibrant city.
The best things to do in Cincinnati for history lovers
Cincinnati is a city rich in history, and there are plenty of things to do for history buffs of all ages. If you’re interested in exploring the Queen City’s past, here are some of the best places to start.
The Cincinnati Museum Center is great for beginning your journey through the city’s history. The museum complex houses the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, the Cincinnati History Museum, and the Cinergy Children’s Theater. There’s also an IMAX theater onsite, making it a perfect destination for a rainy day.
If you want to see where Cincinnati began, head to Newport on the Levee and take a stroll across the Purple People Bridge to Cincinnati’s historic district, Over-the-Rhine. This neighborhood was once home to a large German immigrant population and is now one of the city’s most popular areas for dining and nightlife. Be sure to visit Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, while you’re in the area.
For a look at Cincinnati during its heyday as a leading mid-19th-century metropolis, don’t miss Eden Park. Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect who designed New York City’s Central Park, designed this sprawling park. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens or visit one of the park’s museums, including the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory.
No visit to Cincinnati would be complete without riding on one of its famous sightseeing boats. The Queen City Queen offers 90-minute narrated tours along the Ohio River that provide an overview of Cincinnati’s history and architecture. Or try something different with a dinner cruise aboard BB Riverboats—a perfect way to experience Cincinnati by day or night.
The best things to do in Cincinnati for nature lovers
Cincinnati is home to some of the Midwest’s best parks and nature trails. With so many options, it can be tough to decide where to go. Here are a few of our favorite spots for nature lovers.
-Ault Park: This picturesque park is perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Ault Park also has one of the best views of the city.
-Shawnee Lookout Park: This park is perfect for hiking, fishing, and bird watching. In the winter, you can even go sledding!
-Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum: This cemetery is one of the oldest in Cincinnati and is a beautifully landscaped arboretum. Spring Grove is a great place to take a walk or picnic.
-Caldwell Nature Preserve: Caldwell Nature Preserve is a great place to hike, bike, or enjoy the scenery. The preserve also offers educational programs for all ages.
The best things to do in Cincinnati for foodies
From food trucks to fine dining, Cincinnati has something for everyone. The city’s food scene is constantly growing and changing, and there are always new places to explore. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, here are some of the best things to do in Cincinnati for foodies.
-Visit Findlay Market: One of Cincinnati’s most iconic landmarks, Findlay Market is a must-visit for any foodie. The market offers a wide variety of local and international foods and a lively atmosphere.
-Check out the food trucks: Food trucks are a trending culinary option in Cincinnati, and there are many to choose from. From BBQ to ice cream, you’re sure to find something to your liking.
-Explore Over-the-Rhine: Often called Cincinnati’s “foodie neighborhood,” Over-the-Rhine is home to many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes. This is the perfect place to stroll and explore new flavors.
-Try gravy fries: A Cincinnati specialty, gravy fries are a must-try item on any foodie’s list. These delicious fries are smothered in gravy and can be found at many of the city’s restaurants.
The best things to do in Cincinnati for families
As a parent, you want to give your children the world. But sometimes, it’s hard to find the time or money to do so. That’s why Cincinnati is the perfect place for your next family vacation. Cincinnati is a great city for families with kid-friendly attractions, family activities, and affordable hotels. Here are some of the best things to do in Cincinnati for families:
Visit the Cincinnati Zoo: The Cincinnati Zoo is one of the top zoos in the country, and it’s perfect for a family day out. With over 500 animals, there’s something for everyone to see. And, kids will love riding the zoo train and getting up close and personal with the animals at the petting zoo.
Explore Eden Park: Eden Park is one of the largest parks in Cincinnati, and it’s a great place to spend a day with your family. Eden Park is perfect for a game of tag or a picnic lunch with its playgrounds, walking trails, and scenic views.
Visit Kings Island: Kings Island is an amusement park with something for everyone in the family. From roller coasters to water rides, there’s plenty of fun. Plus, several restaurants and shops are onsite, so you can make a day of it.
Take a trip on The Yellow Duck Boat: The Yellow Duck Boat tour is a great way to see Cincinnati from the water. Kids will love riding on the duck-shaped boat as they learn about Cincinnati’s history and see its landmarks.
Check out Newport Aquarium: The Newport Aquarium is home to over 2000 animals, making it one of the top aquariums in the country. Kids will love seeing all the different fish, turtles, and sharks up close. And they can even pet stingrays in the touch tank!
The best things to do in Cincinnati for couples
1. Take a cruise on the Cincinnati Bell Aquarium – Start your day by taking a leisurely cruise on the scenic Ohio River. The best place to embark on your journey is Newport, just across the river from Cincinnati. You’ll get great skyline views and maybe even catch a glimpse of some wildlife along the way.
2. Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – This world-famous zoo is one of the best in the country and makes for a great day out for couples. With over 500 animals and 3,000 plant species to see, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained.
3. Wander around Eden Park – Eden Park is one of Cincinnati’s most popular attractions and makes for a great romantic stroll with your partner. Its floral displays, sculptures, and gardens make it easy to see why this place is so popular with couples.
4. Take in a show at The Aronoff Center – If you’re looking for something a little more cultural, then take your partner to see a show at The Aronoff Center. This state-of-the-art performing arts center hosts everything from plays to musicals, so there’s sure to be something that takes your fancy.
5. Get tickets for a Reds game – Baseball fans will love spending an afternoon cheering on the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark. Even if you’re not a massive fan of the sport, it’s still fun to join in with the atmosphere and eat some tasty ballpark food!
The best things to do in Cincinnati for night owls
If you’re a night owl, Cincinnati has plenty to offer! Check out some of the best things to do in the city after dark.
1. Catch a show at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. There’s always something going on, from Broadway musicals to dance performances at this world-class venue.
2. Take a stroll through Eden Park. This beautiful park is lit at night, making it the perfect place for an after-dinner stroll or a romantic walk.
3. Sip on a cocktail at Cincinnati’s many rooftop bars. Enjoy stunning views of the city skyline while you relax with a refreshing drink in hand.
4. Experience live music at the Taft Theatre. This historic theatre hosts everything from intimate acoustic shows to big-name concerts, so there’s sure to be something to suit your taste.
5. Go on a ghost tour of Cincinnati’s haunted locations. If you’re looking for a little thrill, sign up for one of these spine-tingling tours and see the city in a new light…literally!
The best things to do in Cincinnati for shopping lovers
If you love to shop, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the best places in Cincinnati. There’s something for everyone in this city, from big box stores to small specialty shops.
For the ultimate shopping experience, head to Downtown Cincinnati. This is where you’ll find some of the city’s best shops and boutiques, as well as various restaurants and cafes. If you’re looking for something specific, be sure to check out Over-the-Rhine, which is home to some unique retail experiences.
If you’re looking for more than just shopping, consider checking out some of Cincinnati’s other great attractions. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the city’s most popular destinations, and it’s just a short drive from downtown. Or, if you’re more interested in the arts, you might want to head to Eden Park to check out the latest exhibition at the Art Museum.
The best things to do in Cincinnati for sports fans
Cincinnati is an excellent city for sports fans. There are plenty of things to do whether you’re a fan of the Bengals, the Reds, or both! Here are some of the best things to do in Cincinnati for sports fans.
-If you’re a Bengals fan, check out the Bengals Museum. It’s located at Paul Brown Stadium and is free to enter. The museum has many memorabilia from the team’s history, including their two Super Bowl appearances.
-The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame is another excellent option for baseball fans. It’s located at Great American Ball Park, and it’s also free to enter. The museum has many memorabilia from the team’s history, including their five World Series titles.
-If you want to catch a game, the Bengals and the Reds offer stadium tours. The tours are reasonably priced, offering a behind-the-scenes look at both stadiums.
-For something a little different, check out the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Cincinnati was an essential stop on the Underground Railroad, and the Freedom Center tells that story.
The best things to do in Cincinnati for art lovers
There are many great things to do in Cincinnati for art lovers. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and art organizations that offer various art-related activities and events.
The Cincinnati Art Museum is one of the best things to do in Cincinnati for art lovers. The museum has an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs worldwide. The museum also offers events and programs, such as lectures, workshops, and tours.
The Taft Museum of Art is another excellent option for art lovers. The museum has a collection of American and European paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative arts. The museum also offers a variety of events and programs, such as concerts, film screenings, and educational programs.
The Contemporary Arts Center is another excellent place to visit for art lovers. The center has a gallery with rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. The center also offers many events and programs, such as artist talks, film screenings, and performances.
The best things to do in Cincinnati for music lovers
There’s no shortage of great live music in Cincinnati, with venues like the Taft Theatre, Bogart’s, and Madison Theater attracting big-name touring acts. But if you want to catch some local talent, head to one of the city’s many intimate music halls. The Southgate House Revival is a former church that’s been converted into a music venue, and it features three different stages that host everything from country to metal. The Northside Tavern is a must-visit for blues fans, and Motor Pub in Over-the-Rhine is an excellent spot for indie rock. For something truly unique, check out the MidPoint Music Festival, which takes over Downtown Cincinnati for three days each September and features more than 150 bands on 20+ stages.
