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Fun Things to do in Cincinnati
Ohio
city guide
Cincinnati, known as the Queen City, is a vibrant metropolis that embodies a captivating blend of Germanic Midwestern traditions and Southern charm, offering a unique fusion of small-town warmth and cosmopolitan sophistication. With a picturesque river-view skyline juxtaposed against affordable inland rent prices, Cincinnati presents a diverse landscape of contradictions that give the city its distinctive character.
Just a stone's throw away across the river, Newport, Kentucky, beckons visitors with its lively nightlife scene, featuring a plethora of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues that cater to a range of tastes. Meanwhile, the revitalized Over-the-Rhine neighborhood stands as a testament to urban renewal, having transformed from once being considered one of the most dangerous areas in the U.S. to a bustling hub of creativity and culture. Here, visitors can explore an array of trendy breweries, music venues, wineries, and acclaimed restaurants, making it a must-visit destination for foodies and art enthusiasts alike.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the best activities that Cincinnati has to offer, consider embarking on a riverboat cruise along the Ohio River to admire the city's stunning skyline from a different perspective. Art aficionados can explore the Cincinnati Art Museum, home to an impressive collection spanning thousands of years of artistic history. Sports enthusiasts can catch a Cincinnati Reds baseball game at the iconic Great American Ball Park or visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame to celebrate the city's football legacy.
To stay updated on the latest events, attractions, and insider tips in Cincinnati, be sure to follow these social media accounts:
1. Instagram: @CincyUSA
2. Twitter: @CityOfCincy
3. Facebook: Cincinnati USA
Additionally, for a comprehensive guide to the top things to see and do in Cincinnati, check out publications such as Cincinnati Magazine and CityBeat, which offer insightful recommendations and feature stories on the city's vibrant culture and attractions.
Best time to go
The best times to visit Cincinnati are September or May when the weather is pristine and the city's events calendar is packed. Summertime is hot, but pastimes on the river as well as frequent concerts in the city's Fountain Square redeem the humid season.
Fun city facts and activities
- Cincinnati is a city of contradictions. The Queen City (as its often called) has a unique spirit that matches Germanic Midwestern roots with Southern flair, small-town loyalty with cosmopolitan arts and amenities, and a river-view skyline with inland rent prices.
Just over the river, Newport, Kentucky is home to some of the best nightlife in the region, while the ultra-trendy Over-the-Rhine neighborhoodformerly one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the U.S., by some reportsis now jampacked with breweries, music venues, wineries, and great restaurants.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Hyde Park
Mount Lookout
Mount Adams
Over-The-Rhine
Indian Hill
Over-the-Rhine
Oakley
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- In the last decade, Cincinnati has risen in prominence among foodies, becoming a hub for craft brewers, mixologists, skilled artisans and celebrity chefs. Hundreds of new restaurants have cropped up in the city in recent years to take advantage of Cincinnatis rise to culinary fame. USA Today and Food & Wine have taken notice, recently naming Cincinnatis food scene among the best in American small cities.
Cincys rich cultural history and regional status as a border city between the Midwest and the American South contributes to its growing dining scene. With an eclectic melting pot of immigrant populations serving up various cuisines, Germanic roots, Midwestern sensibility and Southern flair, youre sure to find unique takes on staples (Cincinnati chili, anyone?) and bold new flavors in The Queen City.
Cincinnati Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a guided tour of the Cincinnati Observatory.
2. Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
3. Go to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
4. Explore the Cincinnati Art Museum.
5. Visit the American Sign Museum.
6. Spend an afternoon at Smale Riverfront Park.
7. Take a boat tour of the Ohio River.
8. Enjoy a game of bocce at Findlay Market.
9. Tour the historic Underground Railroad sites in the area.
10. Spend the day at the Cincinnati Museum Center.
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Cincinnati Zoo Avondale
Opened in 1874, the countrys second-oldest zoological park lures families with several charming animals, like the world renowned hippo Fiona.
2. Cincinnati Fire Museum East End
With a plethora of amusing and informative exhibits, this museum is truly one of the best things to do in Cincinnati with kids
3. Duke Energy Childrens Museum Downtown
Duke Energy Childrens Museum sparks your tots curiosity and passion for learning through play and adventures.
4. Mt. Airy Forest Cumminsville
Mt. Airy Forest is a picturesque escape for families who are aching to savor the beauty of Mother Nature.
5. Taft Museum of Art Downtown
Theres something for everyone at this art museum, making it one of the best family things to do in Cincinnati today.
6. Smale Riverfront Park Downtown
Smale Riverfront Park is a local favorite, home to a number of marvelous attractions and family activities in Cincinnati.
7. Krohn Conservatory Uptown
Krohn Conservatory dazzles with its soothing waterfall, art deco architecture, fragrant orchids and exotic plants.
8. California Woods Nature Preserve California
California Woods Nature Preserve will quench your thirst for nature trips and outdoor adventures.
9. Newport Aquarium Newport
With interactive experiences and exhibits, its easy to see why its often labeled as one of the countrys finest aquariums.
10. Fountain Square Downtown
Searching for free kid-friendly things to do in Cincinnati this weekend?
With fantastic events throughout the year, Fountain Square is certainly one of the top places to take kids in Cincinnati for free entertainment.
City data and FAQ
Is Cincinnati Worth visiting?
Sure! The walk along the Ohio River alone should make the trip worth it all by itself. In the evenings try walking along the river walk and visiting a few of the bars and clubs along there. Last time I was down there there was something going on in a few of the bars that was entertaining and kind of fun. Cinncinnati is a fun and worthwhile city to go and visit and enjoy.
Greg Ellis - Former Dept Director at The Ohio State University
Its an interesting city with a German immigrant background. Some good restaurants, known for its chili, and with a fairly good baseball team and an NFL team that went to the Super Bowl last year.
Robert Gowens - Lives in Georgia (2007 Present)
What is Cincinnati famous for?
WKRP, Chilli over Macaroni, called a Cincinnati 3way if you add cheese. The Reds (and Pete Rose) Plus a Great Ball Park. WILLIAM TAFT the 27th POTUS was Born there, as was Stephen Spielberg and Doris Day.
John Symank
Cincinnati style chili (aka Skyline, Gold Star, Empress, etc); A popular sitcom from the 1970s, WKRP in Cincinnati; Baseball - Cincinnati Reds (first all-professional baseball team, 1869), Big Red Machine, Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, etc; WLW Radio - Powell Crosley - Voice of America Radio (look it up); Deep German heritage - Oktoberfest - Over the Rhine - Flying Pigs - saying Please? when we mean What? (all related to the tidal wave of immigrants from Germany directly to Cincinnati, late 19th Century); Being a conservative city (not as much anymore, but historically yes, and regionally still so); Famous Cincinnatians: William Howard Taft, Steven Spielberg (born here), Pete Rose, George Clooney, Rosemary Clooney, Ted Turner (born here), Doris Day, Charles Manson (yep), Nikki Glaser (born here, childhood here), Roy Rogers, Roger Staubach, Barry Larkin, Bootsy Collins, Drew Lachey, Nick Lachey, Ezzard Charles (boxer), Aaron Pryor (boxer), the Isely Brothers, Kennesaw Mountain Landis.
Sean Halloran - B.A. from University of Dayton
Are two days enough to visit Cincinnati?
King's island can be a full day. Football, baseball, basketball or hockey can take the better part of the day. Depending on the season there are the opera, symphony, and pops orchestra. Add to that the plays. The Art Museum is great and Krohn Conservatory is near it. Small kids are good for hours at the Children's Museum. If you get here for October fest, second largest to Munich, that's a day.
Don Bruck - MBA in Multidisciplinary, The Ohio State University
Landmarks in the city
1. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: One of the oldest zoos in the United States, featuring a wide range of animals and beautiful botanical gardens.
2. Great American Ball Park: Home to the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, this stadium offers tours and exciting games during the baseball season.
3. Findlay Market: Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market, offering a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, meat, and local goods.
4. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: A museum dedicated to exploring the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad, with interactive exhibits and educational programs.
5. Cincinnati Art Museum: Boasting an extensive collection of art spanning 6,000 years, including works by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Warhol.
6. Carew Tower Observation Deck: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of this historic skyscraper, offering a unique perspective of Cincinnati's skyline.
7. Newport Aquarium: Located just across the river in Newport, Kentucky, this aquarium features a variety of marine life exhibits, including sharks, penguins, and jellyfish.
8. Cincinnati Music Hall: A stunning historic venue that hosts concerts, ballet performances, and other cultural events, known for its beautiful architecture and acoustics.
9. Krohn Conservatory: A lush indoor botanical garden with a wide variety of plant species, including exotic flowers, tropical plants, and seasonal displays.
10. American Sign Museum: Explore the history of signage and advertising in America through a collection of vintage signs and memorabilia, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane.