Looking for riverfront views, historic neighborhoods, and top-tier attractions? Head to Cincinnati! Located on the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a vibrant city known for its 19th-century architecture, pro sports, family attractions, and booming food scene. Whether you're cheering at a ballgame, exploring museums, or enjoying craft beer in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati offers something for every kind of traveler.
Cincinnati, OH Highlights:
- For Families: Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – One of the nation’s oldest zoos with rare animals, engaging exhibits, and lush gardens.
- For Baseball Fans: Catch a game at Great American Ball Park – Home of the Cincinnati Reds with stunning river views and interactive exhibits.
- For History Buffs: Explore the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – Inspiring exhibits on civil rights, freedom movements, and African American history.
- For Art Lovers: Tour the Cincinnati Art Museum – A world-class collection housed in scenic Eden Park, free admission included.
- For Foodies: Eat your way through Findlay Market – A bustling historic market filled with local produce, vendors, and international flavors.
When I like to visit Cincinnati, OH
The best time to visit Cincinnati is in spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) when temperatures are comfortable and the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor events. Summer offers warm weather and sports season fun, while winter is quieter with seasonal charm and indoor attractions.
Tips for getting to Cincinnati, OH
- By Plane: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is located about 15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.
- By Car: Cincinnati sits at the intersection of I-71, I-75, and I-74, making it easily reachable from cities across the Midwest.
- By Train/Bus: Amtrak and Greyhound provide service to Cincinnati’s downtown terminal.
Where I like to stay in Cincinnati, OH
- Recommended for Families: Hyatt Regency Cincinnati – Central location, indoor pool, and easy walk to sports stadiums and the riverfront.
- For Couples: The Lytle Park Hotel – Upscale boutique hotel in a historic district with elegant decor and rooftop dining.
- For Budget Travelers: Quality Inn & Suites Downtown – Affordable and close to attractions with free breakfast and parking.
Best Things to Do in Cincinnati, OH
1. Cincinnati Zoo
One of the top zoos in the nation, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is 140 years old, the second oldest zoo in the United States and one of the top Cincinnati attractions.
It houses over 2,000 animals spanning 500 species from around the world.
Located in Avondale, the zoo covers 65 acres in the heart of the city and is famous for its breeding programs, which have included the successful breeding of California sea lions, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malayan tigers and the rare bonobo, a pygmy chimpanzee and endangered species of ape.
The zoo is also well known for holding several records, such as the longest living alligator in captivity (an old gator who lived to 70 years old), and the largest Komodo dragon in captivity, who died in 2005.
The zoo holds a number of fund-raising events throughout the year, as well as educational programs, conservation and sustainability projects.
3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220, Phone: 513-281-4700
2. Cincinnati Art Museum
Founded in 1881, the Cincinnati Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in America and boasts a comprehensive collection of over 65,000 works. Located in the scenic Eden Park, the museum is housed in a beautifully preserved Romanesque revival building designed by architect James McLaughlin and is one of the best things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The museum’s impressive collection, which spans more than six centuries, includes works by several European Masters such as Botticelli, Hals, and Murillo, as well as modern pieces by Pissarro, Monet and Picasso. The museum features a wide range of art-related programs, activities and special events for patrons and the public, and hosts several national and international traveling artists throughout the year.
Designed especially for children, the Rosenthal Education Center (REC) features an interactive space which invites families to participate in art-making. Admission is free.
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Phone: 877-472-4226
3. Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati
The Taft Museum of Art is a National Historic Landmark and one of the best small art museums in America. The museum is home to an extensive fine art collection of American and European paintings and decorative art.
Avid collectors of art, the Taft family donated their house designed in the Greek Revival style along with their admirable collection to the people of Cincinnati in 1927. The museum has since been home to works by grand masters such as Rembrandt, Goya, and Gainsborough, as well as the greatest Gothic ivory sculpture in America.
The museum offers a variety of activities, such as guided walking tours and gallery talks, live music shows and ‘Art in the Afternoon’, which features presentations of local artists’ works on Sunday afternoons.
316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Phone: 513-241-0343
4. Duke Energy Children's Museum
Located in the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Duke Energy Children's Museum offers eight interactive, hands-on exhibits, displays, play, exploration and discovery areas. The museum encourages children to crawl, climb, explore and learn about the world around them.
Two of the eight exhibition areas - Little Sprouts Farm and Kids’ Town - have been designed primarily for preschool-aged children and younger, while a variety of shows and special events cater for all ages of children, such as The Energy Zone and the adventure-based wilderness world of The Woods.
If you are wondering what to do in Cincinnati with kids, this is a must-see attraction. The museum also presents specialized programming that focuses on combining learning and fun, covering topics such as arts, culture, reading, science and biology.
Ezzard Charles Dr, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203, Phone: 513-287-7000
5. American Legacy Tours
American Legacy Tours provide an insight into the history and heritage of the Greater Cincinnati area through a variety of guided tours to different areas of the city. Explore the unique background of this famous city with an array of tours, including the ‘Queen City Underground Tour’, which takes visitors through the historic OTR neighborhood, as well as ventures underground to explore a 130-year old tunnel.
The ‘Queen City Haunted Tour’ delves into Cincinnati's past and uncovers stories of paranormal activity and other tales, while two new tours – ‘Baron’s Brew Bus’, which visits a number of Cincinnati’s famous alehouses and ‘1919: The Year that Changed Baseball’, a favorite new walking tour that celebrates Cincinnati’s role in the history of baseball (Phone: 859-951-8560).
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
The . John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge has been a symbol of Cincinnati since its completion in 1866. The iconic bridge connects downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington in the state of Kentucky, and provides easy access to each of the city’s popular attractions.
Designed and built by John A. Roebling, who also built the Brooklyn Bridge, the bridge was the longest in the world when it was completed in 1867 at 1,057 feet and was the first bridge to utilize both diagonal stays and vertical suspenders.
An integral part of both cities’ skylines, the Bridge is a National Historic Landmark and is celebrated each year at the Roeblingfest, where local restaurants, bars, café, and artists come together and showcase their talents.
7. Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
Instituted in 1958 by the Cincinnati Reds franchise to pay homage to the city’s home baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates the greatness achieved by the team players, managers and executives, as well as preserve history and inspire upcoming generations.
Located next to the Great American Ball Park, the museum aims to bring baseball alive through unique exhibitions, displays and memorabilia from the past, present and future. Spanning more than 15,000 square feet (1,400 square meters), vast exhibition halls over two floors show priceless baseball items such as trophies from the World Series, MVP awards of Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan, and a scorecard from baseball's first professional team - the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, amongst other treasures.
Enjoy a guided ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of the Scotts Great American Ball Park, where you check out the home plate, sit in the dugout and visit the expansive Great American Ball Park Press Box. You can also join one of the many special events the museum holds throughout the year, such as player appearances, speaker series, and other activities.
100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Phone: 513-765-7000
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
8. Cincinnati Observatory
The Cincinnati Observatory is a fully functioning 19th century observatory that is open to the public, promoting the study and practice of 21st century astronomy and science, while still preserving the heritage of the historical observatory.
The observatory is housed in a picturesque building capped by a silver dome, home to one of the oldest working telescopes in the western hemisphere. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the observatory and its beautiful grounds are ideally located in central Cincinnati and easily accessible to the public.
Once a research station and now a center for education, the observatory offers a range of events and activities throughout the year, including astronomy classes, telescope training, fund-raisers, concerts and film nights.
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208, Phone: 513-321-5186
9. Newberry Bros. Coffee
Newberry Bros. Coffee is a unique café and bistro that is home to the Prohibition Bourbon Bar that features the largest collection of bourbon and rye whiskeys in the world.
The Prohibition Bourbon Bar prohibition-era speakeasy-themed bar that serves a wide variety of bourbon and rye whiskeys, along with a great selection of Scotch, Irish and Japanese whiskeys, cocktails, wine, and beer.
530 Washington Ave, Newport, KY 41071, Phone: 859-261-9463
10. Findlay Market
Located in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood in downtown Cincinnati, Findlay Market is the city’s oldest public open-air market, thriving and supplying fresh foods year-round. Founded in 1852 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the market is firm favorite among locals and visitors alike.
If you are looking for things to do in Cincinnati this weekend, this is a great place to visit. Open Tuesday through Saturday, with some vendors open on Sunday, Findlay Market sells a variety of fresh produce, ranging from fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs to meats, fish, poultry, cheeses, artisan honey and handmade prepared deli meals and snacks.
Summer sees the addition of the popular OTR Biergarten, which features a range of craft beers by the bottle and on tap accompanied by live music.
1801 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Phone: 513-665-4839
Where I Like to Eat in Cincinnati, OH
- Recommended for Families: Taste of Belgium – Belgian-style waffles and brunch favorites in a casual, friendly setting.
- For Cincinnati Flavor: Skyline Chili – Try the city’s signature chili served over spaghetti with lots of cheese.
- For a Casual Meal: The Eagle – Known for crispy fried chicken, Southern sides, and craft beer in the Over-the-Rhine district.
My favorite local events:
- For Music Fans: Bunbury Music Festival (June) – A riverfront indie and alternative rock music fest with multiple stages and local vendors.
- For Oktoberfest Lovers: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (September) – The largest Oktoberfest celebration in the U.S. with beer, brats, and Bavarian culture.
- For Baseball Fans: Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Parade (Spring) – Celebrate the season start with a huge community parade and festival downtown.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Cincinnati, Ohio:
- For History & Small-Town Charm: Loveland, OH (30 min) – Visit the Loveland Castle, walk the Little Miami Scenic Trail, and browse local boutiques.
- For Animals: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (10–15 min) – See Fiona the hippo and hundreds of other animal species in a lush setting.
- For Nature: Mt. Airy Forest (20 min) – Hike or picnic in one of the nation’s largest urban parks with trails and treehouses.
- For Art & Culture: Covington, KY (10 min) – Just across the river, this charming city offers murals, breweries, and historic architecture.
- For Family Fun: Kings Island (Mason, OH) (30 min) – A massive amusement park with thrill rides, a waterpark, and live entertainment.
Plan Your Trip