Need a lively Ohio River getaway with city views, family fun, and local flavor? Head to Newport, KY! Just across the river from downtown Cincinnati, Newport offers the perfect mix of riverfront attractions, walkable charm, and historic character. Whether you're exploring aquariums, dining by the water, or strolling a scenic bridge, Newport is a Northern Kentucky gem.
Newport, KY Highlights:
- Visit Newport Aquarium: See sharks, stingrays, and penguins at one of the top-rated aquariums in the U.S.
- Stroll the Purple People Bridge: Walk across the Ohio River with skyline views and photo-worthy scenes.
- Shop and dine at Newport on the Levee: Enjoy restaurants, retail, an arcade, and waterfront hangouts all in one place.
- Tour the World Peace Bell: Stand beneath one of the largest swinging bells in the world—a symbol of unity and hope.
- Explore historic East Row District: Stroll past Victorian homes and tree-lined streets in this charming neighborhood.
Best Time to Visit Newport, KY
The best time to visit Newport is in spring through fall (April–October), when the weather is great for walking the riverfront, enjoying patio dining, and attending outdoor festivals. Summer offers lively events and warm evenings along the Levee.
How to Get to Newport, KY
- If you are traveling by car: Newport is located just off I-471, across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati.
- By Air: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is about 20–25 minutes away by car.
- By Public Transit: TANK buses and walkable bridges provide easy access between Newport and Cincinnati.
Where to Stay in Newport, KY
- Aloft Newport on the Levee – Modern hotel with a pool, vibrant design, and walkable access to top attractions.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Newport – Comfortable stay just steps from the Levee and Purple People Bridge.
- Hotel Covington (nearby) – A chic boutique hotel just 5 minutes away with elegant rooms and a celebrated restaurant.
Best Things to Do in Newport, KY
⮕ New Riff Distillery
Tour a working distillery, savor handcrafted bourbons and unique spirits.
© ChiccoDodiFC/stock.adobe.com
Founded by Ken Lewis in 2014, the New Riff Distillery boasts itself as a “new riff on an old tradition,” with that tradition being classic Kentucky Bourbon. The distillery crafts a wide range of whiskeys, including Malted Rye, Rye, and Bourbon, as well as an array of specialty recipes and Kentucky Wild Gin. Created by a Kentucky liquor visionary and a team made up of corporate refugees, New Riff strives to one day be recognized as one of the great small distilleries of the world. In addition to its spirits, the distillery also offers several tours available to visitors.
Address: New Riff Distillery, 24 Distillery Way, Newport, KY 41073, Phone: 859-261-7433
⮕ Newport Southbank Bridge a.k.a. Purple People Bridge
Walk along scenic paths, admire panoramic river views.
© itchy/stock.adobe.com
The Newport Southbank Bridge, or more well known perhaps in Newport as the Purple People Bridge, stretches approximately 2,670 feet across the Ohio River. This pedestrian-only bridge connects downtown Cincinnati, Ohio to the city of Newport, Kentucky, as well as to trails in both states along the river. The bridge provides convenient access to both the downtown area of Cincinnati and the Newport on the Levee area of Newport. In 2006, changes were made to make it possible for people to cross the Newport Southbank Bridge along its superstructure with the use of appropriate safety gear.
Address: Newport Southbank Bridge a.k.a. Purple People Bridge, 425 York St, Newport, KY 41071
⮕ The Footlighters Inc.
Enjoy captivating community theater, experience local talent in an intimate setting.
© kozlik_mozlik/stock.adobe.com
Founded by a small band of community theatre volunteers back in 1963, The Footlighters Inc. is a non-profit venue for community theatre performances in the riverside city of Newport, Kentucky. With a goal of bringing theatre opportunities to Cincinnati’s western side, the theatre company puts on six main stage theatre productions at the local theater each season. These productions are performed inside of the Stained Glass Theatre, formerly an 1882 historic church building transformed into a spectacular performance space. Performances range from slapstick comedies to intimate dramas to blockbuster, big cast musicals and nearly everything in between.
Address: The Footlighters Inc., 802 York St, Newport, KY 41071, Phone: 859-291-7464
⮕ Falcon Theatre
See live performances, enjoy engaging productions in a cozy venue.
© Falcon Theatre
The Falcon Theatre
is the only “true storefront theatre” in the greater Cincinnati area and boasts that they are “unlike any other theatre” in the area, welcoming guests personally every time they come to see a show. The theatre company aims for everyone to feel like they are welcome when walking through the Falcon Theatre’s doors. Situated today in the historic district of Newport, the theater was founded by Ted Weil and Dave Radtke in 1989 as a desire to expand the Greater Cincinnati area’s theatrical opportunities, built on a foundation of providing diverse and eclectic theatre experiences. the theatre provides
Address: Falcon Theatre, 636 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071, Phone: 513-479-6783
Where to Eat:
⮕ Glier's Goettafest
Savor unique Goetta dishes, enjoy a fun-filled summer festival.
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Glier's Goettafest in Newport, Kentucky is a “celebration of all things Goetta.” Goetta is a German dish typically compared to scrapple of breakfast sausage, a mix of seasonings, steel-cut oats, beef, and pork. The festival is two weekends full of extremely inventive food, family-oriented goetta games, and live entertainment. Glier’s Goettafest features vendors offering more than 40 unique Goetta items, the Goetta Saloon, Glier’s Goetta History Booth, a massive air-conditioned tent for dining on a variety of dishes, two stages hosting continuous live music varying from country to rock to pop, and an array of family-focused attractions, inflatables, and games.
Address: Glier's Goettafest, Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
⮕ Hofbrauhaus Newport
Savor authentic German cuisine, enjoy lively beer hall vibes and brews.
© Hofbrauhaus Newport
The Hofbrauhaus Newport is both an attraction and a restaurant in the popular area of Newport on the Levee. From the tasty American and German food, to the great beer to the traditionally decorated rooms, this unique Newport restaurant provides a memorable dining experience for all guests. The Hofbrauhaus Newport is designed after Munich’s original Hofbräuhaus, which is more than four hundred years old, and is the first Hofbrauhaus to be licensed by the state-owned brewery as a franchisee. The menu includes both American fare and traditional German dishes, accompanied by seasonal and specialty beers brewed on-site following German beer purity law.
Address: Hofbrauhaus Newport, 200 3rd St, Newport, KY 41071, Phone: 859-491-7200
⮕ York Street Cafe
Enjoy eclectic dishes, savor unique flavors in a vintage, cozy setting.
© York Street Cafe
Featuring knick-knacks and cozy furniture, the York Street Cafe is a blend of art gallery, lounge, and restaurant, offering a unique place for friends and family to gather in Newport for dining, art, and entertainment. Offering both outdoor and indoor dining, the menu at the cafe consists of a wide variety of options made with fresh and high quality ingredients. Appetizers include options like smoked salmon and hummus, while entrees include dishes such as Amish chicken, cheesy jalapeno grits with shrimp or salmon, burgers, and filet mignon. The York Street Cafe is also locally known for its desserts.
Address: York Street Cafe, 738 York St, Newport, KY 41071, Phone: 859-261-9675
⮕ Chart House
Savor fresh seafood, enjoy romantic dining with scenic waterfront views.
© Chart House
Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, the Chart House
provides spectacular views of Cincinnati’s skyline and the water. The restaurant in Newport, Kentucky has been a longtime favorite among local residents and visitors thanks to its excellent cuisine and setting. The Chart House has strived to offer an ideal dining experience since 1961 and has grown to have more than twenty showcase, waterfront, and historic locations across the country. Menu options range from juicy steaks to fresh seafood specialties, with chefs tailoring the menu at each location to complement the area’s local cuisine while still introducing a touch of the exotic.
Address: Chart House, 405 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071, Phone: 859-261-0300
⮕ Pompilio's
Savor traditional Italian dishes, enjoy casual dining with historic charm.
© Pompilio's
Established back in 1933 at the corner of Washington Avenue and 6th Street in Newport’s East Row District, Pompilio's has been serving the city and the surrounding region for more than eighty years. The local eatery serves authentic Italian fare and prides itself on homemade sauces, soupes, and traditional dishes, such as Italian sausage, meatballs, ravioli, lasagna, and more. In addition to the Italian cuisine on the menu, Pompilio's also offers traditional American fare, as well as a menu for children. Only the freshest ingredients available are used to make the variety of dishes, along with some one-of-a-kind recipes.
Address: Pompilio's, 600 Washington Ave, Newport, KY 41071, Phone: 859-581-3065
If you are interested in local events:
- Newport Italianfest (June) – Celebrate Italian heritage with food, music, dancing, and riverfront fun.
- Riverfest and WEBN Fireworks (Labor Day Weekend) – Massive fireworks show over the Ohio River, viewed from both sides.
- Light Up the Levee (November) – Holiday kickoff with lights, music, and family fun at Newport on the Levee.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Newport, Kentucky:
- Cincinnati (5–10 min walk or drive) – Explore museums, Over-the-Rhine bars, Findlay Market, and the Cincinnati Zoo.
- Covington (5–10 min) – Visit the MainStrasse Village for dining, murals, and German heritage architecture.
- Bellevue (5–10 min) – Quaint riverside town with boutiques, antique shops, and coffee stops on Fairfield Avenue.
- Eden Park & Krohn Conservatory (15–20 min) – Scenic views, botanical gardens, and art museums just across the river.
- Lunken Airport & Trail (20–25 min) – Bike or walk a flat loop around a historic airfield and park space.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Q: Where is Newport, Kentucky located?
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A: Newport is situated on the border of Kentucky and Ohio, along the banks of the large Ohio River.
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Q: What makes Newport, Kentucky a great destination?
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A: Newport offers numerous things to do for both locals and tourists, with a variety of sights, shops, restaurants, and much more, making it an exciting place to visit.
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Q: How accessible is Newport from Cincinnati?
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A: Newport is located near the bustling metropolitan city of Cincinnati, and is easily accessible by car or by walking across the Purple People Bridge.
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