Top Things to Do in Cincinnati, Ohio
The Queen City is a glittering hub of culture and commerce along the Ohio River in the state’s southwest corner. Its crown jewels include pro sports, a stunning art museum and a unique flair for food. Yes, that’s chili on your spaghetti. And it’s delish. Check out our trip guide for what to do, where to eat and where to stay.
Pandemic-related closures and restrictions may be in place. Please check destinations' websites before making travel plans.
Do
American Sign Museum Vintage signs from Howard Johnson's Ice Cream, Phillips 66, Holiday Inn and others create a glowing trip down memory lane. americansignmuseum.org
Cincinnati Art Museum Among its 67,000-plus pieces covering 6,000 years, 500 works (most by artists born or trained in Cincinnati) fill one wing dedicated to the Queen City's heritage. cincinnatiartmuseum.org
Cincinnati Bell Connector The streetcar line runs through the heart of Over-the-Rhine, making it a cinch to navigate stops at shops, restaurants, breweries and historic Findlay Market. cincinnatibellconnector.com
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal After a $224 million renovation, the repurposed rail depot shines with refreshed and exhibits at the Museum of Natural History and Science and the Cincinnati History Museum. cincymuseum.org
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum America's first pro baseball team celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019 with a $5.5 million renovation of its Hall of Fame, packed with baseball trivia and artifacts cincinnati.reds.mlb.com
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Wander paths through gardens with themes that include native plants and best plants for pollinators, then visit 500-plus animals in the zoo. For an extra fee, VIP Animal Experiences let you get up close with creatures like penguins and cheetahs. cincinnatizoo.org
Contemporary Arts Center This downtown building explores the art world through temporary exhibits. contemporaryartscenter.org
Findlay Market At the indoor public market in Over-the-Rhine, vendors sell produce, cheese, spices, and fresh meats year-round. findlaymarket.org
John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge This precursor to the Brooklyn Bridge was the world's longest when it opened in 1867. Take in the spectacular skyline views on a walk or drive across. roeblingbridge.org
Kings Island New in 2020: $30 million Orion, the tallest, longest and fastest steel roller coaster at the Mason theme park, 23 miles northeast of Cincinnati. Orion, with speeds up to 91 mph, became the park's 16th coaster. visitkingsisland.com
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Situated along the Ohio River (a former dividing line between freedom and slavery for African Americans), this multilevel museum vividly captures the history of slavery and slaves' struggles for freedom. freedomcenter.org
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Over-the-Rhine Stylish shops and a booming dining scene have transformed this neighborhood known for Italianate architecture and German heritage. overtherhine.com
Queen City Underground Tour Learn about the city's immigrant roots as you see the crypts beneath St. Francis Seraph Church and tunnels dug by beer barons before modern refrigeration. americanlegacytours.com
Smale Riverfront Park The $105 million park—with a labyrinth, carousel, splash pad, playground, trail, event lawn and microbrewery—reflects the energy driving downtown revitalization. cincinnatiparks.com
Taft Museum of Art Located in a home that belonged to President Taft's half-brother, this collection includes sacred pieces, Chinese porcelain and European old-master paintings. taftmuseum.org
Eat
Blue Ash Chili Hearty Cincinnati chili tastes great on its own, but it's meant to top spaghetti, a hot dog, fries or an omelet. Blue Ash Chili serves the combos in a no-frills environment. blueashchili.com
Boca Chef-owner David Falk creates seasonal menus with entrees like Amish chicken or Icelandic cod. Chandeliers and wood paneling set the tone for an elegant meal. bocacincinnati.com
The BonBonerie Enjoy soups and sandwiches, followed by cookies or cakes, such as an opera cream cupcake. bonbonerie.com
Graeter's Ice Cream The fourth generation of the Graeter family churns out 30 flavors, including black raspberry chocolate chip and salted caramel. graeters.com
Lucius Q Burnt ends feel straight out of Kansas City at this barbecue joint in the rising Pendleton neighborhood. Mustard and vinegary sauces harken to the Carolinas, and the brisket tastes like a slice of Texas. luciusq.com
Mazunte Ocean-blue walls and worn-wood tables evoke a cantina atmosphere for some of the city's best Mexican food. mazuntetacos.com
Montgomery Inn Two locations serve fall-off-the-bone ribs smothered in trademark barbecue sauce. Try the Ted's Platter, with both original and smoked ribs, slow-smoked brisket, onion straws, and cornbread. montgomeryinn.com
Nada Dine on bright Mexican flavors in a colorful dining room. We love the pink grapefruit margaritas and braised meats. eatdrinknada.com
The Quarter Bistro A seasonal menu (including pizzas) and an art nouveau interior beckon in Mariemont. qbcincy.com
Rhinegeist Brewery In Over-the-Rhine, Rhinegeist pours slightly hoppy beers, such as Cougar Blonde Ale. The former bottling plant ups the fun with ping-pong and cornhole games. rhinegeist.com
Stay
21c Museum Hotel Travelers love the contemporary artwork, 156 spacious guest rooms, a spa and on-site fine dining at Metropole, plus a rooftop bar—all in a renovated historic building downtown. 21cmuseumhotels.com
AC Hotel Cincinnati at the Banks A prime location puts guests next to the Great American Ball Park; balconies and the Upper Deck bar offer views over downtown and the river. marriott.com
Homewood Suites Downtown/Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Choose from two hotels in the renovated 1926 building that was once home to The Cincinnati Enquirer. Lounges feature local Rookwood pottery and vintage photos. hamptoninn3.hilton.com
The Kinley Hotel Local art pieces and a custom lobby mural up the glam factor at this new hotel inside the renovated 1916 Denton Building. On-site restaurant Khora focuses on pasta with locally sourced grains. kinleyhotels.com
The Lytle Park Hotel The new hotel inside a 1909 building reflects both classic and contemporary nature inspired decor. A four-season rooftop patio overlooks the surrounding park, downtown Cincy and the Ohio River. thelytleparkhotel.com
For more information cincyusa.com