Top Things to Do in Cincinnati, Ohio

Vintage signs from Howard Johnson's Ice Cream, Phillips 66, Holiday Inn and others create a glowing trip down memory lane.

Among the museum's 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.

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.

After a $224 million renovation, the repurposed rail depot shines with refreshed and exhibits at the Museum of Natural History and Science, the Cincinnati History Museum and The Children's 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

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, Behind the Scenes experiences let you get up close with creatures like penguins and kangaroos.

This downtown building explores the art world through temporary exhibits. contemporaryartscenter.org

At the indoor public market in Over-the-Rhine, vendors sell produce, cheese, spices, and fresh meats year-round. 

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.

One of the newest experiences: $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.

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.

Stylish shops and a booming dining scene have transformed this neighborhood known for Italianate architecture and German heritage.

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. 

The $105 million park—with a labyrinth, carousel, splash pad, playground, trail, event lawn and microbrewery—reflects the energy driving downtown revitalization. 

Located in a home that belonged to President Taft's half-brother, this collection includes sacred pieces, Chinese porcelain and European old-master paintings.

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.

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.

Enjoy soups and sandwiches, followed by cookies or cakes, such as an opera cream cupcake, at this popular bakery.

The fourth generation of the Graeter family churns out 30 flavors, including black raspberry chocolate chip and salted caramel.

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. 

Ocean-blue walls and worn-wood tables evoke a cantina atmosphere for some of the city's best Mexican food.

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.

Dine on bright Latin-inspired flavors in a colorful dining room. We love the pink grapefruit margaritas and braised meats.

A seasonal menu (including pizzas) and an art nouveau interior beckon in Mariemont.

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.

Travelers love the contemporary artwork, 156 spacious guest rooms, a spa and on-site fine dining at Metropole—all in a renovated historic building downtown.

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.

Choose from two hotels—Homewood Suites or Hampton Inn— in the renovated 1926 building that was once home to The Cincinnati Enquirer. Lounges feature local Rookwood pottery and vintage photos.

Local art pieces and a custom lobby mural up the glam factor at this hotel inside the renovated 1916 Denton Building. On-site restaurant Khora focuses on pasta with locally sourced grains.

The recently opened 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.

For more information cincyusa.com