Cincinnati, Ohio is a beautiful city located on the Ohio River. It’s city center is home to some of the best museums and attractions in the Midwest.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the top zoos in the country and offers visitors the chance to see exotic animals from all over the world.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center tells the story of how slaves escaped to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
The Cincinnati Art Museum houses an impressive collection of art from around the world.
And for sports fans, Cincinnati is home to two Major League Baseball teams – the Cincinnati Reds and the Bengals.
There are also plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shops to explore in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati has been nicknamed the ‘Queen City’ for both its historic importance and its glittering, jewel-like skyline, so it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Ohio.
Things To Do In Cincinnati
1. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Situated on 65 acres in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the second oldest zoo in the United States.
Founded in 1875, it is also one of the most well-regarded zoos in the country.
The Zoo is home to over 500 animals and 3,000 plant species, making it one of the most diverse zoos in the world.
It’s especially noted for its work with endangered species like black rhinos.
Highlights include their iconic African Exhibit featuring lions, giraffes, and zebras; their state-of-the-art Elephant Reserve; and their popular Cat Canyon.
The Zoo is also well known for their hands-on education programs, which provide unique opportunities for visitors to learn about and interact with the natural world.
In addition to its remarkable collection of animals and plants, the Zoo is also home to a number of unique attractions, including the Kanga Klimb, the Children’s Zoo, the Carousel, and the Cincinnati Zoo Train.
These attractions provide visitors with even more reasons to visit this world-class zoo.
Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, United States
2. Great American Ball Park
The Great American Ball Park is a baseball stadium and the home field of the Cincinnati Reds, the city’s Major League Baseball team.
The ballpark opened in 2003 and replaced Riverfront Stadium, which was also home to the Reds from 1970 to 2002.
The Great American Ball Park has a capacity of 42,271 people and is often referred to as “GABP” or “Great American.”
The Great American Ball Park features a number of unique design elements, including a large replica of Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal train station.
It also has an impressive collection of Reds memorabilia on display throughout the concourse.
The Great American Ball Park stadium is located on the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, within walking distance of many hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Visitors can take a guided walking tour of the stadium which includes a chance to sit in a Major League dugout, walk on the warning track directly behind home plate and visit the expansive Great American Ball Park Press Box.
Tour stops also include the ballpark’s unique Club spaces including the Diamond Club, FSOhio Champions Club and the Riverfront Club.
Address: Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
3. Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum is one of the most respected and oldest art museums in the United States.
Founded in 1881, it is home to an impressive collection of art from around the world, with a particular focus on American and European works.
The museum’s collections span a wide range of periods and styles, from ancient Egyptian artefacts to contemporary paintings.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Cincinnati Art Museum also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
These exhibitions showcase the work of both well-known and emerging artists, and provide visitors with an opportunity to see something new every time they visit.
The Cincinnati Art Museum is located in Eden Park, a large public park that also houses the Cincinnati Zoo and the Cincinnati Opera.
It is just a short walk from downtown Cincinnati and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Admission and parking is free, though special exhibitions do cost.
Address: Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
4. American Sign Museum
The American Sign Museum is dedicated to the history and preservation of signs and sign making.
Founded in 1999, the museum houses an impressive collection of over 20,000 signs, ranging from early hand-painted advertisements to modern neon masterpieces.
The museum’s collection is divided into a number of different galleries, each of which explores a different aspect of sign history.
The galleries include the Main Gallery, which features a rotating selection of signs from the collection; the Neon Gallery, which showcases vintage neon signs; the Wood & Metal Gallery, which focuses on traditional hand-crafted signs; and the International Signs Gallery, which highlights signs from around the world.
In addition to its galleries, the American Sign Museum also offers a number of public programs, including tours, workshops, and educational events.
The museum is located in a historic building in downtown Cincinnati and is open to the public seven days a week.
Address: American Sign Museum, 1330 Monmouth St, Cincinnati, OH 45225, United States
5. Smale Riverfront Park
Smale Riverfront Park is a park located on the bank of the Ohio River between Paul Brown Stadium and the Great American Ballpark.
The park spans 50 acres and is named after Harold C. Smale, a former city councilman who was instrumental in its development.
The park includes several interactive water features, a performance stage, a sculpture play area, a pavilion, bench swings, water gardens, and Cinergy Trace, a 1000-foot-long riverfront promenade.
Smale Riverfront Park also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including farmer’s markets, folk festivals and yoga classes on the event lawn.
Address: Smale Riverfront Park, 8 E Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
6. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum dedicated to the history of the Underground Railroad, a network of people and places that helped slaves escape to freedom.
Founded in 2004, the Freedom Center is located on the banks of the Ohio River in the downtown area, Cincinnati.
The museum tells the stories of both those who escaped slavery and those who helped them, through a combination of exhibitions, artefacts, and interactive experiences.
The Freedom Center also houses a research center and library, which are open to the public.
In addition to its exhibits, the Freedom Center also offers a variety of educational programs and events for both children and adults.
Address: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
7. Roebling Suspension Bridge
The Roebling Suspension Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Ohio River between Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky.
The bridge was designed by John Augustus Roebling, and was completed in 1866.
At the time of its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, and remained the longest until 1893.
Today, the Roebling Suspension Bridge is a National Historic Landmark and is open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic only.
It provides stunning views of both Cincinnati Ohio and Northern Kentucky, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.
Address: Roebling Suspension Bridge, 6th St & Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
8. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum is a 733-acre cemetery and arboretum located in a historic neighborhood just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Founded in 1844, it is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in the United States, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The cemetery is home to over 330,000 burials, and its grounds include a number of distinctive features, such as an Egyptian Revival entrance gate, a Gothic Chapel, and an expansive network of roads and paths.
The cemetery also contains a large collection of trees and shrubs, making it one of the largest arboreta in the country.
The grounds are idyllic, with gravestones punctuated by ponds, sculptures, footbridges and lots and lots of trees
In addition to its role as a cemetery, Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum is also a popular destination for picnics, walks, and other outdoor recreation.
During the warmer months (April through October), you can participate in a public or private walking tour.
Address: Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum 4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232
9. Carew Tower
Carew Tower is a 49-story, 574-foot Art Deco skyscraper.
Completed in 1930, it is one of the tallest buildings in Cincinnati and the state of Ohio.
Situated in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, the Carew Tower has attractive art deco architecture and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
The tower is named after its owner and developer, John G. Carew, and was originally known as the Carew Tower Office Building.
Towering more than 570 feet over the city, it offers breath-taking views of everything from the rushing waters of the Ohio River to the gleaming buildings of downtown Cincinnati.
There are dozens of restaurants and gift shops located throughout its 49 floors, and there’s a famous Hall of Mirrors that acts as a ballroom for special events.
The building also includes a hotel and an observation deck.
Carew Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Cincinnati, and has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
The Carew Tower observation deck and gift shop are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Address: Carew Tower, 441 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
10. Cincinnati Riverwalk
The Cincinnati Riverwalk is a network of paths and parks along the Ohio River.
The Riverwalk stretches for more than 20 miles from the center of downtown Cincinnati to the suburbs of Northern Kentucky.
Also called the Ohio River Trail, it winds along the river in both Cincinnati and Kentucky. It’s a great place for both locals and visitors to experience the city and get a taste for its history, beauty, and charm.
The easy-to-follow path keeps you right along the river and is ideal for families, walkers, runners, and anyone looking for a relaxing time outdoors.
Enjoy the Riverwalk in small chunks or spend a few hours strolling along.
Address: Cincinnati Riverwalk, 8 E Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
11. Cincinnati Observatory
Built in 1892, the Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest professional observatory in Ohio.
Located on top of Mount Lookout, it consists of two observatory buildings housing an 11-inch and 16 inch aperture refracting telescope.
This gigantic telescope is situated in an old-fashioned building that has been carefully preserved to retain its vintage look.
Visitors to the Cincinnati Observatory can take a tour, watch a presentation and explore the various displays of moon rocks and space suits.
There’s also telescope viewing available both night and day.
Address: Cincinnati Observatory, 3489 Observatory Pl, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208
12. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
The Cincinnati Museum Center is a complex of museums and educational facilities located in Union Terminal.
The facility is home to the Cincinnati History Museum, the Cincinnati Science Museum, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, and the Robert D. Lindner Family Omnimax Theater.
In addition to its museums, the Cincinnati Museum Center also houses an IMAX theater and a library.
The complex is open daily, and admission is free for members and children under 3 years old.
Address: 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203, United States
13. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is a world-renowned orchestra.
Founded in 1895, the orchestra has a long and rich history, and has been led by some of the most respected conductors in the world.
The Symphony Orchestra has performed at many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Salzburg Festival.
The orchestra is currently led by Music Director Louis Langrée, and its home venue is the Music Hall.
Address: 1241 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
14. Cincinnati Music Hall
The Cincinnati Music Hall was completed in 1878, the hall is the home of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Opera, and the May Festival Chorus.
Cincinnati Music Hall has also been host to many famous performers, including Enrico Caruso, George Gershwin, Nina Simone, and Yo-Yo Ma.
The hall is open for tours daily, and concerts are held regularly.
Address: Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
15. Findlay Market
Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market having been in operation since 1855.
The Market is located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, just north of Downtown.
It is one of Cincinnati’s most cherished institutions that is open year-round, with the exception of major holidays.
The market district also includes several blocks of historic buildings that have been renovated in recent years.
Findlay Market is a public market that offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, flowers, and other goods from local vendors.
Recently the market has expanded into the vibrant mix of ethnic food stalls and flea market vendors.
In addition to the regular market days, there are also special events held throughout the year, such as the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade and Festival and the Taste of Findlay Market.
The market is easily accessible by public transportation, and there is also a parking garage located nearby.
Address: Findlay Market, 1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
16. Washington Park
Washington Park is a public park and is located opposite Music Hall in the historic neighborhood in the city’s Over-the-Rhine area.
The park is owned and operated by the Cincinnati Park Board.
Washington Park was originally designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1869, making it one of the oldest parks in the city.
The park underwent a major renovation in 2006, and now includes a playground for kids with a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox and slides.
There is an interactive water features with more than 130 pop-up jets to provide cool relief on hot days , a historic restored bandstand gazebo for weekly live music and a fenced-in dog area with 12,000 square feet of synthetic turf and a doggy-water fountain.
Today, Washington Park is one of the best things to do in Cincinnati for both locals and tourists alike.
Address: 1230 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
FAQ
What is the best time of the year to visit Cincinnati Ohio?
The best times to visit Cincinnati are September or May when the weather is good and the city’s events calendar is packed.
Summertime is hot, but pastimes on the Ohio river, as well as frequent concerts in the city’s Fountain Square, redeem the humid season.
What is the most famous Cincinnati food?
Without a doubt, Skyline Chili is the most famous Cincinnati food.
Why is Cincinnati known as the Queen City?
Cincinnati claims ownership because the city became known as “The Queen of the West” as its population grew in the late 18th Century with Americans pushing westward along the Ohio Valley.
Cincinnati has been known as the Queen City since at least 1819.
That’s when the nickname first made it into the newspapers.
Where is the Cincinnati Ballet located?
Cincinnati Ballet uses two of the three performance spaces at the Aronoff Center for the Arts that is located in the heart of the business district in downtown Cincinnati.
Is there a children’s museum in Cincinnati?
The Duke Energy Children’s Museum in Cincinnati Ohio is the perfect place for kids of all ages to explore and burn off some energy.
The Duke Energy Children’s Museum features several interactive exhibits with educational value.
What is the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra?
The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra is a pops orchestra based in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, founded in 1977.
The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performs live music from September through May at Cincinnati Music Hall.
In June and July, the Pops heads outdoors to perform at the Riverbend Music Center adjacent to Coney Island Park.
Who is the statue in Fountain Square Cincinnati Ohio?
The Tyler Davidson Fountain or The Genius of Water is a statue and fountain located in Fountain Square, Cincinnati, Ohio.
It is regarded as the city’s symbol and one of the area’s most-visited attractions.
