by Ketki Hanamshet Updated on 13 Oct 2018
An essential guide to the very best things to do in and around Cincinnati.
Cincinnati in Ohio is located along the banks of the Ohio River, is one place you must traverse. Experience a little bit of Europe right in the middle of the USA. The city is old-fashioned and picturesque, popularly known as “Queen City” or “Queen of the West”.
Photo: flickr.com
The best things to do in Cincinnati include Cincinnati Zoo, Krohn Conservatory, John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, Coney Island, Eden Park etc. Complete with red-tile-roofed houses conferring you with the European quintessence, Cincinnati also sees a lot of shopping enthusiasts owing to its avenues where you get a great deal of clothes, accessories and all that jazz. Before the boys rule this off their list, hold on for there are casinos, gaming fields, and some great outdoors. The kids can look forward to the plethora of museums and other interesting points of interest, making Cincinnati a perfect weekend getaway destination.
All in all a lovely place that has something for everyone. The foodies out there can especially look forward to a vast culinary scene here. From salad bars to ice cream parlours and the extremely famous Cincinnati Chili sauces that beautifully goes well with literally everything! Sounds interesting?
Let's explore the best things to do in Cincinnati:
1. Enjoy the exciting wildlife at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Rhino at the Cincinnati Zoo Photo: wikimedia.org
The fascinating Cincinnati Zoo And Botanical Garden is the second oldest zoo and reptile building in the United States and one of the best place to visit in Cincinnati. Housing a huge variety of rare species like the California sea lions, South African cheetahs, Sumatran rhinoceros, western lowland gorillas, pottos, Malayan tigers, and Masai giraffes, this zoo sprawling across an area of 65.4 acres captivates the visitors! In addition to the animals, this place also has a lovely botanical garden where there is a mesmerizing collection of herbal plants as well as colorful small flowers.
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Attraction Type: Zoo, Wildlife Sanctuary, Garden, Wildlife Park
- Address: 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220, United States
- Phone: +1-5132814700
- Official Website: cincinnatizoo.org
- Accommodation: Hotels near Cincinnati Zoo
2. Gamble away at the Horseshoe Casino
Photo: Horseshoe Casino
A memorable gambling and dining experience awaits you at the huge 23-acre property of the Horseshoe Casino in Cincinnati. A two-story building equipped with 2,000 state-of-the-art slot machines, 85 table games and a 31-table World Series of Poker room, this spot is nothing short of a paradise for gamers and gamblers! Offering you with a chance of spending a Las-Vegas-style evening in Cincinnati, the Horseshoe Casino is perfect for an exciting time.
- Rating: 3.5/5
- Attraction Type: Casino, Entertainment
- Address: 1000 Broadway Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Phone: +1-5132520777
- Official Website: caesars.com/horseshoe
- Accommodation: Hotels near Horseshoe Casino
3. Indulge in some sporty time at the Great American Ball Park
Photo: Great Americal Ball Park
Home ground of the Cincinnati Reds, the Great American Ball Park is a baseball stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Apart from watching games and matches, this baseball arena houses a plethora of other interesting things to do and see! The most exciting prospect this park presents you with is that of getting to know more about the Reds at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum through the large collection of trophies and memories of the home team. Also, another plus point of visiting this park is that it bequeaths you with the fantastic views of downtown Cincinnati, Mt. Adams, the Ohio River and Northern Kentucky.
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Attraction Type: Stadium, Play Ground, Sport
- Address: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Phone: +1-5133817337
- Official Website: mlb.com/reds/ballpark
- Accommodation: Hotels near Great Americal Ball Park
4. Admire the wonderful exhibitions at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Photo: Cincinnati Museum at Union Terminal
Originally constructed as a beautiful railway station, the Cincinnati Museum at Union Terminal is now a hub of numerous museums, theaters, libraries, and special travelling exhibitions. The structure, constructed in signature Art Deco style, boasts of an eccentric yet a classy architecture that is sure to wow you. The vintage design, the intricate murals and the intriguing tunnel structure still exist at this place, thus adding to its charm. Another fascinating aspect of this place is that it houses the largest half-dome in the western hemisphere!
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Attraction Type: Museum, Tourist Center
- Address: 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203, United States
- Phone: +1-513-287-7000/800-7332077
- Official Website: cincymuseum.org/union-terminal
- Accommodation: Hotels near Cincinnati Museum at Union Terminal
5. Lose yourselves in the world of art at the Cincinnati Art Museum
Photo: Cincinnati Art Museum
Featuring a jaw-droppingly beautiful, diverse and huge collection of art that spans across a time period of 6000 years, the Cincinnati Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the United States. Displaying a staggering exhibition of over 67,000 works from many renowned artists from all over the world, this art museum is nothing short of a dream-come-true for art lovers!
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Attraction Type: Art Museum, Architecture, Exhibition
- Address: 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
- Phone: +1-5137212787
- Official Website: cincinnatiartmuseum.org
- Accommodation: Hotels near Cincinnati Art Museum
6. Travel back in history at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Photo: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum in downtown Cincinnati based on the history of the Underground Railroad. Housing exhibits which tell the horrifying tale of the times when thousands of slaves escaped to freedom by crossing the Ohio River from the southern slave states, this museum attempts to pay a tribute to all the efforts to "abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people." A fabulous initiative, this museum aims to raise awareness about the principles of freedom, tolerance and liberty.
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Attraction Type: Museum, Outdoors, Educational Site, Tourist Center
- Address: 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
- Phone: +1-5133337739
- Official Website: freedomcenter.org
- Accommodation: Hotels near National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
7. Experience the best of Cincinnati at the Fountain Square
Photo: wikipedia.org
Fountain Square is a bustling area which is filled with a multitude of dazzling restaurants, cafes, shops, offices and clubs. One of the best things to do in Cincinnati at night, a trip to the Fountain Square is a wonderful way to soak in the flavor of this fascinating city. Essentially considered to be the symbolic center of Cincinnati since 1871, this square is a recreational hub of the city. The Tyler Davidson Fountain housed in this square is the primary center of attraction among the tourists visiting this place.
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Attraction Type: Walking Area, Square
- Address: 520 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
- Official Website: myfountainsquare.com
- Accommodation: Hotels near Fountain Square
8. Explore different ecosystems at the Krohn Conservatory
Photo: Krohn Conservatory
Known to showcase more than 3,500 plant species from around the world, the Krohn Conservatory is one interesting place to visit in Cincinnati. With exhibits categorized into genres like Bonsai Collection, Desert Garden, Floral Display and Orchid Display, one can spend some informative and educational time at this conservatory. In addition to the permanent exhibits, this place also hosts numerous seasonal shows which are equally fascinating!
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Attraction Type: Outdoors, Park, Botanical Garden, Green House
- Address: 1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
- Phone: +1-5134214086
- Official Website: cincinnatiparks.com/krohn
- Accommodation: Hotels near Krohn Conservatory
9. Spend some dreamy time at the Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
Photo: Spring Grove Cemetery
The fourth largest cemetery in the US, Spring Grove Cemetery And Arboretum, Cincinnati is recognized as a US National Historic Landmark. Dating back to 1844, this non-profit garden-cemetery is hauntingly beautiful! The presence of colorful flowers and evergreen trees spanning across the entire premises add to the charm of this place and the placid lake, along with countless birds coming there to quench the thirst, make this arboretum one of the most picturesque spots in the city. A walk in this garden with your partner is undoubtedly one of the most romantic things to do in Cincinnati.
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Attraction Type: Historical Site, Landmark
- Address: 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232, United States
- Phone: +1-5136817526
- Official Website: springgrove.org
- Accommodation: Hotels near Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
10. Stroll across the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge
Photo: Roebling Suspension Bridge
Formerly known as the Cincinnati-Covington Bridge, the Roebling Suspension Bridge, Cincinnati connects Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky. At the time of its opening in 1866, this bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world! Taking a stroll over this bridge while admiring the stunning vistas of the magnificent Ohio river is one of the best things to do for free in Cincinnati. The exemplary architecture and the futuristic design of this bridge is sure to leave every tourist mesmerized!
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Attraction Type: View Point, Bridge, Architecture
- Address: John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, United States
- Official Website: roeblingbridge.org
- Accommodation: Hotels in Roebling Suspension Bridge
11. Learn more about the importance of signs at the American Sign Museum
Photo: Americal Sign Museum
A unique museum which celebrates the contribution of American signage through preservation and education, the American Sign Museum is a fascinating place in Cincinnati which is dedicated to the art and history of signs and sign making. Also housing exhibits of equipment used in the in the design and manufacture of signs, this museum aims to give visitors a comprehensive look into the world of signs. The most attractive among the exhibits housed here is the gold leaf patterns that are examples of Sputnic art.
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Attraction Type: Museum, Exhibition, Workshop
- Address: 1330 Monmouth Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45225, United States
- Phone: +1-5135416366
- Official Website: americansignmuseum.org
- Accommodation: Hotels near American Sign Museum
12. Get mesmerized at the Eden Park
Photo: Eden Park
An urban hilltop park encompassing many important attractions of the city including the Cincinnati Art Museum, Krohn Conservatory and Cincinnati Playhouse, Eden Park tops the list of places to visit in Cincinnati. Undoubtedly the most popular of the Cincinnati parks, this picturesque place is spread across a staggeringly huge area of 186 acres. Housing numerous famous landmarks such as Hinkle Magnolia Garden, memorial tree groves and paths, Mirror Lake and the Bettman Fountain, a visit to this park has to be one of the best things to do with kids in Cincinnati.
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Attraction Type: Outdoors, Garden, Park
- Address: 950 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
- Phone: +1-5133524080
- Official Website: cincinnatiparks.com/central/eden-park
- Accommodation: Hotels near Eden Park
13. Splash around at the Coco Key Water Resort
Photo: Coco Key Water Resort
Cincinnati’s only indoor waterpark, the Coco Key Water Resort has to be one of the best things to do in Cincinnati with kids! Featuring a wide array of exciting waterslides, water rides and colorful waves, this is the perfect destination to unwind and chill with your travel buddies. Frolic in the water, dine at any of the variety of dining options and stay at the super-comfy rooms – it is indeed a complete holiday experience!
- Attraction Type: Water Park, Entertainment, Rides, Outdoors
- Address: 11320 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH 45246
- Phone: +1-5137712080
- Official Website: cocokeycincinnati.com
- Accommodation: Hotels near Coco Key Water Park
14. Enjoy a game at the Paul Brown Stadium
Photo: Paul Brown Stadium
Home to the Cincinnati Bengals, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati is an American sports arena. The first stadium to be honored with the AIA Award, this place boasts of stat-of-the-art sports facilities, equipment and seating arrangement. This outdoor football stadium which was inaugurated in 2010 is rated among the best 150 buildings of America. Apart from the sports events, tourists can have a great time at the visitors’ arena, lounge and the cafeteria housed in this premises.
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Attraction Type: Sport, Stadium, Entertainment, Games
- Address: 1 Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
- Phone: +1-5134554800
- Official Website: Paul Brown Stadium
- Accommodation: Hotels near Paul Brown Stadium
15. Shop at the Findlay Market
Photo: Findlay Market
A hub of vendors selling meat, produce and other local foods, Findlay Market, is one of the best places to shop in Cincinnati. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this market will bowl you over with the top-class produce sold here. Hop into the shops selling poultry, grocery, vegetables and other items of daily use for an enjoyable time!
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Attraction Type: Shopping, Landmark, Market, Neighborhoods
- Address: 1801 Race Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
- Phone: +1 513-665-4839
- Official Website: findlaymarket.org
- Accommodation: Hotels near Findlay Market
Read: The Most Exotic Ethnic Markets in Cincinnati
16. Have an amusing time at the Coney Island
Photo: Coney Island
An amusement park located on the banks of the Ohio river, Coney Island treats you to an entertaining time. Housing a huge plethora of rides and adventures which are suitable for both, families with kids as well as youngsters, this venue also hosts regular programs and events. The Twister, Pipeline Plunge, Como Cruisers, Euro Bungy, Tempest, Scream Machine, Scrambler, Super Round Up, Flying Bobs, Cyclone, Ferris Wheel, Giant Slide, and the Frog Hopper are some of the exciting attractions at this place.
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Attraction Type: Amusement Park, Island, Scenic Drive, Entertainment
- Address: 6201 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230, United States
- Phone: +1-5132328230
- Official Website: coneyislandpark.com
- Accommodation: Hotels near Coney Island
17. Appreciate interesting fine arts at the Taft Museum of Art
Photo: Taft Museum of Art
Taft Museum Of Art is a historic art museum in Cincinnati which houses an exquisite display of fine art including European old master paintings, with works by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Frans Hals, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, Thomas Gainsborough, and Adriaen van Ostade. In addition, it also features interesting exhibits like Chinese porcelains, Limoges enamels, European decorative arts, and sculptures. Art-lovers, do not miss this place!
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Attraction Type: Art And Culture, Art Museum, Exhibition
- Address: 316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
- Phone: +1-5132410343
- Official Website: taftmuseum.org
- Accommodation: Hotels near Taft Museum of Art
18. Soak in the essence of Cincinnati at Mount Adams
Photo: Mount Adams
The charming residential neighborhood of Mount Adams, Cincinnati is indeed an exquisite place. Bordered by Eden Park on three sides, this neighborhood is a peaceful and a serene place. Despite being located in the city, it is devoid of any hustle-bustle. It also houses plenty of quaint and cozy restaurants which add to the beauty of this neighborhood.
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Attraction Type: Landmark, Sightseeing, Outdoors, Entertainment, Neighborhoods
- Address: 938 Hatch St, Cincinnati, OH 45202-1575
- Accommodation: Hotels near Mount Adams
19. Witness a musical performance at the Cincinnati Music Hall
Photo: Music Hall
Considered to be one of the best venues to enjoy a musical performance in the city, Cincinnati Music Hall is listed in The National Register of Historic Places. Built in a typical Romanesque Revival Architectural style, this music hall is an attractive structure. Divided into four parts, the Cincinnati Music Hall is the home of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, May Festival Chorus and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Attraction Type: Entertainment, Performance, Theatre, Hall
- Address: 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States
- Phone: +1-5136212787
- Official Website: cincinnatiarts.org/music-hall
- Accommodation: Hotels near Cincinnati Music Hall
20. Feel adventurous at Full Throttle Indoor Karting, Cincinnati
Photo: Indoor Karting
An exciting place to indulge in a go-karting race, the Full Throttle Indoor Karting, Cincinnati is a year-round indoor go-kart track. With separate heats for adults and kids, this track ensures that people of all age groups have an adventurous time here. Featuring go-karts made up of modern technology, this venue puts the safety of its visitors first. If you are craving for a healthy dose of adrenaline, do visit this place!
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Attraction Type: Adventure, Outdoors, Go-Carting, Entertainment
- Address: 11725 Commons Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45246, United States
- Phone: +1-5133415278
- Official Website: gofullthrottle.com
- Accommodation: Hotels near Full Throttle Indoor Karting
21. Duke Energy Children's Museum
Photo: wikimedia.org
- Attraction Type: Museum, Kids, Education
- Address: 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45214, USA
- Phone: +1 513-287-7000
- Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM
- Official Website: cincymuseum.org/childrensmuseum
22. American Legacy Tours
Photo: Tunnel in American Legacy Tours
- Attraction Type: History, Landmark
- Address: 1332 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
- Phone: +1 859-951-8560
- Hours: 9 AM - 4 PM
- Official Website: americanlegacytours.com
23. Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
Photo: Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
- Attraction Type: Museum, History
- Address: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
- Phone: +1 513-765-7000
- Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM
- Official Website: cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/hof/
24. Cincinnati Observatory
Photo: wikimedia.org
- Attraction Type: Observatory, History, Landmark
- Address: 3489 Observatory Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45208, USA
- Phone: +1 513-321-5186
- Hours: 12 PM - 4 PM
- Official Website: cincinnatiobservatory.org
25. Book a tour for Aerial View of Cincinnati from Stratus Helicopters
Photo: Stratus Helicopters Tours for Aerial View of the City
- Attraction Type: Sightseeing, Aerial View
- Address: 4765 Airport Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
- Phone: +1 513-533-4354
- Official Website: stratushelicopters.com
26. Enjoy Dining Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - A high-energy upscale dining experience
Photo: Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse Cincinnati
- Attraction Type: Dining, Restaurant, Food
- Address: 700 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Phone: +513 784 1200
- Official Website: jeffruby.com
27. Get high at Taft's Ale House with exceptional brews and delectable bites
Photo: flickr.com
- Attraction Type: Brewery, Bar
- Address: 1429 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
- Phone: +1 513-334-1393
- Hours: 11:30 AM - 10 PM
- Official Website: taftsalehouse.com
28. Kill your hunger at The Melting Pot Restaurant in Cincinnati - A Fondue Restaurant
Photo: The Melting Pot Restaurant in Cincinnati
- Attraction Type: Restaurant, Food
- Address: 11023 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, USA
- Phone: +1 513-530-5501
- Hours: 5 PM - 10 PM
- Official Website: meltingpot.com
29. Taste the brick oven Pizza at Pizzelii Cincinnati
Photo: Pizzelii Brick Oven Pizza in Cincinnati
- Attraction Type: Restaurant, Food, Pizza Shop
- Address: 7639 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227, USA
- Phone: +1 513-407-3007
- Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM
- Offical Website: pizzelii.com
30. Enjoy awesome food on running train at Cincinnati Dinner Train
Photo: Cincinnati Dinner Train - A 3 Hour train on delicious foods
- Attraction Type: Restaurants, Foods
- Address: 2172 E Seymour Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45237, USA
- Phone: +1 513-791-7245
- Hours: 8:30 AM - 4 PM
- Official Website: cincinnatirailway.com/dinnertrain
31. Visit through the America's Largest Abandoned Subway - Cincinnati Subway
Photo: wikimedia.org
The construction of tunnels and stations for a fast transit system under the Streets of Cincinnati, Ohio was delayed due to World War I and later the project could not be finished. Hence, the Cincinnati Subway is left abandoned from that time.
32. Make a visit to Ohio's Lucky Cat Museum and beckoned by over 700 waving paws
Photo: flickr.com
- Attraction Type: Museum, Family and Kids
- Address: 2511 Essex Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45206, USA
- Phone: +1 513-633-3923
- Hours: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Official Website: luckycatmewseum.com
33. The Cincinnati Mushroom House - Visit an unusual things to do in Cincinnati
Photo: wikimedia.org
- Attraction Type: Architecture, Landmark, Tourist Attraction, Family and Kids
- Address: 3518 Tarpis Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208, USA
34. Mesmerised by the view of Twin Lakes Capitoline Wolf
Photo: wikimedia.org
A statue made of bronze and set in Eden Park along the banks of Twin Lakes; is the must see points of interest in Cincinnati, Ohio. The artwork will remind you of Rome.
35. Discover Ezzard Charles' Former Boxing Gym in Cincinnati, Ohio
An unusual place to visit in Cincinnati; Ezzard Charles' Former Boxing Gym is made in the memory of Ezzard Mack Charles who was an American professional boxer and former World Heavyweight Champion.
36. Get high at Rhinegeist Brewery, offering house-brewed beers, Ping-Pong, cornhole etc.
Photo: Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati
- Attraction Type: Bar, Food & Dining
- Address: 1910 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
- Phone: +1 513-381-1367
- Hours: 3:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Official Website: rhinegeist.com
