Location: Cincinnati
Top Things to do in Cincinnati
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10 Things to do in Cincinnati That You Shouldn't Miss
Hilly Cincinnati boasts a thriving arts scene, major league sports teams, a world-class zoo and aquarium and a revitalized riverfront with shopping, clubs and restaurants. Located on the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio, Cinci claims more than 4,000 restaurants, and more chili restaurants than any other city in the world. Adrenaline-junkies will want to visit the nearby Kentucky Speedway and Paramount's Kings Island, home of the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.
Restaurants in Cincinnati
1. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 736 reviews
Reviewed By chellye - Lexington, United States
Visited to see the grave of General Joseph Hooker. What a beautiful site! Very well maintained and tons of interesting monuments. Definitely going back in the spring when the weather is nice.
2. Smale Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 696 reviews
Reviewed By everydaywanderer - Kansas City, United States
Nestled between Paul Brown Stadium, where the Cincinnati Bengals play football, and the Great American Ball Park, where the Cincinnati Reds play baseball, is Smale Riverfront Park. Running parallel to the Ohio River, the 32 acres of immaculately-maintained green space includes: - a carousel, - pergola-covered, oversized swings that face the water, - a 1.75 acre tree grove and rose garden, - unique play areas with log climbers, a rope bridge, a flying pig, and a giant foot piano, - multiple fountains and other water features, and more It is a beautiful way to spend time along the Ohio River on a gorgeous day in Cincinnati! Get advice on what else to do, see, and eat in Cincinnati by visiting my blog (details in profile)!
3. Cincinnati Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,072 reviews
One of the most prestigious art museums in the country, with over 100,000 works of art, this grandiose building atop an Eden Park hill, is well-known for its 19th-century European and American paintings, but also contains numerous other works including an outstanding pottery gallery.
Reviewed By Go785432
Terrific Museum with diverse collection. It's an excellent way to spend an afternoon wandering and discovering.
4. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,800 reviews
This second oldest zoo in the U.S., considered one of the best in the country, is most renowned for its endangered species and birthing programs, particularly for gorillas and white tigers, and has a wonderful collection of felines and a delightful manatees exhibit.
Reviewed By 339matthewf - Cincinnati, United States
I've been coming to this zoo for 30 years and I cannot express in words the memories that have been made here. I remember when Bruiser the walrus would spit water on me as a kid (excellent way to cool off on a summer's day). I got to stay overnight and do a guided night tour, traveled behind the scenes to see how they take care of animals, and have watched this place grow throughout the years. 'Africa' added lions and a large paddock for grazers in addition to a nice balcony with tables overlooking the whole area. Cooling stations run all day when it's hot, penguins roam the paths with keepers when it's cold, and I proposed to my wife at the Festival of Lights 'round Christmas. They also have animal encounters which, while a bit pricey, contribute to conservation efforts and offer once in a lifetime experiences like being face to face with an elephant. You can feed a giraffe if you like. They have learning stations everywhere, rotating educational encounters, and anyone in a zoo uniform will tell you a personal story about one or more of the animals. Finally, if you plan to go, I strongly advise a membership pass if only for the free parking. You get discounts on food and merch, as well; it pays for itself in two trips. Check the website out, too; they have some really cool events that go to help with conservation efforts and are a lot of fun to attend. Give it a shot and you might find you keep coming back for the rest of your life.
5. Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
This trail stretches 4 miles, from Cincinnati into Kentucky, and offers a spectacular view of the Cincinnati skyline.
Reviewed By Q8528IBsusanc
Riverwalk is so relaxing and you can see everything from the many bridges to Newport on the Levee across the river. Many gardens and children activities. Gonna miss spending time here.
6. Great American Ball Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,862 reviews
This new home for the Cincinnati Reds, the oldest major league baseball team in the U.S., balances its spiffy new look with nostalgic tributes to the team's history including reminders of Crosley Field, where it all began.
Reviewed By London_Lad61
My girlfriend and I attended one of the games at the end of the season, against the NY Mets. It was our first trip to the ball park during our time in Cincy. The setting of the stadium is perfect as you have backdrops of the skyline of downtown Cincinnati on one side, and the Ohio river on the other. The food and drink on offer was good, some good local brews and food, and the price was in line with a lot of the other sporting arenas around the country. The staff we encountered were helpful and friendly. Neither of us are Reds (or Mets) fans but we certainly enjoyed a good day at a very nice ballpark!
7. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,015 reviews
Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as the nation's newest monument to freedom. It brings to life the importance - and relevance - of struggles for freedom around the world and throughout history, including today.
Reviewed By CharlieV2011 - Chicago, United States
I had a great educational experience at this museum. I really like that one of the first exhibits is one that provides information on a variety of ways people become victims of slavery and the different types of slavery (labor and human trafficking). The museum then goes into slavery in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and mostly America. I really enjoyed reading the detailed information on the various individuals that took action and advocated for the end of slavery. Overall, the experience was educational and enjoyable!
8. Roebling Suspension Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 662 reviews
Reviewed By travelingapes - Bloomington, United States
We stayed on the Kentucky side at the Embassy Suites. The 6th floor had an amazing view of the bridge. The amount of rain has made the water high and incredibly brown... but still incredible. This bridge was the inspiration for the Brooklyn Bridge, so if you haven’t been to NY- this is a little taste of the BB! The pedestrian walkway is very nice, and completely filled... meaning it does not have grates (for those who are afraid of walking over water!). Currently, the bridge is shut down for traffic due to some limestone falling off one of the towers and one of the pedestrian sides is closed. So be on the lookout for orange cones and signs. The bridge boasts amazing views of Cincinnati and is beautiful at night. The bridge will pop you out between the football and baseball stadium and directly in front of the Ferris wheel. (Check Groupon for a Ferris Wheel deal!) Also at the end of the bridge is a beautiful park and two splash pads for the kids! It’s truly beautiful.
9. Carew Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 638 reviews
Reviewed By reginaldt2013
It can be a little tricky to find from street level as the signage isn't all that visible. But as you enter the Carew Tower building, you will encounter a building security/information representative at the front desk. The gentleman we encounter was pleasant and informative...he directed us to the appropriate elevators that takes you up the tower. You will need to be fit enough to climb about 4 flights of stairs as the elevator will take you up to the 45 floor and you'll need to climb the remaining 4 floors of stairs to get to the observation deck of tower. Once at the 49 floor, you will encounter a nice little lady that will collect the $6 fee and then you'll step out to the observation deck to take in some fabulous views of Downtown Cincinnati and beyond!
10. American Sign Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 811 reviews
We are home to a visual history of American Signage from 1870 through 1970. Hand carved wooden signs, gold leaf, electric light bulbs, and neon all grace our walls and tell amazing stories, especially when told by our founder and avid collector Tod. Take a trip down memory lane and visit us in the Camp Washington neighborhood of Cincinnati!
Reviewed By becbumblebee - Temperance, United States
We had no expectations for this, because we weren't quite sure what we would find. We loved it! The guided tour (free with admission) was very interesting; Alex kept it moving at a good pace and provided some cool insights into the signs and their history. (The gift shop is easy to browse, and we appreciated there were no standard "gift shop" toys they just stuck their name on.) We're curious to find out when they expand into the second phase of their building. The tour is family-friendly and the building is handicap accessible and wheelchair-friendly.
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