Fun Things to do in Cincinnati Ohio (+ Day Trip Ideas & Travel Guide!)

Cincinnati (Ohio) probably isn’t a city on too many people’s lists of must-see places in the United States. But it really should be!

Cincinnati is best known for being home to Graeter’s Ice Cream, Procter & Gamble and the Reds baseball team; and is the third-largest city in Ohio, with a population of just under 300,000 people.

And there are plenty of things to do in Cincinnati Ohio if you’re looking for somewhere new to spend the weekend – and some great day trip options if you want to explore more of the state.

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This is a Guest Post by Madolline Gourley of One Cat at a Time

Essential Cincinnati Travel Tips: What To Know Before You Go

Where to Stay in Cincinnati

• Luxury (from $250 per night): The 4* Curio Collection by Hilton (The Cincinnatian Hotel) is located in the heart of the city with beautifully designed rooms, onsite restaurant, bar and fitness center and free WiFi in public areas.
• Mid-Range (from $140 per night): The 3* Millennium Cincinnati is located in the financial district with a rooftop pool and is within walking distance of many of Cincinnati’s tourist attractions.
• Budget (from $85 per night): Quality Inn & Suites are located 10km from the center of Cincinnati and perfect if you are on a budget and have an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, and free WiFi.

How to Get Around Cincinnati

I found Cincinnati to be mostly walkable. But, like most places, Uber and Lyft are affordable transport options for those areas not serviced by public transport. The city also offers a bikeshare system, Cincinnati Red Bike, where you can hire a bike from $8/day.

How to get to Cincinnati from the Airport

The Cincinnati airport is actually located in the state of Kentucky, not Ohio. But it’s only 30 minutes from downtown Cincinnati depending on the time of day and traffic.

A shuttle is another way to get to and from the airport for those wanting a cheaper transport option.

Top Things to do in Cincinnati Ohio

Findlay Market

Findlay Market, located in the Over-the-Rhine neighbourhood, is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market.

It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, and it offers locally grown fresh produce, international foods, and deli goods. The market’s old-fashioned vibe and stallholders’ small-town hospitality only add to the experience.

And there are beautifully painted buildings on either side of the marketplace and in nearby streets. Appreciating the architecture kept me occupied for hours after finishing up at Findlay Market.

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Over-the-Rhine

Many locals told me the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood used to be where working-class German immigrants lived.

There’s still some dodgier parts to Over-the-Rhine, but Vine Street’s where it’s all happening. Like any gentrified neighbourhood, ‘OTR’—as the locals call it—is filled with cafes, bars and restaurants, independent stores, and plenty of street art.

Mica 12/v was one of my favourite shops. It sells local art and crafts, homewares, clothes and accessories, and fun bric-a-brac. Over-the-Rhine’s easily doable after—and walkable from—Findlay Market.

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John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

When you’re done in Over-the-Rhine, continue toward downtown.

The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, once known for being the longest suspension bridge in the world, connects downtown Cincinnati to Covington, Kentucky.

You can walk across it or enjoy the view from the family-friendly Smale Riverfront Park.

Foodie Walking Tour is One of the Things to do in Cincinnati 

If you prefer to take things at your own pace, a foodie focused walking tour around Cincinnati will be right up your street.

Spend a couple of hours with a local city guide as your journey outside the hustle and bustle of Downtown Cincinnati and across the Ohio River for a great opportunity to capture some spectacular views of the city.

Your tour wouldn’t be complete without some tasty local snacks along the way and a stop off for pizza and ice and cream is guaranteed.

Cincinnati’s Painted Ladies

While they’re not quite as famous as the San Franciscan Painted Ladies, they’re just as fun. You’ll find Cincinnati’s Painted Ladies in the city’s oldest neighbourhood, Columbia Tusculum.

Tusculum Avenue’s a (really long) street lined with colourful homes. You can visit Alms Park, known for its views of the Ohio River, while you’re in the area.

Soak up some culture at the Cincinnati Art Museum

Considered by many as one of the top art museums in the country, a visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum is a wonderful opportunity to see some masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest artists including Rubens and Modigliani.

With a history that spans over 150 years, enjoy one Cincinnati museum’s many exhibitions that change regularly throughout the year.

Sample some Cincinnati style chilli

It’s a way of life here in Cincinnati and no trip is complete without sampling the locals all-time favourite.

Cincinnati Chilli topped with plenty of cheese, enjoy it on your spaghetti, known as a “two-way”, or poured over the top of your hot dog, called a “coneys”.

Wherever you are in the Cincinnati, a chilli parlor is something you won’t struggle to locate, with over 250 independent chilli restaurants found across the city.

*EXTRA* Want to cook up this (and other Cincinnati dishes) at home? Take a peek at these recipes for Cincinnati Style Chili, Geotta & Buckeye Candy!

Enjoy the views from the Carew Tower Observation Deck

It’s the city’s highest elevated building and well worth a visit to take in some panoramic views across the city skyline.

Make your way to the dizzying heights of the 49th floor to enjoy the views and don’t forget to pick up a Cincinnati souvenir from the gift shop.

Also located in the tower is a great selection of shops and restaurants for you to enjoy.

Say hi to the animals at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

One of the city’s top tourist attractions and open throughout the year, Cincinnati Zoo is home to over 580 animal species, including their famous hippo resident, Fiona and a friendly family of Giraffes who never say no to a bite to eat at feeding time.

If it’s plants rather than animals you are more interested in, enjoy strolling the parks Botanic Gardens and its many exhibits, including the fascinating endangered species garden and their spectacular annual tulip display. Grab your ticket here and skip the line!

V+V Visionarium

This little store deserves a mention. V+V Visionarium describes itself as a progressive learning studio and retail shop.

All their art and goods are made by artists with a disability, and they’ve got an online store. V+V Visionarium also run regular events where you can get involved with their art projects.

Enjoy a picnic at Goebel Park

A brilliant green space in the city that is ideal for a picnic in the sun, Goebel Park offers a picturesque walking trail and a playground for little ones to enjoy.

The park is also home to the beautiful German-style Carroll Chimes Clock Tower, built-in 1979. One of the city’s top historical landmarks, the clock Stands at 100ft. this 43 bell tower, chimes on the hour and features mechanical figures who act out the well-known tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

Step back in time at the Cincinnati History Museum

Become a true Cincinnatian and discover the history of the ‘Queen of The West’ at the city’s history museum.

With a host of fantastic exhibitions and special events held at the museum throughout the year, it’s the perfect insight into this fascinating city, from its earliest settlers who helped shape the city we know and love today.

Catch a game at the Great American Ball Park

Home to the Cincinnati Reds, the Great American Ball Park is the place to catch a major league baseball game during your visit to the city.

Whether you are a seasoned baseball fan or want to experience your first ever game, you will be bowled over at the electric atmosphere in the stadium that can hold over 42,000 fans.

If you fancy learning more about the Cincinnati Reds after the game, be sure to visit the stadium’s hall of fame museum afterward to make them your no.1 team.

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Where to eat in Cincinnati

Graeter’s Ice Cream has been operating out of Cincinnati for nearly 150 years. The first store was opened by the son of German immigrants (OTR locals, maybe?) in Pendleton back in 1870.

They now have 53 family-owned stores and their pints are available in grocery stores across America. Graeter’s was one of the first things mentioned to me when I asked a Seattle couple for Cincinnati recommendations.

And it didn’t disappoint. A Graeter’s shake happened to be the first thing I ate/drank/consumed when I arrived in town. Their classic ice cream flavours include butter pecan,Dutch milk chocolate, cookies and cream, cotton candy, original salted caramel, Oregon strawberry, Madagascar vanilla bean, and Vienna coffee.

Green Papaya: Asian food’s my favourite thing to eat when I’m in America. American Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese restaurants all offer eggplant dishes, and this isn’t something we really get in Australia.

So I make the most of this and order Asian takeout most nights. Green Papaya was my favourite Asian restaurant in Cincinnati. The menu’s quite extensive, and Green Papaya can cater to all tastes and dietary requirements. My favourite dish, as expected, was heavy on the eggplant.

The ‘crazy noodle’. The service here’s quick, the staff is friendly and efficient, and most mains are under $18USD.

The Fresh Market is a gourmet supermarket offering plenty of ready-to-go meals. While this isn’t your typical ‘place to eat’ recommendation, I really enjoyed the food here.

It’s convenient and a lot cheaper than eating out. They’ve got a great range of healthy snacks to keep you going when you’re out exploring. Cincinnati locations include Madison Road, Kenwood Square, and Voice of America Center.

The Best Day Trips from Cincinnati

Bison in Big Bone Lick State Park

• Streetcar tour – If you’ve never been to Cincinnati before, a streetcar tour is an ideal introduction to this vibrant city. Hop on board at Findlay Market and make your way around some top attractions in the city’s downtown area, whilst enjoying a bite to eat at some of the area’s best independent restaurants. A great day trip if you are travelling as a group and if you want to experience one of the cities food, wine or beer & BBQ tours!
• Kings Island – Located near Cincinnati, north of the city a day trip to the Kings Island Amusement Park is an exhilarating day out for all the family. Offering a range of seasonal attractions and outdoor activities, you will also want to hit the water at the Soak City Water Park, home to a whopping 36 water slides and take a ride on some of the country’s top roller coasters, including the famous 3,265 ft. wooden track Mystic Timbers. If one of the most fun places to visit in Ohio oh.
• Randolph County – If you fancy a day outside the city or a romantic weekend, the two-hour drive to Randolph County, Indiana will be right up your street. A great area to visit all year round, the county is a collectors dream, packed with antique stores and plenty of cafes and bars to enjoy in between. A visit during autumn/winter is highly recommended, to enjoy some seasonal apple picking or visit the festive Christmas tree farms.
• Big Bone Lick State Park – One of the great attractions in Cincinnati if you are travelling with kids is Big Bone Lick State Park, just a short half-hour drive from the center of the city and a wonderful chance to get back to nature with plenty of hiking and bike tracks. The park is also home to a herd of free-range bison, who would have until the 1800s roamed wild across Kentucky. A living link to the ice-age, visitors also have the opportunity to learn about these fascinating mammals at the parks’ historical museum.

Once you’ve spent a few days in Cincinnati, you’ll probably wonder why you hadn’t gone sooner. I’ve only touched on the attractions and food options that appealed to me, but there are lots of things to do in Cincinnati and it has its own galleries and museums, an aquarium and a zoo, and plenty of sporting games to attend. There’s truly something for everybody.

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