20 Things to Do in Cincinnati
Cincinnati unfolds along the scenic Ohio River, offering visitors a captivating blend of historic architecture, vibrant arts, and beautiful riverfront parks. Exploring the Queen City reveals a rich heritage, from its days as a major river port to its unique culinary traditions, and you’ll discover many engaging free things to do in Cincinnati, like walking across the Roebling Bridge or exploring the grounds of Eden Park, enhancing any visit. This city presents a welcoming Midwestern charm combined with dynamic urban energy, perfect for a diverse getaway.
From world-class museums housed in stunning buildings to lively historic markets and scenic outdoor escapes, Cincinnati provides a wealth of activities. This guide points you toward twenty distinct experiences that capture the city’s unique character, ensuring you uncover the best of what this Ohio gem has to offer. Prepare to explore its distinct neighborhoods, cultural institutions, and beautiful riverside setting.
Museums & Culture Hubs
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal: Explore multiple museums under one roof inside the stunning Art Deco train station, a National Historic Landmark. It’s a fantastic destination offering history, science, and children’s exhibits in an architecturally magnificent setting.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: Discover powerful stories of freedom’s heroes from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times. Its location on the Ohio River, a former boundary between slave and free states, adds poignant historical context.
Cincinnati Art Museum: Discover diverse art collections spanning 6,000 years within a beautiful Eden Park setting overlooking the city. General admission is always free, making world-class art from numerous cultures readily accessible.
Taft Museum of Art: Explore European master paintings, Chinese porcelains, and decorative arts housed within a historic Federal-style home downtown. The intimate setting of this National Historic Landmark provides a unique museum experience.
Contemporary Arts Center (CAC): Experience cutting-edge contemporary art through rotating exhibitions in a dynamic Zaha Hadid-designed building downtown. Its non-collecting focus means there’s always something new and thought-provoking to see.
American Sign Museum: Discover the fascinating history of American signage through a colorful collection of vintage signs from different eras. It’s a unique visual journey through advertising, design trends, and nostalgic roadside America.
Historic Charm & Neighborhoods
Findlay Market: Immerse yourself in Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, bustling with local vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods. Find this vibrant hub, perfect for tasting local flavors, in historic Over-the-Rhine.
Over-the-Rhine (OTR) Exploration: Wander the streets of one of America’s largest historic districts, known for its beautiful Italianate architecture and ongoing revitalization. Explore unique boutiques, trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and art galleries in this distinctly Cincinnati neighborhood.
Walk the Roebling Suspension Bridge: Stroll across the historic suspension bridge connecting Cincinnati, Ohio, with Covington, Kentucky, a predecessor to the Brooklyn Bridge designed by the same engineer. Enjoy fantastic views of the Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River from this iconic 19th-century structure.
Music Hall: Admire the stunning Victorian Gothic architecture of this historic performance venue in Over-the-Rhine, home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Opera, and Ballet. Catch a show or simply marvel at the grandeur of this cultural anchor.
Fountain Square: Visit the central gathering spot downtown, featuring the iconic Tyler Davidson Fountain, “The Genius of Water.” Enjoy seasonal events like ice skating or concerts, outdoor dining, or simply people-watch in this lively public space.
Parks & Riverfront Recreation
Smale Riverfront Park: Relax or play along the scenic riverfront, featuring interactive fountains, playgrounds, P&G go Vibrant Carpet slides, labyrinth, and swings overlooking the Ohio River. This beautiful park provides fantastic connections between downtown and the water.
Eden Park: Explore this scenic hilltop park offering beautiful city views, walking paths, Mirror Lake, and housing the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory. It’s a vast green space perfect for a leisurely afternoon escape.
Krohn Conservatory: Step inside the beautiful Art Deco conservatory within Eden Park, featuring diverse plant collections including desert and tropical houses, plus themed seasonal floral shows. Admire the lush greenery and exotic plants in this stunning glasshouse.
Washington Park: Relax in the heart of Over-the-Rhine at this beautifully renovated park featuring a large lawn, interactive water features, a dog park, performance stage, and historic bandstand. It’s a vibrant community space surrounded by historic OTR architecture.
Food, Sports & Family Fun
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: Visit one of the nation’s top zoos, famous for its conservation efforts (like Fiona the hippo’s story) and beautiful botanical gardens integrated throughout the grounds. See diverse animals from around the world in well-designed naturalistic habitats.
Newport Aquarium: Cross the river to Newport, Kentucky, to explore diverse aquatic life from around the globe, featuring sharks, penguins, otters, and the popular Shark Bridge. Walk through underwater tunnels and interact with various exhibits for a great family adventure.
Great American Ball Park: Catch a Cincinnati Reds baseball game (MLB) during the season at their home field located right on the Ohio River. Enjoy America’s pastime in a modern ballpark offering great views and atmosphere.
Paycor Stadium: Experience the excitement of an NFL game cheering on the Cincinnati Bengals during football season. Feel the energy of the passionate fanbase at this stadium also situated conveniently on the riverfront.
Try Cincinnati Chili: Sample the city’s unique chili, typically seasoned with Mediterranean spices and served over spaghetti (“ways”) or on hot dogs (“coneys”), often topped with mounds of shredded cheddar cheese. Trying this distinctive local dish from places like Skyline or Gold Star is a must-do Cincinnati experience.
