30 Things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati, the Queen City nestled along the Ohio River, offers a rich blend of history, stunning architecture, vibrant arts, and unique neighborhoods. While its famous chili, brewery scene, and paid attractions are well-known, finding exciting free things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio is surprisingly simple, allowing visitors to experience its unique charm without breaking the bank. From picturesque parks with river views to historic markets, the city provides plenty of budget-friendly exploration opportunities.

This guide highlights 30 specific ways you can enjoy Cincinnati and its immediate surroundings without opening your wallet. Whether you’re drawn to scenic overlooks, historic streets, creative expressions, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, you can create a full and rewarding itinerary exploring the best of the city affordably. Let’s explore the free fun Cincinnati has to offer.

Parks and Riverfront Relaxation

Smale Riverfront Park: Explore this dynamic park connecting downtown to the Ohio River waterfront. Enjoy features like swinging benches, labyrinth paths, interactive fountains (seasonal), and beautiful landscaping with great river views.

Eden Park Exploration: Wander through one of Cincinnati’s most beloved hilltop parks. Enjoy scenic overlooks of the Ohio River, walk around Mirror Lake, and admire the surrounding historic architecture.

Ault Park Gardens & Trails: Discover the beautiful formal gardens, walking trails, and pavilion in this large east-side park. Hike the trails for wooded scenery or simply enjoy the manicured garden spaces.

Washington Park Fun: Relax in this central park anchoring the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Enjoy the large green space, interactive water features (seasonal), playground, and often free events or music.

Mt. Echo Park Overlook: Drive or walk up to this west-side park for arguably the best panoramic views of the downtown Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River bend. It’s particularly stunning at sunset.

Ohio River Trail Sections: Walk, run, or bike portions of the trail along the riverfront, connecting parks and neighborhoods. Enjoy the waterfront scenery and watch barge traffic float by.

Sawyer Point Park & Yeatman’s Cove: Explore these adjacent riverfront parks offering walking paths, playgrounds, sculptures, and event spaces. Enjoy views of the river and the bridges connecting to Kentucky.

California Woods Nature Preserve: Hike trails through forests and along Lick Run Creek in this nature preserve on the city’s east side. It’s a peaceful escape for nature lovers seeking wooded paths.

French Park: Discover trails through woods and meadows in this large park located in Amberley Village. Enjoy a quiet walk in a natural setting away from the city bustle.

Devou Park Overlook (Kentucky): Cross the river to Covington, Kentucky, and head up to the viewpoint in Devou Park. It offers another fantastic panoramic perspective of the Cincinnati skyline.

Iconic Bridges and Architecture

Walk the Roebling Suspension Bridge: Stroll across this historic architectural marvel, a predecessor to the Brooklyn Bridge designed by the same engineer. Enjoy stunning views connecting Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky.

Explore Purple People Bridge: Walk or bike across this pedestrian-only bridge connecting Cincinnati’s Sawyer Point to Newport, Kentucky. Enjoy the unique purple color and river views.

Admire Cincinnati Music Hall Exterior: Gaze at the stunning Victorian Gothic architecture of this iconic performance hall in Over-the-Rhine. Its towers and intricate details are impressive from the outside.

View Union Terminal Exterior: Marvel at the magnificent Art Deco architecture of this historic train station, now home to museums. Appreciate its grand scale and unique half-dome design from the exterior plaza.

Cincinnati City Hall Visit: Step inside the impressive lobby of Cincinnati’s City Hall during business hours. Admire the Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and grand interior staircase.

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption (Kentucky): Visit this breathtaking cathedral in Covington, modeled after Notre Dame in Paris. Step inside (respectfully, outside service times) to see the world’s largest handmade stained-glass window.

Historic Neighborhoods and Markets

Over-the-Rhine (OTR) Exploration: Wander the streets of one of the largest intact urban historic districts in the US. Admire the stunning Italianate architecture, browse unique shop windows, and feel the vibrant revitalized energy.

Findlay Market Browsing: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market. Browse the stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods (looking is free!).

MainStrasse Village Stroll (Kentucky): Explore the charming German-inspired village in Covington. Admire the historic architecture, browse shop windows, and see the Carroll Chimes Clock Tower.

Northside Neighborhood Walk: Discover the eclectic and artistic vibe of the Northside neighborhood. Explore Hamilton Avenue, known for its vintage shops, record stores, and quirky character.

Mount Adams Exploration: Walk the winding, hilly streets of this upscale neighborhood perched above downtown. Enjoy the unique architecture, city views, and proximity to Eden Park.

Arts Culture and History

Cincinnati Art Museum: Explore extensive collections spanning 6,000 years of art history from around the world. General admission is always free, making world-class art accessible to everyone.

Contemporary Arts Center (CAC): Discover provocative contemporary art exhibitions in a unique building designed by Zaha Hadid. General admission is always free to the galleries.

21c Museum Hotel Public Spaces: Wander the public gallery spaces of this unique hotel located adjacent to the CAC. View curated contemporary art exhibitions free of charge throughout the lobby and designated floors.

ArtWorks Mural Tours (Self-Guided): Discover Cincinnati’s vibrant public art scene by seeking out colorful murals throughout downtown and Over-the-Rhine. Use the ArtWorks website map for a self-guided adventure.

Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum Grounds: Wander the beautifully landscaped grounds of this historic cemetery and arboretum. Admire the stunning monuments, diverse trees, and peaceful atmosphere.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Exterior/Grounds: Walk the grounds surrounding this important museum on the riverfront. Reflect on the history and admire the building’s design and location.

Lloyd Library and Museum: Visit this independent research library focused on natural history, botany, and pharmacy. Check their hours for free access to browse unique collections and exhibits.

Free Concerts and Events: Keep an eye on local park schedules (like Washington Park) and community calendars. Many free outdoor concerts, movie nights, and festivals occur, especially during summer months.

Lucky Cat Museum Window Peeking (Exterior Fun): While entry requires a small fee, admire the quirky exterior and peek in the windows of this unique museum dedicated to fortune cats in Walnut Hills. It’s a fun, quick visual stop.