Cincinnati is a city with a rich history and many unique attractions. Nicknamed “The Queen City”, Cincinnati offers visitors the opportunity to experience world-class museums, beautiful parks, historic architecture and excellent restaurants.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | One of the oldest zoos with diverse animal exhibits |
| National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | Museum highlighting the Underground Railroad |
| Smale Riverfront Park | Park with views of the Ohio River and skyline |
| Cincinnati Museum Center | Museums in historic Union Terminal building |
| Cincinnati Art Museum | Over 67,000 pieces of diverse artwork |
| Eden Park | Green space with cultural attractions |
| American Sign Museum | Collection of historic American signs |
| Newport Aquarium | State-of-the-art aquatic exhibits |
| Washington Park | Green space with events in Over-the-Rhine |
| Krohn Conservatory | Over 3,500 plant species in themed displays |
| Rhinegeist Brewery | Historic brewery with craft beers and rooftop views |
From sports and performing arts to cultural sites, family activities and scenic views, Cincinnati has something for everyone. Here are 12 of the top attractions and things to do when visiting Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Name and Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: Founded in 1875, it is the second oldest zoo in the US. Known for its exhibits featuring endangered species and extensive botanical collection.
What to Expect: Safari style open animal habitats, reptile house, gorilla world, pollinarium with thousands of live butterflies.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Tickets can be purchased online. Strollers and wheelchairs available for rent.
The Cincinnati Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country and is renowned for its excellent animal exhibits and habitats. Home to over 500 animal species, the zoo features indoor exhibits like the Reptile House, Insect World and the Nocturnal House. Unique habitats like Gorilla World, the Cat Canyon, and the award-winning Africa exhibit highlight some of the amazing animals. The zoo also has botanical gardens, playgrounds and educational programs. Spending a day interacting with exotic wildlife makes the Cincinnati Zoo a top attraction.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Name and Location: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, located on the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati.
History and Significance: Opened 2004, tells the story of the struggle for freedom via the Underground Railroad. Important museum focused on abolition and the fight against injustice.
What to Expect: Exhibits, artifacts, multimedia presentations depicting the history and personal stories of freedom seekers and abolitionists. Reflective and immersive experience.
Visitor Information: Open daily except major holidays. Admission tickets purchased online in advance are discounted.
Located along the Ohio River, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a moving museum and monument to freedom and human dignity. The center provides an immersive experience telling the stories of enslaved people struggling toward freedom via the Underground Railroad. Exhibits utilize historic artifacts, interactive displays, photos, timelines and multimedia presentations. The Freedom Center promotes an inspiring message of hope while examining the history and lessons of human trafficking past and present.
Smale Riverfront Park
Name and Location: Smale Riverfront Park, located along the Ohio River downtown Cincinnati.
History and Significance: Opened in 2012 on former industrial land, it’s a key part of Cincinnati’s riverfront revitalization. Features great views of the river and city skyline.
What to Expect: Greenery, walking paths, playground, splash grounds, scenic overlooks, concert venue. Relaxing way to enjoy the riverfront.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Free admission.
Smale Riverfront Park is an excellent place to enjoy views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. This park features walking paths, manicured lawns, gardens, water features and special event spaces. The centerpiece of the park is the gorgeous Roebling Suspension Bridge. Visitors can take riverboat cruises, dine at riverfront restaurants, play at fun water parks and attend free concerts and performances at the park. Watching the sunset over the Ohio River from the park is a beautiful way to spend an evening.
Cincinnati Museum Center
Name and Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, located downtown Cincinnati in the historic Union Terminal building.
History and Significance: Occupies the grand Art Deco terminal building constructed in 1933. Home to several museums and theaters inside a spectacular architectural landmark.
What to Expect: Museum exhibits covering history, science, children’s learning. Giant domed ceiling with mosaic murals. IMAX theater.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission ticket includes all museum exhibits. Parking onsite.
The Cincinnati Museum Center is comprised of three amazing museums at the beautiful historic Union Terminal building. The Cincinnati History Museum showcases the city’s history with exhibits and artifacts. The Museum of Natural History has dinosaurs, fossils, gems and animals. The Children’s Museum has hands-on science exhibits. Around the holidays the center hosts the Festival of Lights with model trains and a winter village display. The architecture alone is worth a visit to this incredible museum complex.
Cincinnati Art Museum
Name and Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, located in Eden Park, Cincinnati.
History and Significance: Founded in 1881, it is one of the oldest art museums in the US. Houses a collection of over 67,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years.
What to Expect: American, European, African, and Asian art spanning centuries. Free general admission and free parking.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday through Sunday year-round. Closed Mondays.
With over 67,000 pieces in its collections, the Cincinnati Art Museum is a top cultural institution. Spanning 6,000 years, their collections include pieces from ancient Mediterranean, Asian, American, African, Pre-Columbian and Native American cultures. The museum is especially known for its European painting collection, medieval art and costumes & textiles. In addition to viewing diverse artwork, visitors can participate in events, lectures and family activities. Admission is also free which makes it quite accessible.
Eden Park
Name and Location: Eden Park, located on a hilltop overlooking downtown Cincinnati.
History and Significance: Cincinnati’s oldest and largest park, established in the late 1800s. Known for picturesque views and old growth forest. Home to various attractions.
What to Expect: Walking trails, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, gardens, memorials, and cultural institutions like the art museum.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Free admission to the grounds.
Eden Park is a gorgeous green space with stunning city views, recreational facilities and cultural attractions. Home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, the park features walking trails, a playground, tennis courts, a lake and a music venue. Mirror Lake and the nearby Seasongood Pavilion are beautiful spots for city vistas. The scenic overlooks, open spaces, and natural environment offer a nice respite from city life and a chance to unwind outdoors.
American Sign Museum
Name and Location: American Sign Museum, located in Camp Washington neighborhood of Cincinnati.
History and Significance: Opened in 2005, displays a huge collection of vintage neon signs from companies, theaters, bars, and more. Provides a glimpse into 20th century American advertising.
What to Expect: Indoor museum displaying over 100 illuminated vintage signs. Nostalgic look at classic American sign design. Gift shop sells neon art and more.
Visitor Information: Open Thursday through Sunday. Admission fee. Tours available.
The American Sign Museum showcases a unique collection of signs that capture 20th century American advertising history. Some signs date back over 100 years. Brilliant neon, energetic animation and vintage painting styles make the signs into works of art. Signs advertising cars, gas stations, soft drinks, motels, and food are just some examples exhibited. The museum provides an illuminating look at how signs reflect culture, design trends, and innovation over the decades.
Newport Aquarium
Name and Location: Newport Aquarium, located across the river from Cincinnati in Newport, Kentucky.
History and Significance: Opened in 1999, it’s one of the largest aquariums in the Midwest. Features thousands of aquatic creatures from around the world.
What to Expect: Shark ray bay, alligator alley, sea turtle exhibit, jellyfish gallery, interactive animal encounters. Fun learning experience for all ages.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Purchase tickets online for discounts. Combo tickets available with Cincinnati Zoo.
Located just across the river from Cincinnati in Newport, KY, the Newport Aquarium is a top family attraction. This state-of-the-art facility houses thousands of aquatic creatures in engaging exhibits that illustrate marine environments from around the world. Walking through the tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays and fish make you feel immersed in an ocean voyage. Special encounters allow visitors to feed sharks or even meet penguins. With fun educational shows and interactive displays, the Newport Aquarium is a memorable experience.
Washington Park
Name and Location: Washington Park, located in downtown Cincinnati.
History and Significance: Built starting in 2012 on site of old park, it has become central gathering place downtown. Hosts concerts, events.
What to Expect: Green space, fountain, performance spaces, playground. Relax or enjoy the lively activity.
Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission. Garage parking below park.
Washington Park provides green space, recreation and events in the lively Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. This popular park has walking trails, a playground, dog park, performance stage and fountain for cooling off in summer. The park hosts free yoga, movies, concerts, festivals and a weekly farmers market. The beautifully renovated Music Hall and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company border the park. Washington Park’s amenities, location and sights make it a gathering place for the community.
Krohn Conservatory
Name and Location: Krohn Conservatory, located in Eden Park, Cincinnati.
History and Significance: Art Deco greenhouse built in 1933. Houses over 3,500 plant species in themed climate-controlled rooms.
What to Expect: Butterfly show, seasonal floral displays, desert room, palm house, lovely architecture. Fun family outing.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission fee.
The Krohn Conservatory features over 3,500 plant species in themed climate-controlled displays. Special exhibits bring to life seasonal flowers, butterflies and holiday themes under the glass domed greenhouse. Notable permanent displays include palm trees, tropical plants, waterfalls, and carnivorous species. Krohn Conservatory allows visitors to experience deserts, rainforests and exotic plants from around the world all in one beautiful place. The historic art deco building adds to the unique atmosphere.
Rhinegeist Brewery
Name and Location: Rhinegeist Brewery, located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati.
History and Significance: One of Cincinnati’s most popular craft breweries, opened in 2013 in a historic brewery building. Known for its rotating selection of original beers.
What to Expect: Brewery tours, taproom with 20+ Rhinegeist brews on tap. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating with games. Great atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Free admission. Brewery tours available for purchase.
Rhinegeist Brewery is housed in a historic bottling plant and offers fantastic craft beers and rooftop views. Enjoy favorites like Truth IPA and Panther Porter or limited small batches brewed on-site. Take a brewery tour or hang out in the massive taproom outfitted with games and plenty of seating. The rooftop deck overlooking downtown is especially impressive on nice days or during events like sunset yoga. Rhinegeist provides a great Cincinnati experience combining beer, views and history.
Conclusion
From museums housing incredible collections to gorgeous green spaces, Cincinnati offers wonderful attractions. Sports fans, art enthusiasts, families, and foodies can all find sites suiting their interests. The city’s riverfront location, historic architecture, cultural diversity, and spirit of innovation shape many of its top institutions and sights. By exploring Cincinnati’s wealth of attractions, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for both its heritage and continual growth. The unique attractions highlighted here make Cincinnati a rewarding, engaging destination.