Activity	Description
Devou Park	Offers panoramic city views, hiking trails.
Eden Park	Scenic park with overlooks, walking trails, art museum.
OTR Street Murals	Self-guided tour of street art in Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
Contemporary Arts Center	Free admission to view contemporary art exhibits.
Cincinnati Public Library	Architectural beauty with murals, mosaics, guided tours.
Roebling Suspension Bridge	Iconic bridge offering picturesque city views.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center	Museum focused on history of slavery and freedom.
Music on the River	Summer concert series at Paul Brown Stadium.
Smale Riverfront Park	Downtown park with gardens, fountains, river views.
Union Terminal Rotunda	Free viewing of historic train station’s architecture.
Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar Ride	Free public transportation around downtown.
Cincinnati Observatory	Historic observatory with telescope viewing sessions.

Here are 12 of the best free things to do when visiting Cincinnati on the cheap.

Take in City Views from Devou Park

Name and Location: Take in City Views from Devou Park, located in Covington, KY across the river from downtown Cincinnati.

History and Significance: Devou Park provides one of the best scenic overlooks of the Cincinnati skyline and riverfront. The historic park was established in the early 1900s.

What to Expect: Panoramic views of the Ohio River valley and downtown Cincinnati. Walking trails, green spaces, and picnic areas. Breathtaking spot to take photos.

Visitor Information: Park open daily, free admission. Driving or ridesharing is easiest way to access.

For amazing skyline views, head up to Devou Park in Covington, Kentucky right across the river. Spread over 300 acres, Devou Park has hiking trails that lead to overlooks with panoramic views of downtown Cincinnati across the river. Walk along the trails through wooded areas and feast your eyes on the exceptional views of the cityscape, suspension bridges, stadiums and more. The scenic vistas are some of the best in the region and offer a free yet fantastic city experience.

Stroll Through Eden Park

Name and Location: Stroll Through Eden Park, located on a hilltop overlooking downtown Cincinnati.

History and Significance: Eden Park is Cincinnati’s oldest and largest park, established in the late 1800s. Home to various attractions and scenic overlooks.

What to Expect: Walking trails, gardens, memorials, scenic vistas of the city, and the Cincinnati Art Museum. A relaxing green oasis above downtown.

Visitor Information: Park open daily, free admission. Easily accessed by car, bus, or Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar.

Eden Park is an expansive green space home to scenic overlooks, walking trails, gardens, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the grounds and take in views of the Ohio River and city below. The park’s Seasongood Pavilion is an excellent spot to watch the sunset over the city skyline. Eden Park also houses the Cincinnati Art Museum, which offers free general admission. After exploring the trails and scenic overlooks, head inside the museum to peruse its collections without spending a dime.

See OTR’s Stunning Street Murals

Name and Location: See OTR’s Stunning Street Murals, located throughout the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati.

History and Significance: OTR is home to a wonderful collection of colorful, creative street murals done by local and internationally known artists. The murals enliven the neighborhood.

What to Expect: Vibrant murals of all sizes can be spotted on many streets and alleys in OTR. Walking to view the murals is part of the experience.

Visitor Information: OTR is walkable and accessible by streetcar. Guided mural tours available.

Over-the-Rhine (OTR) is one of Cincinnati’s most historic neighborhoods and home to incredible street art. Take a self-guided walking tour to spot large murals adorning the sides of buildings, alleys, and garages throughout OTR. There are over 30 impressive murals by local and national artists showcasing creativity and celebrating the city. Some of the most popular works include the Cincinnati Struggle Mural, Mr. A to Z Mural, and the colorful mural collection along Woodward Street.

Visit the Contemporary Arts Center

Name and Location: Visit the Contemporary Arts Center, located downtown on Walnut Street.

History and Significance: Leading museum for contemporary art in Cincinnati since 1939. Presents innovative exhibitions, events and educational programs.

What to Expect: Changing exhibits of contemporary art in all media by international, national and regional artists. Engaging place to experience modern art.

Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fee. Validated parking in attached garage.

Dedicated to art and creativity, the Contemporary Arts Center offers free general admission. Visitors can view rotating exhibits, interactive installations, and unique performances without paying a fee. The CAC focuses on bringing new, thought-provoking contemporary artwork to Cincinnati across many different mediums. Check the calendar for upcoming events, concerts, talks, and gallery openings at this avant-garde arts center.

Tour the Cincinnati Public Library

Name and Location: Tour the Cincinnati Public Library, located downtown on Vine Street.

History and Significance: This National Historic Landmark was built in 1874 and features spectacular Italianate architecture. It was one of America’s first public library buildings.

What to Expect: Guided tours showcase the elegant Gilded Age rooms with ornate woodwork, stained glass and murals. Fascinating look at historic library design.

Visitor Information: Free guided tours offered 2-3 times per month. Registration required. Self-guided visits also allowed.

The Main Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library is an artistic masterpiece in itself. This gorgeous building was constructed in 1874 and features murals, mosaics, sculptures, and stained glass. Take a free guided tour to learn about the library’s history, architecture, and artworks. The 45-minute tours run frequently and provide insight into this Cincinnati gem. Even if you can’t join a tour, walk around yourself and be awed by the beautifully decorated interior.

See the Roebling Suspension Bridge

Name and Location: See the Roebling Suspension Bridge, connecting Cincinnati between OH and Covington, KY.

History and Significance: When it opened in 1867, this was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Its design inspired the Brooklyn Bridge. National Historic Landmark.

What to Expect: Walking across the bridge provides great up-close views of a magnificent 19th century engineering feat. Also visible from riverfront parks.

Visitor Information: The bridge carries vehicle traffic but has pedestrian walkways on both sides. Free to visit.

You can walk, bike, or drive over the magnificent Roebling Suspension Bridge to enjoy iconic city views for free. Linking Ohio to Kentucky, this 1867 bridge was a precursor to Roebling’s famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Take in views of the Ohio River, purple hills of Kentucky, city skyline, and riverboat traffic from this engineering marvel. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Cincinnati. At night, the bridge is even illuminated against the dark sky for a dramatic sight.

Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Name and Location: Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, located on the riverfront downtown.

History and Significance: Opened in 2004, tells the story of the struggle for freedom via the Underground Railroad. Museum focused on abolition and fight against injustice.

What to Expect: Exhibits, artifacts, multimedia presentations depicting history and personal stories of freedom seekers and abolitionists. Reflective, immersive experience.

Visitor Information: Open daily except major holidays. Purchase tickets online for discounts. Validated parking available.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum and monument dedicated to freedom and human rights. The powerful exhibits recount history from the Underground Railroad and the struggle against slavery to the continuing fight for freedom today. Visitors can participate in educative public programs like book talks or film screenings. On the third Monday of each month, the Freedom Center even offers free admission for all visitors.

Attend Music on the River

Name and Location: Attend Music on the River, held at Sawyer Point riverfront park during summer.

History and Significance: Popular free outdoor concert series featuring local bands performing a variety of music. Takes place on weekends in a scenic spot along the river.

What to Expect: Relaxed concerts in the park featuring pop, rock, blues and more. Bring blankets/chairs. Food trucks onsite. Family and pet friendly event.

Visitor Information: Held summer Fridays and Saturdays. See website for schedule. Parking at Sawyer Point and neighboring garages.

For six weeks every summer, enjoy free live music at Paul Brown Stadium during Music on the River. Local bands, national acts, tributes and more take the stadium stage for outdoor concerts overlooking the Ohio River. Previous acts include the Temptations, Cheap Trick, and the Ohio Players. Food trucks and drink vendors sell refreshments during the shows. Bring some chairs or a blanket and settle in for free tunes under the stars.

Explore Smale Riverfront Park

Name and Location: Explore Smale Riverfront Park, located downtown along the Ohio River waterfront.

History and Significance: Opened in 2012 on former industrial land, this park connects downtown to the river. Central spot for events and recreation.

What to Expect: Paths, gardens, fountains, playground, boat dock, concert venue. Always something going on – exercise classes, music, festivals.

Visitor Information: Park open daily, free admission. Parking garages nearby. Walk, bike, or take the streetcar.

Smale Riverfront Park is an excellent place to walk along the river and take in views of the city skyline at no cost. This beautiful downtown park has promenades, gardens, fountains, an amphitheater, playgrounds, and green spaces where you can play, exercise, or relax. From the park, you can admire sights like the Roebling Bridge, Bengals Stadium, Great American Ball Park and the Ohio River rolling by. It’s a scenic spot to stroll and sightsee without spending a penny.

See the Historic Union Terminal Rotunda

Name and Location: See the Historic Union Terminal Rotunda, located downtown in the Cincinnati Museum Center.

History and Significance: The Art Deco terminal building, constructed in 1933, features a massive 180-foot domed rotunda with incredible mosaics. An architectural masterpiece.

What to Expect: Look up at the dome’s half mile of mosaic tilework depicting Cincinnati’s history. A majestic public space.

Visitor Information: The rotunda can be viewed by purchasing a museum ticket or taking a site tour.

The imposing Union Terminal train station now serves as home to the Cincinnati Museum Center museums. Even if you can’t visit the paid exhibits, you can still view the station’s iconic rotunda for free. The massive hall features Art Deco design with incredible tile mosaic murals. Head to the center and look up at the majestic 180-foot semi-circular dome. Wander around and admire this architectural feat completed in 1933 as a monument to rail travel.

Take a Free Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar Ride

Name and Location: Take a Free Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar Ride, running through downtown and Over-the-Rhine.

History and Significance: Vintage streetcars run this loop route connecting key spots downtown since 2016. Riding provides a fun way to get around.

What to Expect: Hop on and off to get between districts. Runs every 10-15 minutes. Pass by parks, museums, restaurants and more.

Visitor Information: Streetcars operate daily. Simply wait at stops and ride for free. Route map online.

The downtown Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcars provide a fun free way to get around the city core. The streetcars travel through the Central Business District, Over-The-Rhine, and The Banks on a continuous loop. You can hop on and off to visit different neighborhoods and attractions. Streetcars arrive every 15-30 minutes depending on the day and time. It’s free public transportation that also offers a novel way to sightsee downtown.

Visit the Cincinnati Observatory

Name and Location: Visit the Cincinnati Observatory, located in Mount Lookout neighborhood.

History and Significance: Founded in 1842, it is one of the oldest observatories in the U.S. The historic telescope and building are still used for research and education.

The Cincinnati Observatory is home to one of the oldest telescopes in the world dating back to 1843. Visitors can view the historical Alvan Clark Telescope and your children can even “touch the moon” exhibit. Public viewing sessions provide a chance to look through telescopes at stars and planets. Spots fill up quickly, so plan ahead for this free opportunity. Guided tours are also available on weekends for just $5 per person.

Conclusion

Cincinnati offers many opportunities for free entertainment, from appreciating arts and architecture to taking in gorgeous skyline views. Outdoor attractions like Eden Park, Devou Park and Smale Riverfront Park let you enjoy natural scenery without spending a penny. Museums like the Freedom Center and Contemporary Arts Center also grant free admission on certain days. With free events, historic sites, and even transportation like the streetcar, you can fully experience Cincinnati on a budget.