Nicknamed the “Queen City”, Cincinnati offers visitors a blend of Midwest charm, urban energy, and cultural legacy. From world-class museums and performing arts to major sports franchises, architectural treasures and family-friendly attractions, Cincinnati provides diverse options for enjoyable experiences.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Ranked among America’s top zoos, with diverse exhibits and gardens. |
| National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | Interactive exhibits on the history of slavery and human rights. |
| Cincinnati Art Museum | Art spanning 6,000 years, with diverse global cultures represented. |
| Music Hall | Home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Opera, in a historic building. |
| Cincinnati Union Terminal | An Art Deco train station turned museum complex. |
| Carew Tower | Offers panoramic views of Cincinnati from an observation deck. |
| American Sign Museum | Showcases historic neon and enamel signs. |
| Great American Ball Park | Watch Cincinnati Reds baseball games. |
| Brewery Tour | Explore over 20 craft breweries in the area. |
| Eden Park | A scenic park with the Cincinnati Art Museum and Mirror Lake. |
| Oktoberfest Zinzinnati | Celebrates German heritage with beer, food, and music. |
| Over-the-Rhine | A historic neighborhood with architecture, cafes, and Findlay Market. |
Bordering Kentucky with close proximity to several states, Cincinnati makes an ideal Midwest travel hub. Here are 12 of the top things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio when you visit this historic river city.
Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Name and Location: Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: Founded in 1875, it is one of the oldest zoos in the US. It contributes to conservation and education.
What to Expect: See over 500 animal species in natural habitats and themed exhibits. The botanical garden features ornamental displays.
Visitor Information: Open daily year-round. Ticket prices vary. Parking available onsite for a fee.
Consistently ranked one of America’s top zoos, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden impresses with diverse animal exhibits, beautiful indoor biomes, and engaging educational opportunities. See lemurs, rhinos, polar bears, giraffes and more up close in naturalistic habitats. The reptile house showcases venomous snakes and crocodilians. Special areas like the nocturnal building provide glimpses of intriguing creatures. And interactive feeding times allow close-up animal encounters. Beyond zoological exhibits, the zoo encompasses world-class horticultural displays in indoor biomes and expertly cultivated gardens.
Tour the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Name and Location: Tour the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: Opened 2004 to tell the stories of freedom’s heroes past and present. It sheds light on struggles for freedom worldwide.
What to Expect: Interactive exhibits, artifacts, immersive films and art displays bring history to life. Guided tours available.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission fees apply. Validated parking available onsite.
Located on the banks of the Ohio River, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center offers immersive exhibits telling stories of enslavement, freedom, and human rights struggles throughout history. High-tech and interactive displays engage visitors in bringing alive the dangers faced by individuals escaping enslavement along the Underground Railroad. Additionally, special exhibits and programs examine modern injustices while promoting positive action. Reflective spaces and compelling narratives make this a must-see museum for thoughtful travelers.
See Artworks at the Cincinnati Art Museum
Name and Location: See Artworks at the Cincinnati Art Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: Founded in 1881, it is one of the oldest art museums in the US with an encyclopedic collection.
What to Expect: View works spanning 6,000 years – from ancient to contemporary pieces. Free general admission.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm, Thursday 11am-8pm. Closed Mondays.
With a collection spanning 6,000 years, the Cincinnati Art Museum allows visitors to traverse diverse eras and artistic styles. Galleries hold artworks from global cultures ranging from ancient Mediterranean civilizations and Renaissance masters to American folk art and contemporary pieces. Highlights include mosaics from ancient Antioch, glasswork by Dale Chihuly, and avant-garde works. Special exhibits also showcase renowned artists and regional talent. The museum’s architecture itself is a work of art. Admission is free, making this an accessible cultural destination.
Catch a Show at Music Hall
Name and Location: Catch a Show at Music Hall in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: Built in 1878, this National Historic Landmark is home to the Cincinnati Ballet, Opera, Symphony and Pops Orchestra.
What to Expect: Attend world-class performances in the elegantly restored Victorian theater.
Visitor Information: Resident companies perform year-round. Check websites for performance schedules and ticket info.
Home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Opera, Music Hall is an architectural masterpiece housing incredible acoustics. The National Historic Landmark built in 1878 dazzles with Gothic stonework, arched stained-glass windows, and ornate interiors. It hosts touring Broadway productions in addition to the resident companies. Guided backstage tours provide behind-the-scenes glimpses on select days. For an unmatched performing arts experience, Music Hall’s striking beauty and world-class entertainment deliver.
Tour the Cincinnati Union Terminal
Name and Location: Tour the Cincinnati Union Terminal in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: The Art Deco terminal opened in 1933 as a passenger rail hub. Today it is home to museums.
What to Expect: Take a guided tour of the iconic building and visit the museums for Cincinnati history, sports, and children’s discovery.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission charged for museums and tours. Parking available onsite.
Now housing museums, Cincinnati Union Terminal was originally an Art Deco train station completed in 1933. Regarded as one of the most beautiful passenger rail facilities ever built, the grand architecture impresses with mosaic murals, soaring half domes, and lavish ornamental detailing. Today, it holds the Cincinnati Museum Center, which explores regional history, science, and children’s discovery. Also found within is an Omnimax theater and the Duke Energy Children’s Museum. Unique architecture and engaging exhibits make this a top Cincinnati attraction.
Enjoy Skyline Views from Carew Tower
Name and Location: Enjoy Skyline Views from Carew Tower in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: This Art Deco tower built in 1931 was once Cincinnati’s tallest building. The Observation Deck offers 360-degree city views.
What to Expect: Panoramic views of downtown Cincinnati from the 49th floor Observation Deck and revolving restaurant.
Visitor Information: Observation Deck open daily. Ticket required for elevator ride to the top.
For panoramic views of Cincinnati, visit the observation deck at Carew Tower in the city’s Fountain Square district. Constructed in 1930 as a centerpiece of downtown, the 49-story French Art Deco tower offers 360-degree views from its top. On clear days, you can see across the Ohio River into Northern Kentucky. Exhibit panels identify Cincinnati sights and neighborhoods. The ornate art deco interior lobby also merits exploring. With views rivaling national parks, Carew Tower’s observation deck is a quintessential Cincinnati experience.
Tour the American Sign Museum
Name and Location: Tour the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: Founded in 1999, this museum preserves the neon signs that were once iconic American advertising.
What to Expect: View a vast collection of vintage neon signs and learn about sign design history on a guided tour.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fee required. Tours offered daily.
The American Sign Museum preserves an electrifying collection of over 100 historic neon, porcelain enamel, and decorative signs. See vintage signage from gas stations, motels, restaurants, and various 20th-century American businesses. Learn about sign design evolution and restoration efforts during your visit. The museum’s dazzling displays make for great photo ops. With its celebration of a classically American art form, the American Sign Museum is a delightful experience.
Watch the Reds Play at Great American Ball Park
Name and Location: Watch the Reds Play at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: Home field of the Cincinnati Reds since 2003, the stadium hosts MLB action in a picturesque downtown setting.
What to Expect: Cheer on the Reds as they compete against visiting teams. Enjoy ballpark food and attractions before the game.
Visitor Information: The Reds season runs April-September. Find tickets and schedule on the team website.
Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, home of the professional baseball team since 2003. Enjoy a game packed with hits, runs, and catches with views of the field, scoreboard and Ohio River. Try ballpark food favorites like hotdogs and nachos. And tour the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum within the park to immerse yourself in franchise history. On game days, you’ll find plenty of action in the bars and eateries surrounding the lively stadium. Catching a Reds game is a Cincinnati summer tradition.
Sip Craft Beers on a Brewery Tour
Name and Location: Sip Craft Beers on a Brewery Tour in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: Cincinnati has a storied brewing history and is experiencing a craft beer renaissance. Brewery tours are popular.
What to Expect: Visit local craft breweries to sample their beers. Learn about the beer-making process and history on guided tours.
Visitor Information: Tours booked through various tour companies. Packages and schedules vary. Minimum age requirements.
With over 20 craft breweries in the metro area, Cincinnati has emerged as a major beer destination. Brewery tours allow you to sample acclaimed beers while learning about the beer-making process. Popular picks include Rhinegeist Brewery in Over-the-Rhine with its expansive taproom, and 50 West Brewing Company offering scenic Ohio River views. You can also create a custom tour hitting small neighborhood breweries using Cincinnati’s BrewRiver bus. However you do it, Cincinnati brewery hopping should be on your agenda.
Stroll Through Eden Park
Name and Location: Stroll Through Eden Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: Dating back to the late 1800s, this park is known for picturesque overlooks and historic landmarks.
What to Expect: Walking paths, scenic views, artworks, gardens and local attractions like the Krohn Conservatory.
Visitor Information: The park is free and open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking available onsite.
Home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Eden Park offers free public green space with excellent city views. The hilltop park designed in the late 1800s provides a scenic backdrop to the museum’s picturesque architecture. Walking paths wind through open lawns, gardens, and wooded areas. Mirror Lake offers reflections of the city skyline with paddleboats for rent. Play ball at the ballfield and tennis courts. And don’t miss the historic Krohn Conservatory showcasing botanicals inside its Art Deco greenhouse. Eden Park delivers natural beauty amid Cincinnati sights.
Experience Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Name and Location: Experience Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio.
History and Significance: Dating back to the 1970s, Zinzinnati is the largest Oktoberfest in the US with German heritage.
What to Expect: Authentic German food, beer, music, dancing, competitions and family-friendly activities celebrate Cincinnati’s German roots.
Visitor Information: The festival takes place annually in September downtown. Free to attend, fees for food/drinks.
Billed as the nation’s largest Oktoberfest, Zinzinnati celebrates Cincinnati’s German heritage along six downtown blocks each September. Huge beer tents serve seasonal brews and authentic German fare while musicians perform traditional songs and dances. Artisans sell handcrafted items at the largest arts fair in the Midwest. With bratwurst eating contests, alpine horns, and families dancing to polka music, Zinzinnati immerses you in Bavarian cultural traditions with a Cincinnati flair.
Tour Historic Sites in Over-the-Rhine
Name and Location: Tour Historic Sites in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati.
History and Significance: OTR is one of America’s largest historic districts, with 19th century brewery architecture and culture.
What to Expect: Walking tours visit landmarks like Music Hall and Findlay Market. The neighborhood has trendy shops and dining.
Visitor Information: Self-guided tours or book guided tours through various organizations. Free street parking.
Just north of downtown, the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood reflects Cincinnati’s 19th-century brewing legacy through historic architecture and revitalized entertainment districts. Find excellent cafes, restaurants, breweries, and shops in renovated brewery buildings. Admire Italianate and Queen Anne style facades strolling Main Street. Catch a show at Know Theater or Music Hall. And don’t miss Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market. For a mix of culture, cuisine, and architectural beauty, Over-the-Rhine delivers.
Conclusion
From world-renowned museums and performing arts to major league sports, beautiful parks, family attractions, brewery tours, and historic sites, Cincinnati offers visitors endless opportunities for engaging experiences. The city provides a sampling of Midwestern hospitality and charm along with incredible cultural institutions. With diverse neighborhoods and districts to explore, Cincinnati rewards travelers with an authentic taste of the Queen City’s dynamic spirit.