Cincinnati, a city tucked into the southeast corner of Ohio, is a truly American slice of the Midwest. Cincinnati’s attractions celebrate science and nature as well as its history. Some city destinations encourage relaxation, while others encourage thought and action. From the quirky to the profound, from spectacular nature to human-made marvels, Cincinnati touches on the scope of the different parts of America; to drive around Cincinnati is to get a feel for the whole county.
Because some of Cincinnati’s attractions will temp you with beauty and peacefulness and others will pull you in with deep emotion and thought, and some will startle you with eeriness or delight, you don’t want to be hemmed in by public transportation schedules. Whether you’re taking an easy journey in a sedan or a more exciting drive in a sports car, you will want a little wiggle room in your schedule, since Cincinnati has a way of surprising you.
Must-see attractions in Cincinnati
1. Cincinnati Observatory
This observatory isn’t bashful about calling itself “The Birthplace of American Astronomy”. The vintage brick building that houses a huge telescope has preserved its old-fashioned look even as it keeps its astronomical tools and equipment up to date. You can take a tour, see spacesuits and moon rocks, and look at the skies through a telescope both at night and during the day. Tours and events sell out, so book well in advance.
Address: 3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: It depends on the tour or event you book.
2. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
This “museum of conscience” aims to show people the reality of slavery and the courage and desperation of the Underground Railroad in American history. The center is built on the banks of the Ohio River, a significant location because it’s where escaping slaves hoped to find passage to Canada. You can see artifacts, texts and pictures from slaves, and even enter a wooden slave pen where dozens of slaves were kept during auction. Visiting this museum is an unforgettable experience that conveys history in stark reality.
Address: 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1-3 hours
3. The Vent Haven Museum
What’s something you can do in Cincinnati that you can’t do anywhere else in the world? Visit a museum filled with ventriloquist dummies! The Vent Haven ventriloquist museum is just five miles south of Cincinnati, just over the border into Kentucky. The museum displays over 900 dummies as well as posters and information about the ventriloquists themselves. Don’t believe it’s real? Just book a tour and you’ll experience it first-hand.
Address: 33 W. Maple Ave., Fort Mitchell, KY 41011
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
4. Cincinnati Riverwalk
This 4-mile walkway goes along the Ohio River and over the John A. Roebling Bridge. If you don’t do the entire walk, make sure you cross the river because the views of the Cincinnati skyline from the bridge are spectacular, even to locals. The walkway also goes past Smale Riverfront Park, where gently swaying glider-like swings face the water.
Address: West Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
5. Cincinnati History Museum
One of the best things about this museum is the majestic building itself. The Cincinnati History Museum is built in a huge, abandoned railroad terminal, and the scope and design of the architecture are truly impressive. Inside the museum, you will learn all about Cincinnati’s history and its place in the development of the American Midwest. Friendly staff answer your questions as you view the exhibits, which include a 1/64 model replica of the city and informative films. The most popular exhibit is The Queen of the West, an actual-sized model of an old-fashioned steamboat that visitors can get in and explore.
Address: 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1-3 hours
6. BB Riverboats
You’ll feel like a 19th century traveler as you take a leisurely cruise down the Ohio River in an old-fashioned-looking river boat, complete with a paddle wheel at the back. BB Riverboats offers themed cruises, from the more sophisticated Stonebrook Winery Cruise to the fun-filled superhero cruise. Check out all their themed cruises to see which one you want to take as you glide past panoramic views of Cincinnati.
Address: 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
Entry fees: More information
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
7. Findlay Market
One of the oldest public markets in Ohio, this dynamic indoor/outdoor market attracts locals and tourists alike, making it one of Cincinnati’s most popular attractions. At dozens of stalls, local vendors peddle their wares. Food is primarily what people shop for, and top sellers include freshly baked bread, meat and fresh produce. But there are other delightful products as well, such as flowers, crafts, watercolors and handmade jewelry. At Findlay Market, you can even meet local stonemasons who sell their pots and pans.
Address: 1801 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Entry fees: Free
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: As long as you like.
8. Over-the-Rhine Neighborhood
Over-the-Rhine is a well-preserved historic neighborhood in Cincinnati. The charming brick and stone buildings in both the Greek Revival and Victorian Revival architectural styles are a delight to see. What used to be a working-class German neighborhood is now trendy and hip, home to craft breweries, gastropubs, the Cincinnati Music Hall and Findlay Market.
Address: Located in south Cincinnati
9. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
This cemetery from the 1840s is the country’s second largest and one of its most beautiful. The sprawling cemetery and grounds cover 733 acres, and the gothic revival-style buildings look both regal and somber. Gardens, groves, hills, lakes and ponds surround the cemetery. Many notable figures are buried in Spring Grove, such as Civil War generals, scientists, politicians, artists and athletes.
Address: 4521 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45232
Entry fees: Free
Hours: When to visit
10. Anderson Ferry
Whether you are on foot or in your vehicle, when you ride on Anderson Ferry, you are becoming a part of history. Anderson Ferry has been crossing the Ohio River since 1817. It used to carry horses and carriages across, but now it helps commuters save time and gas by taking cars across.
Address: Runs between Cincinnati and Constance, KY
Entry fees: Buy tickets
Hours: More information
Time required to see the attraction: 15 minutes
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Cincinnati
From the whimsical to the trendy to the traditional, Cincinnati’s best restaurants reflect the character of the city itself.
Fat Ben’s Bakery: Chef Ben Arlington amassed a following on Instagram and he uses that social media platform to display his delectable treats. Some of his most popular creations are homemade Zebra Cakes, custom-made doughnuts and cereal cookies.
MadTree Brewing: Microbreweries abound in Cincinnati, and MadTree Brewing is one of the best. The décor combines rustic charm with industrial chic, giving this converted warehouse restaurant the perfect ambiance. Along with craft beers, MadTree serves wood-fired pizzas.
Tickle Pickle Restaurant: This burger joint has a rock n’ roll theme, with burger names including Buns n’ Roses and Breadzepplin. All beef burgers are made with 100% Angus Beef, and toppings include bacon, cheese and egg to jalapeno poppers. Tickle Pickle also offers vegetarian and vegan options.
