What is the Best Way to See Cincinnati?

Cincinnati, Ohio, is a city that has something for everyone with its easy access to the Ohio River, its various world-class attractions, and picture-perfect cityscape. Of course, planning a trip to Cincinnati can be confusing, but here is a guide for all the best ways to experience the city and all that it has to offer.

1. A Bird’s Eye View of Cincinnati

The best way to experience the city, and get your bearings, is to get a bird’s eye view of Cincinnati. You can have this experience by heading to a few attraction sites.

Starting at the top, you can get an amazing view of the Queen City from the observation deck of Carew Tower. Located in the heart of Downtown, the Art-Deco tower offers spectacular views of downtown and Northern Kentucky. You’ll be in awe as you see the Ohio River and the city below you.

In addition to Carew Tower, you can also seek out Eden Park to take a look at the community overlooking the city of Cincinnati – one of its oldest parks – or visit one of the renowned bridges that crosses the Ohio River for a stunning view.

2. Get out and Explore

If you are looking for an immersive experience in Cincinnati, there are a wide range of activities that can get you familiar with the culture. Be sure to check out the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – with over 500 animals representing 75 species and more than 4,000 plant species, it is well worth your time. The zoo has been open since 1875 and refers to itself as “America’s favorite zoo”.

Another great way to explore the city is to take a ride on the street car. This revolutionary form of transportation opened in 2016 and can take you through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine with 15 stops along the way. The streetcar is not only efficient but a great way to see the city and get around.

3. Get to Know Its Histoty

When visiting a new city, it’s important to understand its history, and Cincinnati is no different. One of Cincinnati’s most intriguing attractions is its history museum, aptly named The Cincinnati History Museum. In its galleries, you’ll find exhibits highlighting the city’s long cultural and industrial past, from Native American artifacts to Cincinnati’s role in various wars to artifacts from some of its iconic restaurant chains like Skyline Chili and Frisch’s Big Boy.

You can also explore how Cincinnati was shaped from both a geographic and economic perspective through one of its numerous mural tours. From Downtown Cincinnati to Northside, visitors can join tours to explore murals from renowned artists such as Eduardo Kobra, Eduardo Fernandez, Katherine Simónek and many more. This is one of the best ways to get up close and personal to Cincinnati’s history and culture.

4. Have Fun in Music Hall

Cincinnati is well-known for its passionate music scene and Music Hall is the perfect place to experience it firsthand. You can join tours that run every Saturday morning in partnership with Musical Roots, or catch one of the numerous events they host throughout the year. Music Hall is home to many stellar performing arts groups — the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Pops Orchestra, Ballet, Opera, and Cincinnati May Festival — making it a must-visit destination for any music enthusiast or music lover in general.

5. Shop until You Drop

From Downtown to Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati has no shortage of shopping options. Whether you’re looking for vintage treasures or contemporary pieces, you’ll find them all here. With various malls and many local stores spread throughout town, you’ll be sure to find something you love for any occasion.

Of course, Over-the-Rhine is the focal point for shopping in the city, as it is home to some of the most distinct businesses around, from specialty shops like Cincy Shirts to The Neusolle Collection, where you’ll find vintage items ranging from jewelry to antiques. Being centrally located in downtown means that locals, tourists and anyone in between have easy access to art galleries and quaint boutiques lining its streets.

Conclusion

Cincinnati has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, shopping and entertainment for everyone – families, couples and individuals alike – so plan your visit carefully so you don’t miss out on anything! Whether you choose to take a look from above or explore on ground level, there are plenty of ways to soak up what this beautiful city has in store for you. From hip neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine to historic gems like Music Hall and Carew Tower, Cincinnati is guaranteed to have something special in store for each person who visits.

For more information on visiting this charming Ohio city check out VisitCincinnati.com, where you can find up-to-date information on events and attractions throughout Cincinnati that will help make your visit even more memorable!