What to Do in Cincinnati: A Comprehensive Guide for Visitors

Cincinnati – the “Queen City’ – is one of Ohio’s and America’s liveliest cities, offering a diverse range of attractions, events and activities. Whether you’re looking splash out or just want to soak up the city’s atmosphere, there’s something for every budget and associated with every interest.

To ensure your Cincinnati adventures offer maximum fun, this guide provides everything you need to know about what to do in Cincy, from the landmarks and attractions worth visiting, to the all-important insider tips.

History and Culture

The city was founded in 1788 and was an important cultural, educational and commercial hub in the 19th century, being home to the first professional baseball team and art museum. Because of its cultural importance, Cincinnati (then Covington) was declared one of America’s first five major cities by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Cincinnati’s German culture started in the mid-1800s when a large wave of German immigrants arrived, bringing with them chili, beer and goetta (a traditional meat-and-grain sausage dish). It’s now famous for its authentic German Diner-style dishes and its classic Midwestern-style football chili.

Attractions

Most of Cincinnati’s best-known attractions are centered around Fountain Square in the city center. Cincinnati’s newest attraction – the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – is a must-visit destination concentrated on showcasing the bravery of those who marched to freedom against slavery. The center has collections of photographs and documents, along with a re-enactment of a slave-holding underground railway car in its cavernous basement.

Nature lovers should make their way to Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, which is home to a stunning collection of tombs ranging from Victorian cottages to miniature Gothic chapels. The cemetery also hosts some truly impressive monuments including the founder of Procter & Gamble State, as well as James N. Gamble (the inventor of Ivory Soap).

Also worth checking out is the Krohn Conservatory, one of Ohio’s oldest botanical gardens packed full with plant species from around the world (including an incredible 3,500 orchids).

Events & Experiences

Come August, most of Cincy’s one million plus residents descend upon the city for The Cincinnati Red Festival (CDF). It’s a colorful celebration of popular music and culture revolving around Main Street from Sunday morning to Friday night. On Saturday night, the party moves onto the MidPoint Music Festival; a mix of some of the best local rock music from Twenty One Pilots, The National and Tweens, as well as rappers Run The Jewels and MGMT.

If bike tours are more your style, check out the Queso City Tour for 24 miles (39 km) of fun and adventure on two wheels around the city’s iconic landmarks. You’ll get to explore the neighborhoods and get to know its rich local culture.

However, if cycling isn’t quite your thing then why not try one of Cincinnati’s world class gastronomic experiences instead? The Queen City Food Tour has 11 stops where you can explore the city through it cuisines and tastes crafted by some of Cincinnati’s top chefs. Their knowledgeable culinary guide will share stories of historic buildings during the tour, which will end with an extra special tasting at a chocolate shop.

You could also discover Cincinnati’s plethora of hidden bars and secret speakeasies on Let’s Roam’s Wacky Bar Crawl – an all-inclusive tour packed with beers at interesting local bars located only steps away from the city’s treasured landmarks including Fountain Square and the Carew Tower. It’s an unforgettable experience that takes you off the beaten track and allows you to explore the city in an unconventional way. Book your Cincinnati Wacky Bar Crawl By Let’s Roam experience here.

Those looking for adventure need not look any further than the Playhouse in the Park or the Coney Island Amusement Park – both offerings rides galore, nostalgic games and refreshments conveniently located along the banks of the Ohio River.

Accommodation

Cincinnati is filled with comfortable accommodation across all budgets from budget hostels to luxury hotels, allowing visitors to focus on getting the most out of their stay while having somewhere nice to rest their head.

As the city has grown in popularity so too has its accommodation options; travelers can find anything from chic apartments to private rooms in upscale B&Bs. A large number of hotels are also located downtown and offer access to sights within walking distance – ideal for those seeking convenience and comfort (especially after a few drinks at bar crawl!). Booking ahead is recommended as accommodation can get busy quickly during peak tourist season in summertime.

Food & Drink

With over 600 restaurants throughout the city you can find something for all tastes – from contemporary fusion Korean food to traditional German specialities. Both locals and travelers alike rave about The Eagle food & beer hall (the “best fried chicken sandwich in America”), Sotto which does gourmet pizza, Mita’s for upscale Mexican cuisine, Maribelle for farm-to-table bistro fare and StoneFruit Coffee Co for some fantastic espresso-based drinks and sumptuous cakes.

For drinks with friends, head down to Rhinegeist – an award-winning craft brewery in our historic Brewery District whose illustrious beers have been featured in Bon Appetit Magazine, The New York Times, CNN Travel and Time Magazine just to name a few. You can also visit one of its taprooms where live music shows await you each night. Other popular beer spots in Cincinnati include Higher Gravity (which has an eclectic selection of craft beers) and Brink Brewing Co., voted one of America’s top 30 favorite new breweries by BeerAdvocate Magazine in 2018.

Nightlife & Shopping

For its size, Cincinnati has a phenomenal nightlife – you can find karaoke bars, live bands playing at venues like Madison Live, or underground clubs such as The Blind Lemon near Fountain Square. Dancers can also head down to some old-school ‘house’ clubs for throwback nights! For those looking for something a little bit different than just bars then there are several interesting indie theaters worth checking out such as The Esquire Theatre or the renovated bowling alley in Overlook Lodge that provides virtually endless entertainment!

For shopping head over to Hyde Park which has an array of boutiques alongside eateries – perfect for finding those special gifts or treats for yourself that you won’t find elsewhere! You can also buy vinyl records at Shake it Records which organizes live concerts on random nights. Another great spot for shopping is Findlay Market – it’s a public outdoor farmers’ market where vendors sell anything from local produce to souvenirs for $5!

In Conclusion

Cincinnati has something for everyone from immersive tours to gastronomic delights and rowdy bars coupled with fantastic shopping opportunities – it really has it all! Make sureWhen planning your trip choose one of our many attractions, events or experiences before setting off on your travels! And don’t forget to book your Cincinnati Wacky Bar Crawl By Let’s Roam experience here!