Discovering Cincinnati: A Midwestern Gem
Built along the banks of the Ohio River, bustling Cincinnati is one of the Midwest’s most charming and charismatic cities. Vibrant German heritage abounds in this Southwest Ohio gem, with historic architecture and a legendary beer scene celebrated with the world’s second-largest Oktoberfest. Cincinnati’s neighborhoods are dotted across the city’s rolling hills—these hills make cars and rideshares the best way to hop from borough to borough.
Over-the-Rhine
Best neighborhood for bites and brews
The Queen City is a symbol of resilience, and fewer places illustrate this as well as Over-the-Rhine (referred to by locals as “OTR”), one of the best neighborhoods around Cincinnati. In the early 2000s, OTR topped America’s most dangerous cities list. Today, it packs crowds into its colorful bars, breweries, and restaurants. OTR is easily walkable, although the city’s latest addition, the Cincinnati Street Car, runs from the neighborhood’s north end out to downtown’s riverfront, connecting attractions like the food and artisan hub Findlay Market, the new FC Cincinnati soccer stadium, and historic classical-music venue, Cincinnati Music Hall.
Craft beer was a boon to OTR’s revival, with nearly a dozen breweries in this Cincinnati travel hotspot. Rhinegeist, one of the city’s earliest craft breweries, dazzles beer enthusiasts with a city-view rooftop terrace and sprawling warehouse-style taproom. The UK’s cult-followed Brewdog Brewery has one of its only US taprooms on the OTR-Pendleton neighborhood border. Meanwhile, Taft’s Ale House brews creative beer in an upcycled church.
Beer isn’t the only OTR attraction. The neighborhood’s ever-growing list of Ohio’s top restaurants surprises first-time visitors. Salazar Restaurant, the brainchild of James Beard-nominated José Salazar, is among the district’s most sought-after dining spots. Upscale hotdogs at Senate are equally hard to beat.
Riverfront
Best neighborhood for outdoor activities
The recently revamped riverfront neighborhood is one of the best places to explore while in Cincinnati. Gardens, bike paths, fountains, and shaded benches line this Ohio River bank, which sits at the base of Cincinnati’s greater downtown area. Sports lovers will enjoy professional baseball, football, and hockey stadiums just steps from the water. A buzzing row of bars and restaurants built around the stadiums, including Cincinnati’s iconic Moerlein Lager House, add to the riverfront experience.
A meandering pedestrian pathway connects Smale Riverfront Park to a series of parks along the water, making it a popular route among runners, walkers, and cyclists. Visitors can take two bridges connecting Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: the pedestrian-only Newport Southbank Bridge, known as the “Purple People Bridge” for its vibrant color and the bright-blue John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge.
Moreover, a host of waterfront attractions offers families full-day fun. Start at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for an important dose of history. Visitors can then enjoy the new 15-story Skystar Observation Wheel and Carol Ann’s Carousel. For a unique experience tied to Cincinnati’s steamboat history, the BB Riverboat Cruises offer themed tours along the Ohio River.
Downtown
Best neighborhood for sightseeing
Downtown Cincinnati boasts the Queen City’s best sights. Start at the cultural hub of the Cincinnati Museum Center, a National Historic Landmark that houses multiple museums under one stunning roof. The center includes the Cincinnati History Museum, Cincinnati History Library and Archive, and the Museum of Natural History & Science. This crash-course in Cincinnati’s culture and history continues in the eastern section of downtown, with the city’s Broadway hub, the Aronoff Center for the Arts.
The city’s main plaza, Fountain Square, is a gathering space for events year-round, making it one of the best places to explore in Cincinnati. Live music, dancing, and food-truck festivals keep Fountain Square lively throughout the seasons.
While it’s not as restaurant-packed as neighbor OTR, downtown Cincinnati offers delicious fare. Can’t-miss classic Arnold’s Bar & Grill, the city’s oldest continually open tavern, serves comfort food with craft brews. Meanwhile, Scottish-American gastropub Nicholson’s Pub invites diners into a cozy atmosphere.
Mount Adams
Best neighborhood for art lovers
Perched above the Ohio River, the Mount Adams neighborhood attracts visitors with stunning skyline views and a variety of art experiences. The area is home to the beloved Playhouse in the Park, which hosts local shows throughout the year. Nearby, the renowned Cincinnati Art Museum features an extensive collection of artworks and offers breathtaking views of the city.
Among other entertainment venues, the Seasongood Pavilion hosts summer movie nights and outdoor concerts, enhancing the cultural experience of Mount Adams. This neighborhood is also near Eden Park, home to the Krohn Conservatory, which boasts an indoor botanical garden.
While arts and nature captivate visitors, Mount Adams also offers some historical dining spots. The former speakeasy Mount Adams Bar & Grill serves delightful bar food with local brews, and the scenic City View Tavern creates a unique dining atmosphere.
Hyde Park
Best neighborhood for families
Hyde Park serves as a peaceful alternative to the hustle of downtown Cincinnati. Located 15 minutes east of OTR and downtown, it is known for its family-friendly culture, signified by Hyde Park Square. Visitors can enjoy sweet treats from renowned ice cream shop Graeters and comfort food from Arthur’s.
The neighborhood houses the Queen City’s best stargazing spot, the Cincinnati Observatory, which runs weekly astronomy events. Additionally, Ault Park features beautiful gardens and trails, making it an ideal location for family outings.
