Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Downtown Cincinnati

Downtown Cincinnati is a notable assembly of skyscrapers bordered by a vast expanse of the Ohio River and surrounded by urban lowland areas. Upon exploration, Downtown Cincinnati reveals its historical core, rooted in the 18th century with distinct German influences.

Visitors drawn to craft beer in September will discover that Downtown Cincinnati features the second-largest Oktoberfest globally. Should your visit not align with this festival, rest assured there are numerous other engaging activities available in Downtown Cincinnati beyond culinary delights and beer.

Enjoy a cruise along the Ohio River for stunning views of the Downtown Cincinnati skyline, elevate your experience in a helicopter, or relish a ride on a Ferris wheel. Alternatively, you may opt to explore intriguing museums, partake in a captivating history-focused guided tour, or indulge in the excitement of an amusement park. Regardless of your interests, this Ohio city offers a wealth of activities; however, this guide highlights fifteen exceptional experiences in Downtown Cincinnati to streamline your planning.

1. Skystar Wheel

The Skystar Wheel is a fifteen-story-high Ferris wheel located on East Freedom Way in Downtown Cincinnati.

Board one of the wheel’s thirty-six climate-controlled gondolas to witness the Downtown Cincinnati skyline, the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, and Smale Riverfront Park from an impressive altitude.

The Skystar makes several rotations during the ten to fifteen-minute experience. While enjoyable during the day, the nighttime illumination of the city and the bridge enhances the experience significantly.

2. The Banks

The Banks is a vibrant waterfront development offering an array of bars and restaurants, a professional baseball stadium at one end, and an events venue at the opposite end, complemented by a expansive 45-acre green space adjacent to the Ohio River.

This lively hub serves as a social gathering point both day and night, ideal for seeing and being seen. Consider taking a leisurely walk or bike ride through the Riverfront Park before enjoying drinks on the terrace of the Holy Grail sports bar or the stylish Moerlein Lager House. In the evening, savor exquisite cuisine at Galla Park or unwind with a cocktail on the patio of The Stretch.

3. American Legacy Tour

Delve into the rich history of Downtown Cincinnati by joining an American Legacy Tour. Meet your guide on Race Street within the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood to explore the historic Findlay Market, followed by an underground journey through a maze of brewery tunnels, offering a unique viewpoint of the city.

American Legacy Tours also provides a Newport Gangster Tour, a Bourbon and Spirits Distillery Tour, and for those with a penchant for sweets, a Cincinnati Wine and Dessert Tour. The walking tours typically last between ninety minutes and two hours.

4. Cincinnati Skyline Tour

Experience the exhilaration of viewing Downtown Cincinnati from the sky with a Stratus Helicopter.

The fifteen-minute helicopter rides depart from Lunken Airport and glide along the Ohio River, offering views of Cincinnati’s sports stadiums and the stunning skyline.

For further aerial exploration, consider the Cincinnati Scenic Tour or the River View flight. Be sure to bring a camera, as the vistas are breathtaking.

5. Cincinnati Museum Center

The Cincinnati Museum Center, located on Western Avenue in Downtown, is a remarkable art deco structure housing a variety of museums alongside a theatre and library.

The Cincinnati History Museum features exhibits chronicling the city’s journey from its inception to the modern era, complete with a full-scale vintage street and a boardable replica steamboat.

The Museum of Natural History and Science presents a dinosaur hall abundant with fossils and skeletons, a replica limestone cavern, and numerous interactive educational exhibits.

The Robert D. Lindner Theatre showcases films focused on wildlife, space, and the natural environment.

6. Ohio Riverboat Cruise

Embark on a leisurely dinner cruise on the Ohio River aboard the Spirit of Cincinnati paddle-wheeler.

The riverboat is moored on the eastern bank at O’Fallon Avenue in Dayton, Kentucky—just a ten-minute drive from Downtown Cincinnati.

Choose a table on the lower deck to relish a three-course meal while navigating the river, then ascend to the open top deck for breathtaking views of the Downtown Cincinnati skyline under the stars.

7. Fountain Square

Fountain Square in Downtown Cincinnati offers more than just a plaza featuring a decorative fountain.

While the square houses the iconic four-figure bronze Tyler Davidson fountain, it also serves as a bustling social gathering point surrounded by shops, eateries, and cafés. Fountain Square frequently hosts events and festivals throughout the year, including Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. During the Christmas season, a German-style market and an ice rink can be found in the square.

8. Great American Ball Park

The Great American Ball Park is a key sports facility in Downtown Cincinnati, serving as the home field for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team.

This open-air stadium, which also hosts concerts from both American and international artists, accommodates over forty thousand spectators and features multiple game fields along with a range of concession options.

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Museum, located within the ballpark, provides detailed insights into the history of more than eighty inductees, along with exhibitions showcasing memorabilia dating back to the late 19th century.

9. Ohio River Trail

The Ohio River Trail offers a five-mile-long paved path running alongside the river through Downtown Cincinnati.

This trail traverses several public parks within DT Cincy, providing a level walking, jogging, or cycling experience. Stunning views of the river and Downtown Cincinnati are available from the pathway, along with picturesque sights of neighboring Kentucky.

Bikes are available for rent through the Cincinnati Red Bike scheme, with numerous bike hubs located throughout the downtown area.

10. O’Malley’s In The Alley

Visit O’Malley’s In The Alley located at Ogden Place to experience authentic Irish hospitality in the heart of Downtown Cincinnati.

Having provided refreshment to residents for over a century, O’Malley’s claims the title of the city’s second-oldest bar.

Renowned for its exceptional Irish stout, O’Malley’s also offers a selection of crafted IPAs and amber ales. The pub menu features classic offerings, including sandwiches, wraps, and wings.

11. Coney Island Amusement Park

Experience a blend of amusement and water fun at Coney Island Amusement Park, situated just ten minutes from Downtown Cincinnati across the Combs-Hehl Bridge on Kellogg Avenue.

The theme park features two distinct areas: a water park and a traditional amusement park. The waterpark showcases slides exceeding one hundred feet in height, a Typhoon Tower, and a Tiki bar, while the amusement park offers several adrenaline-pumping rides, including a Scream Machine, Wipeout, and Scrambler.

12. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center serves as a profound museum dedicated to the legacy of the Underground Railroad and the ongoing fight against slavery, both historically and contemporary, in the U.S. and worldwide.

Located on Freedom Way in Downtown Cincinnati, the museum features pertinent exhibitions related to the era of American slavery, alongside interactive displays that allow visitors to engage in an escape simulation. The museum houses a vast multimedia collection and screens informative films daily about the struggles of that time.

13. Pleasant Ridge Chili

No visit to Downtown Cincinnati would be complete without sampling the city’s signature dish. For an authentic experience, visit Pleasant Ridge Chili on Montgomery Road and order a serving of chili-topped spaghetti.

The restaurant, featuring a nostalgic 1970s diner atmosphere, is renowned statewide for its flagship dish, which comes in various combinations. The basic 3-way consists of spaghetti topped with chili sauce and crowned with cheddar cheese. A 4-way features the addition of beans or onions, while a 5-way includes all ingredients piled on the plate.

Expect hearty comfort food rather than gourmet dining, so arrive with an appetite. Cincinnati’s chili spaghetti is a true comfort food classic.

14. Cincinnati Art Museum

The Cincinnati Art Museum, situated on Eden Park Drive in Downtown Cincinnati, houses nearly seventy thousand works of art across various genres.

Established in the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest art museums in the United States. Its permanent collection includes pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Renoir, along with numerous American painters and sculptors.

A coffee shop is available, serving gourmet coffees, alongside a terrace café with an outdoor ambiance and an art-focused gift shop within the museum.

15. Top of the Park At The Phelps

The Top of the Park is an elegant rooftop bar located in the Phelps Hotel on East 4th Street in Downtown Cincinnati.

The bar boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the city, making it an excellent locale for refined evening cocktails or stylish gatherings. The venue offers a limited but upscale tapas menu and frequently features live music from local artists.

Top of the Park At The Phelps epitomizes sophistication in Downtown Cincinnati—modern, stylish, and undeniably classy.