Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Cincinnati, Ohio

Straddling the border between the Deep South and the Midwest, Cincinnati reflects a unique amalgamation of American industrialization, barbeque traditions, baseball enthusiasm, and a rich historical narrative along the banks of the Ohio River, a key tributary to the Mississippi River.

This blend is evident in the city’s extensive array of museums, all nestled within the verdant expanses of Eden Park and the majestic Union Station, alongside esteemed Major League sports venues.

Moreover, Cincinnati is a thriving metropolis. Its neighborhoods feature eclectic coffee shops, artistic cafes, and a plethora of microbreweries, contributing to its vibrant cultural atmosphere.

The art displays are both innovative and stimulating, complemented by an array of exceptional dining establishments. Below is a list of the top activities to partake in while visiting Cincinnati, popularly known as the Queen City of the West…

1. See endangered gorillas and more at the Cincinnati Zoo

Located just north of the University District, the Cincinnati Zoo is home to a diverse collection of fascinating and exotic wildlife.

Exhibitions include swift cheetahs, elusive snow leopards, sand cats, Siberian lynxes, bears, and wolves, complemented by a variety of reptiles such as venomous snakes and slow-moving armadillos.

Additionally, the aquarium showcases sunfish and sharp-toothed piranhas, enhancing the experience!

The Cincinnati Zoo is renowned for its exemplary CREW conservation initiative, which has actively worked to protect various species, particularly the endangered lowland gorilla native to the Congo.

2. Get a hit of caffeine and art at BLOC Coffee Company

Situated in the burgeoning Price Hill neighborhood on the city’s western edge, BLOC Coffee Company exemplifies the independent American café.

The menu boasts an assortment of grilled cheese sandwiches and potato chips, though the primary emphasis is on the coffee. Offerings include Chemex coffee, Hario V60s, French presses, and chai lattes, alongside the classic espresso and Americano varieties.

The establishment regularly showcases local artists, with previous exhibitions highlighting photography and landscape portraiture.

3. Contemplate freedom and America’s dark history at the National Underground Railroad

A relatively modern addition to Cincinnati’s esteemed museum landscape, the National Underground Railroad opened its doors in 2004.

The institution represents a new genre of “conscience” museums in the United States, aiming to address the country’s more troubling historical narratives while presenting raw, often unsettling chapters of history to provoke reflection among visitors.

This museum specifically addresses the issue of slavery, with its location along the Ohio River holding historical significance as a crucial point where escaped slaves would pause en route to freedom in Canada.

Exhibits include films and artifacts from the abolitionist era, highlighting a poignant installation of a slave pen—one of the few remaining intact examples in the nation.

4. Unravel the city’s history at the Cincinnati History Museum

Occupying the historic Union Terminal, a former landmark of America’s railroad era, the Cincinnati History Museum effectively narrates the evolution of the Queen City of the West from its inception.

The diverse exhibitions range from artifacts from World War II to reconstructions that illustrate life for Cincinnati’s early settlers and pioneers.

In addition, a large-scale replica of a Mississippi steamboat from the 1800s evokes the time when the city served as a crucial stop along trade routes and leisure river excursions southward.

5. Hit a home run at the Great American Ball Park

Completely reconstructed and inaugurated in 2003 to replace the former Cincinnati Reds’ home at Cinergy Field, Great American Ball Park is the venue to experience Major League Baseball in the Queen City.

Located adjacent to Nuxhall Way, named in honor of the late MLB broadcaster Joe Nuxhall, the stadium features intriguing architectural elements.

Among these are the Power Stacks, designed to emulate the appearance of traditional steamboats that once navigated the Ohio River, alongside mosaics commemorating Cincinnati’s illustrious baseball history.

Connected to the stadium is the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, honoring the legends of local baseball.

6. Get fine panoramas from the top of the Carew Tower

This Art Deco masterpiece has loomed over downtown Cincinnati and the winding course of the Ohio River since its construction in the 1930s.

Now recognized as an emblem of the Queen City of the West, the skyscraper houses an upscale Hilton hotel known for its ornate mirrored dining halls and original Secessionist characteristics.

The complex also features numerous shops and dining options, while the 49th floor hosts an observation deck providing expansive views of the cityscape and the Kentucky plains across the river.

7. Wander the elaborate graves at the Spring Grove Cemetery

Positioned at the northern outskirts of Cincinnati, where suburban areas gradually transition into Ohio’s fields and forests, visitors will encounter one of the state’s most poignant National Historic Landmarks.

Encompassing over 700 acres, the Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum ranks as the second largest cemetery in the United States.

This site rests to numerous prominent figures associated with Cincinnati’s history, including Civil War generals, baseball players, former mayors, and abolitionists.

Moreover, it serves as a serene area for reflection, characterized by its scenic wooded paths and intricately designed mausoleums.

8. Seek out masterpieces at the Cincinnati Art Museum

Filled with masterpieces from renowned artists such as Rubens, Bouguereau, Memling, and Modigliani, the Cincinnati Art Museum is often regarded as one of the premier classical art museums in the nation.

Operating for nearly 150 years, it opened its doors in Eden Park in 1886. In addition to its permanent collection of global masterpieces, the museum regularly hosts traveling exhibitions, covering topics from fan creations inspired by HBO’s Game of Thrones to revivals of etching techniques, and even live swing dance performances.

The museum also organizes family-friendly art workshops for children on site.

9. Enjoy all-American staples at Eli’s BBQ

Renowned for its expertise in traditional American barbeque, Eli’s BBQ delights both locals and visitors with an array of succulent ribs, hickory-smoked pulled pork sandwiches, smoked rib tips, and hot dogs.

Sides include quintessential mac and cheese, Tex-Mex jalapeno cornbread, and baked beans. The rustic, inviting interior, crafted from warm woods, enhances the dining experience along the scenic riverside of Cincinnati.

Arguably, there is no better place in the Queen City to savor the delectable cuisine that has evolved on the Ohio-Kentucky border.

10. Sip local craft ales and beers at MadTree Brewing

Located in a trendy industrial-style warehouse in the northeastern section of Cincinnati, MadTree Brewing is at the forefront of the city’s burgeoning independent microbrew sector.

The taproom features handcrafted wooden bars and a chalkboard menu showcasing the current selections of ales. Visitors can sample various innovative brews, including the robust Gnarly Brown and the flavorful Dreamsicle, which combines vanilla and orange—just to name a few!

Guests can also enjoy wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas from the on-site food truck, Catch-a-Fire Pizza. Brewery tours are conducted every Saturday.

11. Board a riverboat on the Ohio River

Evoking nostalgia for the 1800s and early 1900s, when Cincinnati thrived as a center for tourism and commerce due to riverboat travel, various companies now offer excursions on historical steamers.

Visitors can select from evening dining cruises or daytime sightseeing voyages, with some operators providing themed experiences specifically designed for children.

12. Enjoy the gazebos and pathways of Eden Park

Situated along the Ohio River banks amid the lush surroundings of Walnut Hills, Eden Park is arguably the premier destination for urban greenery in Cincinnati.

This picturesque location features serene fountains and an array of architectural marvels, including the iconic Moorish-style Spring House Gazebo and statues depicting Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome, alongside the legendary she-wolf.

In essence, this area is an ideal locale for leisurely strolls, providing glimpses of some of the Queen City’s more distinctive landmarks.

13. Stroll the Riverwalk

No visit to Cincinnati would be complete without a leisurely stroll along the renowned Riverwalk, which follows the Ohio River’s course from east to west, tracing the boundary between Ohio and Kentucky to the south.

The Riverwalk offers beautiful views of both Cincinnati’s skyline and the southern banks, along with plenty of playgrounds and picnic areas to enhance the experience.

Additionally, visitors can cross the industrial bridges that connect to Kentucky, mingling with joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists along the way.

14. Get the adrenaline flowing on Kings Island

Attracting approximately 3.2 million visitors annually (only during the spring to summer seasons), Kings Island ranks among the most popular recreational attractions in Cincinnati.

Located in the outer suburbs, just a short 25-minute drive from downtown, the park features exhilarating roller coasters like the twisting Banshee and the aptly named Beast, the longest wooden coaster of its kind globally. Additionally, Soak City waterpark provides refreshing relief and thrilling rides during the summer months, featuring wave pools and exciting slide experiences.

Kings Island also hosts festive Halloween events, reopening for a weekend of spooky celebrations each October.

15. Go shopping and eating in Findlay Market

Located within the picturesque, historic streets of the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, characterized by charming tenement buildings and cobblestone streets, Findlay Market serves as one of Cincinnati’s premier attractions for retail enthusiasts and shoppers.

The market is brimming with local craft vendors and producers, offering fresh produce, artisan cakes, bespoke chocolates, floral arrangements, locally crafted beers and spirits, tantalizing pastries, ethically sourced meats, and fresh dairy products—among other goods.

Regular neighborhood events, including a weekly small-scale Oktoberfest celebration hosted by the OTR Biergarten, take place here as well.