Cincinnati, OH

Travel Guide

Cincinnati
Cincinnati which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and a church or cathedral
Cincinnati which includes heritage architecture and interior views
Cincinnati which includes fall colors, a pond and forests
Cincinnati showing rides and fall colors

This German-influenced city is known for its charming old neighborhoods, baseball, “five-way” chili and beer festivals.

Cincinnati gets its charm from old, hilly neighborhoods, cheering sports fans and a German heritage. This is where brother-in-laws Procter and Gamble started making soap over 175 years ago, and where America’s first professional baseball team was formed. TV personality Jerry Springer was once the mayor of Cincinnati.

The city celebrates its German roots with beer festivals and sausage-inspired cuisine. Order a locally brewed beer with Goetta sausage, or try the signature “five-way” chili. This dish usually consists of layers of chili, kidney beans, onions, spaghetti and cheese, and can be seasoned with chocolate and cinnamon.

Cincinnati was founded in 1788 and now has about 300,000 residents. More than two million people live in the wider metropolitan area. Navigate downtown as part of a guided walking tour or take a horse-drawn carriage. Rent a Segway or pedal wagon for a fun afternoon. Exploring Cincinnati is also easy by car and public transport.

Seven hills make up the city’s historical neighborhoods. Orient yourself from the observation deck of downtown Carew Tower. From there, you can see the city skyline or gaze across the Ohio River to Kentucky on the other side.

Over-the-Rhine is a charming and culture-filled neighborhood just north of downtown. Wander through its streets featuring beautiful 19th-century architecture to find attractions like the majestic Music Hall and lively Findlay Market.

Head northeast to Eden Park for the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory.

West of downtown, the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a popular entertainment complex with five museums and a cinema. See a moon rock collected by Neil Armstrong at the Natural History and Science Museum. The Duke Energy Children’s Museum caters to families with young children.

The landscapes of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum reflect the seasons with ever-changing gardens.

At night head to Mount Adams, a hillside neighborhood packed with bars and clubs. Many of these venues offer impressive views of the city skyline. Find a seat, order a local brew and toast to your Cincinnati experience.

Where to stay in Cincinnati

Fountain Square

Downtown Cincinnati

4/5(1,452 area reviews)

Discover historic architecture and districts in the heart of the city, with museums like the Contemporary Arts Center and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Enjoy waterfront dining at The Banks, and take in the views from Carew Tower's observation deck.

Downtown Cincinnati
Washington Park

Over-the-Rhine

Boasting a rich architectural heritage, Over-the-Rhine offers a vibrant food scene with local chefs and artisan brewers. Explore Findlay Market, Cincinnati Music Hall, and Washington Park for a memorable experience.

Over-the-Rhine
This place used to be the home of the US Playing Card Company, there are great abandoned building photos all over the internet but it’s locked up tight now and the police even cruised by in the 10 minutes we were there.  #ontheroad

Norwood

Unique features of Norwood include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Rookwood Commons or Drake Planetarium while you're exploring the area.

Norwood
Krohn Conservatory which includes a park and fall colors

Mount Adams

4/5(36 area reviews)

Surrounded by Eden Park, this residential area boasts landmarks like the Cincinnati Art Museum and Playhouse in the Park. Dine at the converted Rookwood Pottery restaurant and explore historic churches.

Mount Adams
Creole Mac & Cheese: Andouille sausage, roasted chicken, caramelized onions, red and green bell peppers and mozzarella, topped with panko bread crumbs

Hyde Park

Situated between Interstate 71 and the Ohio River, this neighborhood boasts Hyde Park Square, a hub for family-owned shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Don't miss the Kilgour Fountain and the iconic Graeter's Ice Cream parlor.

Hyde Park
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Anderson Township

While visiting Anderson Township, you might make a stop by sights like Belterra Park Gaming and Entertainment Center and Riverbend Music Center.

Anderson Township
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
668 W 5th St, Covington, KY
Fully refundable
$135 nightly
The price is $152 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$152 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Covington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7/10 Good! (2,083 reviews)
"It was ok"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

4 out of 5
35 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH
$124 nightly
The price is $148 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$148 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Cincinnati. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,034 reviews)
"Check in was quick and easy, staff at front desk are very friendly. Room was clean and spacious. Beds were soft and comfortable. Plenty of pillows provided. Plenty of provided toiletries & towels in bathroom. Easy walk to fountain square or the Reds stadium."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG

voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
701 Broadway Street, Cincinnati, OH
$119 nightly
The price is $142 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$142 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cincinnati. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,014 reviews)
"Nice room layout, walkable location . Would definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cincinnati Camp Cedar

Cincinnati Camp Cedar

3 out of 5
5158 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Mason. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Kings Island and Lindner Family Tennis Center are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (135 reviews)
"Kid friendly, beautiful view and perfect location for all events."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Cincinnati Camp Cedar
Birch Hill Suites Extended Stay - Blue Ash

Birch Hill Suites Extended Stay - Blue Ash

3.5 out of 5
4650 Cornell Rd, Cincinnati, OH
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly condo in Cincinnati. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sharon Woods Golf ...
5.6/10 (400 reviews)
"I really enjoyed in hotel"

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025

Birch Hill Suites Extended Stay - Blue Ash
Pickle Factory Hotel

Pickle Factory Hotel

2.5 out of 5
13 Tobacco Aly, Covington, KY
Stay at this apartment in Covington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
"Great stay at the Pickle Factory Hotel in Covington KY. Very good value in that pricing included parking and the room had a small kitchen. I loved the quirky decor and felt safe there. It is close to an auto repair shop so there was some neighborhood noise but I also loved hearing the church bells ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Pickle Factory Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s riverfront district is the focus for most visitors to the city, and it is easy to explore on foot. A car will give you extra freedom and let you travel further afield, but it’s not necessary within the central area of the city itself. Get around Downtown on the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar and see the rest of the city by bus. Taxis and bike rentals are also readily available. Visit the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit AuthorityOpens in a new window website.Browse Cincinnati rental cars.

Best time to visit

From spring through fall, Cincinnati is a great place to be. Each month has its pros and cons. September and May are particularly busy due to festivals and events and pleasant weather. Summer does get extremely hot and humid, but open-air cultural events and a range of events centered on the river make this a good time to see the city nonetheless. Winter gets very cold.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cincinnati

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1228
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
1724
4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
489
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
34
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
30
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We could mot go all those places because there were closed (Pandemia) but we enjoyed dinners & lunches in some of the rest. already open after few months....: Yard House - Jefferson Banks - Olive Garden....and the ride in the BoatRiver

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very close to Eden Park beautiful location

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We gad a very good weekend. Thanks Maria L.G.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

I leave in Cincinnati, we just came there for a staycation.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I live here just wanted to be away from my apartment for the weekend.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Always working on the roads

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