Fountain Square Tours

Fountain Square
Fountain Square
Fountain Square
Fountain Square
Fountain Square


Attend a rally or art exhibit in this busy piazza marked by a gorgeous bronze fountain from the 19th century.

Fountain Square is a large and spacious plaza in the heart of Cincinnati dating back to the 1800s. The many shops and restaurants that formed around this lively square have made it the nucleus of the city. Meet friends at this popular gathering point, before exploring the entertainment district around it.

Marvel at the opulence of the majestic Tyler Davidson Fountain in the center of the square. Also known as the Genius of Water, the statue is among the city’s most iconic emblems. Sit on the edge of the fountain with a book and people-watch in this busy part of the city.

Gaze up at the central female figure with arms spread wide. The fountain is 43 feet (13 meters) tall and cast in bronze. Inspect the various figures and motifs of this complex work of art dedicated to the memory of a businessman’s brother-in-law.

Attend some of the many events that take place in the square, including concerts, festivals, speeches and other important activities. Visit during holidays to see how the plaza changes. Oktoberfest and Halloween are among the many causes for autumn celebration. In winter, an ice rink appears. See occasional temporary art exhibits showcased in the plaza.

Embark on one of the walking tours that commence from the square. Stroll through the Fountain Square District for its many restaurants and specialty shops. The area is also full of offices and hotels.

Note that Fountain Square stands on a former Indian mound and replaced the butcher’s market when it was built in 1871. See political rallies, large gatherings and workers on their lunch breaks.

Find Fountain Square in the downtown area of Cincinnati. It is a few blocks north of the Ohio River and can easily be reached via the streetcar. Visit nearby landmarks, such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Great American Ballpark and Smale Riverfront Park.

Plan a trip to see Fountain Square

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
Belterra Casino Resort
Hotel Covington Cincinnati Riverfront

Reviews of Fountain Square

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
277
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
283
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
71
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
11
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

2/5 - Disappointing

Jo

The frequent outdoor concerts held here were ear-shatteringly loud. I was kept awake in the middle of the night in my hotel room two blocks away.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lots of food trucks. Nice place to sit outside and eat...

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lovely at night.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Fountain Square is looking junky with everything that has been piled on the Square. Both my husband and I could not see the fountain on the first pass down the street.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Via Vite restaurant is a must go.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Ice skating was being set up and you couldn’t see the fountain

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Fountain Square

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

4 out of 5
151 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

4 out of 5
35 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
The Westin Cincinnati

The Westin Cincinnati

4 out of 5
21 E 5th St, Cincinnati, OH
The Westin Cincinnati
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG

voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
701 Broadway Street, Cincinnati, OH
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
668 W 5th St, Covington, KY
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
The Cincinnatian Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton

The Cincinnatian Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
601 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH
The Cincinnatian Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

4.5 out of 5
609 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel

Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel

4 out of 5
36 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH
Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati Riverfront by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati Riverfront by IHG

2.5 out of 5
200 Crescent Ave, (At Crescent and 3rd), Covington, KY
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati Riverfront 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.

Things to do near Fountain Square

Fountain Square in Cincinnati offers a vibrant mix of activities, including sports, baseball games, and live music events. Visitors can also enjoy various shopping options nearby, making it a great spot for leisure and entertainment. With its lively atmosphere, Fountain Square promises a delightful experience for tourists looking to explore the heart of the city.

Shopping

Newport on the Levee, just 1 mile from Fountain Square, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Findlay Market, also 1 mile away, is perfect for local goods and city energy. For antique lovers, Riverside Centre Antique Mall is 4 miles away.

Recreation

At Great American Ball Park, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, just 0.4 miles from Fountain Square. For a musical escape, Riverbend Music Center, 6 miles away, offers captivating concerts. For relaxation, Winton Woods Park, 11 miles out, provides serene nature trails and peaceful picnicking spots.

Adventure

Experience excitement at Ride The Ducks Newport, an outdoor adventure located 1 mile from Fountain Square, where you can splash into the Ohio River. For a scenic outdoor escape, explore the California Trailhead, 6 miles away, or hike the beautiful Avoca Park Trailhead, 10 miles away.

Nightlife

Fountain Square boasts vibrant nightlife with the Taft Theatre offering a mix of culture and entertainment just 0.3 miles away. The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 0.2 miles away, provides romantic performances, while the Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 0.5 miles away, showcases unique productions. Enjoy a lively atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Fountain Square

Fountain Square in Cincinnati offers a variety of attractions for every type of traveler. Explore the urban park for outdoor experiences, visit the railway museum to dive into history, or discover local historic places that enrich your cultural journey. Families will find plenty to enjoy, making Fountain Square a vibrant hub for relaxation and exploration in the heart of the city.

  • Heritage Bank Center: Located only 0.5 miles from Fountain Square, this vibrant arena hosts a variety of events, from concerts to family shows, offering an energetic atmosphere that’s perfect for entertainment seekers.
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal: A mile away, this stunning railway museum immerses visitors in local history and culture, featuring fascinating exhibits and a grand Art Deco architecture that enhances the experience.
  • Ohio River: Just 0.6 miles from Fountain Square, the Ohio River provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. Enjoy scenic walks, boat rides, or simply relax by the water while taking in the beautiful views.

Best time to go to Fountain Square

The best time to visit Fountain Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Fountain Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Fountain Square falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February34.5°F (1.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.6°F (3.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fountain Square

To save money on your trip to Fountain Square, plan your visit between December and February when hotel prices are lower, and aim to book your stay for a Monday rather than a Saturday. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly hotels and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership provides exclusive discounts and allows you to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the square to enjoy your visit without spending much.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fountain Square are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fountain Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Fountain Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your results by price, starting with the lowest rates, to easily find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you can narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Fountain Square hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia