25 Best Things to Do in Cincinnati in 2023 (By a Local)

As a born-and-raised Cincinnati local, I’m excited to share the absolute best things to do in Cincinnati!

In this guide, I cover Queen City activities for every interest and budget. Visit free urban parks, engage in an evening of culture, or visit the city’s iconic breweries. I also share ideas for sports fans, history buffs, families, and anyone seeking unique experiences!

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25 Best Things to Do in Cincinnati

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

See animals from around the globe at the nation’s second-oldest zoo.

Exterior view architectural structure of the Reptile House at the Cincinnati Zoo — *The Reptile House at the Cincinnati Zoo*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 281-4700 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $17.50 – 24.00 for adults, $11.50 – 18.00 for ages 3 – 12 and 62+

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, located in Avondale, is home to one of Ohio‘s greatest assortments of animals. Whether you want to see red pandas, pythons, or parakeets, they’re all here. Don’t forget about the thousands of imported and local plants!

There are many interactive experiences available. These include the Conservation Carousel, Safari Train, and 4-D Theater. You can attend an educational talk and see a live feeding as well.

This zoo is also heavily focused on conservation efforts. Because of this, you can see many endangered animals living here. Many endangered species have successfully been bred at the Cincinnati Zoo. The California sea lion is one example. The zoo has also been home to the last members of species now extinct.

Findlay Market

Experience the market scene in Cincinnati, Ohio.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 665-4839 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Tuesday – Thursday, 8 am – 6 pm Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm Sunday, Closed Monday | Entrance: free ($2 for parking with validation)

No list of things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio would be complete without Findlay Market! This is an open-air market in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. It has dozens of ethnic food stalls and flea market vendors, outdoors and indoors.

Findlay Market is one of the oldest public markets in Ohio, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. For many locals, it’s a weekly tradition. The main attraction is the food. You can find tons of produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, desserts, wines, and more.

However, it doesn’t end with food. You can see all sorts of crafts, including jewelry and paintings by local artists, as well as cookware by local stonemasons. On warm days, you can also enjoy street performers and a beer garden!

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Check out my guide on where to stay in Cincinnati!

American Sign Museum

See all the signs and learn what’s behind them.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 541-6366 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday – Saturday, 12 pm – 4 pm Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday | Entrance: $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 13 – 18 and seniors (65+)

The American Sign Museum is about 10 minutes north of downtown. It’s one of the best things to do in Cincinnati, and one of the top places to visit in Ohio! See old-fashioned signs from centuries ago, vintage movie billboards, and more modern neon signs in its 20,000 square feet.

You can also learn all about the history of signage in this country, and how it influenced the development of society. The museum covers how these signs are made, too.

Fountain Square

Enjoy fun things in the heart of the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 621-4400 | Website | Hours: always open (variable hours for events and businesses) | Entrance: free (variable fees for events, shops, and restaurants)

Many see Fountain Square as the heart and soul of the downtown area. You’ll find some of the city’s very best entertainment on the stretch between Walnut Street and Vine Street. Wonderful shops and restaurants dot the area, and Fountain Square itself is home to many fantastic events and programs. Best of all, most of these events are free!

If you’re here in the winter, you can enjoy stunning decorations and the Winter Wonder Lights pop-up market. Not to mention, there’s an ice rink! When it’s warm, you can get refreshments from local food trucks and enjoy live music outdoors.

Skyline Chili

Enjoy the quintessential Cincinnati food.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 221-2142 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 1 am Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 2 am Friday – Saturday, 10 am – 12 am Sunday (variable hours based on location) | Entrance: free (plus the cost of food)

Every city has its unique profile when it comes to local cuisine. The staple item in Cincinnati, OH is Cincinnati chili. There are many chili parlors in the city, but perhaps the most famous is Skyline Chili.

The above hours and location information are for the oldest-standing Skyline Chili, which opened in 1966. However, there are Skyline Chili locations all over Cincinnati, Ohio.

This chili is distinct from Texas chili, which is essentially a meat stew. Cincinnati chili, specifically Skyline chili, has a signature flavor. It includes infusions of nutmeg, cinnamon, and chocolate. It’s served over spaghetti with beans and/or onions if you so choose.

For the foodies, this is certainly one of the best things to do in Cincinnati!

Coney Island Park

Experience summer fun at this family-friendly amusement park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 232-8230 | Website | Hours: variable, depending on season | Entrance: $19.95 per person (ages 8+), $11.95 for kids ages 2-7, $16.95 for ages 62+

No summer visit to Cincinnati is complete without a trip to Coney Island Park. It’s located just east of downtown and is one of the best things to do in Cincinnati, OH!

It’s perhaps best known for the Sunlite Water Adventure theme park. This is home to the largest recirculating pool in the world and thrilling water rides. Get soaked at Typhoon Tower, or just relax in a cabana with a drink!

You can also play miniature golf or go to a midnight swim party. There are many regular rides for those who want to stay dry, including a roller coaster. If you happen to visit on Sunday Funday, you can enjoy the live music as well!

Newport Aquarium

Immerse yourself in an underwater world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 406-3474 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 7 pm Friday, 9 am – 8 pm Saturday and Sunday | Entrance: $22.99 – 39.99 for adults (ages 13+), $14.99 – 31.99 for children ages 2 – 12

A visit to the Newport Aquarium, just across the river in Newport, Kentucky, is one of the best day trips from Cincinnati! Here, you can see thousands of majestic sea creatures swimming around in millions of gallons of water. Sharks, jellyfish, colorful fish, coral reefs — it’s all here!

Walk through their environment in underwater tunnels, and gaze at the sea creatures swimming above and next to you. You’ll be astonished by the diversity alone, as there are about 650 species living here and more than 16,000 animals in total.

There are many special events as well, including Mermaid’s Cove in the summer and Scuba Santa close to the holidays. If you can’t come during those times, there’s a penguin parade every day!

Smale Riverfront Park

Walk past landmarks of the city center with the Ohio River as a backdrop.

Smale Riverfront Park spans 45 acres on the Cincinnati, OH waterfront. It stretches from the Great American Ball Park (home of the Cincinnati Reds) to Paul Brown Stadium (home of the Cincinnati Bengals). The Cincinnati Park Board manages it.

It’s located at one end of the Cincinnati Riverwalk, otherwise known as the Ohio River Trail. The Cincinnati Riverwalk allows you to walk up to multiple landmarks in downtown Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky.

The park itself is home to many acres of landscaped gardens, water play areas, a playground, and tons of picnic space! You can sit on a bench swing facing the river, enjoy the vintage Carol Ann’s Carousel, or try out the foot piano! Many Cincinnati festivals also take place here.

👉 Pro Tip: At the other end of the Cincinnati Riverwalk is the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. You can walk across the Roebling Suspension Bridge into Kentucky. See not only amazing panoramic views of the Ohio River but the unique construction of the bridge itself.

Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove

Hang out by the Ohio River and see a concert.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 357-2604 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: free

Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove are side-by-side parks on the shores of the Ohio River. Both are some of the best parks in Cincinnati, and stretch for about a mile along the riverfront. Not only can you enjoy beautiful waterfront views, but also lots of activity spaces. There are places to play volleyball and tennis, as well as concession stands, picnic tables, and performance pavilions.

Sawyer Point is home to an outdoor amphitheater where you can see live events, including concerts. The Serpentine Wall is also here. It’s a wall of large concrete stairs that curve like the coils of a snake. There’s also a giant statue of Cincinnatus. Either of these would be a great backdrop for a selfie!

Cincinnati Dinner Train

Travel back in time while traveling through Cincinnati, Ohio.

A slice of chocolate pecan pie — *The chocolate pecan pie is reason enough to visit!*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 791-7245 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 4 pm Monday – Saturday, Closed Sunday | Entrance: $105 per person ages 12+ (under 12 not permitted)

The Cincinnati Dinner Train is great for anyone who enjoys vintage surroundings. This train is composed of three dining cars reminiscent of trains from the 1940s. It departs from the BBQ Revue parking lot and rolls through the downtown area, all the way to the Riverfront. It comes back to Oakley after three hours.

The cars accommodate up to 132 people, all of whom can enjoy the luxury of the surroundings. You can eat your four-course dinner with fine silver while sitting in windowsill booths. The experience offers delicious food choices (chicken with white wine sauce, prime ribs, etc.), in addition to cocktails.

The interior surroundings are classically elegant. They allow you to enjoy some of Cincinnati’s most beautiful scenery in style.

Contemporary Arts Center

Learn to look at and appreciate art in a whole new way.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 345-8400 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Wednesday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm Saturday – Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday | Entrance: free

This is one of the city’s oldest non-profit arts organizations. It’s been around since 1939 and is one of the fun things to do in Cincinnati. Located in downtown Cincinnati, OH, this gallery is full of work that encourages your interaction.

The Contemporary Arts Center is known for amazing exhibitions that are constantly changing. You can see paintings, sculptures, unique architecture, memorable performance art, and astounding photography.

There’s also the Unmuseum for people who might find traditional museums overly stuffy. This is a unique hands-on area that allows you to learn about contemporary art in a completely different way.

Mt. Airy Forest

Explore the largest, lushest forest in the city!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 357-2604 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: free

Mount Airy Forest covers nearly 1,500 acres and is one of the biggest recreational parks in the state. It’s a great place to go if you want a break from the busy atmosphere in the city. There are hiking and biking trails for people of all fitness levels. There’s also a great 18-hole golf course.

There are tons of fun things to do here! If you are traveling with your dog, you can let them blow up some steam in the dog park. You can also have a picnic under a spacious pavilion, go horseback riding on the trails, and climb up into a wooden treehouse.

Great American Ball Park

Cheer on the nation’s first professional baseball team.

The Great American Ball Park gives you the chance to enjoy a day of classic baseball fun. Home to the Cincinnati Reds, this is a great place for baseball fans to enjoy one of America’s oldest pastimes. Close to the city center, you can also see the banks of the Ohio River from here!

Whenever the home team hits a home run, you get to see a blast of fireworks and celebrate with the locals! Despite the vintage qualities of the experience, the stadium is full of modern amenities. These include high-tech scoreboards, kitchenettes, restaurants enclosed in glass, and more.

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum

Learn everything there is to know about the Cincinnati Reds.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 765-7923 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Sunday, Closed Monday | Entrance: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (60+) and students, free for ages 12 and under

If you’re visiting Cincinnati, Ohio during baseball’s offseason, you can still enjoy some of the town’s sports history. The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum is adjacent to the Great American Ball Park. It allows you to learn all about the rich history of this baseball team and its players.

This museum brings baseball alive via memorabilia, displays, and exhibits. Check out MVP awards of players such as Joe Morgan, World Series trophies, and much more. There’s also a guided tour that allows you to visit the press box, sit in the dugout, and go up to the home plate!

Visit the batting cages and playground in the TriHealth Family Zone, then enjoy a cold beer at the sports bar when you get thirsty!

👉 Fun Cincinnati Facts: Cincinnati, OH is home to the oldest major league baseball team in the country. It also has an MLS soccer team (FC Cincinnati) and an NFL team (Cincinnati Bengals) that has made an amazing comeback in recent years.

American Legacy Tours

Choose a tour to give you a fresh perspective on this great Ohio city!

View of the narrow underground tunnel with yellow lights inside — *Beer caverns lie below the streets in Cincinnati*

American Legacy Tours is an organization that hosts several guided tours in the greater Cincinnati area. Via these tours, you can achieve a deep knowledge of the heritage and history of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Queen City Underground Tour is one of the most popular options. It’ll take you through the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and even go underground to show you a 130-year-old tunnel. Paranormal enthusiasts will enjoy the Queen City Haunted Tour. There are so many other options worth looking into as well!

Taft’s Ale House

Visit one of the best breweries in Cincinnati, OH.

A glass of Pale Ale beer on an outdoor patio

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 334-1393 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 10 pm Monday – Thursday, 11:30 am – 11 pm Friday – Saturday, 11:30 am – 9 pm Sunday | Entrance: free (plus the cost of food and drinks)

No list of things to do in Cincinnati would be complete without at least one brewery, as the city is known for its beer scene. Taft’s Ale House has become a true institution in the downtown area of Cincinnati, Ohio. It’s located in the old Saint Paul’s German Evangelical Protestant Church.

Get snacks and drinks at the cocktail bar, or go straight to the beer hall. Even though the smoked tri-tip steak and artisan beers are amazing, you can visit this location just to admire the architecture.

The high ceilings, dark wood, and handmade gavel tap emulate the atmosphere of a standard brewhouse. The unique Rookwood tiles on the floor mirror those found in the birthplace of William Howard Taft, for whom the place is named.

Taft Museum of Art

Experience an expanse of both history and art in one short visit.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 241-0343 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday | Entrance: $12 for adults, free for kids 18 and under, $10 for seniors

If you appreciate art, the Taft Museum of Art in downtown Cincinnati should be on your list of things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio! The Taft Museum of Art houses an amazing permanent collection. It also hosts rotating exhibits from both local and international artists.

You can find fine art from all over the Americas and Europe here. This includes the works of Gainsborough and Rembrandt and one of the highest quality gothic ivory sculptures in the country.

This fantastic art museum is a National Historic Landmark. The building was once the house of the brother of former US President William Howard Taft. The rooms of this historic house also contain masterpieces and artifacts that were owned by the Tafts.

Eden Park

Escape downtown Cincinnati and get lost in nature.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 357-2604 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: free

If you want to take a break from the louder, busier things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio, Eden Park is the place to go. It is truly a green oasis.

Eden Park is located right on the Ohio River, between Mount Adams and Walnut Hills. Home to lovely gazebos and pavilions, Eden Park is a great place to picnic or enjoy quiet walking paths. There is a 172-foot tall historic water tower, a magnolia garden with places to play chess, and the serene Mirror Lake.

This is also home to the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, consisting of two theaters where you can see many amazing plays and musicals.

Krohn Conservatory

Lose yourself in flora from all over the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 421-4086 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: $10 for adults, $7 for ages 5-17

Eden Park is also home to Krohn Conservatory. Here, you can bask in the beauty of the public indoor garden with over 3,500 radiant plant species.

These include cacao trees and vanilla vines, from which chocolate and vanilla are harvested. There are also citrus fruits, dwarf bananas, kumquats, and other edible items. These end up being delectable parts of Cincinnati cuisine.

Additionally, there are tons of flowers, including an orchid display with 75 orchids at any time. Its desert garden features succulent plants, such as cacti.

There is also a large waterfall surrounded by palm trees and ferns, in addition to goldfish ponds. Many exhibits rotate throughout the year, such as the annual butterfly show.

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum

Pay respects to many famous individuals while enjoying nature.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 681-7526 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: free

It might be hard to believe that a cemetery could be one of the best things to do in Cincinnati. However, the Spring Grove Cemetery is a beautiful outdoor space, with multiple walking paths. It is home to over 700 acres of tree groves, hills, gardens, lakes, and ponds.

This is the largest cemetery in Ohio and the second-largest cemetery in the country. The Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum have been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Many public events take place here throughout the year.

This place is well known for the imposing gothic tombs, statues, and mausoleums of some of the more elaborate memorials. Many famous people are buried here. These include politicians, scientists, athletes, artists, and Civil War generals.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Spend a day honoring the past and present victims of slavery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 333-7500 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday | Entrance: $20 for adults, $16 for seniors (60+), $12 for ages 3-12

There are many fun things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio. And although the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a worthwhile place, it’s not all fun. It can be somewhat uncomfortable and sobering to walk through this museum of conscience.

At this museum, you can view powerful stories, texts, pictures, and relics from the times of slavery in the United States. It is located on the banks of the Ohio River, which separated the free northern states from the southern slave states.

Perhaps the most poignant part of this museum is a “slave pen,” a small building used to cram dozens of slaves inside as they waited to be auctioned off.

Cincinnati Observatory

Stare into worlds beyond and learn about outer space.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 321-5186 | Website | Hours: by appointment Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday 12 pm – 3 pm, nighttime Friday | Entrance: $15 for adults, $7 for children under 18

The Cincinnati Observatory atop Mount Lookout is the oldest professional observatory in Ohio. The building, which has been preserved to retain its classic look, has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Cincinnati Observatory refers to itself as the “birthplace of American astronomy.”

However, the commitment to a vintage appearance doesn’t stop the observatory from looking into the future. It heavily promotes the study of 21st-century astronomy.

If you visit, you can tour the building, look through the fascinating displays of moon rocks, and watch presentations. Use the gigantic telescope during the day (solar viewing) or night (stargazing). For astronomy buffs and everyone else, this is one of the great things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Cincinnati Music Hall

Experience the best performance art Cincinnati has to offer.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 744-3344 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 2 pm Saturday, Closed Sunday | Entrance: $70 – 170, depending on the event

Cincinnati Music Hall is located in Washington Park in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. It’s home to some of the best things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio — especially for music lovers!

Music Hall was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975. The building itself, a breathtaking Victorian piece of architecture, is a daunting sight, especially at night. Many have reported that it is haunted!

In addition to going on a ghost hunt, you can witness world-class performances. Watch the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, and Cincinnati Ballet!

👉 Pro Tip: In addition to being home to Music Hall, Washington Park is an iconic spot in Cincinnati, OH. It’s packed with things to do. These include diverse local pop-up shops, an outdoor beer garden, free concerts, and theater productions, and much more!

Cincinnati Museum Center

Explore different worlds of knowledge in a distinctive half-dome building.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 287-7000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Thursday – Monday, Closed Tuesday and Wednesday | Entrance: $25 for adults (ages 13-59), $19.50 for children ages 3-12 and seniors (60+)

The Cincinnati Museum Center of Queensgate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s home to the Union Terminal train station. It also houses the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and Duke Energy Children’s Museum.

The Museum of Natural History & Science is home to “The Cave,” a simulation of a limestone cave modeled after the Mammoth Cave. “The Ice Age” lets you explore glaciers that once consumed the Ohio Valley.

The Cincinnati History Museum will teach you all about Queen City and take you back to the days of steam engines, trains, and steamboats! The Duke Energy Children’s Museum is a must-visit for families with kids. Eight hands-on, interactive exhibits encourage creative exploration and make learning fun!

Cincinnati Art Museum

Learn about art from every time and place in human history.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (513) 721-2787 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 am – 8 pm Thursday, 11 am – 5 pm Friday – Sunday, Closed Monday | Entrance: $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 6 – 17, college students, and seniors

Located in the Eden Park neighborhood, the Cincinnati Art Museum belongs on any list of the best things to do in Cincinnati, OH. You can enjoy not only ancient paintings and sculptures but pop culture exhibits and showcases of jewelry. This museum also recognizes the work of talented locals.

Art lovers will want to come here more than once, as there are over 67,000 pieces that represent more than six millennia in the world of art. There are also fun special events, including Art After Dark once a month and performance art demonstrations that will astound you.

Children and families will enjoy the Rosenthal Education Center. This is home to an interactive art area where families can make art themselves.

📚 Related Reading: The Cincinnati Art Museum is in one of the safest areas in Cincinnati. Take a look at my guide to safety in Cincinnati if you’re interested in learning more.

FAQs About Cincinnati Attractions

How do I spend a day in Cincinnati?

How you spend a day in Cincinnati depends on your interests. Tour hidden brewery caverns, visit the Great American Ball Park, spend a day at a downtown museum, or simply relax at Eden Park.

What is Cincinnati famous for?

Cincinnati is famous for a variety of things. Sports fans know it as the home of the Reds and the Bengals. Foodies know it for chili and outstanding breweries. The city is also known for everything it has to offer in the way of nature and museums.

Is there a lot to do in Cincinnati?

There is always a lot to do in Cincinnati, OH! To experience the culture, go to an art museum or see a concert at Music Hall. You can spend an entire visit just exploring the restaurants and breweries! Alternatively, explore miles of hiking trails in Cincinnati parks.

What food is famous in Cincinnati?

Food that is famous in Cincinnati includes Cincinnati chili and popular local beers. Cincinnati is also famous for the barbecue ribs at Montgomery Inn and Graeter’s ice cream. Goetta, a mixture of beef, pork, oats, and seasonings, is another signature Cincinnati food. It reflects the city’s German heritage.

📅 Read Next: What is the best time to visit Cincinnati?

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Thanks for reading my guide to the best things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio! Enjoy exploring Queen City.