10 Best Things to Do in Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Art Museum was founded in 1881, making it one of the oldest in the country, as well as the first, purpose-built art museum west of the Allegheny mountain range. The free-to-visit, expansive gallery houses more than 67,000 works of art, some dating back 6,000 years, in addition to travelling international and national exhibitions.

The museum sits in scenic Eden Park, making it a nice respite from some of the more crowded and urban areas of Cincinnati. This spot is a good itinerary pick for both serious art aficionados and families alike, thanks to its mix of educational and kid-friendly programming.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden attracts families and animal lovers from all of the surrounding states, thanks to its expansive number of animal and plant species, as well as rides and a 4D theatre. One of the zoo’s most prized residents is Fiona the Hippo, who achieved international fame as an infant and who still has quite a few fans on social media.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the 2nd-oldest zoo in the United States and was founded on 65 acres in the middle of the Queen City, where it still remains, making it easy to reach.

Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighbourhood boasts a storied past as home to thousands of German immigrants from the 1800s onwards. The working-class neighbourhood became the home to many, many breweries during its first round of popularity in the 19th century, with huge operations producing and shipping beer all across the region, up until Prohibition in the 1920s.

Following a decline, the neighbourhood is now hip again, the historic buildings now returning to their roots and filled with craft breweries, gastropubs and other watering holes. Be sure to stop in at least a few of the breweries and considering booking a historic walking tour of the area.

The American Sign Museum is small but crammed full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts. You might think that there’s not much to say about the history of signage, but as soon as you join one of the American Sign Museum’s guided tours, you’ll learn just how wrong you’d be.

The museum starts off with exhibits on wooden signage and what was available before the advent of electricity, before moving on to the first electric signs and then what’s probably the museum’s most famous attraction: its huge collection of bright, beautiful neon signs. Bring your camera – the neon signs make a picture-worthy backdrop that can’t be beaten.

Some of Cincinnati’s most famous eateries got their start at Findlay Market. The favourited local market was founded in 1852 and has since been the place to go to find fresh produce, regional meats and cheeses, a variety of cooking ingredients, gifts and ready-to-eat delicacies.

The market consists of both an indoor shopping area filled with vendors large and small, as well as an outdoor marketplace with street vendors. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack to propel you through the rest of your exploration of the surrounding neighbourhood or a unique gift to take back home, you’ll find it at Findlay Market.

From Cincinnati’s riverside Smale Riverfront Park, you can access the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, an architectural innovation in its construction. The landmark that Cincinnati residents lovingly claim as their own (though it links the city to Covington, Kentucky) is typically decked out with flags and lighting and is an easy walk via the bridge’s pedestrian path.

Parking is easiest on the Kentucky side of the bridge, but the views are the best from the Ohio side. Don’t want to take a walk across the Ohio River? Just check out the bridge from the Smale Riverfront Park, where there’s plenty of seating and always something fun for the kids to enjoy.

Washington Park, right in the heart of the city, is one of Cincinnati’s most beloved green spaces. Though not huge, the park still manages to pack in tons of activities for kids, families and singles alike. A dog park, playground, bar and water park all await, as do seasonal and regular pop-up activities and events, from live music to light shows.

Washington Park’s central location makes it an easy place to unwind when exploring some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, shops and cultural attractions. An on-site parking garage makes it even more convenient for those who are driving into town for a day visit.

Cincinnati Music Hall, located adjacent to Washington Park, is beautiful inside and out. The 19th-century structure is home to the city’s fine arts groups, including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (USA's 6th-oldest symphony orchestra), Cincinnati Opera (USA's 2nd-oldest opera company), Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. It also hosts a variety of notable events throughout the year, such as May Fest, the longest-running choral festival in the Western Hemisphere.

Of course, you can also check out popular artists performing at the hall, with previous artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Elton John. Check out the hall’s calendar before your Cincinnati visit and enjoy a show.