Cincinnati, Ohio is a city that offers a wide range of things to see and do. From art and history to sports and nature, this city has something for everyone. If you’re planning a visit, you won’t want to miss out on these top 10 things to do in Cincinnati. Get ready to explore the city’s rich history at the Cincinnati Museum Center, admire the works of American and European artists at the Cincinnati Art Museum, witness the amazing animals and nature at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and much more.

These top 10  things to do in Cincinnati will make your vacation unforgettable, from cultural events to outdoor adventures. Over-the-Rhine, Great American Ball Park, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The Contemporary Arts Center, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Taft Museum of Art, and Fountain Square are all must-see destinations in Cincinnati.

A Guide To The Top 10 Things To Do In Cincinnati

1. Cincinnati Museum Center At Union Terminal

This historic terminal building was built in 1933 and it’s an art deco masterpiece, today it houses the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Cincinnati History Library & Archives. Travelers can explore the city’s rich history, including the region’s geology, Native American history, and the impact of the Ohio River on the development of the city.

Exhibits in the Cincinnati History Museum include an interactive exhibit about Cincinnati’s beer history, the Queen City Underground, the region’s transportation history, and much more. The Museum of Natural History & Science has interactive exhibits that explore dinosaurs, gems, and minerals, and an Omnimax Theater that shows science-related films.

2. Cincinnati Art Museum

This museum has over 67,000 works of art, with a focus on American and European art. The collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian antiquities to modern art, as well as an outstanding collection of American paintings. The European collection of the museum includes works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Rembrandt, among many others. Among the artists included in the American collection are John Singer Sargent, James McNeill Whistler, and Frederic Edwin Church.

3. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

This is the second oldest zoo in the United States and home to over 500 animal species and more than 3,000 plant species. The zoo is particularly known for its breeding programs for endangered species, including the successful breeding of the cheetah, the Malayan tiger, and the hippopotamus. The zoo also features many habitats, like the African Savanna, the Forest Domain, and the Cat Canyon, where visitors can get up close to the animals. If you are a animal lover you can not miss this amazing zoo!

4. Over-the-Rhine

This neighborhood is known for its German heritage, it is one of the largest, most intact urban historic districts in the United States, and also for its significant collection of late-19th and early-20th-century architecture. Travelers can explore the neighborhood’s many historic buildings, including the 1875 Music Hall, which is home to the Cincinnati Opera and the Cincinnati Ballet, and the 1894 Emery Theatre.

Travelers can also stroll down the neighborhood’s main street, Vine Street, and explore the many shops, restaurants, and bars. This is also a great place to enjoy the nightlife, with several music venues and bars that feature live music and events.

5. Great American Ball Park

The home of the Cincinnati Reds, this baseball stadium is a must-see for sports fans. Visitors can catch a game and enjoy the exciting atmosphere of a professional baseball game, or take a tour of the stadium to learn about the team’s history and see behind-the-scenes areas of the park.

If you want to catch a game, make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time from Ticketmaster. The games are known to get packed. You can check out the tickets here.

6. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

This museum is dedicated to the history of the Underground Railroad as well as the ongoing battle for liberty and human rights. Travelers can explore interactive exhibitions, relics, and tales from the past and present of freedom seekers, abolitionists, and sympathizers. Throughout the year, the museum also sponsors temporary exhibitions and activities. If you are going to be in the area it is defiantly worth checking out!

7. The Contemporary Arts Center

This museum features contemporary art exhibits and educational programs. It features the work of local, national, and international artists, and also hosts traveling exhibitions. The Contemporary Arts Center is a great place to learn about contemporary art and culture in the Cincinnati area, and it also hosts special events, performances, and lectures throughout the year.

8. Kentucky Bourbon Trail

If you’re a bourbon lover, you’ll want to visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which includes several distilleries in the greater Cincinnati area. Visitors can take tours of distilleries like the New Riff Distilling, the Stillwright Distillery, and the Jeptha Creed Distillery, learn about the bourbon-making process, and of course, sample the end product. The distilleries also offer unique experiences like barrel tastings, blending classes, and behind-the-scenes tours. You never had bourbon like this before!

9. Taft Museum of Art

housed in an 1820 Federal-style home, contains an extensive collection of European and American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Among the treasures on display are works by Rembrandt, Goya, and Whistler. Throughout the year, the museum also holds special exhibitions and activities like as talks and tours.

10. Fountain Square

This is one of the most popular landmarks and gathering places in Cincinnati. It’s a historic public space and features a large fountain and a variety of shops, restaurants, and street performers. Visitors can catch free music concerts, cultural festivals, and other events that take place throughout the year, like Oktoberfest and the Christmas lights. It’s a great place to relax and people-watch, and it’s also a great spot for a photo opportunity.

Wrap-Up: The Top 10 Things To Do In Cincinnati!

Cincinnati is a city that offers an abundance of things to see and do. From the historic Cincinnati Museum Center and the Cincinnati Art Museum to the exciting Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and other many more, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Great American Ball Park, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The Contemporary Arts Center, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Taft Museum of Art, and Fountain Square during your visit.

These top 10 things to do in Cincinnati are sure to give you a taste of the city’s rich history, culture, and beauty. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or outdoor enthusiast, Cincinnati has something for you. So pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to this amazing city!

best hotels

When it comes to lodging, there are a few options. If you’re looking for something more traditional, there are plenty of hotels around town that offer great rates and amenities.

• The Hyatt Regency Cincinnati is located in downtown Cincinnati and has everything from a pool to an indoor water park (yes, really) as well as some excellent restaurants on site for your dining pleasure.
• The Marriott Suites Downtown Southbank River center offers guests access to multiple restaurants within walking distance of their hotel rooms or suites–including Ruth’s Chris Steak House! You’ll also find plenty of shopping opportunities nearby so you can stock up on souvenirs before heading home.
• The Red Roof Inn Downtown East/Riverfront Stadium Area offers free WiFi throughout its entire facility (including guestrooms) along with breakfast every morning thanks to its partnership with Courtyard by Marriott. We recommended here if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly but still want quality accommodations while visiting Cincinnati.

While Airbnb is always an option if you are against staying at a hotel.

How To Get Around The City?

You can get around Cincinnati by bus, bike, or car. The city has a good public transportation system in place, but it’s not as comprehensive as other cities’ so if you want to see everything then I suggest renting a car for the day; if interested in the best deals you can check out our partners.  There are also plenty of bike rental shops around town that will allow you to explore on two wheels!

Best Restaurants

The city of Cincinnati is known for its excellent cuisine and variety of restaurants, There are so many options that it can be difficult to choose where to eat, but if you’re looking for a great meal at a reasonable price we suggest these…

• Blue Ash Chili: A local favorite with affordable prices and delicious food
• Graeter’s Ice Cream: An ice cream shop with over 200 flavors of homemade ice cream that has been served since 1870
• Piatto Pizzeria: it’s just one of my favorites with amazing food.
• Barley’s Tap Room: Try here if you’re looking for drinks instead, the best ones in town

There are so many great places here that it would be hard to list them all – just go out exploring yourself!

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