Cincinnati may not be at the top of your travel list, but maybe it should be.
The “Queen City” has experienced quite the renaissance in recent years. Century-old buildings and warehouses have been transformed into chic apartments, tech offices, and trendy dining experiences.
From food to fun, here are eight things you must do during your trip to this European-style city.
1. Tour the Over-the-Rhine Neighborhood
Locally known as “OTR”, this eclectic neighborhood is now home to vibrant shops, cafes, bars, and more. If you’re only in town for the weekend, this is the place to see in Cincinnati.
It’s one of the largest collections of 19th-century architecture in the country. Make sure to stroll by the Queen Anne and Art Deco buildings on Vine Street. Stop by Washington Park right in the middle of OTR; it’s a beautiful public space known for hosting the city’s outdoor events.
Keep reading to find out about the Findlay Market, located at the north end of OTR.
2. Shop at Findlay Market
Spend some time shopping at the historic Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operated market. With over a million visitors per year, it’s a popular Cincinnati destination – even for the locals.
Here you’ll find farm fresh produce, locally sourced goods, and much more.
If you can brave the crowds, visit the market on a weekend to get the full experience, complete with special events and street performers.
3. Walk Across the Roebling Suspension Bridge
Does this bridge look familiar? It should. The iconic Roebling Bridge was designed by John Roebling and is the older sister to the famous Brooklyn Bridge. In 1867, this was the longest bridge in the world.
If the weather is nice in Cincinnati, take an afternoon stroll across all 1,075 feet.
4. Visit Amazing Museums
Another one of Cincinnati’s surprises is its museums. It has several truly unique exhibits within walking distance of each other.
There are three to put at the top of your list:
- Cincinnati Museum Center – This Art Deco masterpiece includes the Museum of Natural History, complete with real bats!
- American Sign Museum – It’s full of flashing neon like Frisch’s Big Boy and Charo’s billboard from Las Vegas.
- Vent Haven Museum – This is the world’s only ventriloquism museum. It houses a collection of more than 900 dummies from over three centuries – more than enough for a creepy good time.
5. Order 5-Way Chili – If You Dare
Cincinnati is proud of its unique chili (typically spiced with chocolate and cinnamon). You can taste it yourself at Skyline Chili; a cult-classic that has locations all over town.
You can order a ‘3-way,’ which is meat sauce and cheese over spaghetti, or a ‘4-way,’ which adds either onions or beans. But why not have it all and order the ‘5-way’?
6. Catch a Baseball Game
Home to the Reds, the Great American Ballpark opened in 2003 along the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. It’s one of MLB’s smaller parks, which is why it’s a fantastic place to catch an afternoon game. There isn’t a bad seat in the house!
7. Explore Eden Park
Eden Park is a massive urban oasis where you can spend an entire day. It’s home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, and the Krohn Conservatory (something we especially recommend).
There’s a historic water tower, miles of walking paths, and two beautiful lakes created from an old quarry.
This park is full of things to do and see. Whether you want to take a scenic walk, visit a garden, or have a picnic, this is the place to spend a lovely summer day.
8. Go up the Carew Tower
For some of the best panoramic views of Cincinnati (and even into northern Kentucky), head to the 49th floor of the Carew Tower. From the observation deck, visitors have excellent views of the entire city, including the Ohio River and both baseball and football stadiums.
Situated in the heart of downtown, the Carew Tower was completed in 1930, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994.It’s home to more than two dozen shops, restaurants, and offices, as well as the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel.
However, travelers should know that the main elevator does not travel the full 49 floors, so they will need to cover the remaining distance in a smaller, older elevator followed by one flight of stairs, or by skipping the second elevator and walking up four flights.
Before you head up to take in the views, be sure to make a stop at the ATM on the ground floor, as the observation deck only accepts cash.
Ready for an exciting vacation in Cincinnati? Book your trip now at allegiant.com.
