Things to Do in Cincinnati: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Cincinnati, on the Ohio River across from Kentucky, is known for its restored Over-the-Rhine district, one of the country's oldest zoos, Art Deco landmarks, a strong brewing heritage and its unique cinnamon-spiced chili.
This guide covers the best things to do in Cincinnati, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with Covington, Newport and the Kentucky bourbon country, plus food and where to stay.
Top things to see in Cincinnati
Over-the-Rhine
Restored 19th-century district of breweries and restaurants.
Findlay Market
Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Home of Fiona the hippo.
Cincinnati Museum Center
Museums inside Art Deco Union Terminal.
John A. Roebling Bridge
1866 suspension bridge to Kentucky.
Smale Riverfront Park
Fountains, swings and river views.
American Sign Museum
A century of neon and painted signs.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Moving history of the journey to freedom.
Cincinnati in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Downtown and river
Start at Fountain Square, then walk to Smale Riverfront Park and across the Roebling Bridge to Covington, Kentucky. Lunch in Covington's MainStrasse Village. In the afternoon, visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Dinner in Over-the-Rhine.
2Day 2 · Over-the-Rhine
Explore Findlay Market in the morning and the Italianate architecture of Over-the-Rhine, then join a tour of the old brewery tunnels beneath the streets. Lunch at the market. In the afternoon, relax in Washington Park and see Music Hall. Spend the evening at a local brewery.
3Day 3 · Zoo and Eden Park
Spend the morning at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, where Fiona the hippo became famous. Lunch at the zoo. In the afternoon, visit Eden Park, the Krohn Conservatory and the free Cincinnati Art Museum. Dinner with a view in Mount Adams.
Cincinnati in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Museums
Visit the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, with its giant mosaics and natural history and children's museums. Lunch nearby. In the afternoon, head to the American Sign Museum. Catch a Reds baseball game at Great American Ball Park in the evening.
5Day 5 · Northern Kentucky
Cross to Newport for the Newport Aquarium and the Purple People Bridge, then stroll MainStrasse Village. Lunch at Newport on the Levee. In the afternoon, visit a riverfront distillery. Return for dinner in the Banks district.
Cincinnati in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Bourbon country
Drive into Kentucky for a bourbon distillery tour, such as those along the B-Line in Northern Kentucky. Lunch at a distillery or small-town restaurant. In the afternoon, a second tasting with a designated driver or tour. Return to Cincinnati.
7Day 7 · Last day
Enjoy a final brunch with goetta, a 3-way at a chili parlor and Graeter's ice cream, then last shopping in Over-the-Rhine. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is about 20 minutes away.
What to do in Cincinnati on a weekend
For a weekend in Cincinnati, combine Over-the-Rhine, Findlay Market, the zoo and the riverfront.
Newport and Covington are just across the river.
What to do in Cincinnati in the evening
Evenings mean Over-the-Rhine's bars and restaurants and the Banks near the stadiums.
Reds and Bengals games draw big crowds.
Cincinnati for couples
Couples can enjoy views from Mount Adams, a cocktail bar in OTR and a show at the Aronoff Center.
Cincinnati with kids
With kids, the zoo, the Museum Center's children's museum, the aquarium and Smale Riverfront Park are favorites.
What to eat in Cincinnati
Cincinnati chili
Spiced meat sauce on spaghetti.
Goetta
Pork and oat breakfast sausage.
Graeter's ice cream
Made in small batches.
Mett
Smoked pork sausage.
Craft beer
Revived OTR breweries.
Where to stay in Cincinnati: best areas
Downtown
Central for sights.
Over-the-Rhine
Trendy and walkable.
Covington
Charming and cheaper.
Mount Adams
Hilltop views.
What to do in Cincinnati when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Museum Center, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Freedom Center and the American Sign Museum.
How much does a trip to Cincinnati cost?
Expect $150 to $250 per night, $12 to $30 for a meal and around $30 for zoo admission.
Practical tips for Cincinnati
Best time to visit
May to October.
Getting around
The Connector streetcar downtown and in OTR; a car for Kentucky trips.
Our practical tips
- Ride the free Connector streetcar.
- Order a 3-way chili.
- Book brewery tunnel tours.
- Visit Findlay Market on weekends.
- Catch a Reds game.
- Walk across the Roebling Bridge.
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping Over-the-Rhine.
- Missing Cincinnati chili.
- Driving downtown on game days.
- Ignoring the Kentucky side.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Cincinnati?
Over-the-Rhine, the zoo, the Museum Center and the riverfront.
How many days do you need?
Two or three, more with Kentucky trips.
Is Cincinnati family-friendly?
Yes, with the zoo, aquarium and museums.
What is a 3-way?
Spaghetti topped with chili and shredded cheddar.