Ticking off an excellent arts scene, incredible food and plenty of family-friendly attractions, here are 15 reasons to head to Cincinnati
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When most of us think of a US city break, the first places that spring to mind are often East and West Coast destinations like New York, Miami and Los Angeles. But the Midwest has plenty to offer – starting with Cincinnati.
This city in Ohio sits right on the border with Northern Kentucky, offering the best of both states. In the winter, it can be chilly, but summer means long, hot, sunny days spent in craft beer gardens, parks and purpose-built outdoor entertainment areas.
When you visit Cincinnati, you can enjoy a truly diverse trip – along with a warm welcome from its famously friendly residents. But what’s good to do in Cincy? Whether you’re visiting as a couple, with friends or with the kids, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained.
Starting in June 2023, British Airways will be offering multiple direct flights per week from Heathrow to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. This brand-new flight route makes it easier to get out and explore the unique culture of this vibrant city and the Midwest region as a whole. Return fares start from £499, and the route will be served by the luxurious Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
1. There are regional Bourbon distilleries and breweries
Cincinnati has a proud brewing heritage – it was even named “beer capital of the world” in 1890. While Prohibition once put a stop to brewing in Cincinnati, it has come back with a vengeance. Spend an afternoon learning about the city’s beer-soaked past in historic breweries and underground lagering tunnels, before sampling craft beers from the city’s pioneering breweries.
There are more than 80 craft breweries to choose from, all innovating exciting beer styles to try in taprooms across the city. Head to Braxton Brewing Co. in Covington and sip to the sunset from the massive roof terrace, or mosey down to West Side Brewing and pair your beer with dinner from the local food trucks. If you’re really serious about beer, visit in September for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. A tribute to the famous Munich beer festival, this is the U.S.’ largest Oktoberfest celebration.
If spirits are more your pace, head across the river to Northern Kentucky to visit some indie bourbon distillers. New Riff Distilling puts a modern spin on traditional bourbon-making, and Second Sight Spirits‘ one-of-a-kind pot still is designed to look like a turban.
2. You’re a short hop from historic Covington, Kentucky
Crossing state lines is as simple as hopping across the Ohio River. Cross the iconic John A Roebling Suspension Bridge, and you’ll find yourself in Covington, Kentucky. This charming city is well worth the day trip. Learn about Northern Kentucky’s local history and art at the Behringer-Crawford Museum, or take a tour around the impressive Gothic revival Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Along with the unique culture, Covington also has plenty of great places to eat and drink. Discover the city’s German heritage during a food tour of Mainstrasse Village. Try pretzels and handcrafted pizza before heading to Goebel Park to see the 100-foot-tall Glockenspiel clock tower.
3. Discover ultra-modern pieces at the Contemporary Arts Center
Showcasing “the art of the last five minutes,” Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center sits at the cutting edge of the art world. Exhibitions here focus on the very latest developments in the worlds of painting, sculpture, photography and performance. You might even discover the next stars of the art world. This non-collecting museum has previously displayed the works of artists like Andy Warhol while they were still unknown.
2023 exhibitions include Baseera Khan: Weight on History, a mixed media exhibition critiquing power structures and exploring how capital, politics and the body are intrinsically linked. Ecologies of Elsewhere explores the physical and symbolic properties of plants, while Khalil Robert Irving’s lobby carpet asks viewers to reconsider their relationship with the urban landscape.
4. Go on a hipster night out at Over the Rhine
Head to the trendy Over-the-Rhine neighbourhood for indie shopping and quirky nightlife. This stylish neighbourhood was once home to German immigrants. Today, its well-preserved 19th-century buildings are home to craft breweries and other hipster hangouts.
This bustling area is known for its excellent outdoor restaurants – affectionately known as “streeteries” – where people sip local beer and watch the world go by. Culture vultures can drop into the Cincy Shakespeare Company to watch a play or catch an orchestral performance at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Washington Park is the perfect place to relax when you visit Cincinnati. Look out for free events throughout the spring and summer. If you’re visiting with kids, swing by the sprawling half-acre playground. With a climbing wall, sandbox and even musical instruments, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained.
5. Browse delicious local goodies at Findlay Market
Foodies shouldn’t miss a visit to Ohio’s oldest surviving public market. The 50 full-time merchants at Findlay Market sell everything from fresh meat and veggies to flowers and artisan snacks – ideal if you’re self-catering while you visit Cincinnati. If not, there are plenty of pre-prepared food options, too. After browsing stalls piled high with local specialties, you can grab some supplies for a picnic in the park. Options range from French-inspired bistro classics to South American arepas and good old-fashioned BBQ.
6. See Amazing Street Art
Cincinnati is known for its colourful murals. There are more than 180 spread throughout the city, masterminded by ArtWorks Cincinnati. The non-profit collaborates with local businesses and encourages professional artists to mentor young people while creating large pieces of public art. This drive has resulted in the city taking second place in USA Today’s “10 Best” list two years running. You can look out for the pieces as you stroll around downtown, or join an official tour with Pedal Wagon Cincinnati to learn more.
7. Spend a day out at the Big Game
What’s more quintessentially American than a day out at a ball game? When you visit Cincinnati, there are more than a few professional sports to choose from. In the summer, you can grab a hot dog and watch the Major League Baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds, play at the Great American Ball Park. The 2023 season ends on 1 October – but if you’re visiting in autumn or winter, you can catch an American football game starring the Cincinnati Bengals instead. The season begins on 7 September and lasts for four months.
8. Explore Newport on the Levee
When you visit Cincinnati, you’re guaranteed a great evening at the modern Newport on the Levee entertainment complex. This day-out destination is home to the Newport Aquarium plus a huge 20-screen AMC cinema and Rotolo bowling alley. It’s also home to Bridgeview Box Park, where shipping containers serve up street food and craft beer. Grab a seat at one of the colourful picnic tables and enjoy views of the Cincinnati skyline, or try your hand at some outdoor games. Live on the Levee brings live music every Thursday night from June until August, while Yoga on the Levee offers the chance to stretch it out.
9. Live the life aquatic at Newport Aquarium
Head across the river from downtown Cincinnati to discover a world of underwater wonders. The sprawling Newport Aquarium has five acrylic tunnels that take you through the tanks, so you can get up close to turtles, rays and sharks. Daring adventurers will want to try a world first – crossing the rope bridge suspended mere inches above the shark tank. Or, for a dose of cuteness, head to Hatchling Harbor and see baby creatures in action. Don’t miss a visit to Gator Alley, home to two rare white alligators.
10. Get educational at Cincinnati Museum Center
For a cultural day in the city, visit Cincinnati Museum Center. This incredible complex is set inside the majestic Cincinnati Union Terminal – an Art Deco train station. Tickets gain you access to three organisations, so dedicate a good few hours to your visit.
Direct dino-mad kids towards the Museum of Natural History & Science, where skeletons and fossils take pride of place in the Dinosaur Hall. Next, head to “The Cave” exhibit to see a recreation of Mammoth Cave National Park – the world’s longest cave system. If you’re still full of energy, wander over to the Cincinnati History Museum to learn more about the city’s storied past. Exhibitions include a recreation of the Cincinnati Public Landing, as well as a gallery covering the city’s role in WWII.
Finish your visit in the Children’s Museum, where little ones can learn as they climb, crawl and explore their way through a range of fun interactive exhibits.
11. Enjoy an afternoon at the Banks
Sandwiched between Paycor Stadium and the Great American Ballpark, the Banks is another downtown neighbourhood worth exploring. This modern district runs along the riverfront and is home to attractions like Smale Riverfront Park and the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). This space is home to 18 bars and restaurants, all serving takeaway drinks. Grab a cold one and take it with you to watch live bands perform on the Schmidlapp Event Lawn.
12. Get your adrenaline pumping at Kings Island
Thrill-seekers won’t miss Kings Island when they visit Cincinnati. This massive playground has been listed by Time Out as one of the top 20 amusement parks in America. Get your adrenaline pumping on the park’s famous rollercoasters, like Orion – one of only seven giga-coasters in the world, with a 300-foot drop and speeds of 91 mph. Or try Diamondback – the first hypercoaster to feature a splashdown – and the Beast, the world’s longest wooden coaster. Your ticket also grants you entry to Soak City water park, with 36 water slides and plenty more chilled-out attractions, like wave pools and rushing rivers.
2023 is a great year to visit, with a new area – Adventure Port – set to open this summer.
13. Meet the animals at Cincinnati Zoo
The USA’s second-oldest zoo made headlines in 2017 when its baby hippo Fiona went viral on social media. Fiona is still the zoo’s most famous resident, but there are also plenty of other creatures to meet across a range of habitats. Upgrade your visit by adding on an experience like bathing the elephants, feeding the giraffes or painting with the penguins. The zoo is committed to conservation, taking part in research programmes and field projects.
14. Breathe in the fresh air at Smale Riverfront Park
Spanning 45 acres along the side of the Ohio River, Smale Riverfront Park is the perfect place to grab some fresh air when you visit Cincinnati. Enjoy live music at the outdoor event stage, hire bikes and cycle along the promenade or get lost in the labyrinth. Or, simply perch on one of the giant swings overlooking the river and watch the world go by. Kids will enjoy discovering the adventure playgrounds, one of which has a foot piano and lifesize chess board.
15. It’s easier than ever to visit Cincinnati from the UK
With so many unique things to see and do – and a warm welcome waiting – we can promise you that 2023 is the year to get off the beaten U.S. tourist trail and add Cincy to your travel wish list.
Why visit Cincinnati? FAQ
The best time to visit Cincinnati is either September or May, when the weather is at its most pleasant. Summer in Cincinnati is hot, with temperatures often hitting 30°C, but that’s the perfect excuse to cool off by the river or watch some free live music in the city’s parks.
The most iconic food from Ohio is Cincinnati chili. This meaty sauce is more Mediterranean than Mexican, and is usually served on top of spaghetti and hot dogs (or ‘coneys’). There are lots of chilli places to choose from, like Dixie Chili & Deli just across the river in Newport Kentucky and the famous Empress Chili in Alexandria, which dates back to 1922.
Downtown Cincinnati is extremely walkable; the city often ranks amongst the most walkable cities in the USA. Strolling from Over the Rhine in the north to Smale Riverfront Park in the south takes roughly half an hour.
