The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge and the Cincinnati skyline across the Ohio River

Things to do in  Cincinnati

Where chili reigns supreme

Call it the Queen City, Swine City, or a chili-crazed city: Cincinnati is known by many names thanks to its many faces. Its German roots brewed up a reputation for beer that’s still thirst-quenching today. Lovers of America’s favorite pastime can follow the baselines to the origin of baseball’s oldest team. Just like its famed Skyline Chili, your time here can be as loaded or traditional as you’d like. From museums and live sports, brewery hopping, and a renowned zoo, there are plenty of things to do in Cincinnati.

Learn more

Top 2 attractions in Cincinnati

#1
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

star-00
One of the oldest zoos in the country, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is home to everything from black rhinos to red pandas. More than just exhibits, the zoo is dedicated to conserving and rehabilitating endangered species. Visit animals from multiple continents, or check out one of the zoo’s educational programs.More
#2
Kings Island

Kings Island

star-00
Spanning 364 acres (147 hectares), Kings Island is one of the largest amusement parks in the Midwest. With more than 100 rides and attractions, including upwards of 15 roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and a water park, Kings Island offers a day of diversion for families and thrill seekers alike.More

Explore Cincinnati by interest

Top activities in Cincinnati

Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market

Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour With Findlay Market

star-5
492
From
$85.00
Top 10 Sites + Top 5 Foods of Cincinnati Morning Tour

Top 10 Sites + Top 5 Foods of Cincinnati Morning Tour

star-5
365
From
$69.00
Cincinnati Wine and Dessert Tour With Tastings
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Cincinnati Wine and Dessert Tour With Tastings

star-5
90
From
$65.00
Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour

Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour

star-5
155
From
$29.00
1919: The year that changed baseball tour

1919: The year that changed baseball tour

star-4.5
23
From
$30.77
Cincinnati Airport (CVG) to Cincinnati - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Cincinnati Airport (CVG) to Cincinnati - Round-Trip Private Transfer

From
$69.89
The Escape Game Cincinnati: 60-Minute Adventures at The Banks

The Escape Game Cincinnati: 60-Minute Adventures at The Banks

star-5
475
From
$40.99
Saturday Cincy Brunch, History and Streetcar Tour

Saturday Cincy Brunch, History and Streetcar Tour

star-5
92
From
$85.00
Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine

Cincinnati Ethnic Food and Culture Tour in Over the Rhine

star-5
132
From
$85.00
Cincinnati City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks

Cincinnati City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks

From
$10.00
Brewers & Barons Trail Tour

Brewers & Barons Trail Tour

star-5
18
From
$45.00
Cincinnati's Original Findlay Market Tour With Tastings

Cincinnati's Original Findlay Market Tour With Tastings

star-5
28
From
$49.00
Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream

Cincinnati Walking Sightseeing Tour with Pizza and Ice-cream

star-1
1
From
$120.00
Cincinnati Wine & Dine In Over the Rhine evening tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Cincinnati Wine & Dine In Over the Rhine evening tour

star-5
21
From
$89.00
Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Cincinnati Court Street Food Tour with Vegan Options

star-5
16
From
$85.00
Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery

Tour of Historic Wesleyan Cemetery

star-5
3
From
$20.00
Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer

Cincinnati to Cincinnati Airport (CVG) - Departure Private Transfer

From
$34.94
Signature Over-the-Rhine Tour

Signature Over-the-Rhine Tour

star-5
10
From
$89.00
Self Guided Walking Tour of Cincinnati

Self Guided Walking Tour of Cincinnati

From
$11.99
Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour

Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour

star-4.5
27
From
$35.57
See all Cincinnati tours

All about Cincinnati

When to visit

Cincinnati is known for its chili and for being chilly, so wrap up warm if you visit between November and March. The best time to visit Queen City is anytime between May and September. The riverfront and Fountain Square are buzzing with events in the summer while early autumn is clutch for catching live MLB baseball, NFL football, and MLS soccer on the same weekend.

Getting around

Cincinnati’s highlights aren’t limited to the core of downtown, which is why the free Streetcar is the best way to get around Cincinnati. The Streetcar usually runs throughout the day, 7 days a week, and loops from the Central Business District to Over-the-Rhine. If you’re keen to get your steps in, the city is pedestrian-friendly; you can even walk across the Roebling Suspension Bridge to Kentucky.

Traveler tips

Under the radar but magical all the same, Cincinnati has an exceptional annual Christmas market. Held at Findlay Market, the oldest public market in Ohio, the German roots of the city are celebrated with outdoor vendors, family-friendly activities, and adult-focused tastings. You can even buy your Christmas tree, wreath, and garlands from this lively holiday market in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
2
Tours
51
Reviews
4,327
EN
ea500c65-e198-4afe-8b1b-7a986446e2ad
geo_hub

People Also Ask

Is Cincinnati Ohio worth visiting?

Yes, Cincinnati is one of the most popular cities in Ohio to visit, thanks to its walkable downtown, diverse districts, and fervent sports culture. German heritage districts such as Over-the-Rhine are brimming with breweries and boutiques. Elsewhere, you’ll find the Cincinnati Fire Museum and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

...More
Where can I take visitors in Cincinnati?

Taking your family or friends to Cincinnati is a great idea no matter their interests. Begin at the riverfront, looking over into Kentucky. As you walk between the football stadium and baseball park, you’ll find bustling restaurants that grow calmer as you reach the greenspaces in the historic interior of the city.

...More
What is Cincinnati famous for?

Aside from chili and sports, Cincinnati is known for being the birthplace of President William Taft; for creating the first professional fire department in the US; and for being the city where Play-Doh was invented. Cincinnati’s nearly 20 museums showcase more than 200 years of city history.

...More
Does Cincinnati have a riverwalk?

Yes, Cincinnati has a 3-mile (5.5-kilometer) riverwalk that offers excellent views of the city and connects to the family-friendly Smale Park. You can extend this stroll (and the stunning views) by walking the Dan Beard Riverwalk, which encompasses Cincinnati’s riverwalk plus Kentucky’s riverwalk across the bridges.

...More
What is the best month to visit Cincinnati?

May is a fantastic time to visit Cincinnati if you want to sample the best of the city before the summer crowds arrive. Warm weather means active animals at the Cincinnati Zoo, easy-breezy evenings at the Great American Ballpark, and rooftop drinks at Rhinegeist Brewery.

...More
Is Cincinnati a foodie city?

All of the guides tout Cincinnati as a chili-crazed city, and while it’s true, there’s much more on its plate. Graeter’s ice cream is a local favorite, as are malts from United Dairy Farmers. If you’re feeling adventurous, try goetta, a German breakfast oat and sausage mush.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Cincinnati?
A:
The top things to do in Cincinnati are:
Q:
What are the top activities in Cincinnati?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Cincinnati?
A:
Check out things to do near Cincinnati:

More Tours in Cincinnati