The Best Things to See and Do in Cincinnati

About Cincinnati, the “Queen City”

And this Song of the Vine,
This greeting of mine,
The winds and the birds shall deliver,
To the Queen of the West,
In her garlands dressed,
On the banks of the Beautiful River.

Cincinnati is the inspiration for this poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow called “Catawba Wine.” Longfellow was writing about the Catawba grapes that made Cincinnati the leading producer of wine in the US in the early and mid 1800’s.

Cincinnati is Ohio’s 3rd largest city and home to a MLB team, an NFL football team, along with a thriving arts district, as well as a vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene.

The city was settled by German and Scots-Irish immigrants and grew rapidly during due to its location on the river and use of steamboats for shipping freight. As railroads replaced steamboats, trade patterns shifted and Cincinnati’s growth slowed.

Today, its population is around 300,000 and like many rust belt cities, it has a rejuvenated downtown centered around sports, entertainment, arts and restaurants. Read on to learn about the best things to see and experience in this small but happening city.

Neighborhoods in Cincinnati

While there are over 50 neighborhoods in the Cincinnati area, a few of the major ones are worth mentioning and visiting.

Over-the-Rhine

The Over the Rhine neighborhood is near downtown and is the main entertainment area of the city. It’s filled with trendy restaurants, hip bars, unique shops and art galleries. It gets its name from the German immigrants who settled the area and nicknamed the nearby Ohio and Erie canal “The Rhine.”

Mount Adams

The Mount Adams neighborhood is perched on a hill overlooking downtown, the riverfront and Northern Kentucky. It has modern and historical houses and offers easy access to the city. This easy access makes Mount Adams a bedroom community for wealthy professionals. On the weekends, the bars and restaurants are filled with college students and younger professionals who live in the higher end housing.

Montgomery is an affluent suburb of Cincinnati with some of the city’s best restaurants and shopping. it has a historic downtown area and is home to the original Montgomery Inn barbecue restaurant.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is an upscale neighborhood just 5 minutes from downtown. It’s known for the lovely town square with a fountain and lush green space, as well as a shopping mecca. The neighborhood was settled in the the late 19th century and is filled with beautiful, historic homes from that era.

The Riverfront

In case you are wondering, the Riverfront neighborhood is on the river in downtown. There is a serpentine wall built along the river banks that winds its way through downtown and offers built in bleacher like seating for events. Have a seat and watch the boats float buy or the fireworks in July. There is a walking path and several parks in this area, along with the baseball stadium and a ton of restaurants.

Things to do in Cincinnati

cincinnati skyline at night
A view of Cincinnati’s night skyline from the Kentucky side of the Ohio River

Cincinnati is a vibrant city on the Ohio River with many things to do and see. From professional sports teams to museums to parks and shopping, there is no shortage of ways to spend your time in the city. The city is small enough to be walkable and it’s easy to get from place to place.

There is also public transportation and plenty of cabs and rideshare services, too. For trips to the outer suburbs of Mason, Greendale and Florence, KY, you’ll need a car or transportation other than your feet to get around.

However, you could easily spend several days in the city limits and still not experience everything Cincinnati has to offer. The city has a rich history as a stop on the underground railroad, as well as its prominence as a shipping port during the steam boat and canal eras.

It has several museums, an aquarium, a world class zoo with a famous baby hippo named Fiona, as well as botanical gardens and dedicated green spaces.

Sports fans can see professional football and baseball games by the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds. The city is also home to the Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey Team as well as an amateur soccer team, baseball and basketball team.

American Sign Museum

Cincinnati is home to a less than conventional type of museum dedicated to outdoor signage. The American Sign Museum tells the story of America through signs and is dedicated to the art and history of sign making.

The museum has over 700 signs in its gallery from the past 100 years. They also have a large collection of neon signs and a working neon sign-making shop right on the property. See the craftsmen at work bending tubes to create unique designs. You can also attend educational workshops to learn sign-making design and techniques.

Loveland Bike Trail

Loveland Bike Trail is a 70 mile long bike trail that runs through Loveland, Milford, Newtown, Miami Township and Lebanon, Ohio. The entire route has been paved with asphalt and overlooks the Little Miami River the entire way. There are plenty of picture worthy moments, as you pass by scenic views of farms, hillsides and forests.

The trail was created from the former tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad and passes by historic sights like Loveland Castle and Camp Dennison, a Civil War museum. With a car-free trail and plenty of places to stop for refreshments or snacks along the way, it’s an excellent recreational opportunity for all ages.

Cincy Brew Bus

Did you know Cincinnati used to be the one of the largest producers of beer in the US? Cincy also produced most of the country’s wine in the late 19th century. The city’s history led owner Mike Stokes to create the Cincy Brew Bus company. He wanted to share this history and the city’s phenomenal beer, wine and liquor options.

Cincy Wine Wagon and Cincy Bourbon Bus are other tours you can take or you can create a private tour and choose your stops. Each tour includes at least 3-4 stops and the price includes a drink or tasting at each stop. There are lots of different tour options and tours are available 7 days per week. This is a fun way to learn about Cincinnati, see the city and taste some of its craft beer, wine and spirits.

For more info, visit www.cincybrewbus.com

Pedal Wagon Cincinnati

Pedal Wagon Cincinnati offers public tours of downtown and Over-the-Rhine. Their bikes are pedal powered and hold up to 15 riders, so you can enjoy the sights while getting exercise! The tour lasts about an hour and a half which includes stops at notable landmarks such as Fountain Square and Music Hall. Pedal Wagon also has bike rentals available for those who want to explore Cincinnati on their own. The tours have different themes and explore different neighborhoods. There is a pre-Reds’ game pub crawl, a brunch tour, a brewery tour and more. Pedal Wagons are a fun, new way to sightsee.

Cincinnati Dinner Train

The Cincinnati dinner train is one of the most unique Cincinnati attractions that offers a first-class dining experience and a sightseeing tour. In addition to its five-course meal, passengers ride on comfortable parlor cars as they enjoy views of Cincinnat’s skyline from Covington to Covington and back again.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is home to over 500 different animal species, about 100 of which are endangered. The zoo has been in service since 1875 and features a number of exhibits including the Gorilla World exhibit, Roo Valley, Elephant Reserve, Gibbon Island and Lemur Lookout. The Zoo is also home to the famous Fiona, a baby hippo born at the zoo in 2017.

Botanical Gardens

The Cincinnati Botanical Garden is one of the largest public gardens in the United States. It features a number of beautiful and interesting plant life including trees, flowers, shrubs and more! The garden also includes an impressive glasshouse that houses four separate climates: tropical rainforest (this climate has 150 species), Mediterranean cypress grove, desert palm oasis and a cool, temperate climate.

The Cincinnati Botanical Garden is home to an impressive glasshouse that houses four separate climates: tropical rainforest (this climate has 150 species), Mediterranean cypress grove, desert palm oasis and a cool, temperate climate. The garden also features beautiful plants from around the world.

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum offers exhibits that cover the team’s entire history, from their origins in 1882 to present day. Visitors can see memorabilia from all eras as well as watch a film on how the stadium was built. The museum is open year-round and offers special guided tours like “Brunch, Brews and Baseball,” which includes brunch and beer tasting, a presentation on Reds history during brunch, a tour of Moerlein Lager House brewing facilities and ends with a guided tour of the stadium. Visit the Reds website for tour dates and costs.

John A Roebling Suspension Bridge

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge, completed in December of 1866 is one of the oldest suspension bridges still in use today and is an iconic part of Cincinnati’s skyline. The bridge spans over 700 feet across the Ohio River linking Cincinnati to Kentucky at a height of about 200 feet above water level.

When it was built, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Designer John A Roebling also designed the Brooklyn Bridge, which then became the longest suspension bridge in the world. Visitors can complete a self-guided walking tour of the bridge. Information about the bridge’s history and construction can be read along the way by scanning QR codes mounted on the bridge.. The bridge is still in use today, all though as of this writing, it is closed for repairs for 9 months, set to re-open in Nov 2021.

Party on the Purple

The Purple People Bridge is the only dedicated pedestrian bridge in the city that connects Cincinnati to its Kentucky neighbor, Newport. The bridge was a former railroad bridge and was revamped and painted purple in 2001.

The Party on the Purple People Bridge takes place every Wednesday in the summer and features bands, food trucks and fun. For a schedule of bands and food trucks, click here.

Eden Park

Eden Park is a beautiful recreational area in Cincinnati that sits on a hilltop overlooking the Ohio river. The park was once the estate of Nicholas Longworth, who named it “The Garden of Eden,” and planted a vineyard there.

The park has paved walking trails, picnic areas, basketball courts, a stage for performances, monuments and art installations, lakes and more. In November, the park hosts “balluminaria,” a hot air balloon glow event.

The park is also home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Krohn Conservatory and the Cincinnati Playhouse.

Washington Park

Washington Park is a recreational area in the Over The Rhine Neighborhood. It features playgrounds, a splash pad, dog park, walking trails and picnic areas. There is also an entertainment space known as, “The Porch.” The Porch is an open air bar with plenty of tables and chairs for seating and has frequent entertainment like “Jazz in the Park.”

Neusole Glassworks

Neusole Glassworks in Cincinnati offers a fun and educational experience for both kids and adults! You can attend a demonstration to see how glassblowing in action and view a variety of finished pieces for sale in the gallery. They also offer classes and workshops. The artisans at Neusole will also create custom made pieces for you. Give them some specifics like size and color and they can create a one of a kind piece of art just for you.

Krohn Conservatory

Krohn Conservatory is one of Cincinnati’s most popular tourist attractions as well as one of the only conservatories in Ohio. The Krohn Conservatory has three different areas: Tropical, Desert and Show House/Greenhouse which are all filled with beautiful displays that change seasonally! The Krohn Conservatory includes more than 600 different species of plants and flowers!

Many of the buildings and architectural details are Art Deco influenced. There is a seasonal floral showroom, an orchid house and a section dedicated to Bonsai. There is also an annual butterfly exhibit, which lasts all summer. To learn more about upcoming events at the conservatory, visit their website.

Cincinnati Museum Center

The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is the largest cultural institution in the city and is composed of the Cincinnati History Museum, the History Library and Archives, the Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science and an Omnimax Theater.

The museum complex is located in Union Terminal, a national landmark train station, made in the Art Deco Style. The museum center has a collection of over 1.8 million works of art and artifacts. If you only have time to visit one place in Cincinnati, this should be at the top of your list.

Aronoff Center

The Aronoff Center is a few blocks from Fountain Square in the heart of downtown. It’s basically the Broadway of Cincy, and features 3 theaters, an art gallery and other smaller event spaces. Home to plays, concerts, the Cincinnati Ballet and more, there is always something happening at this epicenter for the arts in downtown.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati is tells the story of how abolitionists aided slaves as they fled for freedom. It also discusses the legacy of slavery and helps educate people on the forms of modern day slavery that still exist today. Learn about Cincinnati’s role in aiding former slaves on the underground railroad and about local resident Levi Coffin, who helped more than 3000 former slaves escape to Canada.

The center tells the story through interactive exhibits as well as films performances. Visiting this museum will take you on an emotional journey that helps visitors understand how people were able to escape from slavery, the dangers they faced along their journeys and how they were able to find freedom.

Findlay Market

Findlay Market is the oldest continuously operating market in the US. The public market is located near the Over the Rhine district and has been home to vendors selling meat, fish, produce, artisanal and ethnic food since the late 1800’s. The market is open year round Tuesday through Sunday and is visited by more than 1,000,000 visitors per year.

There are frequent special events at the market like live music, art shows, tastings and poetry readings, as well as farmer’s markets every Saturday and Sunday in the summer months. Don’t miss this important piece of Cincinnati’s history during your visit. You’ll get a sense of the German immigrants who settled the area and an appreciation for all of the culture Cincinnati has to offer.


More of the Best Things to Do in Cincinnati

William Howard Taft National Historic Site

William Howard Taft National Historic Site in Cincinnati is located in the Mount Auburn neighborhood and is part of the National Park Service. The site includes the Taft House, where William Howard Taft was born in 1857. The house is furnished with Victorian-era decor. Take a guided tour of the house and learn more about the former president and his family.

The Taft Education Center features a film and exhibits that tell the story of the only person to ever hold the office of president and serve as chief justice of the US Supreme court. In fact, Taft achieved his lifelong ambition in being appointed to lead the nation’s highest court. He once said he hardly remembered being president!

Learn more more about the 27th President of the United States and the 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at the Taft National Historic Site.

Coney Island Park

Coney Island Park in Cincinnati is a popular destination for visitors to be able to play. The park includes many different playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas and more! Visitors can also rent boats at the Boat House or enjoy a meal at the Coney Island Inn.

Visitors who are looking for something a little bit bigger than a playground might enjoy the Splash Park, which includes a number of different water slides, a wave pool and more.

Coney Island has been in Cincinnati for over a century. It used to have roller coasters and other amusement park rides but as of 2019, it has been operating exclusively as a water park. It’s right next to the Riverbend Music Center, which is the summer home of the Cincinnati Symphony and the Cincinnati Pops and Belterra Park, a race track and casino.

Smale Riverfront Park

Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati is a beautiful destination that features both green space and recreational areas. This park is known for its natural beauty and two level terraces. The park features a walking path along the river, gardens, a carousel, two splash parks, fountains and more. This park was designed to reconnect downtown Cincy to the riverfront and to link to the other existing riverfront parks.

Smale Park is a popular destination with plenty to do for the whole family. There is even a brewery on site!

Winton Woods Park

Winton Woods Park in Hamilton County has something for everyone. There is a 9 hole golf course and practice facility, Meadow Links and Golf Academy. The course is rated as one of the best 9 hole courses in the country. The golf academy has 3 PGA professionals on staff and offers personalized and group instruction for adults and kids.

There are also several hiking trails including paved walking trails, a fitness trail a wooded hiking trail and a horse trail. There is a lake for fishing, boating and swimming and a marina where you can rent boats. There is also a disc golf course, campground and a stable for horseback riding lessons.

A fun and unique part of Winton Woods is the animal park called Parky’s Farm. Parky’s Farm is an actual working farm with horses, cows, goats and chickens. They have an interactive tour where you can learn about the animals and the farm.

The farm is also home to beehives, orchards, vegetable gardens and flower gardens. There are also different animal habitats like wetlands and forest areas.

The farm is a great place for special events with a program tailored to your group or to host a birthday party.

Adventure Outpost at Winton Woods is there to make sure visitors get the most out of all the park has to offer. Skilled instructors will teach you archery, kayaking, backpacking and wilderness skills. they offer group classes, team building activities and day camps for kids.

BB Riverboats

BB Riverboats in Cincinnati is a fun attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to explore different areas of the Ohio River. Visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner cruises or sightseeing tours. They have a variety of tours including ones for adults and children, sunset cruises and even private charters where you can get a little more personal.

BB Riverboats is located across the river in Newport, KY and offers visitors many different types of tours to choose from! They have seasonal cruises as well which are popular in Cincinnati during those fall months when they’re still warm enough for water activities like boating or fishing. The boat also features many different types of entertainment including live bands, comedians and more!

The tours that BB Riverboats offers are perfect for visitors who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cincinnati. There’s no better way to enjoy our beautiful Ohio River than with a tour on one of their boats.

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

The Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati honors the history and legacy of author and abolitionist Stowe. Harriet and her husband were outspoken critics of slavery and often helped runaway slaves escape via the underground railroad.

After the loss of her son to cholera, she was inspired to write the novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. She realized how painful it must have been for enslaved women to be separated from their children on the auction block or at the whim of a slave owner. The book is a fictional account of the evils of slavery, the pain and suffering of slaves and the plight of runaway slaves trying to reach freedom on the underground railroad. The book was influential in the north and reviled in the south. It is credited with being an impetus for the Civil War.

Visitors can tour the house and grounds and learn about the Beecher-Stowe family, more about the history of the times and learn more about the abolitionist movement in Cincinnati. To plan your visit, click here.

Hard Rock Casino

The Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati is a great destination for visitors who want to enjoy some time gambling or listening to live music. Formerly the JACK Casino, the casino is transitioning in 2021 to the iconic Hard Rock Casino. This casino features different types of games that are open 24 hours, including video slots and poker! The facility also has an upscale restaurant called Prism as well as more casual options like Mr. Lucky’s or the Hard Rock Cafe.

Visitors can also enjoy live music in the casino at one of their many different venues, including a comedy club and an outdoor amphitheater! The facility is open every day from 11:00 am to midnight with extended hours on weekends which are perfect for visitors who want to have some fun after dinner or while they’re on vacation.

Belterra Park Cincinnati

Belterra Park Cincinnati opened in 1925 as the Coney Island Race Track and was later known as River Downs. Today at Belterra, visitors can watch 100’s of live races outdoors in the open air paddock or watch simulcast races inside from all over.

Belterra also offers casino gambling with over 1300 electronic gambling machines. There are also several restaurants and lounges and special events. Belterra Park is open 24 hours per day and is a unique destination 10 minutes from downtown.

Creation Museum

The Creation Museum is just across the river in Petersburg, KY. The museum’s goal is to retell history in a chronological way as it is revealed in the bible from the creation of the universe through Christ’s return. The museum tells the story of creation in a way that’s never been done before, with many different types of interactive exhibits and life-size dioramas!

Visitors can see examples of how Noah would have built the Ark and get a closer look at one of the most famous animals on Earth. There are fossils and dinosaur bones, botanical gardens, a planetarium, a zoo and ziplining. For the faithful, the museum is a tribute to the bible and helps answer difficult questions and reconcile scientific notions with what the Bible says. For the non-believers, tales of dinosaurs and Noah’s Ark, evolution and more told from a Biblical perspective will at least be entertaining.

The museum is open every day but hours may vary so be sure to check their site before visiting.

Kings Island

Kings Island is one of the best amusement parks in the Country. This theme park features roller coasters, water rides and many other types of attractions that are perfect for families! Even better, the waterpark is included in the admission price so guests can experience both parks for one admission fee. Kings Island’s famous coaster, “The Beast,” is still in operation and they have several newer coasters, including Orion, a giga-coaster with drops of over 300 feet.

For younger kids, Planet Snoopy has over 20 Peanuts themed rides, 4 kids’ sized coasters, entertainment and opportunities to meet their favorite Peanuts character.

A trip to Kings Island is a great way to break up your trip between museums and historical sites.

Cincinnati Distilleries

Cincinnati’s proximity to Kentucky makes it a likely place to find bourbon distilleries. There are several craft bourbon and other spirit makers in the area. Most offer tours and tastings. New Riff Distillery on the KY side of the river specializes in bourbon and whiskey. Second Site Spirits in Ludlow, KY offers free tours and tastings and makes bourbon and several types of rum. For a true sense of the area’s moonshining past, visit Neeley Family Distillery. Owned by 11th generation moonshiners who aren’t shy about telling their family history, they offer tours and tastings as well as an indoor and outdoor tasting bar.

Wineries Near Cincinnati

vinyard at vinoklet winery
A view of the vineyard at Vinoklet winery in Cincinnati

Tourists who want to enjoy some time sampling wine should visit one of the many nearby wineries. Meier’s Winery is Ohio’s oldest and largest winery and juice producer. They have a convenient location in Cincinnati proper and have great wine slushies.

If wineries are your thing, Vinoklet Winery in nearby Colerain is a can’t miss. It’s in a picturesque location on a hill, overlooking the vineyards and gardens. There is tons of outdoor seating so visitors can take in the gorgeous views. The winery also has a restaurant so end your day here with wine and dinner.

To read more about Vinoklet Winery, check out our previous post here.

Rooftop Dining and Drinking

One of the best things about any city is the abundance of rooftop bars and restaurants. Cincinnati has tons of places where you can view the city skyline while enjoying dinner or just drinks.

They Lytle Park Hotel is in a downtown 1900’s restored building and has a gorgeous outdoor bar area with a fireplace, comfy couches and chairs and amazing views of the baseball stadium and downtown. Enjoy an overpriced cocktail and an appetizer while you take in the Cincinnati skyline at Vista at Lytle Park.

The View at Shire’s Garden is one of the most popular outdoor dining spots in the city. This rooftop hangout is on the 10th floor of the City Club Apartment and lives up to its “garden” name with plenty of flowers, plants and grasses scattered throughout. In the winter, they have igloos so you can still enjoy the rooftop when the temperatures dip.

Mainstrasse Village

The most popular stretch of 18th street is in Covington’s Mainstrasse Village, a block-long area just north of downtown. It is lined with shops and restaurants, many housed in buildings that date back to the 1800s.

The influence of the German immigrants who settled the area is evident in the architecture, food, shops and art.

The main attraction here is the main street itself with its many shops and restaurants. It also boasts one of the largest festivals in Covington, Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati. There are frequent festivals, live music, art shows and more in this bustling little neighborhood.

Loveland Castle, Chateau La Roche

A few minutes north of Cincinnati you will find an unlikely site- a lifesize replica of an English castle, complete with towers and a moat. The castle was built by Harry Andrews and the boy scout troop he led, the Knights of the Golden Trail. The castle is surrounded by walking trails and flower gardens and even has a secret room.

Visitors can see sword and weapons demonstrations, explore the castle rooms and talk to the knight on duty during their visit. There are many special events held there, too, like wine tastings, dinners and musical performances.

Loveland Castle is an affordable attraction, too. Tickets are only $3 for adults and $2 for kids.

Newport Aquarium 

Across the river in Kentucky, is one of the best aquariums in the US. the Newport Aquarium is home ot over 20,000 sea animals in one million gallons of water. They have eels, penguins, seahorses, frogs, alligators, freshwater fish, newts, jellyfish and even snakes!

Explore Shark Central, home to several different types of sharks including bull sharks and ray sharks. You can walk over the open air shark tank via a rope bridge, if you’re brave enough!

Other galleries and exhibits include: Shark Central, Shark Ray Bay Theater, Shark Tank Overlook, Surrounded by Sharks, Amazon Tunnel, Coral Reef, Freshwater Falls, Frog Bog, Gator Alley, Penguin Palooza, Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus, Seahorses Unbridled Fun, Shore Gallery, Stingray Hideaway and Stingray Touch.

The Newport Aquarium is truly an immersive experience and gets visitors as close to the animals as possible. There are several shows to watch and special activities for kids, like face painting. Plan to spend 3 or more hours exploring. There is a restaurant on site called Sharky’s Cafe. For more info, visit the aquarium’s website.

Cincinnati Festivals

Cincinnati has tons of great festivals each year! From festivals dedicated to everything from bacon to blues, there is never a shortage of reasons for Cincinnatians to celebrate. Some of the major festivals held each year are listed below. Planning your trip to Cincinnati around one of these events is a great way to experience even more of Cincinnati’s culture.

Grand Carnivale – Kings Island

Kings Island transforms itself into a midwestern Rio De Janeiro in late July for a multicultural party as big and over the top as the Brazilian original. Experience the food, music, parades and spectacle of Carnivale, without leaving the US.

The Celtic festival in Cincinnati is usually the last weekend in July and is held near the riverfront and Reds stadium. It celebrates all things Irish and Scottish, including beer, whiskey, kilts and Celtic music and dancing. Admission is free and Guinness is a sponsor so grab your plaid and head to the riverfront for one of the best parties of the year in the Queen City.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival transports visitors back in time to a 16th century English Village complete with lords and ladies, peasants, knights and even pirates. Shop in the medieval marketplace and feast on giant roasted turkey legs and then watch sword fights and real jousting competitions. The Festival runs for several weeks and has different themes and entertainment each week.

  • Butler County Fair
  • Ohio River Paddlefest
  • Asian Food Fest
  • Hamilton County Fair
  • Great Inland Seafood Festival

  • Western & Southern Open
  • Big Biergarten Experience
  • Queen of the Wing
  • SPCA Cincinnati Fur Ball Gala
  • Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks at Riverfest
  • Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati
  • Woof Festival

Carew Tower Observation Deck

For the best birds’ eye view of the city, head to the observation deck of the Carew Tower. This art deco beauty was built in 1930 and is still the second tallest building in Cincinnati.

Today, it houses the Hilton Cincinnati Plaza as well as more than 25 shops and restaurants. From the top, it offers views of the riverfront, northern Kentucky and 360 degree views of downtown Cincy. The trip to the top entails two elevator rides and a trip up some narrow stairs.

Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Although visiting with small children may not be advised because of the steep stairways and narrow elevators. There is a gift shop as well to purchase Carew Tower and Cincinnati-themed souvenirs.


As you can see, Cincinnati is a diverse city with plenty of things to do for tourists and visitors. You could spend a week and still not see and do all the cool stuff Cincinnati has to offer. From museums, parks, professional sports teams, tours, festivals and more; there’s something here for everyone! If you’re looking for an adventure in the Queen City or just want to visit one of our great attractions like The Krohn Conservatory or Union Terminal Museum Center- we’ve got your back. Tell us what you enjoy doing while visiting Cincinnati by commenting below!

Share on Social Media