Overview
Downtown Cincinnati, sometimes referred to as the "Central Business District", is the city's center. With many major attractions, it's the most interesting part of the city for most visitors.
15 sights · 11 things to do · 7 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Downtown
Carew Tower & Observation Deck
The Carew Tower served as the basis for the design of the later Empire State Building. During the mid- to late-1980s, a giant inflatable gorilla was attached to the upper floors! Notice the Art Deco interior of the commo…
Fountain Square
The renovated Fountain Square holds the Tyler Davidson Fountain, restaurants, an ice skating rink, a big screen video board, free Wi-Fi, and a hands-on water wall!
John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at 1,057 feet (322 m) when the first pedestrians crossed on December 1, 1866 — a status it maintained until 1883. You can still walk a…
Merchantile Library
Non-members can browse but not check out books during business hours and it's open to the public. Old-school private library complete with busts of famous literary figures, artwork, globes, dusty stacks of books and spir…
Isaac M. Wise Temple
Built in 1865-1866 for B'nai Yeshurun, this is one of the best-preserved Moorish Revival buildings of the 19th century. This was also major pioneering center for the development of Reform Judaism.
Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral
Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral is a beautifully and ornate cathedral, a recommended sight for anyone traveling through Cincinnati. St. Peter in Chains Cathedral was the city's tallest structure when completed, as well a…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 23°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Cincinnati)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LUK Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field, Cincinnati — 5 mi away. Directions
- CVG Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati / Covington — 9 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $150–$254 a night (typical $210), from 4 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $20 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$190, mid-range ~$280, comfortable ~$420.
Options are grouped as Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Carew Tower & Observation Deck, Fountain Square, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
- Lunch Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
- Afternoon Piatt Park, Isaac M. Wise Temple
- Dinner Izzy's
- Evening 21C Cocktail Terrace
Day 2
- Morning Merchantile Library, Contemporary Arts Center, Arnoff Center for the Arts
- Lunch Nicholson's Tavern & Pub
- Afternoon Weston Art Gallery, Sherith Israel Temple
- Dinner Ingredients
- Evening Igby's
Day 3
- Morning Taft Museum of Art, Sawyer Point
- Lunch Montgomery Inn Ribs
- Afternoon Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park, Riverfest
- Dinner Christian Moerlein Lager House
- Evening Arnold's Bar and Grill
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Downtown's north-south streets can be easily remembered by the mnemonic:
Big Strong Men Will Very Rarely Eat Pork Chops
Going east to west this stands for:
Broadway Sycamore Main Walnut Vine Race Elm Plum Central.
The Cincinnati skyline is breathtaking—especially at night—when viewed from Devou Park in northern Kentucky, Mount Echo in Price Hill, or Eden Park and neighboring Mt. Adams.
See
See Carew Tower & Observation Deck
The Carew Tower served as the basis for the design of the later Empire State Building. During the mid- to late-1980s, a giant inflatable gorilla was attached to the upper floors! Notice the Art Deco interior of the common areas as you follow the signs to find the elevators. You have to change elevators and then take the stairs up the final level to make it to the 49th floor. The 49th floor of Cincinnati's 2nd tallest building provides a breathtaking, inexpensive, and gorilla-less view of the city. Take a high-speed elevator to the 45th floor, then choose from walking up four flights of stairs or taking another elevator to the 48th floor and walking up one flight. The admission is collected once you reach the top.
See John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at 1,057 feet (322 m) when the first pedestrians crossed on December 1, 1866 — a status it maintained until 1883. You can still walk across it today and tour the Riverside Drive historic district - one of the oldest neighborhoods in the region in Covington It served as the prototype for Roebling's design of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. This bridge was featured in the movie Rain Man.
See Merchantile Library
Non-members can browse but not check out books during business hours and it's open to the public. Old-school private library complete with busts of famous literary figures, artwork, globes, dusty stacks of books and spiral staircases. Also hosted here are frequently literary events, lectures and local public affairs talks. It's worth a look to see a unique library space.
Religious buildings
See Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral
Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral is a beautifully and ornate cathedral, a recommended sight for anyone traveling through Cincinnati. St. Peter in Chains Cathedral was the city's tallest structure when completed, as well as one of its most elegant buildings. Copying elements from classical Athenian buildings, architect Henry Walter produced one of the finest neoclassical Greek revival buildings in the United States with a look that is quite a bit more Byzantine than one would expect from a normal Catholic church. Well worth a look, particularly if you can get inside!
See Sherith Israel Temple
Like most old large cities in the US alleyways have old houses and buildings on them, Cincinnati is no exception, though not as many survived the onslaught of mid-late 20th century urban destruction as are in Philly or Boston. In one of these alleys is the oldest synagogue west of the Appalachian mountains, that was saved by being converted to condominiums in the early 2000s. This is a private residence, but should be something noted by travelers who happen to be next to Restaurant Row/The Aronoff Center. The alley is well lit and fairly wide as its branded the Backstage District.
Museums and galleries
See Contemporary Arts Center
The CAC is one of the regional leaders in thought-provoking art; the building is a piece of art with some of Cincinnati's boldest architecture. The center has also been the center of controversy; some may not see the "art" in some exhibits. If you do get this kind of art, hop one door north on Walnut to the 21C Museum Hotel for a few more exhibits in its publicly open/free museum, for info on staying there see details under the Sleep section below.
See National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum of conscience; it offers lessons on the struggle for freedom in the past, in the present, and for the future as it attempts to challenge visitors to contemplate the meaning of freedom in their own lives. Its location recognizes the significant role of Cincinnati, where thousands of slaves escaped to freedom by crossing the Ohio River, in the history of the Underground Railroad.
See Taft Museum of Art
The Taft Museum of Art is known as one of the finest small art museums in America. A National Historic Landmark built around 1820, the Taft is home to an extensive art collection that includes European and American master paintings; Chinese porcelains; and European decorative arts.
See Cincinnati Fire Museum
The museum for all of us, who wanted to be a firefighter, but never became one. The museum documents the history of firefighting and it's fitting that the museum is in Cincinnati, which was the first place in America to have a fully paid professional fire department.
See Weston Art Gallery
The Weston Art Gallery is in the Aranoff Center for the Arts. Exhibitions feature painting, sculpture, prints, photography, textiles, independent film, performance and electronic media. Ten diverse exhibitions are programmed annually in the gallery's 3,500 square foot museum-quality space.
Parks and squares
See Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park
The park is named in honor of Cincinnati's first African American mayor, Theodore M. Berry. This park features an International Plaza with ceremonial flags, an earth sculpture in the form of two interlocking hands, a pavilion to provide settings for communal gatherings, celebrations and events, Commissioned sculptures, a serpentine-shaped sitting wall, garden areas representative of the continents, and a bike trail.
See Piatt Park (Garfield Park)
Also known as Garfield Park for its statue of President Garfield, its more of a two block long public square than a park, at 200 years old this is the oldest park in the city. Elegantly landscaped, a good place to take a break while exploring downtown by foot. In the summer there is even music sometimes on weekdays aimed at workers on lunch break.
Do
Do Hard Rock Casino (formerly Jack Casino)
Hard Rock Casino is an urban casino, and one of four that were given special permission by the state of Ohio to operate. Horseshoe Casino boasts 100,000 square feet of gambling floorspace. It features approximately 1,700 slot machines, 85 table games and a poker room. The Casino also has five restaurants including Prism Steak and Seafood and Cincinnati Food Hall, with Italian, Asian, and BBQ options.
Festivals
Do Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion
Conceived in 1986 by Dr. Dorothy I. Height, President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, the Black Family Reunion Celebration is a 4-day cultural weekend event which brings consumers, corporations, communities and government agencies together to focus on the historic strengths and traditional values of the Black Family.
Do Oktoberfest
Cincinnati remembers its German history with a two day festival dedicated to beer and the marriage of Bavarian royalty. Cincinnati's Oktoberfest draws 500,000 over two days (Munich's Oktoberfest draws 6 million over two weeks) making it second biggest Oktoberfest after Munich's. On the Sunday everyone gathers at Fountain Square to participate in the "World's Largest Chicken Dance." Second and Third streets are closed along the interstate and lined with food vendors, beer tents (both local and Bavarian breweries participate), souvenir stalls, and music stages. Some of the acts are local rock bands, but rest assured, there are plenty of accordions and tubas for the traditionalists. The Thursday before hosts the "Running of the Wieners" on Freedom Way, where 100 dachshund owners enter their dogs to see who's the fastest in a 100-foot dash. This is a must for any visitor to Cincinnati. Oktoberfest is held in mid to late September.
Do Riverfest
Riverfest is Cincinnati's largest bash and is held on the banks of the Ohio during the Labor Day weekend. The event is essentially the spectacular Rozzi's fireworks display, which last for half-an-hour and is choreographed to music by local radio station WEBN. There's also a famous race between rubber ducks called the Rubber Duck Regatta.
Sports
Do Cincinnati Bengals
For more than a decade, the Bengals were the punchline of a joke about the NFL. No more, though. The Bengals showed their first signs of life in the current century with the hiring of head coach Marcin Lewis in 2003, capped off by consecutive playoff appearances from 2011–2015, but was let go after the 2018 season with no playoff wins to show for it. Lewis' replacement Zac Taylor brought the Bengals back with the arrival of quarterback Joe Burrow, who came back from a serious knee injury in 2020 to lead the 2021 Bengals to their first playoff win since 1990, followed by two more playoff wins and a losing Super Bowl appearance. Since their turnaround, a visit to a Bengals game is recommended — if you can get a ticket. Their current home is Paycor Stadium, which before 2022 had been known as Paul Brown Stadium, named for the Hall of Fame founder and owner/first head coach of the team in their American Football League days. Before that, Brown was affiliated with and gave the name to the original Cleveland Browns, one of the Bengals' fiercest rivals.
Do Cincinnati Reds
The "Big Red Machine" has always been a leader in professional baseball since its formation as the first professional baseball team. The team earned their nickname during the 1970s, when the team made six post-season appearances and won two World Series with the likes of Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose, Tony Pérez and manager Sparky Anderson. The Reds' new home is Great American Ball Park, on the downtown riverfront near the site of the stadium it replaced, the now-demolished Riverfront Stadium. Tickets run $7-67, with most seats $22 or less. If you are on a budget, the Reds allow spectators to bring in their own food and drink. Drinks must be non-alcoholic, and in a sealed, clear plastic container. No cans or glass may be brought in. Coolers must be soft-sided and be able to fit underneath your seat. Ballpark tours that take you onto the field and behind-the-scenes are available at 11:30AM and 1:30PM on Saturdays off-season and non-game days during the season, with extra tours available on days with a night game.
Do ECHL Hockey Cincinnati Cyclones
Hockey has a long legacy in Cincinnati. In the 1950s, Cincinnati was home to the Cincinnati Mohawks, five-time winners of the International Hockey League's Turner Cup. In the 1970s, Cincinnati was home to a World Hockey Association team, in the Cincinnati Stingers, and an American Hockey League team, in the Cincinnati Swords. Then came the Cyclones (1990-2004, 2006-present), and the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks (1997-2005). The Cincinnati Gardens was frequented by the likes of Barry Melrose, Don Biggs, Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky on a pretty regular basis. Now, the second incarnation of the Cincinnati Cyclones play in the East Coast Hockey League and are 2007-2008 ECHL champions. Crowds run 1,000-3,000 on a weeknight and 4,000-9,000 people on a weekend, far below the capacity of 12,000, so tickets should be easy to come by. However, crowds have grown significantly during the latter part of the 2007-2008 season. Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Championship game has the largest crowd in seven years to see an ECHL championship game, with 8,676 in attendance. Game 6, and final game, had 12,722 in attendance, a league record for a post-season game.
Buy
Eat
Budget
Eat Ingredients
Ingredients is a restaurant with a unique concept and motto: "some assembly required". Ingredients serves salads, paninis, sandwiches, and pizzas all made to order. The ingredients used are all gourmet and very tasty!
Eat Izzy's
Izzy's is well known for its Reubens and other corned beef sandwiches. This deli has other delicious sandwiches and its corned beef is available to purchase at any Kroger's grocery store. Served with your sandwich is a big potato pancake. There are multiple locations in the Cincinnati area.
Eat Saigon Subs and Rolls
Cheap and cheerful lunch-only sot spot for pho, banh mi, etc. Gets crowded if you go right at noon on a weekday.
Mid-range
Eat Christian Moerlein Lager House
A microbrewery, restaurant, event space, and beerhall/garden devoted to Cincinnati's rich brewing heritage which has panoramic views of the city, the Roebling Bridge, the river and the sports stadiums. The Lager House is decorated with old advertisements, signs, bottles and other memorabilia harking back to the time when Cincinnati was one of the world's foremost beer producers. The menu features both beers produced by Cincinnati icon Christian Moerlein (with some even unique to the space) and many guest beers from all over the world and the menu has many dishes where beer is a main ingredient.
Eat Nicholson's Tavern & Pub
Probably has the best selection of Scotch in the city! This place servers standard British pub food, though on the anniversary of Scottish poet Robert Burns birthday they do serve haggis (sometime in January), check website for details.
Splurge
Eat Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
Upscale steakhouse owned by Jeff Ruby, who gained fame in 2007 for kicking O.J. Simpson out of his restaurant in Louisville, and made more headlines during the 2016 US presidential campaign by (temporarily) banning Donald Trump from the same location. Great view of Fountain Square too!
Eat Montgomery Inn Ribs
Renowned as the place to go for great baby-back ribs, Montgomery Inn has become one of Cincinnati's most beloved eateries. The flagship restaurant is in the village of Montgomery, in the northeast suburbs.
Drink
After a few years of Kentucky getting the attention, the center of nightlife in Cincinnati has shifted to the area near Fountain Square and the Arnoff Center, or Restaurant Row generally bounded by 8th St to the North, 5th St to the South, Vine St to the West and Main St to the East. The area is always busy on weekends, especially with many young professionals. Over the last few years it has been slowly growing with many new bars/clubs and other night spots opening up.
Drink Igby's
Gorgeous rehab of an old NYC style building downtown, featuring 3 stories. Crowd can be post-college frat boy with money on weekend nights, which could be minus or a plus depending on who you are, but the bar is gorgeous. Of particular note is an outdoor balcony on the 2nd floor where you can view the crowds of drunk people below on a Saturday night. Pricey by Cincinnati standards.
Drink Arnold's Bar and Grill
Founded in 1860, this is the oldest continuously operating bar in Cincinnati. Food was added during prohibition, and a bathtub which was rumored to be a source of bootleg gin. has a courtyard as well as live music from varied genera.
Drink Holy Grail Tavern & Grille
Not necessarily the best bar in town, but if you fancy yourself a big sports fan and want to be packed in with a lot of like minded people this is your spot. Right across from the Great American Ballpark and close to Paul Brown Stadium, this place gets packed on game days.
Drink 21C Cocktail Terrace
Classy rooftop bar, pricey and part of the 21C Museum Hotel, with sweeping views of Downtown and Mt. Adams.
Sleep
Mid-range
Splurge
Stay Hilton Netherland Plaza
The former Netherland Plaza Hotel, a favorite of Bing Crosby and many other celebrities who frequented Cincinnati during its golden age of WLW radio. Hilton's historic luxury hotel in Cincinnati is the inside of historic Carew Tower Complex in the heart of Cincinnati (Fourth and Vine Streets). The Carew Tower is the 2nd tallest building in Downtown Cincinnati, and an Art Deco architectural landmark.
Nearby
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